Lessons I learned on my first solo BDR 

I am 63 years old and ride the BDRs with my sons. They always have to stop and wait for me. My revenge for all the crap they put me through when they were younger! Nice vid…

What a lovely calm guy, telling things as they are. No macho riding. I am 75 years planning my first international trip next summer. Going from Southern France to Lofoten in Norway where I lived two years, 73 years ago. I appreciate older riders because of their wisdom, common sense, more adapting to the environment than many young riders counting km trying to pass 5 countries in 3 days.

Here is my advice to you as a 62 yrs old rider that travel solo over 100K miles plus. First, get a Garmin mini (safety) and Garmin Zumo xt (navigation) second get a smaller bike like, Yamaha wr250r (first choice) or Honda crf250l (crf300l), at about 300 lb you will enjoy your ride and don't have to worry about dropping it and not to be able to pick it up. Carry a Air horn to scare animals like Bear or mountain lion, I know there are a lot of those in Oregon and Washington. Be safe

I'm a 65 female solo rider. I don't do adventure riding not because I don't want to but I'm afraid if I go down now I won't get back up. I still camp but prefer using Bunk a Biker when I can. I ride a 22 year old Kawasaki trike conversion and try to take 3 weeks to travel . The farthest I've gone is from Pa to Texas and the southern states to Florida and back to Pa for about 3000 miles. I agree with absolutely everything you suggested. Maybe in my next life I'll start adventuring at a much younger age. Be safe and enjoy every moment.

I'm leaving the house this morning to tackle section 5 of the UTBDR solo. I'm doing it old-school with no electronics. Thanks for your encouraging video. It gives me hope to attempt Idaho next season.

“I like to look around more”. Finally a riding partner 😄

Great video, thank you. I'm 64 and just started riding again and having a great time...thank you for sharing.

Native Oregonian here. Can't stress enough to STOP and GET FUEL if it's avaliable. Gas stations are few/far between once you get east of hwy 97, and just because a station had fuel the last time you were there doesn't gaurantee they will have some (or be open) the next time you stop in. You never know (as you experienced) when you might get off route due to an error, detour, or road closure and wish you'd stopped for fuel when you had the opportunity to do so.

I’m 62 riding a lighter bike and rode route 4 last week. Put together a route from the paper maps onto Gaia. Still managed to get lost and enjoyed that part of the adventure because no route is perfect. May I recommend taking an offroad course from someone like Jimmy Lewis? I can’t tell you how much a few offroad classes reduced stress and anxiety in tough sections…especially that Oregon dry powder! Technique makes all the difference. Happy riding.

I've ridden Colorado twice, Utah once, and Idaho once. My recommendation for your riding is the Idaho BDR. It's a fabulous route with only a couple of places that had a little challenge. The real challenge to Idaho is that it is so long. But, I'm 65, rode with two friends, and never dropped my bike on the Idaho route. It is far and away my favorite BDR so far. One thing I would add to this video would be the advice to simply not worry about workarounds - whether it be fore worry of more technical terrain (especially if you're solo) or simply because you're just a little weary of dirt. I am really enjoying your videos. Stay safe.

Bruce - really enjoyed the video. I like the educational points you inserted. Those are very informative for someone interested in undertaking a BDR. As an older rider (71), I found this inspirational and makes me want to get a dirt bike!

Good for you, dude! Love that you saw a challenge and took the adventure. Especially love the simple gratitude that comes from rolling into a free lakeside campsite with food and drink. Ride on!

I enjoy your channel. I’m 55 and just ordered the 23 890 adventure r. Looking forward to doing similar stuff your doing . Unlike you who came off a street bike, I came out of the dirt bike world and still have a plated KTM 350 that I plan on riding as long as I can. If I can offer some advice. Tire air pressure is everything when riding in areas you may be uncomfortable with. Reduce your tire air pressure as much as possible and you will notice much improved control and traction. Once your past those challenging areas, carry a small air compressor that runs on 12 volt made for motorcycles. I don’t own one so I can’t help with brand recommendation but I’ve gone on rally rides with others who have them. First gear, get as far back on your seat as possible and feather the front brake only when needed is a good technique going down step gravelly roads. The rear brake is good but many who are inexperienced apply too much rear brake and either stall the engine or lock it up and end up sliding sideways. I hope this helps.

Good video! Excellent advice, totally agree with all your suggestions and advice. I too like solo riding for all the reasons you suggested, especially just being more at ease with doing what you want or need to do. One other rider is OK, mostly to share in the fun, and carry some of the needed gear. Larger group rides present larger problems. Thank you!

I am 68 years old and ride a KTM 790. Thanks for posting such nice videos. You could maybe ride a bit faster on gravel to steady the bike and let it do what it has to do. I leisurely cruise at 45 miles an hour on gravel. Better than too slow.

I really enjoyed the video. I too like to take my time and enjoy the scenery.

Sir, you are my hero. I am 54 and my wife has started asking when I'm going to stop riding Adventure Motorcycles. I dont plan to! Thanks for being a great example. I ride solo as much as I can, because I really dislike group ride for the same reasons you stated. When I do ride with a group or even lead a ride, I always tell everyone to ride your ride and dont try to keep up with the rider in front of them because bad things happen that way especially off road. Any way - Thanks again.

Lesson number 1. If you are going off-road get a light bike, I had an African twin that could not pick up by myself. Great video! 👍🏼

I too am a lone traveller and the points you have mentioned, i am familiar with, my age 65, do i want technical trails solo, no, but i can, do i want to drop the bike, no, do i like loose sand no, do i like the adventure? yes. Thanks for this.🇨🇦

Enjoyed your video- great lessons learned. I’m 71 and my son and I are planning to ride part of the wabdr sometime in August

When I was younger (now 67) used to ride my mountain bike like no tomorrow. Now I've slowed down and "smell the roses". I ride my T. Tiger the same way, hence the name "SloGoin Rider". Congrats on doing the ride the way you want. My last ride I camped at Lake of the Woods and then went around Crater Lake and up to Sunriver from the Sacramento area. If you ever need someone to ride with on one of your camping trips, let me know I'll ride up and would love to join in. We ride at the same pace, slow and steady. Plus, you can never do to many camping trips. I do enjoy your videos. Jim

Hello, I've seen a number of your videos and enjoy them. I just saw this one on the Oregon BDR and have had a lot of interest in doing it or sections. I am probably a bit older than you (71) and have a Honda Crf300l for the dirt and a Harley Softail Heritage Classic for the road. I know you ride an adventure bike. You mentioned living close to the California end of the Oregon BDRE. I live just outside Adin California. There's lots of great riding in my area and I'm sure in your as well. If you might ever want anyone to go on rides with I would certainly consider. I'm not group type of person and do not drink. I'm a retired public school superintendent and lost my beautiful wife 14 years ago after a four year battle with cancer. Sometimes I get tired of doing everything alone all the time. Again, if you might ever want a riding buddy let me know. Keep on doing stuff

Thanks for sharing your experience on the Oregon BDR, it’s good to see somebody that looks like me, meaning a little bit older, I’m age 64, out there doing this solo, like I’ve been doing up here near Seattle on the local forest service roads. Nice video! You should probably get the Garmin mini two to add a bit of safety to your ride as well, I have one and my family and I feel better for that.

Congratulations on finishing your OBDR route! Looks like you had a great time and your lessons shared are well-appreciated.

Good for you taking off on an adventure. You’ve got lots to remember. You did it!

Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us! I’m intrigued by off road motorcycling and truly appreciated seeing and hearing about the challenges you experienced.

Very good tips to keep in mind for solo riding. Also, good for you on riding the bike you bought!

Good on you for getting out there and doing it. I just picked up a Tenere 700 myself a few weeks ago, love it!

Great attitude, and you did an outstanding job documenting. Just enough on bike video to visualize, and perfect editing cuts to make your points.

Great video and great tips - thank you!! I really found your video very entertaining and your tips are really helpful! I'm retired and have been thinking about doing a similar type of trip on my motorcycle, and your advice could not have come at a better time! Thank you and warm greetings from South Africa!

Refreshingly honest trip report and sharing of knowledge. Thank you! Really enjoyed it.

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. It was very enjoyable to watch with some good lessons.

Looked liked a good time, glad you made thru without a lot of problems

This was super cozy and relaxing to watch, thank you! 😍🦋I'm 45, I live in Sweden and I ride a Versys-X 300. I love back roads and gravel, and just getting out to see some beautiful nature (and a little bit of the fun challenge with some rougher sections and trails too).

Super job ! I'm 73 and have been riding on & off road since I was 10 with a few years of serious AMA Enduro competition many years ago , thinking about downsizing from my Roadburner that I've occasionaly done some mild dirt & gravel roads on , thanks for giving me a "peer" view at what I'm thinking about , be safe.....

I have found love with riding adventure motorcycles at my 40s, so I am very glad watching you enjoy the same at a more ripe age! Keep enjoying your bike and your adventures!

Very useful and helpful video. Good to see a more normal solo adventure record. Thanks

Great video! It's the problems and reverses that make it an adventure

No doubt having a proper set of tires would boost your confidence when riding on dirt/gravel. Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed it.

I’m like you in that I prefer to ride a little slower than most it seems. I’m more cautious. You never know what is around the corner, tires might lose traction, etc. And I like to take in the scenery. Part of the reason for being out there is to experience the beauty and scenery. When you bust down the road at racing speeds, you miss everything.

Fantastic ! Thank you for sharing your experience.Your enthusiasm and courage is exemplary, wish you many more adventures.

I'm retiring in a couple of weeks at 51 years old. Looking forward to finding a hobby and I think I found it.

Thanks for taking us along with you on your BDR Adventure. You provided great advice for those that are interested in solo traveling.

Really great information and I enjoy and appreciate your approach to solo adventure. I enjoy solo rides myself but a ride with a friend or two can really open up possibilities. I think you might be surprised to find that there are plenty of other riders who enjoy a slower pace and who like to take time to stop to smell the roses along the way instead of pushing miles to get from point A to point B. Ride safe and thank you for sharing. Excellent video!

Nice recap! Dealing with the unplanned and unexpected is part of the adventure!

Great video and tips! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for posting a video of your BDR adventure. I enjoyed going along with you.

Bless you sir. This is what I plan on when the time soon comes. In my 60s and love riding for this reason.

Thanks Bruce!! Loved the video. Your style is my style- slow and steady, stop a lot and smell the roses. I’m doing the Idaho BDR next week. Would love to have you as a riding buddy sometime!!

Great videos. I am in Australia and our tracks in some areas are similar to yours. I have been back riding for 5 years and just clocking 63 years old. What I do to get my confidence up is on straight sections and corners with clear visibility I push the pace sometimes to 65 miles an hour. By doing this it makes other sections when idling along seem easier. I enjoy the challenge of safely rubbing off speed and easing the bike through the corner. My ability doesn't stretch to sliding around corners. Enjoy your rides and stay safe.

Loved this! Straight forward, sharing the good and bad, and nice to see nan older rider (like me)

Thanks Bruce. Great job. Good info. Very impressive. God bless. Happy trails.

Hi I very much enjoyed your video the bike and motorcycle gear and more importantly the landscape. I ride by my self all the time as my friends go to fast for me I like to chill out on the bike. I look forward to more God bless

Enjoyed your Oregon solo BDR video and looked back on an April Ski video that was great! I'm in Massachusetts and 1/3 retired, live within an hour from the NEBDR and do a lot of scouting on and around it for a group of friends I ride with who can't break away that often. On the BDR I often come to sections that just aren't wise to ride solo, so I take a picture and mark the map, then hope a day comes before long when I can ride with a friend or a small group. It sounds like I ride just like you only on a 2022 KLR and I'm fortunate that my friends who ride faster are patient! Great videos, keep them coming. I'm on the other side of our continent, but enjoying the same recreational opportunities we have here in the USA!

Like a lot of these comments, I want to say thanks for sharing your experience. I retire at the end of August 2022. I have a dual sport that I want to use for the next set of adventures; and, you, sir, are an inspiration. Great video, please keep up the fantastic and informative clips.

Thanks so much for your humble and the real deal sharing for the common man. I appreciate so much that real challenges and comments. U r an example . Cheers

Loved the vid and adventure. I am 67 and have done a few such rides. LOL one sandy road bike drop had me thinking i was spending the night, but perseverance and faith got me out. Great work out as well. Sand is NO JOKE. The Adventures have all been worth the effort and learning curves. Thanks again for the vid, you were spot on . Keep it up.

Great points of advice Sir...and I doff my hat to you for doing so much riding at your age. I can't though I'm much younger !

Greatings from Portugal, love the vídeo, very genuine wishing, all the best

Your voice is soothing. Going steady,going safe, all right!. Thanks and wish to watch more.

I applaud your mature and kind responses to comments!

I intend to do something similar to this. I agree with you regarding riding with tour groups and riding at your pace. Like you, I like looking around taking photos and enjoying the trip withou having to worry about keeping up with the group or holding them up. Thank you for the video, it's great to hear that there are likeminded people out there.

Great honest video! I’m from PNW and I just moved back to the US, I was guiding moto trips in South America. Loved the video and the tips, most people try and plow through the miles and “never” get lost. Hope to run into you some time.

Great fun video!! I’m a Siskiyou county guy and haven’t ventured much into southern or central oregon.. also I bought a V Strom 1000 so I’m mostly on pavement or good gravel.. it makes me miss my KLR 650!! Thanks for sharing this. It’s good to know there’s other riders that like to go slower!!! 💯👍🏽👍🏽

Great video, you're soooo right. Keep always your own pace for safety, well being and enjoy the ride without hurry or stress. ✌️

Bruce, I just stumbled upon your channel, what a great video! I'll be 60 in March, bought my first Adventure Bike 5 weeks ago and plan on doing the PA Wilds BDR-X here in the east as my first solo BDR moto-camping adventure this spring. Thanks for sharing your adventure, very helpful, reinforcing and inspirational!

What a great final lesson. Much like life, things can turn on a dime. Enjoyable video.

Great video , keep up the adventures.

Fast-slow, in a group or not, right or wrong....your in the game, seeing new stuff and riding the bike! What it was intended for! Gr8 vid!👍

Good job!!! Impressive! Thanks for the great video.

Looks like it was a fun adventure. Keep it going! 👍🏾

Your video was well thought out, great quality and editing. Most of all, thanks for sharing your BDR experience. Nicely done sir!

I enjoy your channel. Being 64 it is good to hear about other Seniors riding Solo. I bought a Yamaha XT250 which is a little under 300lbs so I can lift it even though it also lays pretty flat. My Daughter bought me the SPOT GEN4 after I spent a night on the trail here in Central Nevada. Keep up the adventures.

Thanks for the video. I think me and you have much in common when it comes to riding slower than others and riding alone. I like to be safe, be methodical with my riding and I enjoy the scenery. I find riding with fast riders annoying, they appear to get their jollies by riding corners fast, I don't, I could care less. I totally agree with you about navigation, you have to slow down and think carefully, be methodical with your approach. You must be slight pedantic in nature. Thanks for the video.

Wow. Great travel log! I concur with your perspective as regards solo riding and enjoyed very much your comments. When riding, I am totally occupied with the motorcycle and its environment, and do not need the extra complication of looking out for other people riding with me. Neither do I use the radio or tape player or other Sonic accoutrement, as I am totally saturated with the process of riding the bike. Thank you for the time you took to document this experience.!

Thank you for sharing this. We are two Kiwi's who hope to do some of this region in 2024. More than happy to have you along for the ride. Steveandsuzzertw 👍🏍️🏍️

hi Bruce, first off congratulations for just getting out there and doing this! and thanks for sharing your trip and suggestions with us. I do have one sugestion for ANYONE doing solo adventure riding and that is a garmin in reach transmitter. and keep it fastened to yourself in case you take a fall and need help. Great job adapting to circumstances! loved the video!

I am an older (64) solo adventure rider and have your same riding style and philosophy. Great video!

Some very good info. I'm 72 years old and have been riding since I was 17, but always cruisers and touring bikes. This year I just now purchased a Suzuki vstrom and plan to try some easier off roading and maybe camping. Thanks

nice video , I agree ,those tires are very dangerous for gravel or soft terrain , keep the good rides on !

Thanks for the video. I am 62. Started easing into off-road riding about two years ago when I bought a GS 850. Solo seems the way to go. My biggest accomplishment was about two weeks ago when I did part of section 5 and section six of the MA BDR. It was so beneficial. Can’t wait to do it again. I am always thinking how long can I keep doing this and maybe I need a smaller bike. Maybe tomorrow. Thanks for the video.

yes completly agree , go at your pace and look around, that is the purpuse of riding so you can enjoy👍👍that is why i solo to!

Bravo Zulu, mate. Well done. Do what you enjoy doing. Your approach means you get a chance to smell the coffee.

PS I loved all of this video, I too am 60+. Ride a super tennere 1200. My biggest challenge would be laying down the bike on single track. I don't have any good excuse for riding that kind of challenge. Yes I should carry a rapid Jack and even a folding tree saw😉no matter. Most fun I have had in my life. Hope everyone enjoys it too!

Tires and bike make a world of difference. I took a wrong turn a few years ago on my Vulcan 1600 cruiser and ended up on forest roads. Even though it wasn't designed for those roads, I had a blast. At that time I decided I needed an enduro. This year I found a fough but cheap Suzuki 250. I have been able to take a few morning trips to the mountains. It is much more enjoyable not worrying about having to pick up a 700 plus pound bike if it falls. I will turn 65 in a couple of months. I like riding my cruiser but I get more pleasure on my little enduro. I plan on adding a camera soon so I can show my friends and family why I take off every couple of weeks, even if it is only for a few hours.

Yeppers, Riding on and off road presents personal challenges and when out there doin it, we count the smiles per mile not our mpg. Have fun everyone, stay safe, seek God's company out in nature. Wish you many many more great rides!

Great adventure! Thanks for sharing. Some friends and I did the OBDR west to east a few years back (basically Corvallis to the Steens Mt. and back). Great trip and quite similar in terrain. Give me a shout if you'd ever consider a tag-along.

I always ride solo. It is a sort of way to let go of the stress of the world. Cool video man.

Excellent informative, well presented. Solo is the way to go for all the reasons you listed. My experience has always been that getting lost is an adventure. BTW I hate sand

I am 64 going on 65, you just inspired me to bite the bullet and my trip to Wales next week. Thank you PS: My ride is a Zero DSR Blackforest

I enjoyed your video! I am getting up there in age (I'll be 59 next month) and I enjoy riding off-road, however, I don't have anyone to ride with, and honestly, I prefer ride solo. I have taken just about every measure to be self-sufficient that I can think of but I enjoy watching videos like yours for new ideas.

Excellent ! Thank you .

Great entertaining video. Thanks for sharing

Looks like where I grew up near Grants pass. I also am a slow rider I am there to smell the air and look around and stop when I want to, I am in no rush. Good ride. Good to have a Map for sure, I have a Garmin 700i so it is easy to check where I am at and set a new course if I need to or like you do not feel the need to punish the bike or yourself. You experanced some of the same stuff as the settlers did while heading to Oregon. Changing trail and road conditions, having to turn back because road or trail closers, due to wash out Snow drifts, or running low of water, or maybe the mules had played out so plans had to change. You did well, very well, and I thank you for sharing.

You are a man after my own heart. I am 72 years old and pining for just that type "wind down" experience. I envy you. I don't ride or own a bike but have ridden for short stretches( better said; I have a sense and proper balance to lug it off ). bottom line; I could manage the bike. The tenere is the bike I would choose , coincidently . I live in NH. Your travel area is sublime in my opinion. I'll keep watching.

I like your pace. I’m a new rider with a KLR that I want to explore with. I’ll start making videos when I get comfortable riding but safely getting down the road takes all my focus now.

Hey there, congrats on going solo on this one. It's not always easy but it is usually memorable when you you do the rides alone. I'm 69 years old and retired a year ago. I'm out east and have done the MABDR as well as the NEBDR alone. That 2nd one was a challenge but doable as I ride Yamaha WR250R and it's very manageable in the rough stuff (especially in Vermont). As with others who commented, I'll never be comfortable in a group ride situation. Just too many different priorities for different people. I rode 3 BDR's out west with my 40 yo old son in 2019, that was ok because we have similar abilities and daily goals. I'm leaving in a week to do the Colorado and Utah BDR's solo. I've got my gear lists down to a science at this point, I just need to stay focused on the trail. ;) Good luck and keep riding your ride.

You are a pretty awesome guy !!!!! Thank you for a great video !!!!! I ride a 2022 BMW r1250 GSA and love gravel ...... even though I am a rookie, I love to ride by myself and have had 2 crashes ...... one where my wife in the Taco had to come and pull me out of the mud .... LOL ...... can not wait to ride tomorrow !!!! 🙂

Excellent info. I also have a Yamaha t7. Thanks from Omaha Nebraska.

Fwiw, I’m 62 also. You mentioned you don’t like the motion of your T700 on gravel roads, I think you’d be astounded at how much better those same roads would feel on a bike with actual off road geometry and weight distribution. To say its night and day is not exaggeration. Even the ‘lowly’ (I’d call it legendary) DR650 gobbles up loose gravel roads so effortlessly you might begin to think you know how to ride off road. But don’t let that happen, because unless you really, trust me, you don’t. I know I sure don’t. Like you, I ride at a slower pace than others. Enjoy the ride and always be nice to cyclists, horses, and hikers.