Film Trailer Released for the BDR California-North Project
Seattle, WA – (January 17, 2024) – The adventure motorcycling non-profit, Backcountry Discovery Routes® (BDR®), has just released the trailer for their upcoming Northern California Backcountry Discovery Route (CABDR-North) Expedition documentary film. The feature-length film premieres on February 17th at the Sofia Performing Arts Center (Sutter Theatre) in Sacramento, CA, kicking off a 3-month tour with over 80 film screenings planned at motorcycle dealerships and clubs across the country.
The CABDR-North represents the organization’s thirteenth route for adventure and dual-sport motorcycle travel, with free GPS tracks, travel resources, and BDR Motorcycle Map scheduled to accompany the film’s debut.
Motorcycle dealerships and clubs interested in hosting an CABDR-North film screening can reserve their tour date on the BDR website at RideBDR.com.
Riders looking to help BDR continue on its mission of creating and preserving ADV riding opportunities should consider joining the BDR Annual Supporter Program featuring exclusive BDR swag and industry discounts from over 40 adventure brands.
ABOUT THE ROUTE & FILM
The CABDR-North expedition film features members of the BDR team and special guests from both BMW Motorrad USA and Zero Motorcycles as they take a first run on the all-new route, immersing themselves in Northern California’s captivating blend of landscapes, terrain and history.
Starting in Mammoth Lakes, CA atop Minaret Vista, the 940-mile route traverses the Great Sierra Nevada Range’s conifer forests, mountain meadows, and gentle slopes, concluding in the high desert of the Modoc Plateau just north of Alturas, CA at the Oregon border. Riders enjoy blissful forested two-tracks, tackle rugged canyon and mountain roads, and ascend peaks to fire lookouts with unparalleled, 360-degree views.
Highlights of the route include quaint towns nestled in the High Sierra’s folds, with their historic inns dating back to the 1880s. Beyond the thrill of the twisty roads and scenic vistas, riders can delve into California history, discover relics of mining towns, and witness geological wonders. The route caters to riders of varying skill levels and offers optional challenging sections, plus three expert segments.
“California … The mere utterance of the word evokes a vision and emotion expressed in countless song and prose dedicated to a place called ‘California.’ The birthplace of Disneyland is also nothing short of a Magic Kingdom for the Adventure Rider. This route, born of countless scouting trips over the last five years, captures the essence of a remote and beautiful Northern California, one that may be difficult for the casual tourist to comprehend. But we found it! Just as adventurers before you from California’s earliest days seeking gold or a new beginning, so can you find your adventure by simply downloading and following the tracks laid before you. Eureka !” — Ron West, Northern California BDR Route Architect & BDR Board Member
ROUTE RELEASE & FILM TOUR
The official film premiere of the CABDR-North documentary will be on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 5 pm PST at the Sofia Performing Arts Center (Sutter Theatre) in Sacramento, California, featuring representatives from BDR, BMW Motorrad USA, Zero Motorcycles and select industry partners and journalists.
Free GPS tracks, digital map, FAQs, and travel resources will be released on February 17th at 12 noon PST on the BDR website. The waterproof CABDR-North motorcycle map will be available for purchase at the BDR Online Store.
For those in Southern California, BDR is hosting a film screening and a mini-ADV Expo event on March 16th in the Los Angeles Arts District, at Bike Shed, a 30,000 square foot moto-venue with a bar and restaurant, multi-brand retail space, barbershop, tattoo studio and gallery space. During the day the event is open to the public for free from 12 noon to 5 pm, featuring representatives from major ADV brands and BDR industry partners, as well as OEM demo rides. The film screening will take place from 6-8 pm in the gallery space with admission tickets sold on the BDR website.
Every year, nearly 100 motorcycle dealerships and clubs across the country host screenings of the BDR organization’s newest film. Check the film tour page for a schedule of upcoming CABDR-North premieres and join your fellow adventure enthusiasts for an exciting evening of adventure motorcycle film entertainment.
Dealerships and/or clubs interested in hosting a film screening, can get more information and reserve their screening date on the BDR dealership page.
BMW Motorrad USA is presenting their third BDR route, with the Lead Motorcycle Instructor from the BMW U.S. Rider Academy (in Greer, South Carolina) joining the CABDR-North filming expedition.
“Now, with first-hand experience of riding a BMW GS on a BDR, I have insights that will help us better prepare students who are training for a BDR ride. If you dream about taking your motorcycle off the beaten path or riding a BDR, join us in South Carolina and take a class at the BMW U.S. Rider Academy. Together, we can help make that dream a reality.” — Richie Few, Lead Motorcycle Instructor, BMW U.S. Rider Academy
Zero Motorcycles underscored their commitment to advancing the possibilities of electric adventure riding in the backcountry by providing two DSR/X motorcycles, their pioneering electric ADV model, to be tested on the route.
“For me, the Northern California BDR expedition is rooted deep. From participating in the development of the DSR/X at Zero in Santa Cruz to my personal upbringing in Northern California, this was an experience of a lifetime. The NorCal BDR will not disappoint! I’ve been riding motorcycles since I was 4 years old and love every aspect of riding. The Northern California BDR fulfilled me 10X from a motorcycle rider’s perspective.” — Trevor Doniak, Chief Prototype & Test Rider, Zero Motorcycles
The BMW MOA is a BDR partner.