Rider Resources

Ride-Your-Own-Ride is a philosophy that empowers riders to choose when, where, and how they ride their motorcycle, while also accepting the consequences of those choices.

We strive not to dictate what you can or cannot do, recognizing that every rider's experience is unique. Instead, we provide you with the information you need to make decisions that align with your riding style and support you throughout your journey. Ultimately, it’s your ride, so enjoy it in a way that brings you joy.

RYOR

We firmly believe in "dressing for the crash, not the ride," but it's also essential to wear gear that allows for comfort and freedom of movement to help prevent accidents in the first place.

Good armor typically suffices for low-speed crashes, while higher-speed incidents require more substantial abrasion protection. BDR routes generally feature many back roads and conditions that can lead to low-speed crashes, alongside some highway sections where unpredictable driver behavior can pose additional risks.

Helmets and boots are straightforward choices—invest in the best you can afford. Head and leg injuries can end a trip abruptly, and no one wants that. One piece of advice we often share is: “motocross gear instead of adventure gear. Motocross gear is sold to 19 year olds without jobs. Adventure gear is sold to 40 year old dentists." While it’s a lighthearted observation, it illustrates the significant price differences between the two types of gear.

We always wear motocross boots; having experienced broken legs and ankles, we can assure you that it's much more uncomfortable than walking in quality moto boots.

A change of clothing may be necessary for every 15-20 degrees of temperature shift, as our dressing styles vary significantly at 30, 50, 70, and 90 degrees.

Ensure your gear allows for easy venting and sealing off airflow. The ability to quickly change layers is essential as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day, especially when storms pass or when the sun comes out.

Pack your bags in a way that allows easy access to your next layer. Additionally, have a convenient spot to store any clothes you remove, as we've seen many jackets misplaced after being tucked under straps.

Consider items like 3/4 length zip-off thermal layers, which provide great convenience.

First, we would ask whether you plan to camp. This is one of those "in for a penny, in for a pound" situations. If you intend to camp at least some of the time, you will need to bring full camping gear. The amount of camping gear required for 8 or 9 nights on a BDR is essentially the same as what you need for just one night.

You will need rain protection—such as a tent or tarp—and a sleeping system that includes a sleeping bag and pad, hammock, and quilts, etc. Ensure that your gear is appropriate for the weather and altitudes where you will be sleeping. It is much easier to vent extra heat than to find warmth in the middle of the night.

In our opinion, a chair is essential. After a long ride, having a place to sit and relax or change clothes greatly enhances your evening experience.

Don’t forget to bring a cap if you’re sleeping at higher altitudes, as it will always be welcome. A balaclava is advisable if temperatures are expected to approach freezing.

Beyond that, how much camping gear you pack really depends on your personal style. Are you riding to camp, or camping so you can ride again tomorrow? Pack accordingly.

Even if you choose to stay in motels, it's wise to carry some emergency gear—like emergency blankets and a fire starter. A breakdown or crash that leads to an unexpected overnight stay will be even more uncomfortable if you're freezing cold.

The short answer is none. You'll be passing through towns daily, giving you the option to sit down for meals or grab food to take back to camp.

A more practical recommendation is to bring at least a stove and pot. This setup allows you to boil water for dehydrated meals, purify drinking water, and enjoy hot drinks in the morning or at night. With a little effort, you can prepare more gourmet meals using just a few supplies.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Do you eat in camp solely to stay nourished, or is cooking an enjoyable activity that enhances your mornings and evenings? Pack accordingly.

We do want to caution you about dehydrated meals. If you haven't used them for an extended period and know you won't tire of them, it's wise to assume you might. Even if the package claims it's a different meal, many tend to taste alike.

Consider mixing in food from towns, cooked meals, or dehydrating your own meals at home. This variety can significantly enhance your trip.

Additionally, be prepared for the unexpected. We always carry at least an extra day's worth of food just in case things don’t go as planned. Even if we resupply daily, we make sure to have a reserve of dehydrated meals, energy bars, snacks, and so on.

You absolutely need to be prepared for expected issues on your tour, with flat tires being a prime example. It's essential to have the means to patch or plug a tire, replace a tube, and so forth. Be sure to carry a plug kit, tire spoons, a pump or CO2 canisters, a patch kit, and an extra tube; these items are required for your journey.

In addition to addressing common issues, you should also be equipped to handle unexpected challenges. Roadside repairs, loose pieces, and parts that are broken or bent in a crash can leave you stranded.

While it’s easy to accumulate a lot of tools at home, you need to focus on what can fit on the road. Multi-use tools are key. Consider carrying Torx and Allen wrenches, a Leatherman, and channel lock pliers. These tools can be incredibly effective, especially when paired with duct tape, zip ties, and some epoxy to temporarily hold things together until you can get back to town or camp.

Make it a habit to inspect your bike every morning and at each stop. Noticing a potential issue while you're in town and fueling up is the best-case scenario.

It's simple: bring the bike you have and are comfortable with. Don't wait—start your tour as soon as possible!

We recommend using at least 50/50 tires for this tour. The purpose of these routes is to explore the backcountry, which includes small roads, minimal maintenance, steep climbs and descents, as well as numerous rocks, ruts, ledges, and water crossings.

Ensure your tires are in good condition. It's advisable to replace old or worn-out tires before the trip begins. You wouldn't want to lose a day or more dealing with an issue that could have been addressed at home.

Let your bike be your greatest ally on the trail by giving it the best chance of success. There will be plenty of challenges even with good traction.

The best advice we can offer is to gather all the items you plan to bring for your ride and organize them in one area.

Consider leaving half of it at home. It’s easy to overpack for a trip. If an item serves only one purpose, look for alternatives that can serve multiple functions.

Practice beforehand; you may discover that you don’t end up using many of the essentials you initially planned to bring.

Keep in mind that an overloaded, heavy bike will make your ride more challenging.

When we mention bears, we encompass a range from grizzlies to mini-bears (like chipmunks). If you're in the mountains of Montana or Idaho, encountering grizzly bears is a possibility. In other wilderness areas, black bears and mini-bears could be present as well.

Generally, unexpected encounters with wildlife—especially bears—are rare, but they can happen when you come around a corner and find an animal on the road. Fortunately, these instances are infrequent enough that they shouldn't cause undue concern.

To mitigate potential issues, focus on the factors you can manage. Most wildlife encounters stem from your "smellables," which include food, trash, soaps, and other fragrant items.

Bear encounters related to smellables occur for two main reasons:

1. The bear detects the scent of your camp.
2. The bear has been conditioned to associate the area with food.

To manage odors at your campsite, maintain cleanliness and store your smellables securely. This involves using a bear bag or a bear-proof container. If you're unfamiliar with hanging a bear bag, practice before your trip. It can be challenging to tie a rock to a rope and throw it over a branch high enough to hang a bag at least 12 feet off the ground. Legend has it that David slew Goliath while attempting to hang his bear bag.

We recommend using bear-proof bags like the Ursak, which are easy to pack and can serve as a bear bag or be securely tied to a sturdy tree when necessary.

To prevent bears from perceiving your campsite as a favorite dining spot, consistently keep your area clean—both during your stay and after you leave. Avoid throwing trash or food scraps into the fire, and don't dispose of cooking remnants on the ground. Always pack out what you bring in, adhering to the same standards you hope other campers followed before you.

Our final tip is the same as our first: determine what you want to gain from this trip. Dress appropriately, pack accordingly, and go for it.

Ride-Your-Own-Ride and create your own adventure. Don't wait—tomorrow never comes.