Vibe-Fall-2024 - Flipbook - Page 58
Andover, the Maine sections eventually end just west of Rangeley, and the route heads back into northern NH, the Connecticut Lakes, finishing at the Canadian border at Rhubarb Pond.
The NEBDR is the longest BDR route and crosses the most
state lines with eight sections, each ranging from 67.2 miles to
229 miles.
BDR does not offer a rating system for each route or section since there are too many factors at play, and the terrain
can fluctuate with difficulty quickly. They do help by providing
a list of routes ranked by difficulty, starting with the CABDR-South being the hardest: CABDR-South, NEBDR, AZBDR,
ORBDR, WYBDR, UTBDR, COBDR, NVBDR, WABDR, NMBDR,
IDBDR, MABDR. While on route, there are more difficult
options—called “expert sections”—that you can challenge
yourself with or stay on the main route for easier terrain.
Being a multi-day adventure, many riders opt for the rustic
route by seeking the perfect camping spot and preparing
meals via campfire. Realistically though, many desire a lighter
bike without camping gear and/or are not the camping type
Continuing through western NH,
the NEBDR eventually snakes
to Sandwich and Tamworth to
Chocorua Lake. From here, the
route heads up to the Kancamagus
Highway, Bear Notch Road, and
through Crawford Notch/Jefferson
Notch to Gorham—with an
optional side trip up the
Mt. Washington Auto Road.
and choose cushier accommodations. In 2022, BDR conducted
a comprehensive economic impact study (see sidebar) and
discovered the substantial positive impact they have on small
rural communities. This annual impact was over $60 million
across all BDR routes (11 established routes at the time). BDR
riders generated $9.6 million in motorcycle sales in 2022.
The BDR website is a wealth of information, including route
downloads and updates, recommendations on lodging, fuel,
food, tour/rental companies, and detailed packing lists. Via
Facebook, you can join a group for each BDR route, where
riders frequently post updates as they navigate, which is often
helpful when Mother Nature gets involved. This is also a great
venue to communicate with riders who are looking to team up
with others.
For navigation, the tracks can be downloaded for free from
their website—and Butler maps for each BDR are available for
purchase. Keep in mind that the printed maps are not updated
frequently (NEBDR’s most recent is 2020). You have options
for navigation: either download the GPX file(s) onto your
device or import directly to GAIA GPS app. Many tour compa58
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