Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR) recently released their latest film highlighting a brand new adventure Montana Backcountry Discovery Route (MTBDR). The full-length documentary premiered at the MTBDR Route Release event in February, followed by a nationwide film tour visiting motorcycle dealerships and clubs across the country.
The MTBDR is the 23rd route built by the non-profit organization, and takes riders deep into Big Sky Country, weaving together “alpine ranges, remote valleys, dense pine forests, historic mining towns, wide-open farmland and rugged two-track roads.” Press release.
Additionally, the new Montana route completes the final link in the western BDR system, which began in Washington State in 2011, and creates a continuous backcountry network across the western United States. According to BDR co-founder and Routes Development Director Bryce Stevens, it is one of the most anticipated routes ever created by the organization, and offers “big landscapes, remote riding, historic cities and a true sense of exploration”.
The new route includes scenic gravel forest service roads as well as more difficult sections for experienced riders, the latter of which are optional. Based on the trailer, the route offers a good balance between accessibility and challenge.
The route is approximately 900 miles long, starting in Island Park, Idaho, heading north through Montana and ending near the US-Canada border outside Eureka. It crosses more than thirteen mountain ranges, and includes the wild landscapes of the Gravelly Range, Ruby River Valley, Virginia City, Butte and East Pioneer, Highland, and the Cabinet Mountains.
The MTBDR is best enjoyed between July and September, depending on snow levels and seasonal closures, so plan accordingly.
moreover, Hatch Adventures In Bozeman, MT rents adventure motorcycles for the route, and you can either pick up the bike and ride up to Island Park, or ask their crew to drop the bike off at the beginning and pick it up at the end (or another stopping point). Both Yamaha Tenere 700 and World Red models are available in their fleet.
Free GPS tracks, digital maps, FAQs and travel resources available Available on BDR websitePlus a waterproof MTBDR map, which comes in handy when there’s limited cell signal.
