THE NORTH EAST BDR TOUR
1400+ MILES, 9 DAYS.
The inaugural tour of the North East Backcountry Discovery Route
DESCRIPTION:
MotoVermont is excited to be leading the first guided tour of the all-new NEBDR! Along with full support, curated meals, accommodations and alongside many of the original NEBDR route creators.
Eric and Spenser were honored to work with the rest of the NEBDR team in an effort to develop a route that they are all very proud of.
The route is absolutely beautiful and takes in some very challenging terrain; Mud, rocky ascents, ruts, logs and water crossings are all present. History will surround us as we travel roads and trails originally built by early European settlers and in some cases first-nation tribes. These pathways lead to villages rich in history and old world culture; cheese shops, general stores, cideries and other artisanal crafts and goods are plentiful and delight the senses - especially after a challenging trail!
TOUR OVERVIEW:
For this inaugural tour, we plan to bring along 9 guests. There will be 3 guides helping along the route; 2 guides on bike and 1 guide operating a chase vehicle with extra bikes, tools and carrying guests gear.
The NEBDR tour begins in a quaint town within Delaware County, New York. We meander along the old canal ways and rivers of the historic Catskill Mountains, up and over many seasonal and minimally maintained roads before entering New England across the Hudson River. The population dwindles and challenging roads become more prevalent as we ride north toward Maine. The tour will end at the Canadian border in Maine.
The group will ride together most of the tour, but may split from time to time in order to bypass certain sections.
MORE ABOUT THE NEBDR AND BDR ORGANIZATION MISSION:
In an effort to design the best adventure route possible in the Northeast, the BDR organization recruited local experts from each state and formed the NEBDR Development Team. The team’s job was to identify the most exciting, picturesque and challenging roads in the area and deliver the North East Backcountry Discovery Route. For 18 months the team collaborated both in-person and virtually sharing maps, local knowledge and unique insights. When the weather allowed, the team rode the route all-together and in smaller groups. Numerous drafts were developed, reviewed and reworked. After countless miles of scouting and countless hours of meetings, the epic 1,400 -mile route was finalized in the fall of 2019.
"Because of their in-depth knowledge of the backcountry of Vermont, Spenser and Eric of MotoVermont were selected to be on the NEBDR Development Team. Their invaluable contribution to the Vermont section of the route was critical to the successful completion of what will surely prove to be one of the most popular of the 10 existing BDR routes." - Tim James, Board Vice President, BDR
Backcountry Discovery Routes® (BDR®) is a non-profit organization that creates off-highway routes for dual-sport and adventure motorcycle travel. We have introduced a new route with free GPS tracks for the community every year since 2010.
Our work includes rider education, safety campaigns and promoting responsible travel for motorcyclists traveling in the backcountry.
Our volunteer-powered organization works with agencies and land managers to keep trails and remote roads open for motorcycling.
Each route generates new tourism that delivers sustainable economic relief to less-advantaged rural communities. This creates local stakeholders who will help fight to keep access for dual-sport and adventure motorcycles in these incredible backcountry areas.
HIGHLIGHTS:
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9 days of local, expert guidance
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8 nights comfortable, clean lodging
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Dinner 6 nights
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Breakfast 8 mornings
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Chase vehicle with extra bike, tools and gear
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Guides versed in trail navigation, bike maintenance and certified in Wilderness First Aid
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AMA Sanctioned and insured ride
ITINERARY:
Day 1 - Thursday, May 28
Rider Meeting
The Ride: Dirt roads, winding pavement
Lunch: TBA
Lodging: Motel style - shared or single room
Dinner: Dine on premises (included)
Day 2 - Friday, May 29
Breakfast: Dine on premises (included)
The Ride: Dirt roads, rocks, unmaintained roads and trails
Lunch: Local farm meal; sandwiches, soup, hot coffee
Lodging: TBA
Dinner: TBA (included)
Day 3 - Saturday, May 30
Breakfast: Waffles at Moto Coffee Cafe (included)
The Ride: Enter New England, rugged terrain; mud, larger rocks, hill climbs
Lunch: Deli lunch to-go
Lodging: Historic mountain-top lodge - shared bunk room or private room
Dinner: Dine on premises
Day 4 - Sunday, May 31
Breakfast: Continental breakfast (included)
The Ride: Enter Vermont, Class IV and seasonal roads, picturesque views
Lunch: General store; homemade sandwiches, soup, baked goods, coffee
Lodging: Modernized ski lodge - shared or single room
Dinner: BBQ on premises; marinated grilled chicken (veggie option), fresh grilled veggies, salad (included)
Day 5 - Monday, June 1
Breakfast: Dine on premises (included)
The Ride: Long, rugged day; deep mud, rocks, rock ledge, hills, unmaintained roads and trails
Lunch: Deli packed lunch
Coffee Break: Classic Vermont General Store
Lodging: Well-appointed cabins in National Forest
Dinner: BBQ on premises; grilled local beef burgers (veggie option) and brats, grilled veggies, salad (included)
Day 6 - Tuesday, June 2
Breakfast: Continental breakfast (included)
The Ride: Forest roads, beautiful farmland, forgotten rural communities, a unique floating bridge and more mud, rocks and fun terrain, enter New Hampshire
Lunch: Deli lunch
Lodging: Modern Lodge - shared or single room
Dinner: Home-style meal at local restaurant (included)
Day 7 - Wednesday, June 3
Breakfast: Egg & cheese sandwiches on site (included)
The Ride: Mix of twisting pavement and dirt. Scenic and historic, covered bridges, oldest general store in the US, exhilarating mountain passes; both paved and unpaved
Lunch: Sandwiches, soups, salads at local coffee roaster
Lodging: Classic motor lodge, shared or single room
Dinner: Several options within walking distance
Day 8 - Thursday, June 4
Breakfast: TBA (included)
The Ride: Enter Maine, vast wilderness, remote rivers, lakes, ATV trails, sand.
Lunch: Rural general store; homemade sandwiches, pastries
Lodging: Historic Inn on Rangeley Lake
Dinner: Dine on premises (included)
Day 9 - Friday, June 5
Breakfast: Continental breakfast (included)
The Ride: Very remote double-track, ATV trails, sand, rocks
Lunch: Pond-side rustic cafe
Lodging: Optional
$3750
9
days
Add $500 for single occupancy lodging
2020 Tour Dates:
August 30 - September 7
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
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Airport transfer
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9 days professional guidance
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8 nights shared lodging (single lodging option)
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Dinner 6 nights
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Breakfast 8 mornings
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Support vehicle for extra gear
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Extra bikes on-hand
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On-trail assistance
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AMA sanctioned event
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Donation to Backcountry Discovery Routes non-profit organization
LEAD TOUR GUIDE:
Eric Milano is the founder of MotoVermont. He is a member of the NEBDR Development team and will act as lead guide on the North East BDR Tour. Eric is an expert guide and is certified in Wilderness First aid.
ADDITIONAL TOUR GUIDES:
Local Experts and NEBDR contributors will assist with guidance through portions of the tour. This is a rare opportunity to ride the route with some of its creators.
SUPPORT VEHICLE:
Support Vehicle A third guide will drive a truck that carries an extra rental bike, tools and riders' luggage from inn to inn, allowing us to keep our bikes lightweight and nimble on the trail.
The support vehicle will parallel our route and meet us in the case of a mechanical issue or tired rider. There will always be a safe and reliable alternative to riding every day if need be.
Bascom Lodge, Adams, MA
LODGING & MEALS:
The Lodging on the NEBDR tour ranges from remote and cozy mountain lodges to nostalgic roadside motels, to beautiful and historic inns. All unique and clean. Lodging is shared unless private lodging package is requested.
We strive to offer meals that include fresh, locally sourced ingredients and best represent our region. Fourteen meals will be included with your tour package. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be offered each day, beginning with lunch on Day 1 and ending with lunch on Day 9. See itinerary above for details on daily meals (included meals noted).
Moto Coffee Machine, Hudson, NY
RIDER REQUIREMENTS
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Motorcycle endorsement holder
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Rider should be in good health and able to endure several hours on bike each day
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Rider should possess basic off-road riding skills; rear brake usage, body positioning, foot peg weighting.
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Rider must wear full-face helmet, gloves, off-road-specific boots, Armored motorcycle-specific jacket and pants.
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Bike should be in good running and street-legal condition; registered, insured and thoroughly checked over.
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Bike should be equipped with good, off-pavement tires and engine case protection. Feel free to contact MotoVermont for bike-specific tire recommendations.