At 67 years old, my new off-road mantra is " don't go any faster than you're willing to crash." I always start out my ride at 16 years old, and end up feeling 86 year's old.
I find peace in your videos, they reinforce my opinion that adv riding is my style. All that struggle can be exhausting but also refreshing after focusing on work.
Hello fellow Dork. You and I are from the same generation (I just celebrated by 53rd b-day) I just wanted to say thank you for your channel and giving me the courage to broaden my off road 2-wheeled horizons. In recent years I've started spreading my on-road wings with an '85 Honda Goldwing Interstate 1200 but didn't venture off road. But watching your channel has given this old boomer the courage to get dirty. I live not too far from you now but am moving back east soon, otherwise, I'd hunt you down and do some trails with ya. Perhaps I'll start by own channel from the Appalachians. Take care and thanks again.
I think if you're wondering "is this dumb", and you're not hurt, and you're bike isn't destroyed, then you're exactly in that place where adventure takes place and serves your soul!
Thank you for taking us on your adventures! I just gotta wait a little bit longer till I'm done with school before I get my first bike and go on trips. I already go backpacking and love MTB riding so moto camping just seems like a total blast. So until then, I'm glad I can live vicariously through you haha
Thanks for making this video. Truly enjoy your combination of storytelling, humor, humbleness and adventure. Riding is the best activity for the mind and body. Don’t feel that you need to make crazy action packed videos, we watch it for the dork. Cheers!
If Itchy boots can travel around the world on a 300l carrying everything she does, and Ben rocks this BdR on one with all his gear, I’m convinced that trusty Honda can do anything!
I love this video. I ride solo through Nevada, California, and Oregon, though some of the most remote and un-traveled areas. The problems I've encountered/created have been difficult and challenging, but also provided wonderful, proud moments of accomplishment. Carry a beacon for sure, but also rely on yourself and enjoy the solitude.
As a formally out of shape rider I would encourage you to get your weight under control, it will change your riding experience. I lost 72lbs on a carnivore diet and a combination of cardio and weights. I’m 63 and just finished the Sd BDRx solo. Had to pick up my Tuareg on a rocky uphill. It was a challenge but I was able to do it. I could not have done that two years ago.
Great work guys, so pleased for you both. I’m leanish and pretty strong but at 57 I don’t want to pick up my VStrom. Okay, I can ride pretty well off road but I wouldn’t take anything over “about”twice my weight, with gear on, on a ride like that. I’m looking at the about to be shown to the world 2025 ktm 390 adventure.
It’s kinda insane to me how people will spend thousands to drop 10kg on a bike but not 6 months to drop 20kg off their waistline. Especially as the latter benefits way more than just your riding! Your knees, heart, and loved ones all benefit when you’re at a healthier weight
I didnt want to be rude because hell hes out riding it, but i lost 50lbs, burning fat while building muscle, and my riding is like 300% better across the board
Cool video bro! I live in Sisters and camp in this area very often. In fact, I have a picture of my truck at the same spot you stopped at 16:08. I just got a dual sport that I am currently outfitting to do some moto-camping. Looks like a blast!
Loved the video. Honda reliability gives encouragement to go it alone. Awesome BDR route makes me wish I didn't live on other side of country. My Rally hasn't disappointed me yet. In fact it never fails to remind me buying it was one of my better decisions. One thing videos can't do is let the viewer feel the physical fatigue that sets in on long off-road rides, picking the bike up a few times, as well as combining effects from weather. Well Done! Peace!
Dude, when you went down in the sand “out of the rut” I swear you knocked it out of gear before you fell. You always track better under power. Good stuff, Brother .
As always, An inspiration to all of us Newbie ADV Riders. If you CAN do it, I Should be able to do it... On my DR650. LOVE your vids and channel. Learned a good deal from you that I've incorporated into my riding. Here in Southern Georgia, we have plenty of sand, clay, and marsh mud (if you're gutsy enough) As always Thank you and Cheers!
I’m a new englander spending a couple of weeks in Grants Pass dealing with my in-laws estate, so I’m just staring at all of these roads and trails around me while my klx250 is 3,000 miles away. I’m living vicariously through you right now, it’s killing me to be here with no way to ride, especially when it’s in the 70s in August! Amazing timing for your ride. (Also, I’ve always wanted to put a Prius body on a Jeep chassis)
I've been overlanding for years and have done the WABDR about 5 times now. It's amazing. I just recently got into dirt bike riding and have been doing exclusively hare scrambles with NMA & NORCS. I decided a couple of weeks ago to try adventure biking over Umtanum Ridge on the BDR. Two things I was surprised by: 1) It's tough to enjoy the scenery when I'm always looking for rocks and ruts, and 2) I end up going faster and faster, almost like I'm doing a hare scramble, and can enjoy the scenery even less. I feel like in my 4WD, I can cruise at 10 mph or so and just enjoy the scenery with the top off or sunroof open.
Hope you're enjoying the quilt, I used to never sleep well on backpacking/camping trips regardless of sleeping pad quality but as soon as I started using a qulit instead of a traditional sleeping bag or mummy bag, my quality of sleep increased by a lot. I was very excited when the more comfortable option ended up being lighter and packed smaller as it's usually the opposite.
I use a anti fog solution designed for scuba goggles, and it last all winter long on my helmet shield. You should just drill a hole in the windshield for a different type of camera mount. Might be worth it for you as a creator. This has been my favorite video all year. I’m loving my Rally more and more the longer I have it. I definitely don’t want to be picking up a heavier bike anymore, I still drop mine as much as you do if not more. You crack me up because I know that you would be saying all the same stuff, even if you didn’t have anyone to talk to... The bird house was actually a wood duck box. Thank you for sharing this video.
Nice adventure, thanks for taking me along! That deeper gravel, mud, and deep powerder dust can be the pits to ride through. The bigger the bike or more top heavy from gear, the worse it is. That also makes it harder to lift it back up. Nice job!
Without knowing what I was getting myself into, the very first time I ever rode a dirt bike off-road I took my xr650r to the santiam pass ohv area by big lake. Big learning curve to say the least. Nice video. I do the ORBDR for the first time mid September. I’m stoked to say the least
Great video! Thanks for taking the rally. I’ve got one and as soon as I can afford suspension upgrade and some other small improvements I’m going to do the ORBDR with my dad. (Next summer 🤞🏻)
I always enjoy your videos! I'm in the recliner thinking I should sell the DRZ now that I bought a dirtbike. After watching this video I have to ride the roads I have seen you do before I part with it. At 69 this year I scared the crap out of myself enough times to quit riding alone...I HOPE! ......maybe I just won't go as deep into the woods....it still beats not riding. Thanks for the great videos!
Thanks, bro. I watched this and realized my 500x wouldn't cut it, because the rims would bend. I'm taking my CRF250 on this section. My hip won't let me ride the bad stuff...it's plastic. Not terribly flexible....but I want to ride the stuff. I enjoyed this video more than the BDR "official video".
Thanks Ben for that amazing adventure, great to see what the Honda CRF 300 L rally does. Beautiful countryside there amazing to see that amount of rain thank you for the great content.
Thanks for sharing this Ben. I bought my 300 rally 2 years ago and it has treated me well. I Have ridden from Chelan WA to the Giant Loop Ride twice and it has handled the Highway just fine but I am a light weight at 150 lb. Great bike in a great video on a great BDR.
Was just in that moondust section two weeks ago while heading to Happy Valley on a loaded XR150L. It was so brutal I headed back out via Todd Lake just to avoid it. BTW, thanks to your advice, I had just purchased some real moto boots and they saved me from serious injury. Thank you for what you do.
Do you ever go back and watch some of your very first posted videos and realize how far your confidence and riding ability have come in a relatively short amount of time?? There is no way that past you would have ever tackled a route such as this... let alone SOLO. Nice work and keep it up!!
"Inspire and Empower" You have certainly done that for me, so used to only riding back and fourth to work and now I camp off the back of my bike, summer/winter rain/sun And I know that the gear you recommend will help me. I made the mistake of following the trends of stick people and finding out I am too tall/hefty for them to work for me. And seeing you do BDRs, Dirt Trails or camp outs means I have no excuse to not do it myself. Thank you! Even fired up my own insta to record my journeys. Thank you for being my internet riding buddy!
I’ve been following your journeys and it’s been a huge inspiration for me to fulfill the dream of doing my own solo trips. I appreciate your openness about physical struggles. As a fellow large man I’d like to encourage you to make your fitness a priority. I know it sucks but hitting the gym with the same commitment you give to your riding you’ll notice a huge improvement. I recommend the stairmaster for general cardio then squats, planks and general upper body. It will make lifting the bike easier and help avoid gassing out. Anyways keep up the great work and adventures am glad you’re living your best life!
Yea Ben! You are a national treasure and an inspiration. "Adventure is what you find on the other side of discomfort and uncertainty.".(Did you make that up or steal it from Hemingway?) On behalf or all of the over weight out of shape adv riders, thank you.
@ 10:22, nice shot of your twig and berries😂. On with the show...That was a fun ride and one day I will make it up there to ride that BDR. I'm doing the BDR's that are closest to Texas first. I'm relative new to dirt, I started in 2020 and got hooked BIG TIME. You mentioned at one point, "It's only 60 miles". I learned on my first BDR that 60 miles can actually take all day for the inexperienced off road rider. Not that it was too challenging, I was going more cautious because I was solo riding the NMBDR and I was a bit overloaded. Thank you for all the information and intertainment you have provided over the years.
You were riding pretty fast. You handled the drops well and I’m glad you are okay but don’t want you to get hurt. Nothing wrong with slowing it down a bit, especially when solo.
Wow.. great video Ben.. I usually watch on the TV but I took the time to swap over to my iPad to comment.. as one old fat guy to another, you are an inspiration. In fact, after finishing this comment I am taking the Africa twin out for a ride at lunch.l, also loved your videos from Canada.. I am on the other side of Canada but would love to get out to BC on the bike after watching your videos..although not doing that stuff on the twin.. lol.. In any case, keep it up Ben.. just great stuff!
First, you are not old. You are older than you were yesterday and that is it. What is stopping from getting into better shape? Thanks for your videos - I bought one of the inflators (3 actually) from an earlier vid and your review was right on - good stuff. Good luck on the BDR!
Dude I think you did great and that bike is great. My loved ones have a bad habit of tearing themselves down at the first sign of adversity. Everyone is on a different journey but I hope you know you dont have to do that. I have ridden since I was 5 years old ive crossed ruts and ate sand a million times. You are doing great dont beat yourself up.
awesome video, I do bicycle trips mix of road and off road and landed here looking to start doing motorcycle trips. really great videos, already learned I was looking at WAY too big, powerful and heavy bikes for a newish rider (its been 20 years since I really rode other than a 250 dirt bike from time to time). my long bicycle trips are in the hottest month of the summer and also don't do well so well sleeping in the heat. A camping hammock was the answer, soooooo much cooler and comfortable than a tent. A hammock , decent tarp, and rigging are tiny... hammocks get a bit bulky in the cooler months with all the extra insulation but for warm summer night they rock as long as you know you will have trees to use. *hammock, tarp, line, stakes, suspension would all easily fit a compression sack smaller than what you have your top quilt in (maybe about half the size of your tent bag) once the temps dip down to 50 or lower then I am back to a tent and pad due to size and weight vs hammock and the extra quilts needed when hanging on the open air. Super helpful videos, the little 300 is looking good other than the fact I am 6'2" and looks really compact and at 200lbs I will be needed new suspension.
Congrats on this first solo BDR multi day trip! Smart choice of bike for a solo trip! Lighter is better, even if that means going slower on the highway sections. It has been very entertaining and very interesting to watch your riding skill level and your decision-making skills progress. Thanks for sharing yet another great BDR / motocamping video! Best regards from Brasilia, Brazil.
Me and a buddy did the section outside of Sisters. However the temps were in the high 90's. The sandy whoops sucked A$$. Fully loaded was a challenge. But we now have stories to tell for a long time, the benefit of a difficult ride
I appreciate your efforts! The BDR organization has made some routes that are not at all big bike friendly and therefore have seriously limited the opportunities for the many of us who only have or can afford one bike and it happens to be a big one. They have focused on making these routes too appealing to expert riders on light bikes.
I enjoy the MotoCamp Nerd sponsored videos. Suggestion: add price. For me, talking about a piece of equipment with no price lacks context. I know, I could look it up myself, but it is a sponsored video. Stating or showing price on screen would be really helpful. Also, a series in which you do several trips outfitted at several camping setup price points would be great.
I dig your channel, man. My opinion: the 300L is a perfect bike for the OR BDR. You want as lightweight a dual sport as possible while considering your gear and highway stretches. I think the 300L would be a great choice for a thru-trip. I used to live outside Sunriver and moto-camped all over that area on my TW200. I'm a little further North now but still try to get back there as often as I can. Beautiful area and great people!
Also....everybody falls on a long ride through terrain like that, so keep your head up bud. You just go into it expecting to fall. I used to see guys on 125's when I lived out there. Something to that mentality.
I'm in process of planning my first BDR attempt in Arizona. I'll be skipping the first section due to the sand. I'm going solo on my 1250GS. I figure it will take me 2-3 separate trips to finish the whole thing. Just picked up my Big Agnes park bag from motocamp nerd and stoked to use it.
good on you man, I just did my 5th solo BDR North Cali. this summer. I talk to myself in the exact same way on the road.. glad to know i'm not the only one thats nuts! That creeping self doubt is a thing and then you decide well there's no other option but to ride out. Trying to lift my Africa twin always scared the crap outta me.. but just gotta take that teaspoon of cement and harden the F*#$ up :)
Nice to see another rider of my size (and possibly weight) I am quite happy with a 411 scram, but it is a right pain to get riding gear that fits. love the channel Dork please keep it going my friend.
Thank really appreciate these and push the small capacity mini adventure bike bandwagon myself. Also They been trialing shipping containers fitted out internally to replace the old loger camper huts. They have solar panels on the roof and small generators, you have to provide fuel.
Dork, Amazing job with the cow puns - you milked those about as far as they could go. Maybe consider lifting that helmet cam up a little higher. I want to see more of the trail and the scene. Keep on riding. Thanks for the great videos!
I did the Nevada BDR in may on a 300l, race tech suspension made all the difference. I surprised quite a few guys on 501's and bigger when I could catch them. Carried an armadillo bag and two full bottles for the section with 220 miles between stops. Love the bike especially after it's modified.
I just did those sections on a 1200 then again on a 525. That sand, moon dust, and cinders are something else. About 1/10 the time on a smaller bike😂 when it comes to smiles per gallon, go for the 250# bike and change your oil in the middle of the BDR.
Nobody reads or replies to my comments so I'm probably safe. First off, I have the greatest admiration for people who have the skillset to adventure on massive machines. My question is -- Why? My 250L is the upper limit of my ability to pick up if I flop over or fall. More than a couple of times and I'm done. Luckily, I have a 1973 Honda CT90. Yes, I only average about 25 mph including lunch and bathroom stops, but I can make Summer Lake Hot Springs in 4-1/2 hours, Dayville in 6 hours, Crane Hot Springs in 7-1/2 hours. I'm far faster than those long-range adventurers on bicycles. Also, no ECM, or kickstand safety switch to fail. I would not attempt Stone House Road with my 250L, but No problem with the CT. Pop the Trany into low range. If I get into trouble, just step off to the side and pick it up. Gangs of people range all over the world on Monkey Bikes. In Asia and Australia, people travel long distances on Honda Cub and trail bike clones. My long-term camping kit weighs 45 to 50 lbs. on stiff grades I can be very slow. Thats why I have a multi speed, dual range transmission. No reason to be in a Hurry out in this country, I can hit almost 50 on the Alvord playa. Ha! life is good.
If you can live on rice, beans, and chicken, why do you put seasoning on it? Or eat other things? Or go out to eat? Why do you drive when you can walk everywhere? Just because it CAN be done with less, doesn't mean there aren't benefits to exceeding the minimums. It's harder to pick up a big bike, and sometimes to maneuver, but almost EVERYTHING else is better on a bigger bike.
@@rugged04270 Well I'll be, somebody actually read and responded to my comment. Thankyou. Well, you are correct, and I will admit the CT90 pretty much sucks unless you are in the back country. It is fun to ride and horse around on. The satisfaction comes when you come up on another rider and help them get back up, or when you are going over a rough section at 15 to 25 mph with 7 horsepower that a 125-horsepower motorcycle can manage at 15 to 25 mph. At 80 years old, rice, beans, and chicken define my limitations, but I'm still out there when I can. Back in the 1970's I had a Honda MR175 Elsinore. It weighed about 200lbs and had gobs of power for that weight. It was not a motorcycle; it was an extension of your body and a pure pleasure to ride to its limit. Ride safe.
Have you tried a 550 Performance ECU on your Rally? I run their "stock 91 octane" program with the OEM exhaust. It really enhances the bike's performance. Plus, the throttle twitch and 5000rpm rattle disappear.
Very informative. The CRF300L is heavy for me, so I'm glad I don't have to pick up something heavier! Just wish it was better on the freeway as it feels a little squirrely to me at speed.
That super fine powdery deep dust in the eastern Oregon sections absolutely kicked my butt last summer. I also made it harder on myself by going out on the OEM DRZ400S tires lol. I learned the hard way why the community calls them "death wings". Planning on going again before this summers up on my new tires.
Maybe consider getting a bike lift... i too was surprised how heavy crf was to lift, and was with very little luggage. BTW the fact you consider riding all that sand amazes me , i dump it as soon as my front wheel touches it! much kudos from a newbie
Ben, I am as you say "Round" as well and ride a heavier bike. I choose to ride alone and I understand the risks but a mediate them to by best abilities. Carry on good sir keep making kick ass content!
Dude you are overthinking just the one incident, even there if you had sat down, planned your pick, you would be just fine. I recovered from a broken back, fractured ribs and two years later, can pick up my bikes no problem. Cheers
Hmmmmmmm.... with a 3" lowering link and a slim seat, I could get a 300L Rally down to like an inch LOWER than my KLR650S. Might be a thing next season. Planning to hit Section 5 sometime between the end of the fires and the start of the snow.
I just did Section 2 of the NEBDR on my CRF300L Rally a few days ago, including the infamous Elevator Shaft which was even worse than usual due to recent regional flooding. I weigh 240, not counting all my gear, and lack of power was not an issue ... lack of skill on the other hand ...😁
![17 DAYS on One Of North America's Most Legendary Routes | WA-OR BDR [E-1]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/R5Etf21a_4c/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks to MotoCamp Nerd for sponsoring this trip!
Here's my motorcycle camping gear list from this video:
(affiliate links)
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Tent: motocampnerd.com/products/big-agnes-copper-spur-hv-ul2-bikepack/?ref=dork
Enlightened Equipment Enigma Down Quilt:
motocampnerd.com/products/enlightened-equipment-enigma-down-quilt-20-/?ref=dork
Sea to Summit EVAC Compression Dry Bag: motocampnerd.com/products/sea-to-summit-evac-compression-dry-bag/?ref=dork
Nemo Tensor All Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad: motocampnerd.com/products/nemo-tensor%E2%84%A2-all-season-ultralight-insulated-sleeping-pad/?ref=dork
Six Moon Designs Packing Pods: motocampnerd.com/products/six-moon-designs-packing-pods-3-pack-large/?ref=dork
Adventure Medical Sportsman 100 Medical Kit: motocampnerd.com/products/adventure-medical-sportsman-100-medical-kit/?ref=dork
Silky Gomboy Curve Saw: motocampnerd.com/products/silky-gomboy-curve-240mm-folding-saw/?ref=dork
Flextail Zero Pump: motocampnerd.com/products/flextail-zero-pump/?ref=dork
UST Parashovel PRO: motocampnerd.com/products/ust-parashovel-pro/?ref=dork
Nemo Fillo Luxury Pillow: motocampnerd.com/products/nemo-fillo-luxury-camping-pillow?ref=dork
Jetboil Flash w/Java Kit: motocampnerd.com/products/jetboil-flash-java-kit?ref=dork
Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow: motocampnerd.com/products/sea-to-summit-aeros-premium-pillow/?ref=dork
Sea to Summit X-Mug Cool Grip: motocampnerd.com/products/sea-to-summit-x-mug-cool-grip?ref=dork
UST Spright Solar Lantern: motocampnerd.com/products/ust-spright-solar-usb-led-lantern?ref=dork
Giant Loop Coyote Saddlebag: www.giantloopmoto.com/product/coyote-saddlebag/?ref=dork
Giant Loop Rogue Dry Bag: www.giantloopmoto.com/product/rogue-dry-bag/?ref=dork
Giant Loop Possibles Pouch: www.giantloopmoto.com/product/possibles-pouch/?ref=dork
Coghlan's Toilet Paper: amzn.to/3hhApRj
Thermacell Mosquito Backpacker Repeller: amzn.to/3Y1PA7I
Bigfoot Bushcraft Mini Survival Fire Starter Kit: bigfoot-bushcraft.com/products/mini-survival-fire-starter-kit/?ref=dork
Olight Perun Mini Headlamp: amzn.to/3Wj1Dfs
Dork, will you do a review of the trail tech set up that you have?
At 67 years old, my new off-road mantra is " don't go any faster than you're willing to crash." I always start out my ride at 16 years old, and end up feeling 86 year's old.
Nice trip, thanks for letting me come along. Maybe I'll do one of these soon-G310 GS, just turned 69. It's time to stop fooling around!
LoL camping by yourself without a fire is about as much fun as being put in timeout and told to think about what you've done!
I find peace in your videos, they reinforce my opinion that adv riding is my style. All that struggle can be exhausting but also refreshing after focusing on work.
Hello fellow Dork. You and I are from the same generation (I just celebrated by 53rd b-day) I just wanted to say thank you for your channel and giving me the courage to broaden my off road 2-wheeled horizons. In recent years I've started spreading my on-road wings with an '85 Honda Goldwing Interstate 1200 but didn't venture off road. But watching your channel has given this old boomer the courage to get dirty. I live not too far from you now but am moving back east soon, otherwise, I'd hunt you down and do some trails with ya. Perhaps I'll start by own channel from the Appalachians. Take care and thanks again.
I think if you're wondering "is this dumb", and you're not hurt, and you're bike isn't destroyed, then you're exactly in that place where adventure takes place and serves your soul!
Yeah, but also where you can wind up in a bad situation VERY quickly.
Thank you for taking us on your adventures! I just gotta wait a little bit longer till I'm done with school before I get my first bike and go on trips. I already go backpacking and love MTB riding so moto camping just seems like a total blast. So until then, I'm glad I can live vicariously through you haha
Bike adventure + overnight camping + good food + wet t-shirt contest = HECK OF A GOOD TIME
I appreciate your honesty. Glad you did not get hurt on your falls. Great scenery.
Thanks for making this video. Truly enjoy your combination of storytelling, humor, humbleness and adventure. Riding is the best activity for the mind and body. Don’t feel that you need to make crazy action packed videos, we watch it for the dork. Cheers!
If Itchy boots can travel around the world on a 300l carrying everything she does, and Ben rocks this BdR on one with all his gear, I’m convinced that trusty Honda can do anything!
🤢
@@trey8367🤨
Except the American Highway near a city!
@@ewetho nobody wants to ride there anyway.
I love this video. I ride solo through Nevada, California, and Oregon, though some of the most remote and un-traveled areas. The problems I've encountered/created have been difficult and challenging, but also provided wonderful, proud moments of accomplishment. Carry a beacon for sure, but also rely on yourself and enjoy the solitude.
As a formally out of shape rider I would encourage you to get your weight under control, it will change your riding experience. I lost 72lbs on a carnivore diet and a combination of cardio and weights. I’m 63 and just finished the Sd BDRx solo. Had to pick up my Tuareg on a rocky uphill. It was a challenge but I was able to do it. I could not have done that two years ago.
Just got done with a 6 week keto stint to prep for the double BDR I’m about to do. Down 40 lbs feelin great ready to rock and roll!
Great work guys, so pleased for you both. I’m leanish and pretty strong but at 57 I don’t want to pick up my VStrom. Okay, I can ride pretty well off road but I wouldn’t take anything over “about”twice my weight, with gear on, on a ride like that. I’m looking at the about to be shown to the world 2025 ktm 390 adventure.
It’s kinda insane to me how people will spend thousands to drop 10kg on a bike but not 6 months to drop 20kg off their waistline. Especially as the latter benefits way more than just your riding! Your knees, heart, and loved ones all benefit when you’re at a healthier weight
I didnt want to be rude because hell hes out riding it, but i lost 50lbs, burning fat while building muscle, and my riding is like 300% better across the board
Gym memberships should come with a 300L to boost motivation.
bro you have totally improved over the last couple years, been cool to watch 🙂
Cool video bro! I live in Sisters and camp in this area very often. In fact, I have a picture of my truck at the same spot you stopped at 16:08. I just got a dual sport that I am currently outfitting to do some moto-camping. Looks like a blast!
10:17 😂 your initial reaction is priceless. Makes me want to stay away from off-roading. Love living thru your vids🙃🫠
Fantastic video. Fantastic riding and terrain. The damn cow puns at the end had roflmao 🤣 Epic Ben. I thank you.
Loved the video. Honda reliability gives encouragement to go it alone. Awesome BDR route makes me wish I didn't live on other side of country. My Rally hasn't disappointed me yet. In fact it never fails to remind me buying it was one of my better decisions. One thing videos can't do is let the viewer feel the physical fatigue that sets in on long off-road rides, picking the bike up a few times, as well as combining effects from weather. Well Done! Peace!
Dude, when you went down in the sand “out of the rut” I swear you knocked it out of gear before you fell. You always track better under power.
Good stuff, Brother .
As always,
An inspiration to all of us Newbie ADV Riders.
If you CAN do it, I Should be able to do it... On my DR650.
LOVE your vids and channel.
Learned a good deal from you that I've incorporated into my riding.
Here in Southern Georgia, we have plenty of sand, clay, and marsh mud (if you're gutsy enough)
As always Thank you and Cheers!
That was a very mooooving conclusion at the end of the video.
I’m a new englander spending a couple of weeks in Grants Pass dealing with my in-laws estate, so I’m just staring at all of these roads and trails around me while my klx250 is 3,000 miles away. I’m living vicariously through you right now, it’s killing me to be here with no way to ride, especially when it’s in the 70s in August! Amazing timing for your ride. (Also, I’ve always wanted to put a Prius body on a Jeep chassis)
I've been overlanding for years and have done the WABDR about 5 times now. It's amazing. I just recently got into dirt bike riding and have been doing exclusively hare scrambles with NMA & NORCS. I decided a couple of weeks ago to try adventure biking over Umtanum Ridge on the BDR. Two things I was surprised by: 1) It's tough to enjoy the scenery when I'm always looking for rocks and ruts, and 2) I end up going faster and faster, almost like I'm doing a hare scramble, and can enjoy the scenery even less. I feel like in my 4WD, I can cruise at 10 mph or so and just enjoy the scenery with the top off or sunroof open.
I wish Moto Camp Nerd shipped to Canada. 😢
Another awesome video, Ben. I thoroughly enjoyed it. 👌
Hope you're enjoying the quilt, I used to never sleep well on backpacking/camping trips regardless of sleeping pad quality but as soon as I started using a qulit instead of a traditional sleeping bag or mummy bag, my quality of sleep increased by a lot. I was very excited when the more comfortable option ended up being lighter and packed smaller as it's usually the opposite.
Friggin epic fun brother 👊 great job on this adventure
I use a anti fog solution designed for scuba goggles, and it last all winter long on my helmet shield. You should just drill a hole in the windshield for a different type of camera mount. Might be worth it for you as a creator. This has been my favorite video all year. I’m loving my Rally more and more the longer I have it. I definitely don’t want to be picking up a heavier bike anymore, I still drop mine as much as you do if not more. You crack me up because I know that you would be saying all the same stuff, even if you didn’t have anyone to talk to... The bird house was actually a wood duck box. Thank you for sharing this video.
Wet helmet face shield + warm breathing inside = fog 😂 I'm adding this to my adventure rider equation sheet for sure!
Nice adventure, thanks for taking me along!
That deeper gravel, mud, and deep powerder dust can be the pits to ride through. The bigger the bike or more top heavy from gear, the worse it is. That also makes it harder to lift it back up. Nice job!
Thanks for another great adventure! A lighter bike is often a better bike when you're riding remote and alone.
One hundred percent off the time unless you are at extremely high altitudes.
Without knowing what I was getting myself into, the very first time I ever rode a dirt bike off-road I took my xr650r to the santiam pass ohv area by big lake. Big learning curve to say the least. Nice video. I do the ORBDR for the first time mid September. I’m stoked to say the least
Great video! Thanks for taking the rally. I’ve got one and as soon as I can afford suspension upgrade and some other small improvements I’m going to do the ORBDR with my dad. (Next summer 🤞🏻)
I always enjoy your videos! I'm in the recliner thinking I should sell the DRZ now that I bought a dirtbike. After watching this video I have to ride the roads I have seen you do before I part with it.
At 69 this year I scared the crap out of myself enough times to quit riding alone...I HOPE! ......maybe I just won't go as deep into the woods....it still beats not riding. Thanks for the great videos!
Thanks, bro. I watched this and realized my 500x wouldn't cut it, because the rims would bend. I'm taking my CRF250 on this section. My hip won't let me ride the bad stuff...it's plastic. Not terribly flexible....but I want to ride the stuff. I enjoyed this video more than the BDR "official video".
Thanks Ben for that amazing adventure, great to see what the Honda CRF 300 L rally does. Beautiful countryside there amazing to see that amount of rain thank you for the great content.
Thanks for sharing this Ben. I bought my 300 rally 2 years ago and it has treated me well. I Have ridden from Chelan WA to the Giant Loop Ride twice and it has handled the Highway just fine but I am a light weight at 150 lb. Great bike in a great video on a great BDR.
Was just in that moondust section two weeks ago while heading to Happy Valley on a loaded XR150L. It was so brutal I headed back out via Todd Lake just to avoid it. BTW, thanks to your advice, I had just purchased some real moto boots and they saved me from serious injury. Thank you for what you do.
Do you ever go back and watch some of your very first posted videos and realize how far your confidence and riding ability have come in a relatively short amount of time?? There is no way that past you would have ever tackled a route such as this... let alone SOLO. Nice work and keep it up!!
It is refreshing to see how much less terrified I am these days ;)
"Inspire and Empower" You have certainly done that for me, so used to only riding back and fourth to work and now I camp off the back of my bike, summer/winter rain/sun
And I know that the gear you recommend will help me. I made the mistake of following the trends of stick people and finding out I am too tall/hefty for them to work for me.
And seeing you do BDRs, Dirt Trails or camp outs means I have no excuse to not do it myself. Thank you!
Even fired up my own insta to record my journeys.
Thank you for being my internet riding buddy!
Ben , I enjoyed the heck out of this video. Thanks for the knowledge and even more laughs
Looks like a blast. I think I will have to get a bike soon! Thanks Camp Nerd for sponsoring the motivating adventure!
Trees and sand in Oregon. You picked a great bike to do it on. Like the pillow review. Love my Nemo Fillo Pillow
Great ride.....and a couple more cow jokes......I went under one in a field and it didn't utter a sound....now I herd em all.😁😁 Garth
I loved that giant loop bag. Used it on my KTM 450 and loved it. Glad you enjoyed our backyard BDR routes man I love this state!
I’ve been following your journeys and it’s been a huge inspiration for me to fulfill the dream of doing my own solo trips. I appreciate your openness about physical struggles. As a fellow large man I’d like to encourage you to make your fitness a priority. I know it sucks but hitting the gym with the same commitment you give to your riding you’ll notice a huge improvement. I recommend the stairmaster for general cardio then squats, planks and general upper body. It will make lifting the bike easier and help avoid gassing out. Anyways keep up the great work and adventures am glad you’re living your best life!
Love yout commentary and honestly. Very entertaining!! Keep safe
Yea Ben! You are a national treasure and an inspiration. "Adventure is what you find on the other side of discomfort and uncertainty.".(Did you make that up or steal it from Hemingway?) On behalf or all of the over weight out of shape adv riders, thank you.
Yeah, inconvenience, not uncertainty, but they both work.
I’m going to borrow that phrase.
@ 10:22, nice shot of your twig and berries😂. On with the show...That was a fun ride and one day I will make it up there to ride that BDR. I'm doing the BDR's that are closest to Texas first. I'm relative new to dirt, I started in 2020 and got hooked BIG TIME. You mentioned at one point, "It's only 60 miles". I learned on my first BDR that 60 miles can actually take all day for the inexperienced off road rider. Not that it was too challenging, I was going more cautious because I was solo riding the NMBDR and I was a bit overloaded. Thank you for all the information and intertainment you have provided over the years.
You were riding pretty fast. You handled the drops well and I’m glad you are okay but don’t want you to get hurt. Nothing wrong with slowing it down a bit, especially when solo.
Ok now do that again on the 790 just because. 👍 another great ride.
I like how you take the bull by the horns and just moo it. Thanks for the honest video. Very funny also.
Wow.. great video Ben.. I usually watch on the TV but I took the time to swap over to my iPad to comment.. as one old fat guy to another, you are an inspiration. In fact, after finishing this comment I am taking the Africa twin out for a ride at lunch.l, also loved your videos from Canada.. I am on the other side of Canada but would love to get out to BC on the bike after watching your videos..although not doing that stuff on the twin.. lol..
In any case, keep it up Ben.. just great stuff!
I'm planning on doing the Utah BDR on my Rally next year and this video has me STOKED!!! Thanks for the inspiration.
First, you are not old. You are older than you were yesterday and that is it. What is stopping from getting into better shape? Thanks for your videos - I bought one of the inflators (3 actually) from an earlier vid and your review was right on - good stuff. Good luck on the BDR!
Great video. I did the idaho bdr this year (highly recommend), and i want to do oregon next year. Probably solo on my 890r.
Dude I think you did great and that bike is great. My loved ones have a bad habit of tearing themselves down at the first sign of adversity. Everyone is on a different journey but I hope you know you dont have to do that. I have ridden since I was 5 years old ive crossed ruts and ate sand a million times. You are doing great dont beat yourself up.
awesome video, I do bicycle trips mix of road and off road and landed here looking to start doing motorcycle trips. really great videos, already learned I was looking at WAY too big, powerful and heavy bikes for a newish rider (its been 20 years since I really rode other than a 250 dirt bike from time to time). my long bicycle trips are in the hottest month of the summer and also don't do well so well sleeping in the heat. A camping hammock was the answer, soooooo much cooler and comfortable than a tent. A hammock , decent tarp, and rigging are tiny... hammocks get a bit bulky in the cooler months with all the extra insulation but for warm summer night they rock as long as you know you will have trees to use. *hammock, tarp, line, stakes, suspension would all easily fit a compression sack smaller than what you have your top quilt in (maybe about half the size of your tent bag) once the temps dip down to 50 or lower then I am back to a tent and pad due to size and weight vs hammock and the extra quilts needed when hanging on the open air. Super helpful videos, the little 300 is looking good other than the fact I am 6'2" and looks really compact and at 200lbs I will be needed new suspension.
Thank you Ben! You are awesome.
Congrats on this first solo BDR multi day trip! Smart choice of bike for a solo trip! Lighter is better, even if that means going slower on the highway sections. It has been very entertaining and very interesting to watch your riding skill level and your decision-making skills progress. Thanks for sharing yet another great BDR / motocamping video! Best regards from Brasilia, Brazil.
Me and a buddy did the section outside of Sisters. However the temps were in the high 90's. The sandy whoops sucked A$$. Fully loaded was a challenge. But we now have stories to tell for a long time, the benefit of a difficult ride
I appreciate your efforts! The BDR organization has made some routes that are not at all big bike friendly and therefore have seriously limited the opportunities for the many of us who only have or can afford one bike and it happens to be a big one. They have focused on making these routes too appealing to expert riders on light bikes.
Really enjoyed this man. Your encouragement has me looking at smaller bikes... this is all in my backyard also. 1250GS would be a challenge solo...
I enjoy the MotoCamp Nerd sponsored videos. Suggestion: add price. For me, talking about a piece of equipment with no price lacks context. I know, I could look it up myself, but it is a sponsored video. Stating or showing price on screen would be really helpful. Also, a series in which you do several trips outfitted at several camping setup price points would be great.
I dig your channel, man. My opinion: the 300L is a perfect bike for the OR BDR. You want as lightweight a dual sport as possible while considering your gear and highway stretches. I think the 300L would be a great choice for a thru-trip. I used to live outside Sunriver and moto-camped all over that area on my TW200. I'm a little further North now but still try to get back there as often as I can. Beautiful area and great people!
Also....everybody falls on a long ride through terrain like that, so keep your head up bud. You just go into it expecting to fall. I used to see guys on 125's when I lived out there. Something to that mentality.
I'm in process of planning my first BDR attempt in Arizona. I'll be skipping the first section due to the sand. I'm going solo on my 1250GS. I figure it will take me 2-3 separate trips to finish the whole thing. Just picked up my Big Agnes park bag from motocamp nerd and stoked to use it.
Fun! I miss Travis and Tim
I feel your pain with the sand. Where I live, it's nothing but sugar sand. Great video! You sold me on crash bars.🤙
Congrats on the trip - seeing that moon dust close-up on section 4 sadly sure did look familiar to me 😮
Adventurous ride, that's for sure. Just something cool about being in the wilderness too. Nice Vid Ben.
good on you man, I just did my 5th solo BDR North Cali. this summer. I talk to myself in the exact same way on the road.. glad to know i'm not the only one thats nuts! That creeping self doubt is a thing and then you decide well there's no other option but to ride out. Trying to lift my Africa twin always scared the crap outta me.. but just gotta take that teaspoon of cement and harden the F*#$ up :)
Nice to see another rider of my size (and possibly weight) I am quite happy with a 411 scram, but it is a right pain to get riding gear that fits. love the channel Dork please keep it going my friend.
Thank really appreciate these and push the small capacity mini adventure bike bandwagon myself. Also They been trialing shipping containers fitted out internally to replace the old loger camper huts. They have solar panels on the roof and small generators, you have to provide fuel.
Dork, Amazing job with the cow puns - you milked those about as far as they could go. Maybe consider lifting that helmet cam up a little higher. I want to see more of the trail and the scene. Keep on riding. Thanks for the great videos!
I did the Nevada BDR in may on a 300l, race tech suspension made all the difference. I surprised quite a few guys on 501's and bigger when I could catch them. Carried an armadillo bag and two full bottles for the section with 220 miles between stops. Love the bike especially after it's modified.
The ski inn is a favorite of mine as well. You can't beat the brisket sandwich!😊
Love seeing 'little' bikes doing 'big' bike things.
Too funny; "make sure you are on the right side of the gate when you close it". Yea, I laughed out loud.
I just did those sections on a 1200 then again on a 525. That sand, moon dust, and cinders are something else. About 1/10 the time on a smaller bike😂 when it comes to smiles per gallon, go for the 250# bike and change your oil in the middle of the BDR.
Nobody reads or replies to my comments so I'm probably safe. First off, I have the greatest admiration for people who have the skillset to adventure on massive machines. My question is -- Why? My 250L is the upper limit of my ability to pick up if I flop over or fall. More than a couple of times and I'm done. Luckily, I have a 1973 Honda CT90. Yes, I only average about 25 mph including lunch and bathroom stops, but I can make Summer Lake Hot Springs in 4-1/2 hours, Dayville in 6 hours, Crane Hot Springs in 7-1/2 hours. I'm far faster than those long-range adventurers on bicycles. Also, no ECM, or kickstand safety switch to fail. I would not attempt Stone House Road with my 250L, but No problem with the CT. Pop the Trany into low range. If I get into trouble, just step off to the side and pick it up. Gangs of people range all over the world on Monkey Bikes. In Asia and Australia, people travel long distances on Honda Cub and trail bike clones. My long-term camping kit weighs 45 to 50 lbs. on stiff grades I can be very slow. Thats why I have a multi speed, dual range transmission. No reason to be in a Hurry out in this country, I can hit almost 50 on the Alvord playa. Ha! life is good.
If you can live on rice, beans, and chicken, why do you put seasoning on it? Or eat other things? Or go out to eat?
Why do you drive when you can walk everywhere?
Just because it CAN be done with less, doesn't mean there aren't benefits to exceeding the minimums.
It's harder to pick up a big bike, and sometimes to maneuver, but almost EVERYTHING else is better on a bigger bike.
@@rugged04270 Well I'll be, somebody actually read and responded to my comment. Thankyou. Well, you are correct, and I will admit the CT90 pretty much sucks unless you are in the back country. It is fun to ride and horse around on. The satisfaction comes when you come up on another rider and help them get back up, or when you are going over a rough section at 15 to 25 mph with 7 horsepower that a 125-horsepower motorcycle can manage at 15 to 25 mph. At 80 years old, rice, beans, and chicken define my limitations, but I'm still out there when I can. Back in the 1970's I had a Honda MR175 Elsinore. It weighed about 200lbs and had gobs of power for that weight. It was not a motorcycle; it was an extension of your body and a pure pleasure to ride to its limit. Ride safe.
Have you tried a 550 Performance ECU on your Rally? I run their "stock 91 octane" program with the OEM exhaust. It really enhances the bike's performance. Plus, the throttle twitch and 5000rpm rattle disappear.
Ben SkyWater...the new moniker.........great insight into the solo BDR and the challenges
The Best video in a long time! Thanks for sharing!!! 1:03:40
Love that my brother
I am from Bend oregon and want to buy my first klr650. You just inspired me to find and explore that cave. Cheers mate. Whoot whoot
Hell yeah dude
Very informative.
The CRF300L is heavy for me, so I'm glad I don't have to pick up something heavier! Just wish it was better on the freeway as it feels a little squirrely to me at speed.
That super fine powdery deep dust in the eastern Oregon sections absolutely kicked my butt last summer. I also made it harder on myself by going out on the OEM DRZ400S tires lol. I learned the hard way why the community calls them "death wings". Planning on going again before this summers up on my new tires.
Maybe consider getting a bike lift... i too was surprised how heavy crf was to lift, and was with very little luggage. BTW the fact you consider riding all that sand amazes me , i dump it as soon as my front wheel touches it! much kudos from a newbie
By far my favorite parts of the Oregon BDR. Running them solo takes a slightly different consideration for risk and personal ability.
Yeah I definitely wouldn't have tackled this by myself if I didn't know the area so well. Not quite that confident in my riding skills, honestly.
@@DorkintheRoadfrom watching your videos the last 2 years Ive been able to tell how much better you have become.
Great video!
Ben, I am as you say "Round" as well and ride a heavier bike. I choose to ride alone and I understand the risks but a mediate them to by best abilities. Carry on good sir keep making kick ass content!
Excellent!
Dude you are overthinking just the one incident, even there if you had sat down, planned your pick, you would be just fine. I recovered from a broken back, fractured ribs and two years later, can pick up my bikes no problem. Cheers
On the plus side, the windscreen stayed on. 😀
Awesome trip!
I replaced the stock hardware and added some nuts to the back. It's not going anywhere now.
@@DorkintheRoaddid you remember to smack it twice and say the thing? Only way to be sure..
Nice ride Dork.
Not dumb dude! You’re doin it and others are just thinking about doin it.
Hmmmmmmm.... with a 3" lowering link and a slim seat, I could get a 300L Rally down to like an inch LOWER than my KLR650S.
Might be a thing next season. Planning to hit Section 5 sometime between the end of the fires and the start of the snow.
"Running down my belly" HAHAHAHAHAHA - We've all been there, done that...
Those cow puns were utterly amoooozing…
Don't you mean udderly?
Bovine intervention lol
I just did Section 2 of the NEBDR on my CRF300L Rally a few days ago, including the infamous Elevator Shaft which was even worse than usual due to recent regional flooding. I weigh 240, not counting all my gear, and lack of power was not an issue ... lack of skill on the other hand ...😁