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About the BDR Military Vets Program

BDR is about people – bringing riders together to explore the backcountry, share adventures, and build lasting friendships.

On Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, Backcountry Discovery Routes is launching the BDR Military Veterans Program, a new initiative created to honor and celebrate U.S. military veterans who ride.

The program was inspired by BDR Ambassadors and volunteers who are veterans themselves. Having experienced firsthand the healing power of BDR adventures, they wanted to create a dedicated community within BDR where fellow veterans can connect, share stories, and continue the sense of camaraderie that service life builds.

This program is about more than riding. It’s about connection, support, and rediscovering the joy that comes from exploring new terrain together. Whether you’ve been riding adventure bikes for years or are just beginning to transition from street to dirt, this community welcomes you. The BDR Veterans Program is your place to find others who understand where you’ve been and share your passion for where the road, or trail, leads next.

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How to get involved

  • Join the Mailing List
    Sign up for the BDR Military Veterans Program mailing list to be the first to know about meetings, riding opportunities, and BDR news for the veterans community.
  • Add Your Pin to the BDR Military Vets Map
    When you fill out the mailing list form, you can choose to be added to our Veterans Map — a private, members-only map that helps you see and connect with other veterans in your area. Use it to reach out, plan rides, and build your local network. This map is not public; it’s only accessible to verified veterans in the program.
  • Connect on the BDR Military Vets Facebook Group Page
    Meet other veteran riders, share your experiences, ask questions, post photos of your rides, and organize group rides. This page is moderated by BDR Ambassadors who are also veterans.
  • Participate in Quarterly Zoom Calls
    Join virtual calls hosted by the BDR Veterans Committee — a group of dedicated Ambassadors who are veterans. These sessions provide BDR updates, opportunities to ask questions, share feedback, and connect with the community.
  • Share Your Story
    We want to hear from you! Share your riding experience, photos, or even short videos for a chance to be featured in BDR newsletters , social media, or the BDR Annual Film Festival.
  • Support BDR
    If you enjoyed BDR routes and want to support our work, there are two ways to donate:

    1. Make a tax-deductible donation – Choose a one-time or recurring donation to help us continue creating and preserving adventure routes across the country.
    2. Join the BDR Annual Supporter Program – Gain access to exclusive discounts, benefits, and community perks while directly supporting BDR’s mission.
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“I love riding Adventure motorcycles, on the Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR) and now, adding riding with other veterans!  Some of my best memories, since retiring from the Army, are riding BDRs with folks, as a BDR Ambassador; the wind therapy, having the opportunity to see the best of our country and supporting local businesses with gas and food purchases.  It’s natural for folks to have a group of friends to ride with and sometimes can be challenging expanding our riding universe; “is this a group of folks I’ll get along with and have a common vocabulary?  Will I enjoy the ride with this group? Will I slow them down? Will they slow me down? When I go to new towns, I stop in the VFW or American Legion to meet other veterans.  I’m thankful to Backcountry Discovery Routes for creating a space for Veterans to link up, ride and discuss riding.  The BDR Military Vets program combines two great groups.”

“The camaraderie and bonds formed through ADV and Dual Sport motorcycles is reminiscent of my time in team sports and especially my time serving in the Air Force. Team building is baked into the art of ADV. The rugged terrain provides adversity and when you work together to help drag bikes through the mud it forms those same bonds, which lock in when you are sitting around the campfire laughing and busting each others’ chops. The ADV and Dual Sport community is a welcoming and friendly bunch, and the best way to enjoy motorcycling and nature.”

“As a BDR Ambassador and Marine Corps veteran, I’m proud to support the BDR Military Vets Outreach Program, which helps veterans find community and purpose through adventure riding. Veterans answered the call to serve our country; now let’s embrace the freedom and land we fought for and experience our country’s beauty. If you’re a veteran or active-duty service member looking to connect with like-minded riders and experience the freedom of the backcountry, join us and be part of something meaningful.”

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BDR Military Veterans Committee

These BDR Ambassadors proudly serve on the BDR Military Veterans Committee, representing the veteran riding community and helping guide the program’s growth.

MARC AXELBERG

MARC AXELBERG

Program Chair

Colonel, Infantry (Retired)
28 years US Army
(Carlisle, PA)

CHAD WARNER

CHAD WARNER

United States Marine Corps
(Lewiston, ME)

KANE WAGNER

KANE WAGNER

Air Force
(Youngstown, OH)

JOVANI ROA

JOVANI ROA

United States Marine Corps
(Pingree Grove, IL)

TIM GETTIER

TIM GETTIER

US Army
(Copper Hill, VA)

MARK PLANK

MARK PLANK

Colonel, US Army Reserve (Retired)
(Temple, TX)

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