BDR Ambassadors
BDR Ambassadors are dedicated volunteers that donate their time, energy and expertise to the organization. They help scout new routes, maintain existing routes and aid when re-routes are required. Ambassadors are the “face” of BDR offering guidance to riders whether out on the route or in the community. They assist with fundraising efforts, manage film screenings and rise to the challenge when special projects are requested.
As a 501c(3) non-profit organization, BDR relies heavily on the generosity of our volunteers to help deliver on our mission of developing and preserving off-highway riding opportunities for adventure and dual-sport motorcycle travel.
Volunteer Opportunities for BDR Ambassadors
1. Local Route Representatives
Goals/Opportunities:
- Become a specialist in at least one BDR route.
- Help with route scouting and reroutes.
- Answer route questions.
- Help create and curate a list of route lodging and food options.
- Work with local businesses to promote BDR and award the “BDR Business Supporter” sticker to businesses that serve BDR riders.
- Recommend local businesses for Resources Listings (training, touring, rental companies, dealers, etc).
2. Movie Premieres & Dealer Relations
Goals/Opportunities:
- Help organize movie premieres.
- Talk to at least 3 local dealers about movie events.
- Organize at least 1 movie theatre event.
- Recruit volunteers to help staff the event.
- Work with local dealers and encourage them to stock BDR merchandise (dvds, maps, stickers, etc).
3. Community Outreach & Education
Goals/Opportunities:
- Organize or attend at least 2 events a year (trade shows, classes, presentations, etc).
- Volunteer at BDR events.
- Moderate BDR Facebook Groups
- Teach BDR classes and clinics.
- Organize and lead BDR presentations.
- Lead Women’s specific outreach.
Benefits to Ambassadors
- Have the satisfaction of being a part of the BDR organization and participating in planning its future.
- Receive a special Ambassador t-shirt, sticker, patch.
- Ambassador’s Name/Headshot /Bio listed on the the website.
- Networking – gain new friends and contacts in the industry, and share your passion for BDR and the adv lifestyle.
Who Can Become an Ambassador
Individuals shall meet the following criteria to be considered for the BDR Ambassadorship:
- Be a Seasoned ADV’er.
- Be a current BDR Supporter (at any level).
- Have ridden at least two of the BDRs.
- Have passion for the BDR mission.
- Can commit to at least 20 hours a year as a volunteer for BDR.
- Be a Team Player and Collaborative Spirit.
- Bring about diversity to the Ambassadors group.
How to Become an Ambassador
- Interested individuals can join the BDR Ambassadors Program throughout the year by filling out the Ambassador Application Form.
- Individuals will be notified of their inclusion in the Program shortly after submitting the application (please allow a few weeks).
- Ambassadors can opt in/out of the Program on an annual basis.
BDR Ambassadors
Nathan Fant
Location: Gresham, OR
BDRs Completed: WABDR, CABDR, UTBDR, ORBDR
Bikes:KTM 500 EXC & KTM 790 Adventure R
About: Nathan is one of the longest standing and beloved BDR Ambassadors. In the past, he helped out as BDR’s Routes Manager, and is currently serving on the BDR Routes Development Committee. Nathan is the co-architect of the ORBDR, is contributing to the development of the CABDR-North, and occasionally lends his talent as videographer and photographer for BDR projects.
Tracy Jeffries
Location: Kirkland, WA
BDRs Completed: WABDR, NVBDR, IDBDR
Bikes: BMW 1200 GS Rallyee, BMW G650 XChallenge and KTM 350
About: Tracy is the true champion of the local ADV scene. Tracy has volunteered for BDR since the founding of the organization in 2010. An ADV instructor and an industry insider, Tracy has inspired men and women to be better dirt riders, and has helped foster many relationships in the local ADV community. Tracy is an advocate for women joining the ADV community.
Juddy Arnold
Location: Carlsbad, CA
BDRs Completed: UTBDR, NVBDR, CABDR South, multiple sections of COBDR and AZBDR
Bikes: ’22 KTM 890 Adventure R, ’18 KTM 500 EXC-F, ’94 Suzuki DR350SE, ’77 Yamaha XT500, ’09 Suzuki TU250X, ’05 & ’03 Yamaha R1, ’82 Suzuki GS1100E, ’75 Honda CB400F
About: As one of BDR’s longest-serving Ambassadors, Juddy enthusiastically works to expose more people to adventure riding and the freedom, wonder, and possibility it inspires. He has been the Trail Master/Host for multiple adventure rallies, including the 2019 BDR Desert Ride Fundraiser. He also promotes Backcountry Discovery Routes through his professional relationships within the motorcycle industry, and runs a private club for adventure riders based in California.
Kane D. Wagner
Location: Youngstown, OH
BDRs Completed: MABDR; sections of AZBDR, UTBDR, & COBDR
Bikes: 2021 Yamaha Tenere 700, 2012 Husqvarna TE310, 1974 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead
About: Kane has always had a passion for adventure and the outdoors and when he purchased his first motorbike in 2012, he was hooked.
Cody Mccallister
Location: Sandy, UT
BDRs Completed: Parts of IDBDR, UTBDR and AZBDR
Bikes: 2018 Husqvarna 701 enduro, 2018 KTM 300 xcw
About: Cody started riding dirt bikes at age 42 and soon found himself entering in desert and enduro races as well as following friends in some “hard enduro” trail riding.
Wiel Penders
Location: Leavenworth, WA
BDRs Completed: WABDR, IDBDR, AZBDR, UTBDR, COBDR, parts of CABDR
Bikes: BMW 1200 GSA w/Sidecar, BMW R1200 Urban GS, Yamaha T700, BMW G310GS
About: Wiel got hooked on riding at age 4 doing laps on a little 2-stroke in Spa, Belgium.
Bryan Pullen
Location: Harrison, ME
BDRs Completed:COBDR, UTBDR, AZBDR, NMBDR, MABDR, NVBDR, WYBDR, IDBDR, NEBDR (development team member)
Bikes: KTM 350 XC-F, KTM 950 SE, KTM 950 SM, KTM 1290R, BMW R1200GS, Aprilia RSV4 1100
About: Bryan has 57 years experience riding motorcycles, progressing from motocross racing as a teenager, through sport bikes to the adventure bikes he now rides.
Trevor Morton
Location: Sacramento, CA
BDRs Completed: UTBDR, COBDR
Bikes: KTM 1190 ADV R
About: Trevor is a prolific traveler, amateur photographer and passionate adventurer.
Neil Taylor
Location: Durango, CO
BDRs Completed: All
Bikes: BMW R1250GS HP, BMW R1200GS Rallye, KTM 450 EXC
About: Neil is the CEO & Founder of Backcountry Expeditions, one of BDRs Preferred Tour Partners & Sponsors. He is a retired British Special Forces Veteran with over 23 year’s experience in expeditionary planning and ADV motorcycle instruction.
Douglas French
Location: Sedona, AZ
BDRs Completed: AZBDR, IDBDR, NMBDR & COBDR
Bikes: BMW 1200GSA, R NineT Scrambler
About: Douglas grew up racing motorcycles.
Kristina Fant
Location: Gresham, OR
BDRs Completed: CABDR, WABDR, and parts of UTBDR
Bikes: KTM 690, Beta trainer
About: Kris Fant enjoys all things motorcycling and volunteering. An opportunity to do both at the same time for the BDR organization is a dream come true!
When she is not working her day job as
Andrew Phillips
Location: Nottingham, NH
BDRs Completed:MABDR, NEBDR, and COBDR
Bikes: BMW R1200GSA, BMW F650GS Dakar
About: Andrew Phillips has been riding motorcycles for more than 35 years—including nimble dirt bikes on wooded paths, vintage racing, hill climbs, and long excursions on GSAs.
Eric Milano
Location: Burlington, VT
BDRs Completed: AZBDR, NMBDR, UTBDR
Bikes: Beta 500, Honda XR400, BMW GS
About: Born in NYC, Eric now resides in Burlington, VT and is the owner of MotoVermont.
Victoria Zandonella
Location: Bridgewater, CT
BDRs Completed: MABDR, Scout on NEBDR
Bikes: Yamaha XT250, BMW F650gs
About: Victoria has been riding off-road since age 10 with an undying passion for the road less traveled.
Todd Polonsky
Location: Neversink, NY
BDRs Completed: MABDR, NEBDR, UTBDR, IDBDR,
parts of, AZBDR, WABDR, COBDR, NMBDR
Bikes:KTM 500 EXC-F, KTM 790 R, Electric Motion Trials Bike
About: Todd started riding dirt bikes at the age of 8. He is a lifetime member of the AMA and has ridden Enduros on a competitive level.
Jill Oliver
Location: Snohomish, WA
BDRs Completed: WABDR, IDBDR, UTBDR, NMBDR
Bikes: KTM 1190, KTM 350 EXC
About: Jill loves the spirit of the BDR organization, and credits it with giving her the tools and network to make adventure motorcycling a reality.
Tim Gettier
Location: Wirtz, VA
BDRs Completed:COBDR
Bikes: R1200GSA
About: Tim was first introduced to Dual sport / Single track travel in 2008.
Robert Reger
Location: Boulder, CO
BDRs Completed: COBDR, UTBDR, NVBDR, IDBDR, AZBDR
Bikes: Yamaha WR25OR, Yamaha Tenere 700, Yamaha WR450F
About: Roger strongly believes in the BDR organization and its mission.
Jack O’Connor
Location: Pt. Pleasant, NJ
BDRs Completed: COBDR
Bikes: Husky TR 650
About: Jack runs the Pine Barrens Adventure Camp Riding School, an adventure motorcycle touring and training company on the east coast.
Shalmarie Wilson
Location: WA
BDRs Completed: AZBDR, COBDR, WABDR, IDBDR, NMBDR
Bikes: BMW F650 GS, Honda 250X
About: Shalmarie holds the record for most BDR’s ridden in a single year.
Roger Pattison
Location: Elephant Butte, NM
BDRs Completed: NMBDR
Bikes: KTM 790R, KTM 350EXC, KTM eFreeride, BMW K1600 GTL, Honda CT110
About: Roger is an avid ADV rider and has an enormous passion for his state of New Mexico.
Mark Plank
Location: Temple, TX
BDRs Completed: IDBDR
Bikes: Suzuki DR 650SE, Kawasaki KLX250, KTM 300 XCW
About: Mark is retired military and has a background in law enforcement.
Clark Denny
Location: Morrison, CO
BDRs Completed: COBDR, UTBDR, IDBDR
Bikes: Triumph 800XC, KTM 350 EXC, Polaris RZR 1000
About: Clark started riding when he was 9 and jumped into motocross racing in his teens.
John Ciribassi
Location: Carol Stream, IL
BDRs Completed: MABDR, COBDR, AZBDR, NEBDR, CABDR
Bikes: KTM EXC350F, KTM 1090 Adventure R
John is the owner of Motoride Tours
About: John has been riding since he was in grade school, riding mostly motocross (Yamaha YZ 125 and CZ 250).
Odessa Winter
Location: Washington, DC 20003
BDRs Completed: MABDR, NEBDR
Bikes: KTM 790 Adventure
About: After an ill-fated first ride at nine years old, Odessa put riding on pause until the ripe old age of 29.
Scott Lovern
Location: Buford, GA
BDRs Completed: Parts of CABDR and COBDR
Bikes: R1200GSA
About: Scott started riding on his grandparent’s property on a TK70, and then progressed to a 250 and rode as much as he could.
Jeff Drawe
Location: Meridian, ID
BDRs Completed:Idaho x 2
Bikes:2015 KTM 1190 ADV R, 2019 KTM 300 XC-W TPI Six Days
About: Jeff is a 20 year military veteran on the cusp of retirement. With over a decade of ADV and Enduro experience in the Idaho back country, Jeff wanted to
Craig Palen
Location: Middletown, MD
BDRs Completed: MABDR
Bikes: 2014 Suzuki Vstrom 1000, 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 500
About: Craig has been riding off/on road and racing for the past 50+ years. First in the very rural area of the southern tip of Michigan
Erica Carrell
Location: Chattanooga, TN
BDRs Completed: MABDR
Bikes: BMW F800GS, Honda CRF250L
About: Erica firmly believes in the BDR’s mission and is excited to be a part of the team! She is eager to help and encourage all riders, especially women who may initially be intimidated by the sport.
Matt Manuel
Location: Surrey, BC
BDRs Completed: Oregon
Bikes:2018 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R
About: Matt has been riding adventure bikes for the past 20 years and loves exploring anywhere with anyone. An advocate of riding in general, and especially adventure riding, he helps organize local rides for all skill levels and
Devon Pelkie
Location: Bellingham, WA
BDRs Completed: WABDR x3, IDBDR x 2, MABDR, AZBDR, NMBDR, UTBDR
Bikes: KTM 790 ADV-R, Husky 701 LR, Husky FE350
About: Devon began motorcycling 13 yrs ago, multiple trips thru PNW, BC, Vancouver Island. Last years retirement trip took him to Newfoundland, enjoying MABDR along the way.
Operator of thetooltube.com since 2009, offering adv moto accessories worldwide to like minded travelers.
Cameron Smith
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
BDRs Completed: UTBDR, IDBDR, NVBDR
Bikes: Ducati Multistrada, KLR 650
About: Cameron started riding at the age of 12 and has been hooked ever since. Coming from a family of desert racers in Southern California, off pavement riding is
Kirk Lakeman
Location: Dawsonville, GA
BDRs Completed: MABDR, NEBDR, WYBDR, COBDR, and sections of other routes
Bikes:KTM 790R, KTM 350 XCF, KTM Freeride E-XC
About: In over 40 years of riding (trail riding, racing off-road, adventure bike riding) I have gained considerable off-road and
Chris Cawein
Location: Moscow, TN
BDRs Completed: UT, CO, ID
Bikes: 2016 BMW R1200 GS, 2020 KTM Six Days EXC500, 2008 KLR 650
About: Chris recently retired after 35 years at FedEx. He held various positions in management and project management. A lifelong
Robert Pack
Location: Johnson City, TN
BDRs Completed: MABDR and NEBDR; just finished riding the MABDR + NEBDR back to back July 11-24 2020; previously rode the MABDR in 2018.
Bikes: KTM 790 R & Husqvarna 701 enduro
About: Rob Pack rides ADV bikes as often as possible, preferring long, multi-day adventure routes with good friends and challenging terrain.
Johnathan Langley
Location: Gilbert, AZ
BDRs Completed: NMBDR, AZBDR, IDBDR, WABDR, COBDR, CABDR, NVBDR
Bikes: BMW GS1200 Rallye, KTM790 Adventure R, Husqvarna TE300, KTM 500 EXC, KTM 1190 Adventure R
About: I’m a lifelong lover of motorcycles and traveling. After spending 25 years in the powersports industry, I’m now splitting my time between the Canadian Rockies and the Sonoran Desert, riding everywhere and everything in-between.
Tom Nagle
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
BDRs Completed:NEBDR, Many sections of COBDR & UTBDR
Bikes: KTM 1090R, KTM 500EXC, KTM 450 EX-F, Kawasaki KLR650, BMW K1200RS, Triumph Trophy Sport
About: For Tom, motorcycles have absolutely been positively life changing with 33+ years of touring, guiding, off-road racing, and training.
Marc Axelberg
Location: Carlisle, PA
BDRs Completed: MABDR
Bikes: 2020 Africa Twin Adventure Sports
About: Marc has been riding since a young person- with breaks for life events that we all experience.
Wendy Naessens
Location: Greer, SC
BDRs Completed: WYBDR, MABDR, and sections of NEBDR
Bikes: ‘06 KTM 200EXC, ‘75 Honda CB200, 2016 Kawasaki KLX125
About: As a young girl Wendy Naessens cruised on the back of her father’s Honda in Honolulu, Hawaii, and as a grown up, she mastered clutch control in Chicago’s big city traffic on her 1975 CB200.
Kyle Cooper
Location: Worley, ID
BDRs Completed: WABDR, IDBDR, CABDR, UTBDR, AZBDR, NVBDR
Bikes: Honda Africa Twin, CRF 450X, TW200
About: Kyle got into ADV riding after returning from a deployment and moving to Oregon back in 2006.
Greg Skarvelis
Location: Redmond, OR
BDRs Completed:CABDR, WABDR and IDBDR
Bikes: KTM 690 Enduro and Tenere 700
About: Greg has been an avid motorcyde rider since the age of 16 when he picked up his first motorcycle, a Honda CB750.
Kyrie Eppley
Location: Corbett, OR
BDRs Completed: WABDR, COBDR and IDBDR
Bikes: KTM 690r, KTM 350EXC-f, Husqvarna 300TE, Beta 200 Trials bike
About: Kyrie dabbled in riding dirt bikes in the desert of Arizona with her Dad and brother as a young girl.
Jose Real
Location: Fort Meade, MD
BDRs Completed: NEBDR, MABDR, WYBDR, & COBDR
Bikes: DCT Africa Twin, Tiger 800 XCA
About: Jose began riding in the Mojave Trail in California before joining the Army.
Jim Blias
Location: Chesterfield, VA
BDRs Completed: MABDR, NEBDR, IDBDR, COBDR, WYBDR, WABDR & PABDR-X
Bikes: Yamaha T700
About: After a career in the financial service sector for a major motorcycle company and then as an owner/operator of a dealership, retirement is Jim’s next career!
Chris Bronstorp
Location: Albuquerque, NM
BDRs Completed: NMBDR, UTBDR, CABDR, AZBDR, COBDR
Bikes: BMW R1250GS
About: Chris Bronstorp is a man that isn’t afraid to get his hands a little dirty. Having a degree in fine arts in sculpture and trained as a diesel mechanic, there was no question whether he’d take his motorcycle off-road.
Chip McMann
Location: Lebanon, IN
BDRs Completed: WY, MA, NM, AZx2, UT, NV, ID, COx6, WA
Bikes: KTM 1290 SAR, KTM 1190 Adventure-R, KTM 500 EXC-F, KTM 300 XCW
About: Chip is an adventurer at heart and motorcycles are his method of travel. He enjoys seeing the world and meeting new people and find that motorcycles are a great facilitator of both.
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