Riding above your ability increases your risk of crashing and in turn the potential need for remote medical care and and/or extraction. Beyond the potential injury to yourself, this added stress on local EMS and SAR resources can put sections of BDR routes at risk of closure.
The goal of riding a BDR is to complete the route safely and successfully and to go on to ride more BDRs.
Following a few simple guidelines can help accomplish that..
BDRs are designed to be aspirational and challenging yourself is part of the experience. Optional advanced and expert sections are not for every rider. Only you should decide if they are right for you. And remember, you can always turn around if you are not comfortable with what you are seeing.
Attempting alternate advanced or expert sections is best when you are fresh and warmed-up, not at the end of the day when you are likely tired, fatigued and your energy may be low. When in doubt, stick to the main route.
Riding BDR is a physically demanding activity. Long days, extreme weather and high altitudes only add to the stress on your body. Consider a strength and endurance exercise program to help prepare yourself for this multi-day experience. Always carry plenty of water as well as hydration tablets and snacks to help stay hydrated and maintain your energy.
Each route is unique with regard to climate, terrain, altitudes, etc. Prepare yourself by studying the route-specific content on the official BDR website and Facebook group pages. Learning as much as you can, beforehand, will make your adventure more enjoyable and help you make better decisions when you are out on the route.
Time of year and weather can severely affect the conditions of a route. A track that is considered moderate when dry could be completely unrideable after a rainstorm. Always check local weather conditions daily and refer to the Route Updates page and official Facebook Group Pages for current reports.
You will have many choices to make along the way pertaining to speed, rest stops, advanced sections, etc. Make the ones that are right for you. Egos and group mentality can sometimes influence your decisions. Don’t give in to peer pressure.
Riding a BDR is more like a marathon than a sprint. Take your time, rest frequently, and enjoy the towns and historical sites along the way. Remember, it’s a backcountry tour, not a race.
Be mindful that speeding and riding above your ability can be dangerous to you and the riders around you. There are hazardous obstacles that come up quickly along a BDR and riding at a controlled pace helps ensure that you have the time to react accordingly.
Even if you are an experienced rider, you will always benefit from ongoing professional training. There are many qualified facilities across the country. Refer to the Rider Resources section on the BDR website for the ones that support BDR.
