CABDR-North: 2024 Riding Season Route Updates
Updated September 4th, 2024
July 31st, 2024
Wildfire Season: Check before you go.
The unfortunate reality of wildfire season is upon us in the west and has impacted many of our routes.
- While we do our best to report major reroutes and closures to our routes, the ever-changing nature of wildfire season makes it nearly impossible to stay up to date.
- All riders must do their due diligence and research potential impacts to routes before and during their trips. Our Interactive Map is a great resource to view current wildfire data including active fires and impacts from smoke, and gives reference to proximity to our routes.
- Click HERE to launch our interactive map where you can select wildfire data by clicking on the fire icon in the top right corner of the window. See screenshots for reference.
- Premium subscriptions to apps such as Gaia GPS and OnX OffRoad also heave great wildfire map layers to help you plan.
We also recommend all riders join the official Facebook Group Page for each route they intend to ride. This is a great resource to get up to date intel from fellow riders and share your experiences with others planning to ride.
Links to each group page can be found at the bottom of this page.
September 4th, 2024
Section 5: Wildfire Bypass Required
The Bear Fire is burning near Sierraville / Stampede Reservoir and a bypass is required.
July 29th, 2024
New Tracks Available for Download
A new version of the Northern California BDR tracks is available for download labeled CABDR-N-July2024.
- Minor updates have been made, most notably a revision to the end of Section 8.
- This critical change avoids an area of SPI land now closed for fire protection for at least the remainder of the year. See attached screenshots for reference.
- Please download the latest track file by clicking HERE
June 11th, 2024
Section 3: Temporary Bypass Required
A Forest Service closure remains in effect for NF-7n08 on Section 3 of the CABDR-N.
- A temporary bypass track has been issued to route around this important closure. We are working directly with the Forest Service but at this time, this road is gated in one area and should not be travelled on.
- The bypass track is 41 miles and fuel and supplies are available.
- Riders can still access camping on the Mokelumne River from the north side via Lower Bear River Road, but must make this an out and back.
- See attached screenshots for reference.
- Please download the latest track files labeled CABDR-N-July2024, which includes the track labeled CAN3 – Temp Required Bypass, by clicking HERE
March 11th, 2024 – (updated June 11th, 2024)
New Tracks Available for Download
We are in the process of releasing updated GPS track files for every one of our routes in an ongoing effort to keep track files current and evolving with changing route conditions and considerations for fuel.
- Some section starts/ends have shifted in our track files and may not match older versions of the BDR Map. We typically aim to keep each section less than 150mi in length. Sections that exceed this length generally have fuel options along the route or optional tracks to a nearby town for fuel along the way.
- Regardless of the documentary film, older track files, or previous map versions, the most current GPS track file is always considered the “current” route.
- Some routes have had updates for track difficulty classifications, new tracks added, shifts to section starts or ends, and additional waypoints and these updates will be reflected on the next map reprint.
- All track files have been updated with revised naming conventions, track colors, waypoints, discovery points, and more.
- GPS track colors have been updated as follows:
- Main Route: Alternating BLUE and DARK BLUE
- ALT Harder & ALT Expert tracks: RED
- Bypass, Extension, or Optional Fuel tracks: GREEN
- Our track colors will now carry over when imported into Gaia GPS. If they do not match these colors when you import, simply manually change the track colors to match, or select your own preferred track colors.
- GPS track colors don’t necessarily match the BDR Map. This is due to the difference in color visibility on GPS devices vs printed paper map products.
- Updates to our interactive map are in process to reflect these updates. You can launch the interactive map HERE.
- Always download the most recent track files just before you go HERE
March 4th, 2024
Section 7 Mileage
If you plan to ride CAN7 ALT Harder – Little Valley on section 7 and not go into Bieber, there are a few considerations regarding fuel:
- It is approximately 154 miles from Chester to Adin if you ride the optional sections. Adin is 7.5mi off-route, you’ll need to ride into town.
- Fuel is available in Westwood just outside of Chester, so Westwood to Adin is approx 141 miles.
- If you ride all the way from Chester to Alturas, and don’t get fuel in Westwood or Adin, it’s approx 188 mi from Chester to Alturas.
- Always plan your fuel stops accordingly and carry extra fuel if you are unsure of your range. Never pass gas on a BDR!
- See attached screenshot for reference.
- Read through the detailed section descriptions and FAQ’s before you go HERE
- Join the official CABDR-N Facebook Group Page to connect with riders and watch for real-time status reports HERE
March 5th, 2024
CABDR-N Expert Sections
For the first time since Lockhart Basin on UTBDR, we have reintroduced designated optional Expert Sections on the Northern California BDR.
These particular sections are considered more difficult than other ALT Harder sections on this or any other route, and should be attempted by highly experienced riders only.
These sections are remote and challenging. Be prepared with fuel, water, tire repair, first aid, SOS devices, and other supplies should you have an issue. Emergency response to these areas will by time consuming and challenging, Know Your Limits.
- CAN2 ALT Expert – Sweetwater Loop is a 27mi track featuring very remote backcountry travel, steep hills, loose and embedded rocks, and a long stretch through a deep sand wash. The road from the main route to Lobdell Lake is fairly mellow if you wish to ride and primitive camp near the lake, then backtrack to the main route.
- CAN2 ALT Expert – Mount Patterson Summit is 9.5mi to the summit and back, and is very steep, rocky, loose, with tight switchbacks and narrow roads. If you ride this and don’t want to continue on the Sweetwater Loop, you can backtrack south to the main route.
- CAN5 ALT Harder – Sierra Buttes is 14.5mi, and north of Sierra City is narrow, steep, and rocky up to the turnoff to Sierra Buttes. The road mellows out north from there to rejoin the main route.
- CAN5 ALT Expert – Sierra Buttes Trailhead is 2.1 miles to the trailhead parking and back and is steep, narrow, with embedded rocks and ruts. The GPS track ends at the parking area where you can hike 3/4mi to the lookout tower. The road does continue from here, and is very steep, exposed cliff edges, rocky, and tight switchbacks and should only be attempted by highly skilled riders.
Join our Facebook Group for more route updates.
Visit the official CABDR-North Facebook Group page for ride reports, photos, and discussions with other riders in your area HERE
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