CABDR-North Route Updates
Updated September 4th, 2024
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
Winter is Coming: Check snow levels with our interactive map
With winter upon us, weather and route conditions can change rapidly. Before you go, be sure and use our ArcGIS Interactive Map to view estimated snow levels on each of our routes.
- Click HERE to access the main interactive map page.
- Click on the snowflake icon in the top right of the window.
- Select all of the boxes to view the NOHRSC Snow Analysis.
- Zoom into the route of your choosing to view the estimated snow depth.
- Explore the other features of our interactive map to plan your next BDR experience.
- See attached screenshot for reference.
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 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.
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