Wyoming and BDR: A Model Partnership for Outdoor Recreation and Rural Economic Growth
May 19, 2025
Following the success of BDR’s partnerships with state and local government organizations, including Idaho Tourism and Travel Nevada, the 2022 collaboration between Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR) and Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation has set a new benchmark for leveraging outdoor recreation to drive economic growth. Through adventure motorcycling tourism, Wyoming has seen a direct impact on its rural communities, bringing thousands of riders and millions of dollars in new revenue to the state.
At the recent Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Summit, BDR Board Member Bill Whitacre presented on the success of the partnership, highlighting how BDR routes have not only driven tourism but also contributed significantly to local economies. In 2022, BDR introduced two routes in Wyoming: the Wyoming BDR (WYBDR) and the Red Desert BDR-X, both of which have brought new tourism opportunities and business revenue to the state.
BDR’s Economic Impact in Wyoming
The numbers speak for themselves. According to the 2023 BDR Economic Impact Study conducted in partnership with the University of Wyoming’s Center for Business and Economic Analysis (CBEA), every year the routes generate significant spending by BDR riders, including (annual numbers):
- $4.86 million in direct annual spending, with over $4 million from out-of-state riders
- 50 new jobs generated and/or sustained across various sectors
- Increased revenue for local businesses, including:
- $1.1 million in accommodations
- $1.5 million in restaurants
- $530,000 in food & beverage, and retail sales
- $375,000 in fuel sales
Total annual spending across ALL existing BDR routes in 2023 reached $60 million, with this figure continuing to grow as new routes are introduced each year.
A Model for Other States
This partnership is a good example of how BDR routes can drive long-term economic growth in rural areas. By working directly with counties and local businesses, BDR helped prepare communities for the influx of riders and tourism-related activity, ensuring that the benefits of adventure motorcycling tourism are felt throughout the region for years to come.
BDR’s commitment to sustainable economic growth through adventure motorcycling is clear. With plans to double the number of routes in the next five years, BDR is looking to expand these successful partnerships to other states and regions. Through collaboration with state and local tourism organizations, BDR aims to promote adventure motorcycling as an economic engine that drives revenue and creates jobs in small communities.
“Many states are looking for new outdoor recreation opportunities to help diversify their economies, and bring new tourism dollars to local communities. This economic impact study underscores the substantial positive influence BDR has on the communities we travel through. More than just an advocate for off-highway motorcycling, BDR is a catalyst for economic growth in rural communities along our routes. As we continue to expand our network of routes, we are committed to making a lasting and positive difference in these communities, while educating our riders about safe and respectful travel on public lands and in local communities.”
“What a great economic development project the BDR has done for Wyoming. From concept to completion, the BDR has created a unique way to invite visitors into our state and help smaller communities. We couldn’t ask for a better partner.”
Looking to the Future
With Wyoming as a model, BDR is eager to continue forging partnerships with state and local tourism departments across the country. By leveraging adventure motorcycling routes as a tool for economic growth, BDR is helping rural communities unlock new sources of revenue while promoting safe and respectful travel on public lands.
If your town or state’s tourism and/or outdoor recreation office is looking to engage with BDR, please send us an email at [email protected]
About BDR
Backcountry Discovery Routes® (BDR®) is a 501c(3) non-profit organization that creates off-highway routes for adventure and dual-sport motorcycle travel. The organization’s work includes promoting rider education and safety campaigns, driving economic relief to rural communities, and encouraging responsible motorcycle travel in the backcountry.
BDR delivers turn-key trip planning resources to the community including GPS tracks, digital maps, travel information, route condition updates, YouTube videos, Q&As, and other information – all available 24/7 on www.RideBDR.com.
Since 2010, BDR has created routes in Washington, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, the Mid-Atlantic region, Southern California, the North-East region, Wyoming, Oregon and Northern California. In 2022 BDR introduced a new concept of shorter, BDR-style routes that loop, called BDR-X. Current BDR-X routes include Red Desert, Wyoming; PA Wilds, Pennsylvania ; Steens Mountain & Alvord Desert, Oregon; Black Hills, South Dakota, and soon Big Bend, Texas.
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