A big BDR Thank You to our good friend, Jack O’Connor, for not only masterminding the PA Wilds loop but for generously gifting it to BDR and in turn to the entire ADV community. His creation is now the second official BDR-X loop and will be vigilantly managed by the BDR team from now on.

Jack holds legendary status in the Mid-Atlantic adventure riding community as the force behind the long-standing Pine Barrens 500 Adventure Ride and the Pine Barrens Adventure Camp School in southern NJ. He and his team have introduced thousands of riders to ADV riding over the last two decades. His vast knowledge of the riding opportunities on the East Coast led him to his volunteer work with the BDR organization and ultimately helping to create the first BDR route on the East Coast, the Mid-Atlantic BDR (MABDR). Jack joined the MABDR filming expedition providing local knowledge and comic relief in the film, which won him loyal fans among BDR supporters.

Jack has been riding dirt bikes for over 50 years, a passion that began with the purchase of his first bike, a Honda SL70 in 1972. He went on to race Moto Cross and Enduros through the mid 70’s and early 80’s, and Rallymotos in the early 2000’s. Later he became president of a local enduro club, and in 2021 Jack was selected by the AMA to chair their recreational off-road riding commission.

In 2003, Jack was introduced to the concept of GPS guided adventure rides, and made his own ‘Dakar practice loop,’ that eventually became the Pine Barrens 300/500 Adventure Ride, now in its 16th year. After seeing a rise popularity of the sport, Jack started an adventure riding school with his friend and enduro champ, Mike Bradway.

Jack has led rides and organized events for BMW, KTM, Klim, REV’IT!, Rawhyde, Touratech, local dealers and other grassroots organizations.  He currently runs the Pine Barrens Adventures GPS Track Subscription Service offering single and multi day self-guided adventure loops in NJ, PA, VA, and WV that are easily accessible from the Mid Atlantic area.