If Itchy boots can travel around the world on a 300l carrying everything she does, and Ben rocks this BdR on one with all his gear, I’m convinced that trusty Honda can do anything!
Hello fellow Dork. You and I are from the same generation (I just celebrated by 53rd b-day) I just wanted to say thank you for your channel and giving me the courage to broaden my off road 2-wheeled horizons. In recent years I've started spreading my on-road wings with an '85 Honda Goldwing Interstate 1200 but didn't venture off road. But watching your channel has given this old boomer the courage to get dirty. I live not too far from you now but am moving back east soon, otherwise, I'd hunt you down and do some trails with ya. Perhaps I'll start by own channel from the Appalachians. Take care and thanks again.
As a formally out of shape rider I would encourage you to get your weight under control, it will change your riding experience. I lost 72lbs on a carnivore diet and a combination of cardio and weights. I’m 63 and just finished the Sd BDRx solo. Had to pick up my Tuareg on a rocky uphill. It was a challenge but I was able to do it. I could not have done that two years ago.
I love this video. I ride solo through Nevada, California, and Oregon, though some of the most remote and un-traveled areas. The problems I've encountered/created have been difficult and challenging, but also provided wonderful, proud moments of accomplishment. Carry a beacon for sure, but also rely on yourself and enjoy the solitude.
Thank you for taking us on your adventures! I just gotta wait a little bit longer till I'm done with school before I get my first bike and go on trips. I already go backpacking and love MTB riding so moto camping just seems like a total blast. So until then, I'm glad I can live vicariously through you haha
Thanks for making this video. Truly enjoy your combination of storytelling, humor, humbleness and adventure. Riding is the best activity for the mind and body. Don’t feel that you need to make crazy action packed videos, we watch it for the dork. Cheers!
Congrats on this first solo BDR multi day trip! Smart choice of bike for a solo trip! Lighter is better, even if that means going slower on the highway sections. It has been very entertaining and very interesting to watch your riding skill level and your decision-making skills progress. Thanks for sharing yet another great BDR / motocamping video! Best regards from Brasilia, Brazil.
Thanks for sharing this Ben. I bought my 300 rally 2 years ago and it has treated me well. I Have ridden from Chelan WA to the Giant Loop Ride twice and it has handled the Highway just fine but I am a light weight at 150 lb. Great bike in a great video on a great BDR.
Thanks Ben for that amazing adventure, great to see what the Honda CRF 300 L rally does. Beautiful countryside there amazing to see that amount of rain thank you for the great content.
Nice adventure, thanks for taking me along! That deeper gravel, mud, and deep powerder dust can be the pits to ride through. The bigger the bike or more top heavy from gear, the worse it is. That also makes it harder to lift it back up. Nice job!
Dude, when you went down in the sand “out of the rut” I swear you knocked it out of gear before you fell. You always track better under power. Good stuff, Brother .
Loved the video. Honda reliability gives encouragement to go it alone. Awesome BDR route makes me wish I didn't live on other side of country. My Rally hasn't disappointed me yet. In fact it never fails to remind me buying it was one of my better decisions. One thing videos can't do is let the viewer feel the physical fatigue that sets in on long off-road rides, picking the bike up a few times, as well as combining effects from weather. Well Done! Peace!
I think if you're wondering "is this dumb", and you're not hurt, and you're bike isn't destroyed, then you're exactly in that place where adventure takes place and serves your soul!
Hope you're enjoying the quilt, I used to never sleep well on backpacking/camping trips regardless of sleeping pad quality but as soon as I started using a qulit instead of a traditional sleeping bag or mummy bag, my quality of sleep increased by a lot. I was very excited when the more comfortable option ended up being lighter and packed smaller as it's usually the opposite.
Yea Ben! You are a national treasure and an inspiration. "Adventure is what you find on the other side of discomfort and uncertainty.".(Did you make that up or steal it from Hemingway?) On behalf or all of the over weight out of shape adv riders, thank you.
I've been overlanding for years and have done the WABDR about 5 times now. It's amazing. I just recently got into dirt bike riding and have been doing exclusively hare scrambles with NMA & NORCS. I decided a couple of weeks ago to try adventure biking over Umtanum Ridge on the BDR. Two things I was surprised by: 1) It's tough to enjoy the scenery when I'm always looking for rocks and ruts, and 2) I end up going faster and faster, almost like I'm doing a hare scramble, and can enjoy the scenery even less. I feel like in my 4WD, I can cruise at 10 mph or so and just enjoy the scenery with the top off or sunroof open.
Great video! Thanks for taking the rally. I’ve got one and as soon as I can afford suspension upgrade and some other small improvements I’m going to do the ORBDR with my dad. (Next summer 🤞🏻)
Do you ever go back and watch some of your very first posted videos and realize how far your confidence and riding ability have come in a relatively short amount of time?? There is no way that past you would have ever tackled a route such as this... let alone SOLO. Nice work and keep it up!!
Without knowing what I was getting myself into, the very first time I ever rode a dirt bike off-road I took my xr650r to the santiam pass ohv area by big lake. Big learning curve to say the least. Nice video. I do the ORBDR for the first time mid September. I’m stoked to say the least
I use a anti fog solution designed for scuba goggles, and it last all winter long on my helmet shield. You should just drill a hole in the windshield for a different type of camera mount. Might be worth it for you as a creator. This has been my favorite video all year. I’m loving my Rally more and more the longer I have it. I definitely don’t want to be picking up a heavier bike anymore, I still drop mine as much as you do if not more. You crack me up because I know that you would be saying all the same stuff, even if you didn’t have anyone to talk to... The bird house was actually a wood duck box. Thank you for sharing this video.
Cool video bro! I live in Sisters and camp in this area very often. In fact, I have a picture of my truck at the same spot you stopped at 16:08. I just got a dual sport that I am currently outfitting to do some moto-camping. Looks like a blast!
I’ve been following your journeys and it’s been a huge inspiration for me to fulfill the dream of doing my own solo trips. I appreciate your openness about physical struggles. As a fellow large man I’d like to encourage you to make your fitness a priority. I know it sucks but hitting the gym with the same commitment you give to your riding you’ll notice a huge improvement. I recommend the stairmaster for general cardio then squats, planks and general upper body. It will make lifting the bike easier and help avoid gassing out. Anyways keep up the great work and adventures am glad you’re living your best life!
Was just in that moondust section two weeks ago while heading to Happy Valley on a loaded XR150L. It was so brutal I headed back out via Todd Lake just to avoid it. BTW, thanks to your advice, I had just purchased some real moto boots and they saved me from serious injury. Thank you for what you do.
Thank really appreciate these and push the small capacity mini adventure bike bandwagon myself. Also They been trialing shipping containers fitted out internally to replace the old loger camper huts. They have solar panels on the roof and small generators, you have to provide fuel.
Nobody reads or replies to my comments so I'm probably safe. First off, I have the greatest admiration for people who have the skillset to adventure on massive machines. My question is -- Why? My 250L is the upper limit of my ability to pick up if I flop over or fall. More than a couple of times and I'm done. Luckily, I have a 1973 Honda CT90. Yes, I only average about 25 mph including lunch and bathroom stops, but I can make Summer Lake Hot Springs in 4-1/2 hours, Dayville in 6 hours, Crane Hot Springs in 7-1/2 hours. I'm far faster than those long-range adventurers on bicycles. Also, no ECM, or kickstand safety switch to fail. I would not attempt Stone House Road with my 250L, but No problem with the CT. Pop the Trany into low range. If I get into trouble, just step off to the side and pick it up. Gangs of people range all over the world on Monkey Bikes. In Asia and Australia, people travel long distances on Honda Cub and trail bike clones. My long-term camping kit weighs 45 to 50 lbs. on stiff grades I can be very slow. Thats why I have a multi speed, dual range transmission. No reason to be in a Hurry out in this country, I can hit almost 50 on the Alvord playa. Ha! life is good.
Dude I think you did great and that bike is great. My loved ones have a bad habit of tearing themselves down at the first sign of adversity. Everyone is on a different journey but I hope you know you dont have to do that. I have ridden since I was 5 years old ive crossed ruts and ate sand a million times. You are doing great dont beat yourself up.
Wow.. great video Ben.. I usually watch on the TV but I took the time to swap over to my iPad to comment.. as one old fat guy to another, you are an inspiration. In fact, after finishing this comment I am taking the Africa twin out for a ride at lunch.l, also loved your videos from Canada.. I am on the other side of Canada but would love to get out to BC on the bike after watching your videos..although not doing that stuff on the twin.. lol.. In any case, keep it up Ben.. just great stuff!
Nice to see another rider of my size (and possibly weight) I am quite happy with a 411 scram, but it is a right pain to get riding gear that fits. love the channel Dork please keep it going my friend.
I dig your channel, man. My opinion: the 300L is a perfect bike for the OR BDR. You want as lightweight a dual sport as possible while considering your gear and highway stretches. I think the 300L would be a great choice for a thru-trip. I used to live outside Sunriver and moto-camped all over that area on my TW200. I'm a little further North now but still try to get back there as often as I can. Beautiful area and great people!
Also....everybody falls on a long ride through terrain like that, so keep your head up bud. You just go into it expecting to fall. I used to see guys on 125's when I lived out there. Something to that mentality.
@ 10:22, nice shot of your twig and berries😂. On with the show...That was a fun ride and one day I will make it up there to ride that BDR. I'm doing the BDR's that are closest to Texas first. I'm relative new to dirt, I started in 2020 and got hooked BIG TIME. You mentioned at one point, "It's only 60 miles". I learned on my first BDR that 60 miles can actually take all day for the inexperienced off road rider. Not that it was too challenging, I was going more cautious because I was solo riding the NMBDR and I was a bit overloaded. Thank you for all the information and intertainment you have provided over the years.
I just did those sections on a 1200 then again on a 525. That sand, moon dust, and cinders are something else. About 1/10 the time on a smaller bike😂 when it comes to smiles per gallon, go for the 250# bike and change your oil in the middle of the BDR.
I appreciate your efforts! The BDR organization has made some routes that are not at all big bike friendly and therefore have seriously limited the opportunities for the many of us who only have or can afford one bike and it happens to be a big one. They have focused on making these routes too appealing to expert riders on light bikes.
I did the Nevada BDR in may on a 300l, race tech suspension made all the difference. I surprised quite a few guys on 501's and bigger when I could catch them. Carried an armadillo bag and two full bottles for the section with 220 miles between stops. Love the bike especially after it's modified.
I’m a new englander spending a couple of weeks in Grants Pass dealing with my in-laws estate, so I’m just staring at all of these roads and trails around me while my klx250 is 3,000 miles away. I’m living vicariously through you right now, it’s killing me to be here with no way to ride, especially when it’s in the 70s in August! Amazing timing for your ride. (Also, I’ve always wanted to put a Prius body on a Jeep chassis)
I enjoy the MotoCamp Nerd sponsored videos. Suggestion: add price. For me, talking about a piece of equipment with no price lacks context. I know, I could look it up myself, but it is a sponsored video. Stating or showing price on screen would be really helpful. Also, a series in which you do several trips outfitted at several camping setup price points would be great.
That super fine powdery deep dust in the eastern Oregon sections absolutely kicked my butt last summer. I also made it harder on myself by going out on the OEM DRZ400S tires lol. I learned the hard way why the community calls them "death wings". Planning on going again before this summers up on my new tires.
Hmmmmmmm.... with a 3" lowering link and a slim seat, I could get a 300L Rally down to like an inch LOWER than my KLR650S. Might be a thing next season. Planning to hit Section 5 sometime between the end of the fires and the start of the snow.
Very informative. The CRF300L is heavy for me, so I'm glad I don't have to pick up something heavier! Just wish it was better on the freeway as it feels a little squirrely to me at speed.
Me and a buddy did the section outside of Sisters. However the temps were in the high 90's. The sandy whoops sucked A$$. Fully loaded was a challenge. But we now have stories to tell for a long time, the benefit of a difficult ride
I just did Section 2 of the NEBDR on my CRF300L Rally a few days ago, including the infamous Elevator Shaft which was even worse than usual due to recent regional flooding. I weigh 240, not counting all my gear, and lack of power was not an issue ... lack of skill on the other hand ...😁
Ben, I am as you say "Round" as well and ride a heavier bike. I choose to ride alone and I understand the risks but a mediate them to by best abilities. Carry on good sir keep making kick ass content!
Dude you are overthinking just the one incident, even there if you had sat down, planned your pick, you would be just fine. I recovered from a broken back, fractured ribs and two years later, can pick up my bikes no problem. Cheers
you are so damn lucky to have such long off road sections to ride, and those campsites that just pop up - do they even charge you for using them? if not, wow and again, so damn lucky - firepit/bbq areas etc - nuts - lucky people
being a bit of an older rider, I began lightening my load over the last 5 years of Riding, gone are the days of riding with 80lbs of extra gear, and I do not miss it, not even in camp. my total pack weight is now 34 lbs for a 9 day trip, that's tools food, tent cloths and two extra tubes, I split that between a back pack and a duffle. ( this weight also includes the duffle and the backpack). I have way too many tools as it turns out but I travel with others so I bring a few things I think they may forget. this is my heavy pack, if I go for a short trip say 5 days or less my pack weight is between 28 and 30 lbs. this has mad a dramatic improvement in my life on the trail, and picking up the bike is not an issue. I say this because it looks to me like you still have about 80 lbs strapped to that bike. I also went from riding a 500lb motorcycle (ktm 1090 adventure R to a 300 lb motorcycle modified CRF250L Rally life is good. these changes were made because I travel alone quite a bit and need to be self reliant at all times. Riding the most reliable bike on the planet also give a bit of piece of mined too!
I'm so glade I got the 300l and not the rally. Much easier to man handle it. Still bigger than a dirt bike but worth it to be able to ride on the roads. I live in New Jersey. Not many places to ride unfortunately. Wish I had trails like this.
IMO Section 1 & 2 are the hardest, they are long and technical with miles and miles of large rock gardens, no other sections have anything close. Section 2 is the best ORBDR section, it is the most varied terrain, has views and lots of technical riding
Rode from Bend to Mammoth and did the first 6 sections of the Nor Cal BDR last month on my rally with stock suspension and tires. The bike was not what was holding me back offroad that's for sure. On road that far in one day on the rally isn't a fun experience but doable for sure.
Thanks to MotoCamp Nerd for sponsoring this trip!
Here's my motorcycle camping gear list from this video:
(affiliate links)
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Tent: motocampnerd.com/products/big-agnes-copper-spur-hv-ul2-bikepack/?ref=dork
Enlightened Equipment Enigma Down Quilt:
motocampnerd.com/products/enlightened-equipment-enigma-down-quilt-20-/?ref=dork
Sea to Summit EVAC Compression Dry Bag: motocampnerd.com/products/sea-to-summit-evac-compression-dry-bag/?ref=dork
Nemo Tensor All Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad: motocampnerd.com/products/nemo-tensor%E2%84%A2-all-season-ultralight-insulated-sleeping-pad/?ref=dork
Six Moon Designs Packing Pods: motocampnerd.com/products/six-moon-designs-packing-pods-3-pack-large/?ref=dork
Adventure Medical Sportsman 100 Medical Kit: motocampnerd.com/products/adventure-medical-sportsman-100-medical-kit/?ref=dork
Silky Gomboy Curve Saw: motocampnerd.com/products/silky-gomboy-curve-240mm-folding-saw/?ref=dork
Flextail Zero Pump: motocampnerd.com/products/flextail-zero-pump/?ref=dork
UST Parashovel PRO: motocampnerd.com/products/ust-parashovel-pro/?ref=dork
Nemo Fillo Luxury Pillow: motocampnerd.com/products/nemo-fillo-luxury-camping-pillow?ref=dork
Jetboil Flash w/Java Kit: motocampnerd.com/products/jetboil-flash-java-kit?ref=dork
Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow: motocampnerd.com/products/sea-to-summit-aeros-premium-pillow/?ref=dork
Sea to Summit X-Mug Cool Grip: motocampnerd.com/products/sea-to-summit-x-mug-cool-grip?ref=dork
UST Spright Solar Lantern: motocampnerd.com/products/ust-spright-solar-usb-led-lantern?ref=dork
Giant Loop Coyote Saddlebag: www.giantloopmoto.com/product/coyote-saddlebag/?ref=dork
Giant Loop Rogue Dry Bag: www.giantloopmoto.com/product/rogue-dry-bag/?ref=dork
Giant Loop Possibles Pouch: www.giantloopmoto.com/product/possibles-pouch/?ref=dork
Coghlan's Toilet Paper: amzn.to/3hhApRj
Thermacell Mosquito Backpacker Repeller: amzn.to/3Y1PA7I
Bigfoot Bushcraft Mini Survival Fire Starter Kit: bigfoot-bushcraft.com/products/mini-survival-fire-starter-kit/?ref=dork
Olight Perun Mini Headlamp: amzn.to/3Wj1Dfs
Dork, will you do a review of the trail tech set up that you have?
If Itchy boots can travel around the world on a 300l carrying everything she does, and Ben rocks this BdR on one with all his gear, I’m convinced that trusty Honda can do anything!
🤢
@@trey8367🤨
LoL camping by yourself without a fire is about as much fun as being put in timeout and told to think about what you've done!
Hello fellow Dork. You and I are from the same generation (I just celebrated by 53rd b-day) I just wanted to say thank you for your channel and giving me the courage to broaden my off road 2-wheeled horizons. In recent years I've started spreading my on-road wings with an '85 Honda Goldwing Interstate 1200 but didn't venture off road. But watching your channel has given this old boomer the courage to get dirty. I live not too far from you now but am moving back east soon, otherwise, I'd hunt you down and do some trails with ya. Perhaps I'll start by own channel from the Appalachians. Take care and thanks again.
I appreciate your honesty. Glad you did not get hurt on your falls. Great scenery.
As a formally out of shape rider I would encourage you to get your weight under control, it will change your riding experience. I lost 72lbs on a carnivore diet and a combination of cardio and weights. I’m 63 and just finished the Sd BDRx solo. Had to pick up my Tuareg on a rocky uphill. It was a challenge but I was able to do it. I could not have done that two years ago.
Just got done with a 6 week keto stint to prep for the double BDR I’m about to do. Down 40 lbs feelin great ready to rock and roll!
I love this video. I ride solo through Nevada, California, and Oregon, though some of the most remote and un-traveled areas. The problems I've encountered/created have been difficult and challenging, but also provided wonderful, proud moments of accomplishment. Carry a beacon for sure, but also rely on yourself and enjoy the solitude.
Thank you for taking us on your adventures! I just gotta wait a little bit longer till I'm done with school before I get my first bike and go on trips. I already go backpacking and love MTB riding so moto camping just seems like a total blast. So until then, I'm glad I can live vicariously through you haha
Thanks for making this video. Truly enjoy your combination of storytelling, humor, humbleness and adventure. Riding is the best activity for the mind and body. Don’t feel that you need to make crazy action packed videos, we watch it for the dork. Cheers!
Congrats on this first solo BDR multi day trip! Smart choice of bike for a solo trip! Lighter is better, even if that means going slower on the highway sections. It has been very entertaining and very interesting to watch your riding skill level and your decision-making skills progress. Thanks for sharing yet another great BDR / motocamping video! Best regards from Brasilia, Brazil.
bro you have totally improved over the last couple years, been cool to watch 🙂
Thanks for sharing this Ben. I bought my 300 rally 2 years ago and it has treated me well. I Have ridden from Chelan WA to the Giant Loop Ride twice and it has handled the Highway just fine but I am a light weight at 150 lb. Great bike in a great video on a great BDR.
10:17 😂 your initial reaction is priceless. Makes me want to stay away from off-roading. Love living thru your vids🙃🫠
Thanks Ben for that amazing adventure, great to see what the Honda CRF 300 L rally does. Beautiful countryside there amazing to see that amount of rain thank you for the great content.
Nice adventure, thanks for taking me along!
That deeper gravel, mud, and deep powerder dust can be the pits to ride through. The bigger the bike or more top heavy from gear, the worse it is. That also makes it harder to lift it back up. Nice job!
Dude, when you went down in the sand “out of the rut” I swear you knocked it out of gear before you fell. You always track better under power.
Good stuff, Brother .
Loved the video. Honda reliability gives encouragement to go it alone. Awesome BDR route makes me wish I didn't live on other side of country. My Rally hasn't disappointed me yet. In fact it never fails to remind me buying it was one of my better decisions. One thing videos can't do is let the viewer feel the physical fatigue that sets in on long off-road rides, picking the bike up a few times, as well as combining effects from weather. Well Done! Peace!
I think if you're wondering "is this dumb", and you're not hurt, and you're bike isn't destroyed, then you're exactly in that place where adventure takes place and serves your soul!
Friggin epic fun brother 👊 great job on this adventure
Hope you're enjoying the quilt, I used to never sleep well on backpacking/camping trips regardless of sleeping pad quality but as soon as I started using a qulit instead of a traditional sleeping bag or mummy bag, my quality of sleep increased by a lot. I was very excited when the more comfortable option ended up being lighter and packed smaller as it's usually the opposite.
Yea Ben! You are a national treasure and an inspiration. "Adventure is what you find on the other side of discomfort and uncertainty.".(Did you make that up or steal it from Hemingway?) On behalf or all of the over weight out of shape adv riders, thank you.
Yeah, inconvenience, not uncertainty, but they both work.
I’m going to borrow that phrase.
Wet helmet face shield + warm breathing inside = fog 😂 I'm adding this to my adventure rider equation sheet for sure!
I've been overlanding for years and have done the WABDR about 5 times now. It's amazing. I just recently got into dirt bike riding and have been doing exclusively hare scrambles with NMA & NORCS. I decided a couple of weeks ago to try adventure biking over Umtanum Ridge on the BDR. Two things I was surprised by: 1) It's tough to enjoy the scenery when I'm always looking for rocks and ruts, and 2) I end up going faster and faster, almost like I'm doing a hare scramble, and can enjoy the scenery even less. I feel like in my 4WD, I can cruise at 10 mph or so and just enjoy the scenery with the top off or sunroof open.
Great video! Thanks for taking the rally. I’ve got one and as soon as I can afford suspension upgrade and some other small improvements I’m going to do the ORBDR with my dad. (Next summer 🤞🏻)
Do you ever go back and watch some of your very first posted videos and realize how far your confidence and riding ability have come in a relatively short amount of time?? There is no way that past you would have ever tackled a route such as this... let alone SOLO. Nice work and keep it up!!
It is refreshing to see how much less terrified I am these days ;)
Without knowing what I was getting myself into, the very first time I ever rode a dirt bike off-road I took my xr650r to the santiam pass ohv area by big lake. Big learning curve to say the least. Nice video. I do the ORBDR for the first time mid September. I’m stoked to say the least
Thanks for another great adventure! A lighter bike is often a better bike when you're riding remote and alone.
One hundred percent off the time unless you are at extremely high altitudes.
I use a anti fog solution designed for scuba goggles, and it last all winter long on my helmet shield. You should just drill a hole in the windshield for a different type of camera mount. Might be worth it for you as a creator. This has been my favorite video all year. I’m loving my Rally more and more the longer I have it. I definitely don’t want to be picking up a heavier bike anymore, I still drop mine as much as you do if not more. You crack me up because I know that you would be saying all the same stuff, even if you didn’t have anyone to talk to... The bird house was actually a wood duck box. Thank you for sharing this video.
Cool video bro! I live in Sisters and camp in this area very often. In fact, I have a picture of my truck at the same spot you stopped at 16:08. I just got a dual sport that I am currently outfitting to do some moto-camping. Looks like a blast!
I’ve been following your journeys and it’s been a huge inspiration for me to fulfill the dream of doing my own solo trips. I appreciate your openness about physical struggles. As a fellow large man I’d like to encourage you to make your fitness a priority. I know it sucks but hitting the gym with the same commitment you give to your riding you’ll notice a huge improvement. I recommend the stairmaster for general cardio then squats, planks and general upper body. It will make lifting the bike easier and help avoid gassing out. Anyways keep up the great work and adventures am glad you’re living your best life!
Was just in that moondust section two weeks ago while heading to Happy Valley on a loaded XR150L. It was so brutal I headed back out via Todd Lake just to avoid it. BTW, thanks to your advice, I had just purchased some real moto boots and they saved me from serious injury. Thank you for what you do.
Love seeing 'little' bikes doing 'big' bike things.
Fun! I miss Travis and Tim
I loved that giant loop bag. Used it on my KTM 450 and loved it. Glad you enjoyed our backyard BDR routes man I love this state!
Ok now do that again on the 790 just because. 👍 another great ride.
I'm planning on doing the Utah BDR on my Rally next year and this video has me STOKED!!! Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank really appreciate these and push the small capacity mini adventure bike bandwagon myself. Also They been trialing shipping containers fitted out internally to replace the old loger camper huts. They have solar panels on the roof and small generators, you have to provide fuel.
"Running down my belly" HAHAHAHAHAHA - We've all been there, done that...
Nobody reads or replies to my comments so I'm probably safe. First off, I have the greatest admiration for people who have the skillset to adventure on massive machines. My question is -- Why? My 250L is the upper limit of my ability to pick up if I flop over or fall. More than a couple of times and I'm done. Luckily, I have a 1973 Honda CT90. Yes, I only average about 25 mph including lunch and bathroom stops, but I can make Summer Lake Hot Springs in 4-1/2 hours, Dayville in 6 hours, Crane Hot Springs in 7-1/2 hours. I'm far faster than those long-range adventurers on bicycles. Also, no ECM, or kickstand safety switch to fail. I would not attempt Stone House Road with my 250L, but No problem with the CT. Pop the Trany into low range. If I get into trouble, just step off to the side and pick it up. Gangs of people range all over the world on Monkey Bikes. In Asia and Australia, people travel long distances on Honda Cub and trail bike clones. My long-term camping kit weighs 45 to 50 lbs. on stiff grades I can be very slow. Thats why I have a multi speed, dual range transmission. No reason to be in a Hurry out in this country, I can hit almost 50 on the Alvord playa. Ha! life is good.
Dude I think you did great and that bike is great. My loved ones have a bad habit of tearing themselves down at the first sign of adversity. Everyone is on a different journey but I hope you know you dont have to do that. I have ridden since I was 5 years old ive crossed ruts and ate sand a million times. You are doing great dont beat yourself up.
Nice ride Dork.
Great ride.....and a couple more cow jokes......I went under one in a field and it didn't utter a sound....now I herd em all.😁😁 Garth
Wow.. great video Ben.. I usually watch on the TV but I took the time to swap over to my iPad to comment.. as one old fat guy to another, you are an inspiration. In fact, after finishing this comment I am taking the Africa twin out for a ride at lunch.l, also loved your videos from Canada.. I am on the other side of Canada but would love to get out to BC on the bike after watching your videos..although not doing that stuff on the twin.. lol..
In any case, keep it up Ben.. just great stuff!
Great video!
I like how you take the bull by the horns and just moo it. Thanks for the honest video. Very funny also.
Thank you Ben! You are awesome.
Adventurous ride, that's for sure. Just something cool about being in the wilderness too. Nice Vid Ben.
Nice to see another rider of my size (and possibly weight) I am quite happy with a 411 scram, but it is a right pain to get riding gear that fits. love the channel Dork please keep it going my friend.
I dig your channel, man. My opinion: the 300L is a perfect bike for the OR BDR. You want as lightweight a dual sport as possible while considering your gear and highway stretches. I think the 300L would be a great choice for a thru-trip. I used to live outside Sunriver and moto-camped all over that area on my TW200. I'm a little further North now but still try to get back there as often as I can. Beautiful area and great people!
Also....everybody falls on a long ride through terrain like that, so keep your head up bud. You just go into it expecting to fall. I used to see guys on 125's when I lived out there. Something to that mentality.
Great video. I did the idaho bdr this year (highly recommend), and i want to do oregon next year. Probably solo on my 890r.
@ 10:22, nice shot of your twig and berries😂. On with the show...That was a fun ride and one day I will make it up there to ride that BDR. I'm doing the BDR's that are closest to Texas first. I'm relative new to dirt, I started in 2020 and got hooked BIG TIME. You mentioned at one point, "It's only 60 miles". I learned on my first BDR that 60 miles can actually take all day for the inexperienced off road rider. Not that it was too challenging, I was going more cautious because I was solo riding the NMBDR and I was a bit overloaded. Thank you for all the information and intertainment you have provided over the years.
I am from Bend oregon and want to buy my first klr650. You just inspired me to find and explore that cave. Cheers mate. Whoot whoot
Hell yeah dude
I just did those sections on a 1200 then again on a 525. That sand, moon dust, and cinders are something else. About 1/10 the time on a smaller bike😂 when it comes to smiles per gallon, go for the 250# bike and change your oil in the middle of the BDR.
Those cow puns were utterly amoooozing…
Don't you mean udderly?
I appreciate your efforts! The BDR organization has made some routes that are not at all big bike friendly and therefore have seriously limited the opportunities for the many of us who only have or can afford one bike and it happens to be a big one. They have focused on making these routes too appealing to expert riders on light bikes.
Ben SkyWater...the new moniker.........great insight into the solo BDR and the challenges
I did the Nevada BDR in may on a 300l, race tech suspension made all the difference. I surprised quite a few guys on 501's and bigger when I could catch them. Carried an armadillo bag and two full bottles for the section with 220 miles between stops. Love the bike especially after it's modified.
The ski inn is a favorite of mine as well. You can't beat the brisket sandwich!😊
Excellent!
I feel your pain with the sand. Where I live, it's nothing but sugar sand. Great video! You sold me on crash bars.🤙
I didn't realize that the Oregon BDR runs through Motown. That's pretty neat.
Really enjoyed this man. Your encouragement has me looking at smaller bikes... this is all in my backyard also. 1250GS would be a challenge solo...
smoothest trails ive seen in a while. when in soft gas it. beautiful mountain lk. no. state park, what
Beautiful country,thks.
I wish Moto Camp Nerd shipped to Canada. 😢
Another awesome video, Ben. I thoroughly enjoyed it. 👌
Love that my brother
Also I did section 4 last month. It was sandy up top but damn, not that bad!!!
By far my favorite parts of the Oregon BDR. Running them solo takes a slightly different consideration for risk and personal ability.
Yeah I definitely wouldn't have tackled this by myself if I didn't know the area so well. Not quite that confident in my riding skills, honestly.
@@DorkintheRoadfrom watching your videos the last 2 years Ive been able to tell how much better you have become.
The Best video in a long time! Thanks for sharing!!! 1:03:40
I’m a new englander spending a couple of weeks in Grants Pass dealing with my in-laws estate, so I’m just staring at all of these roads and trails around me while my klx250 is 3,000 miles away. I’m living vicariously through you right now, it’s killing me to be here with no way to ride, especially when it’s in the 70s in August! Amazing timing for your ride. (Also, I’ve always wanted to put a Prius body on a Jeep chassis)
I enjoy the MotoCamp Nerd sponsored videos. Suggestion: add price. For me, talking about a piece of equipment with no price lacks context. I know, I could look it up myself, but it is a sponsored video. Stating or showing price on screen would be really helpful. Also, a series in which you do several trips outfitted at several camping setup price points would be great.
Congrats on the trip - seeing that moon dust close-up on section 4 sadly sure did look familiar to me 😮
On the plus side, the windscreen stayed on. 😀
Awesome trip!
I replaced the stock hardware and added some nuts to the back. It's not going anywhere now.
@@DorkintheRoaddid you remember to smack it twice and say the thing? Only way to be sure..
That super fine powdery deep dust in the eastern Oregon sections absolutely kicked my butt last summer. I also made it harder on myself by going out on the OEM DRZ400S tires lol. I learned the hard way why the community calls them "death wings". Planning on going again before this summers up on my new tires.
Sand is THE WORST on a loaded bike! I feel your pain, bro.
Ben! You get into your own head! Trust yourself and go!
Sorry…just got to the point where you told yourself to do what I told you to do!
Looks fun!
Hmmmmmmm.... with a 3" lowering link and a slim seat, I could get a 300L Rally down to like an inch LOWER than my KLR650S.
Might be a thing next season. Planning to hit Section 5 sometime between the end of the fires and the start of the snow.
riding the small bike allows you pick it up easier! imagine being out there with a bigger bike! Solo makes it a new level of REAL.
Very informative.
The CRF300L is heavy for me, so I'm glad I don't have to pick up something heavier! Just wish it was better on the freeway as it feels a little squirrely to me at speed.
There are two T7 shaped dirt angels on OR Section 4 from yours truly.
It's crazy how the like/voting actually worked! Amazing technology we have these days.
Me and a buddy did the section outside of Sisters. However the temps were in the high 90's. The sandy whoops sucked A$$. Fully loaded was a challenge. But we now have stories to tell for a long time, the benefit of a difficult ride
I just did Section 2 of the NEBDR on my CRF300L Rally a few days ago, including the infamous Elevator Shaft which was even worse than usual due to recent regional flooding. I weigh 240, not counting all my gear, and lack of power was not an issue ... lack of skill on the other hand ...😁
Thanks for taking us along with you, definitely motivated me. I'm planning a BDR trip with friends next year because of you!
You should plan to do the Oregon BDR-X. It starts near the main route but it looks like a much more interesting ride.
Awesome trip
Ben, I am as you say "Round" as well and ride a heavier bike. I choose to ride alone and I understand the risks but a mediate them to by best abilities. Carry on good sir keep making kick ass content!
Dude you are overthinking just the one incident, even there if you had sat down, planned your pick, you would be just fine. I recovered from a broken back, fractured ribs and two years later, can pick up my bikes no problem. Cheers
Sweet dorkfest !
love watching crash videos!!! :)
you are so damn lucky to have such long off road sections to ride, and those campsites that just pop up - do they even charge you for using them? if not, wow and again, so damn lucky - firepit/bbq areas etc - nuts - lucky people
A video biography on one man's self-imposed descent into madness. 😁
Awesome video!!!
Great to see you doing it on CRF300L Rally.
I have a 2024 Rally and absolutely love it!!!
Keep up the great videos.
Outback Motortek bars and Zeta handguards have saved my 300 L at least 6 times now......money well spent.
being a bit of an older rider, I began lightening my load over the last 5 years of Riding, gone are the days of riding with 80lbs of extra gear, and I do not miss it, not even in camp. my total pack weight is now 34 lbs for a 9 day trip, that's tools food, tent cloths and two extra tubes, I split that between a back pack and a duffle. ( this weight also includes the duffle and the backpack). I have way too many tools as it turns out but I travel with others so I bring a few things I think they may forget.
this is my heavy pack, if I go for a short trip say 5 days or less my pack weight is between 28 and 30 lbs.
this has mad a dramatic improvement in my life on the trail, and picking up the bike is not an issue.
I say this because it looks to me like you still have about 80 lbs strapped to that bike.
I also went from riding a 500lb motorcycle (ktm 1090 adventure R to a 300 lb motorcycle modified CRF250L Rally life is good.
these changes were made because I travel alone quite a bit and need to be self reliant at all times. Riding the most reliable bike on the planet also give a bit of piece of mined too!
I'm so glade I got the 300l and not the rally. Much easier to man handle it. Still bigger than a dirt bike but worth it to be able to ride on the roads. I live in New Jersey. Not many places to ride unfortunately. Wish I had trails like this.
Theres hardly any difference, I have both, and dropped the Rally more times than the L.
IMO Section 1 & 2 are the hardest, they are long and technical with miles and miles of large rock gardens, no other sections have anything close. Section 2 is the best ORBDR section, it is the most varied terrain, has views and lots of technical riding
You should get a steering stabilizer if your don't have one already. It helps in the sand. Also, I never try to ride sitting down in sand.
Rode from Bend to Mammoth and did the first 6 sections of the Nor Cal BDR last month on my rally with stock suspension and tires. The bike was not what was holding me back offroad that's for sure. On road that far in one day on the rally isn't a fun experience but doable for sure.