<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1428396443888464&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">

"The CABDR" - California Backcountry Discovery Route

RIDE our version of the Southern California Backcountry Discovery Route between San Diego and Las Vegas

RIDE our version of the Southern California Backcountry Discovery Route between San Diego and Las Vegas

  • Motorcycle Group Trip
  • Research Trip Riding
  • Andes Mountains PeruMotorcycles
  • Adventure Riding in Baja
  • Mexico Motorcycle Group
  • Guided_Group_Shot.jpg

With our motorcycle rentals based in Bend, Oregon, adventure riders can now enjoy both Self-Guided and Guided Group experiences riding our customized version of the southern "CABDR" between San Diego and Las Vegas. With your motorcycle rental and hotels included in your package, what a ride this is!

The standard CABDR is perfect in some spots for single cylinder bikes, and twin cylinders thrive in other sections, so we've got our own modified version of the route to show you on the twin cylinder adventure bikes listed below.

Weather statistics for the southern CABDR make this ride best from October through May, on the shoulders of our Baja riding season. All riders should be prepared to grit their teeth if the weather turns on us, ready to deal with whatever mother nature throws at us while working as a Team to complete the mission. As noted, this is one of the more challenging BDR routes, and only for "riders with intermediate and above off-road skills." Those who experience our version of the CABDR, this ride will remind everyone why California and the southwest U.S. is so great for riding, and leave riders with a flavor of the unique place that Las Vegas is as well.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in San Diego or Las Vegas (click "Dates" for each available)

Sprinter Van Group RideWelcome to sunny California, and the many reasons why this land is among the most sought-after real estate in the world. With sunny skies and year-round riding weather, try to arrive early enough to get the motorcycle rental paperwork and introduction done with today. Check out how your day-pack fits, adjust handlebars and shift levers, and get ready for some fun riding ahead. Guided Group trips will have a Welcome Dinner before heading out on the CABDR tomorrow.

Day 2 - San Diego to Yuma, Arizona - 229 miles

Desert Riding Africa Twins

Time to conquer the Southern California Backcountry Discovery Route! With San Diego behind, a cruise through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and visiting the Glamis Dunes will be part of an easy first day of riding. Hopefully time allows for a visit to the "Center of the World" in Felicity, as Yuma lies just ahead. With the coming days being spent in the dirt, rest-up, then grit your teeth, and get ready for some CABDR satisfaction.
Support-Truck-Van-Baja-Trip

Day 3 - Yuma to Blythe, California - 120 miles
The actual CABDR riding begins after an easy night in Yuma on the southern edge of the Cocopah Indian Reservation, hopefully with time to visit the Yuma Territorial Prison Museum if such interests you. Writhing along bits of the Colorado River and through the Chocolate Mountains via Picacho Peak Wilderness area, pace yourself, save time for highlights mentioned in the itinerary, and enjoy this time adventure riding in the remote territories of southern California.

Day 4 - Blythe to Needles - 124 miles

The Blythe Intaglios are quite a site to see, considered "America's Nazca Lines" just north of Blythe. Today's ride peers into the Parker Valley before riding the Old Woman Mountains, and this day in the dirt will pop out to Sahara Oasis, where Needles not far away makes for a good overnight spot.

Riding California deserts

Day 5 - Needles to Primm, Nevada  - 94 miles

A day in Mojave National Preserve and through the Providence Mountains is just what that motorcycle rental was looking for, so hopefully you're up for the same. Including a moment where we cross remnants of the Historic Route 66, riders will get their kicks today for sure.

Day 6 -Primm to Furnace Creek - 168 miles

With stops at the stunning Zabriskie Point, Badwater Basin, The RaceTrack, and The Devil's Golf Course all possible, this ride through Death Valley National Park will not be forgotten. One of the most unique atmospheres amongst all National Parks, notice we're choosing cooler months to ride through here.

Death Valley Badwater Basin

Day 7 - Furnace Creek to Lone Pine - 106 miles

The experience of Death Valley behind, time to close-in on Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 United States at 14,505 feet. Along the edges of Sequoia National Park, detours will allow for time to adore the grandeur of Giant Sequoia trees found here, and wonder how on earth it's possible for a tree to grow so big. Oh, California. 

Desert Riding Adventure Bike

Day 8 - Lone Pine to Bishop - 91 miles

More great dirt sections with unique opportunities to ride through the Inyo Mountains and National Forest and even into the Reward Mine, historical remnants like the Manzanar WWII Imprisonment Camp are also within reach today. 

Day 9 - Bishop to Las Vegas - 319 miles

A big finishing day, but one that's mostly pavement on the way to Las Vegas. The Chidago Canyon Petroglyphs are believed to date back 8,000 years ago, and who knows maybe you'll spot your 'old beater' in The International Car Forest on the way to Las Vegas. Inquire with us about adding extra rental days if you'd like to visit sites like the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead or possibly, riding up to our home base in beautiful Bend, Oregon. The Western U.S. is home to almost limitless great riding. 

Dirt Riding

Day 10 - Departure Day

Leave if you must, or stay and enjoy Las Vegas to win your vacation costs back, as there are lots of possibilities in this famous city. You've now completed the southern CABDR, so keep eyes open for the other Backcountry Discovery Routes that we provide such services on, and come back for more!

Group_Dinner_Patagonia
CABDR South

Minimum Essential Gear for RIDE Training

If you're planning to jump on a guided tour or training with RIDE Adventures, it's essential that you have the right gear. This helps to ensure your safety and the safety of others while on the road.

Not being properly prepared can lead to injuires that could have been avoided. Our guides have created a Minimum Essential Gear Guide if you plan to book a RIDE Adventures. If you don't come minimally prepared there is a chance our guides will prevent you from hopping on a bike. Make sure you're prepared for the adventure. 

Bikes Available

2019+ Honda CB500x

2019+ Honda CB500x

Another recent assertion by Honda Motorcycles into the Adventure Riding world, riders seeking a compact-sized adventure bike have been raving about the CB500X. With plenty of power emanating from the parallel-twin engine, and an agile disposition, everything from paved twisties to gravel, dirt, and sand can be conquered with this fun adventuring option. Starting in 2019 with the 19" front wheel, this bike has proven itself for us in places like Patagonia, and will be a great option for riders exploring beyond.

  • Wet Weight - 430lbs
  • Seat Height - 32.7 inches
  • Fuel Capacity - 4.6 gal

X

Seat Height:
32.7 in
Curb Weight:
430lbs
Fuel Capacity:
4.6 gal
Displacement:
471cc Parallel Twin
Honda Africa Twin

Honda Africa Twin

Finally, the return of a legend! The long awaited, and thoroughly updated Africa Twin by Honda has been talked about for years, finally making itself available in various markets around the world in 2015. With a four-valve Unicam® cylinder head 998cc parallel twin engine, more power than an adventure rider could ever need is available along with suspension travel and ground clearance to handle the most remote and rugged terrains and pathways. 

X

Seat Height:
33.5/34.3 in
Curb Weight:
511 lb
Fuel Capacity:
4.96 gal
Displacement:
998 cc
Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports

Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports

Finally, the return of a legend, and this version, a little bit more prepared for long adventure rides than it's smaller twin. The long awaited, and thoroughly updated Africa Twin by Honda finally became available in rental fleets around the world in 2015, forever winning our hearts over with incredible reliability while being extremely fun to ride the first few seasons. This "Adventure Sports" version is about an inch taller with 1.5 gallons greater fuel capacity than the standard Africa Twin. With a four-valve Unicam® cylinder head 998cc parallel twin engine, more power than an adventure rider could ever need is available along with suspension travel and ground clearance to handle the most remote and rugged terrains and routes.

X

Seat Height:
35.4/36.2 in
Curb Weight:
533 lb
Fuel Capacity:
6.4 gal
Displacement:
998 cc
Honda Africa Twin CRF1100 (2020+)

Honda Africa Twin CRF1100 (2020+)

Just a few years after this legendary bike was reintroduced as a 1000cc world traveler in 2016, Honda made the Africa Twin CRF 1100 just a little bit better starting the 2020 model year. With four-valve Unicam® cylinder heads atop a 22.5degree parallel-twin engine, more power than an adventure rider could ever need is available along with suspension travel and ground clearance to handle the most remote and rugged terrains and pathways. An upgraded electronics package vs. the previous version includes cruise control, a 6-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit,) and a 6.5 inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth integration. Pack it up for a long trip, or take the bags off for a day on the trails, nothing but fun lies ahead!

X

Seat Height:
33.5/34.3 in
Curb Weight:
505 lb
Fuel Capacity:
5.0 gal
Displacement:
1084 cc
Yamaha Ténéré 700

Yamaha Ténéré 700

This highly-anticipated "masterpiece of value" has finally been released, giving dual sport adventure riders around the world one more incredible middle-weight adventure bike to choose from. With 73+ smooth, linear horsepower pouring through one of most beautiful exhaust notes out there, the Ténéré 700's unique anti-squat design puts that power into the ground, instead of into the rear shock. The result is one of the best handling, adventure bikes on the market, all backed by typical Yamaha-reliability. Take this agile machine on short trips or long, paved twisties or dirt roads, and know that this may be as close to the "perfect" adventure bike as we have seen in a while. With an attractive entry price, and corresponding rental rate, we expect the number of Ténéré 700's in our fleet operations to grow steadily and remain a factor for a long time. 

X

Seat Height:
34.4 in / 874mm
Curb Weight:
452 lb / 205kg
Fuel Capacity:
4.2 gal
Displacement:
689 cc