Tour Info
April 29 to May 8, 2022
*San Diego to Las Vegas, Inquire for Availability
November 4-13, 2022
*Las Vegas to San Diego, Inquire for Availability
PRIVATE GROUP TOUR DATES: Whenever your group wants, ask if we're available via the form on this page! Trips should run from November through March/April for weather reasons.
- Tour Start & Finish: San Diego, California (SAN) or Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS) -- Click "Dates" or Inquire for Options
- Type of Tour: Group Supported tour or Self-Guided trip following the California South Backcountry Discovery Route. Only for riders with significant prior off-pavement riding experience.
- Duration: 10 Days (8 Riding Days, 0 Rest Days, 1 Arrival Day, 1 Departure Day)
- Tour Distance & Terrain: Approximately 1,300 miles (2,092km) of 80% dirt, gravel, and sand and 20% pavement (more like 90/10 in terms of 'time' spent)
- Weather Statistics: Click here for San Diego, California, here for Furnace Creek, California, and here for Las Vegas, Nevada
- Group size: Typically 6-10 bikes
- Motorcycles available for rent on this trip: Honda CB500X, KTM 690 Enduro R, Yamaha Tenere 700, KTM 890 Adventure, Honda Africa Twin/ATAS (click "Bikes" or "Pricing" on this page for options & upgrades)
Included:
- Motorcycle Rental of your choice (click "Bikes" or "Pricing" on this page)
- Guide (For Private Guided Trips)
- Support Vehicle with Driver/Mechanic & Luggage Transport (Private Trips)
- 9 Nights Accommodations, ranging from 3-star "simple" to more upscale experiences where available (like San Diego and Las Vegas)
- Welcome and Departure Evening Dinners (Private Guided Trips)
- Required 3rd Party Liability Insurance
- Basic crash protection parts
- National Park Entrance Fees
Not Included:
- Flights
- Visas if necessary per your passport
- Personal Items, gifts, snacks, etc.
- Special activities (rafting, fishing, etc.)
- Airport/Hotel transfers or other shuttle needs
- Alcohol
- Fuel
- Meals not mentioned as Included
- Personal, Medical or Trip/Travel Insurance
- Optional Damage Liability Reduction Waiver & associated fully refundable Security Deposit (*Please inquire on specific costs associated with your requested rental or tour package)
- *Pricing and Inclusions based on a 6-Bike minimum for tour. Trips may run with fewer participants, but alterations in pricing/inclusions might be necessary.
Self-Guided "Fly & RIDE" Package Base Pricing on Honda CB500X - $3250 USD - Motorcycle rental, hotel package, and Road Book all ready and waiting for your RIDE!
- 1 Rider / 1 Room = $4380
- 2 Bikes /1 Room = $3250 per person
- 2 Riders /1 Bike / 1 Room = $4740
- Yamaha Ténéré 700 = +$160
- Honda Africa Twin / Adventure Sport = +$240
- Honda Africa Twin CRF 1100 (2020+) = $320
- *Inclusions as shown on the Inclusions tab, but without meals other than breakfast, Support Truck, hotel transfers, satellite phone, park entrance fees, and anything "mid-trip"
Group Supported Tour Base Pricing (on Honda CB500X) - $5520 USD - Click Dates tab for options, or form your own Private Group tour
- KTM 690 Enduro R = +$80
- Yamaha Ténéré 700 = +$160
- KTM 890 Adventure / R = +$400
- Honda Africa Twin / Adventure Sport = +$240
- Single/Private Room Upgrade: $1200
*Please keep in mind, spots on these tours can be sold out 6-8 months in advance! Reservations are only confirmed after receipt of the deposit as indicated in our Terms & Conditions.
Interested in This Tour?
Contact Us about riding the CABDR South
Tour Specs
Level 4 to 5
USA
Out of respect to the fine folks who helped organize this southern California Backcountry Discovery Route and all the great information provided, please visit the BDR website directly for information about the highlights we'll encounter on this trip and become a BDR Supporter to help keep this great organization prospering. (Many highlights are also outlined in the Itinerary on this page.)
Tour Video
Testimonials
"Eric,
I wanted to write a sincere thank you for our amazing experience with your two day training
option right there in Bend Oregon on September 3rd and 4th. My brother Nick organized this
trip. He owns his own KTM and rides often here in Western Colorado. His goal was to ride with
us, his two brothers.
- Our thanks to Adam for the kind words and satisfaction in knowing that our ADV Training Expeditions have helped the Wasser Brothers build a foundation for their future riding plans. See you guys in Baja : )
"I wanted to thank you and your staff for allowing me to rent the Honda Africa Twin which resulted in a fantastic trip. We camped 8 nights and the Africa Twin was flawless the entire time, no problems whatsoever while exploring Oregon. The machine is perfect for the type of riding we performed on pavement, improved roads, dirt roads, rain and even little of an ATV trail. Smooth linear power and with the traction control and ABS turned off the power was predictable; didn’t disappoint. I have conducted a half dozen fly and rides all over the country and your process was by far the easiest, your rental program is five stars. I wish you well with the growth of your Bend store and I will be back maybe for the Washington BDR or maybe some type of Alaska or South America trip." |
-Despite the tragic amount of wild fire activity we had around the Pacific Northwest in late 2020, Brant Hill from Alabama was still able to make use of our Oregon U.S. motorcycle rental fleet on an Africa Twin Adventure Sports for a couple of weeks. Thanks for sharing Brant, and come back anytime!
"What a great experience! If you are looking to "try before you buy" or need a do anything motorcycle for an adventure, this is the place to go. The Ride Adventures team is professional and friendly. There are no egos here. The bikes are immaculate and perform as they are supposed to. It was easier than renting a car, and way more fun because its a motorcycle! I will be using them again in the future." |
-Our sincere thanks to Dan Wellisch from right here in beautiful Bend, Oregon where our Oregon U.S. motorcycle rental fleet is based. Glad if you enjoyed, Dan, and RIDE on!
"Even now I’m still remembering the experience with great joy. Crossing the borders was straightforward, the sights were amazing, and the motorcycle carried me reliably everywhere. I had room for everything I needed and made goal every day. Cannot wait for my calendar to line up to do another trip in the area soon." |
-Oleg on our Self-Guided Fly & Ride the 3 Corners: Argentina, Bolivia & Chile tour package.
- Steve Fox and some buddies from southeastern U.S. all came out for our Best of Southwest Oregon ADV Riding trip in August 2022. Thanks for the kind words, Steve, and we look forward to seeing you in Baja for another trip soon.
"This is the second time that I have hired bikes from RIDE Adventures for a trip. The first was a ride up through Patagonia and the latest from Oregon, through Canada and on up through Alaska - some 6,500kms. I cannot recommend Eric and his team at RIDE Adventures more highly. Great people to deal with - honesty, integrity, reliability, well maintained bikes that are comprehensively kitted out………and importantly people that ride themselves and understand that things do not always go to plan and will work with you to help get things sorted whatever they are and wherever you are. Thanks Eric - you guys are simply awesome!" |
-Mark Stewart from Australia on the heels of a successful ride to Alaska with his friend Phil, and our Oregon-based motorcycle rentals. A pair of Africa Twin's, 2 experienced riders, the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, Alberta, the Yukon, and all the moose, elk, bears, and other wildlife along the way, quite a journey a long time in the making. Just loved this picture as two voyagers were headed out of the shop that day. Come again, guys!
"Hi RIDE Adventures,
I had great trip and great start in California with GS Motorcycle. Next time I will get plan for ride with your team travel some where else interesting. I passed my fear about traffic and now I can enjoy like American people! So many video was took I will update you soon."
-Minh Tran from Vietnam after 15 days of riding across the U.S. on an BMW R1200GS. His first time riding in the U.S., all part of an architectural research project, and meeting friendly Americans along the way!
"Well, the trip came to an end today. Pulled in at 3:00 showing 1475 miles. I can't wait to start looking through all the pictures and videos. Really want to thank you guys for an incredible time! I could not have asked for a better time. Chad...you and Ernie are top notch tour guides and photographers...thank you!"
-Jeff Baenen from Illinois after his September 2013 Trans Wisconsin Adventure Trail guided motorcycle tour and ride back home on his Triumph 1200 Explorer
RIDE our version of the Southern California Backcountry Discovery Route between San Diego and Las Vegas
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)
Welcome 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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
32.7 in
430lbs
4.6 gal
471cc Parallel Twin
Honda Africa Twin
X
33.5/34.3 in
511 lb
4.96 gal
998 cc
Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports
X
35.4/36.2 in
533 lb
6.4 gal
998 cc
Honda Africa Twin CRF1100 (2020+)
X
33.5/34.3 in
505 lb
5.0 gal
1084 cc
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
34.4 in / 874mm
452 lb / 205kg
4.2 gal
689 cc