Washington BDR Sections 2 and 3 are Easily the MOST DIFFICULT. Norden 901 on the WABDR, Day 4

No video

Washington BDR Sections 2 and 3 are Easily the MOST DIFFICULT. Norden 901 on the WABDR, Day 4

Рет қаралды 34,477

Күн бұрын

Day 4 of our Washington Backcountry Discovery Route motorcycle adventure started on a sad note as Travis had to leave to head home. We started the WABDR adventure with six riders. Now, we were down to just two and were heading into the most difficult sections of the entire route.
First up, WABDR section 3, Beehive Reservoir, and the infamous "washout" section. I was truly not prepared for the Washington BDR section 3 difficulty. Although the camera does not do it justice, the WABDR washout section features some near-vertical ten foot rocky descents into immediate climbs and was easily the most difficult thing I've done on an y adventure motorcycle. Fortunately my Husqvarna Norden 901 is a beast of a machine and carried me through without incident, despite the fact that I was white-knuckling most of the time. The climb up and out of the washout on WABDR section 3 is also a very interesting ride, with a ton of loose, rocky, and steep switchbacks that really challenged my adventure motorcycle riding skills.
After completing Washington Backcountry Discovery Route Section 3, we descended into Ellensburg for gas and food. After an eventful morning and considering the fact that we have lost four riders on this trip already, we made the decision to take the bypass around one of the most infamous sections of the WABDR, Babyhead Hill. I don't regret going around Baby Head Hill at all, especially considering what we didn't know lie ahead of us on WABDR Section 2.
The climb up Cleman Mountain on Section 2 of the WABDR was steep, loose, and covered in baby head rocks. After a long butt-puckering ride, we made it to the top of Cleman Mountain and carefully made our way down the back side into Nile, Washington to stop for dinner.
Afterward, we headed up Bethel Ridge to check out the amazing views and stop at the most amazing dispersed campsite I've ever seen in my life. Day 4 of our WABDR adventure was the most difficult so far.
-SUBSCRIBE for more adventures, how-tos, gear reviews, and moto shenanigans!
bit.ly/dorkinth...
Check out www.dorkinthero... for all your dorky motorcycling needs!
Want early access to videos and other perks? Become a channel member: / @dorkintheroad
Merch Store: teespring.com/...
Instagram: / adorkintheroad
Twitter: / adorkintheroad
Support me on Patreon: www.patreon.co...
Want to support the channel when you buy your dual sport or ADV gear and mods? Please consider using these affiliate links:
Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: bit.ly/3tYzpXq
Amazon: amzn.to/3aDkk4z
Revzilla: imp.i104546.ne...
MotoCamp Nerd: motocampnerd.c...
DitR Storefront on Amazon: www.amazon.com...
Save 20% on Gaia GPS Premium with this link: www.gaiagps.co...
Dork in the Road’s Riding Gear Picks on RMATV/MC: bit.ly/3t8fgOC
Dork in the Road’s Dual Sport Mods on RMATV/MC: bit.ly/3yzVuws
Dork in the Road’s Adventure Bike Mods on RMATV/MC: bit.ly/3zGFHxg
Select music courtesy of Epidemic Sound. Use this link to get a free 30-day trial: www.epidemicso...
Thank you for supporting the channel by clicking on the affiliate links in this description.
Husqvarna Norden 901 Mods:
Tusk D Sport Front Tire: bit.ly/350Wn8e
MotoZ Tractionator Rallz Rear: bit.ly/3wvCGzs
Heavy Duty Tubes: bit.ly/2NqZ0Y0
Giant Loop Fandango Tank Bag: bit.ly/3LuLpIB
Doubletake Adventure Mirrors: bit.ly/3F1lxkT
Garmin Zumo XT: bit.ly/3eJ4eKt
Hepco and Becker Crash Bars: www.motomachin...
Hepco and Becker Headlight Guard: www.motomachin...
Hepco and Becker Handguards: www.motomachin...
Quad Lock Dual Pivot Arm: amzn.to/3KNahd9
Quad Lock Vibration Dampener: amzn.to/37jKThy
Quad Lock Waterproof Wireless Charger: amzn.to/3kMCkPn
Quad Lock Handlebar Base Mount: amzn.to/3wbaGkz
Hepco and Becker Pannier Mounts: www.motomachin...
Vanasche Motorsports Adventure Footpegs:vanaschemotors...
Vanasche Motorsports Norden 901 GPS Mount: vanaschemotors...
Vanasche Motorsports Brake Pedal: vanaschemotors...
Vanasche Motorsports Bar Risers: vanaschemotors...

Пікірлер: 135

@DorkintheRoad 2 жыл бұрын

Want to support the channel when you buy your dual sport or ADV gear and mods? Please consider using these affiliate links: Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: bit.ly/3tYzpXq Amazon: amzn.to/3aDkk4z Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/4eMdJZ MotoCamp Nerd: motocampnerd.com/?ref=dork Giant Loop: www.giantloopmoto.com/?ref=dork Save 20% on Gaia GPS Premium with this link: www.gaiagps.com/discounts/?fp_ref=dork Dork in the Road’s Riding Gear Picks on RMATV/MC: bit.ly/3t8fgOC Dork in the Road’s Dual Sport Mods on RMATV/MC: bit.ly/3yzVuws Dork in the Road’s Adventure Bike Mods on RMATV/MC: bit.ly/3zGFHxg

@MotorcyclesOffroad 2 жыл бұрын

I can tell you were super stressed during this, but I think you handled this really well. You kept pushing forward and pushing your comfort zone. Something I love to see, overall you come out of this whole ride a better rider.

@insatiable_mind 2 жыл бұрын

I just got a KLR and I can’t wait to get out and explore! Every time you say “coming down the mountain” I hear Jane’s Addiction in my head 😂

@bigjimcountryboy Жыл бұрын

same here 2022 KLR

@gzahnd 6 ай бұрын

I’ve done the WABDR, IDBDR, and a fair bit of Colorado. Man, if you think WA is hard, Colorado makes WA feel like a theme park. Thanks for bringing us along.

@mkramsauer 2 жыл бұрын

Man that is just amazing truly enjoy your content because it's realistic and more on everyone's levels

@jwmoffat 2 жыл бұрын

I'm definitely jealous of that camping site. Pushing "just a little more" to find a better site doesn't always pan out but man, when it does it's so amazing!

@cliftonsr 2 жыл бұрын

Ben your channel has been definitely the go to channel of the year for me for adventure riding, love your program and all your videos!

@kevindain5420 2 жыл бұрын

I’m loving this series. Crazy how the camera flattens everything out, drone footage would be awesome to really show the ruggedness of the terrain.

@CommieHunter7 2 жыл бұрын

I think the GoPro represents exactly what this looks like. They only seem steep because of the intimidation factor. If you get off and look at them impartial, the GoPro shows them as reality.

@csolivais1979 Жыл бұрын

@@CommieHunter7 no, you lose a lot of how steep things are on GoPros. Go look at the guys who mountain bike at their go pro footage vs regular cameras.

@davidmohr4004 2 жыл бұрын

My favorite so far...I really enjoy your vids and commentary...it reminds me of me talking to myself when Im not on comms. Full stream of consciousness. Thanks for sharing it is a blast to listen in on your ride!

@thegreatmoa 2 жыл бұрын

Agreed on the commentary. Very helpful for those of us who are inexperienced, as well, as it gives us an idea of what to be watching out for.

@ericredpath3908 2 жыл бұрын

Great job riding Tim and Ben, fantastic content, beautiful scenery!!

@airmotivewelding8012 2 жыл бұрын

Epic camp site, great ride, and a level up on the confidence! Thanks for bringing the awesomeness to my screen! btw, I am one on the 12 people who watch on a big screen (not on my phone, on the sh!tter) Thanks Ben!!

@toddmitchell8783 2 жыл бұрын

Great videos. First I’ve seen your channel. I did 1,2 and 3 by myself last week. Wondered several times WTF I was doing out there by myself. Headed back to do 4,5 and 6 in a couple weeks, your vid’s gave me good idea of what is to come!

@easy4steve 2 жыл бұрын

thats some awesome riding on the 901 ,its showing how capable the bike is , not easy , well done to all involved .

@Mr.shadoe 2 жыл бұрын

Vicarious riding through DITR! Not a dirt route, but if you dig a twisty ride you should hit up Highway 242 over to Sisters. Narrow 2-lane through the forest and such a fun ride 👌 That ending camp spot is too epic!

@MeerkatADV 2 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed section 2 and 3 a lot but they were absolutely the most technical parts of the route. And I will say the Tenere did fantastic on all of it. The T7 is able to tractor through just about anything, being lighter helps a ton as well.

@westhovland4189 2 жыл бұрын

I'm sure a lot is Hollywood magic with selective editing and stunt doubles, but Tim seems like a great rider and a generally solid dude! Well done guys.

@timmcpherson9384 2 жыл бұрын

Mate long time watcher, first time commenter. Love your offroad vids and camping vids including the dinners you guys make and having a beer after a long day in the saddle. Keep it up!

@andrewtreloar7389 Жыл бұрын

Great video Ben, and thanks for sharing. I had to look up what a Vizzy was!!

@urbanadventurer5 2 жыл бұрын

Good stuff. These have been really entertaining to watch. 👍🏾 Sorry for the folks that weren’t able to finish. The big bike vs the smaller dual sport issue is ever present isn’t it? It’s a tough call, but it seems like you ultimately have to pay the price somewhere. It’s either on all the asphalt riding you do to get to the trails and between sections or on the trails themselves. These videos kind of cemented that again for me. I guess we all have to just choose what we want to be difficult. Thanks for posting these again.

@rickreasoner8664 2 жыл бұрын

All I can say is “EXCELLENT!” We viewers have to calibrate our view to about 2x as steep as it looks.

@Ironandflannel Жыл бұрын

Some gnarly roads there. Those ruts are no joke!

@dalehunt1383 2 жыл бұрын

Just find he'd that section last week and this dips are worse than seen in your footage. Large rocks in the middle and tore up by 4 wheelers. It caught me off guard and your right it's no time to even think, it was a point and shoot on a 1250GSA fully loaded! Crazy!!

@jrdepew Жыл бұрын

Fun to see footage of sections I did in 2020. More burned areas now and since coming over sec 2 last week, Packwood and Rimrock Lake are under evacuation due to fires.

@steve8056 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for adding some star trek. Nice job.

@scudrunneradv3269 2 жыл бұрын

Best ending ever to a moto adventure video. You just passed up Sterling Noren for best ending. Que the music.

@ChaseJasperDown 2 жыл бұрын

Love your videos man! The views on this video are amazing. Thanks for sharing!

@blakewardell4432 2 жыл бұрын

If only there were more than one like button to click on. Love the content especially the candle and a couple of hard seltzers moment. Doesn't get much better than that.

@Hoser1mVm Жыл бұрын

Great VLOG. Enjoyed.

@yackrr 2 жыл бұрын

That kind of riding definitely warrants a drink before setting up camp.

@yycyvr 2 жыл бұрын

Great work guys.

@davidruggles996 2 жыл бұрын

Inspiring video Dork! Well done sir!

@HalfGiant_S80 2 жыл бұрын

/need to go here. This is awesome, I have to finish the XR650R adv build yesterday!!

@BornAGoon 2 жыл бұрын

That is some awesome scenery Would love to do that route one day

@urbancavemanintheak7732 2 жыл бұрын

Nice work, looks like a good time!

@shassabo 2 жыл бұрын

This looks like it was a real challenge for ya. That is awesome!!!! Imagine how your high your confidence will be on the next one. Can’t wait to do my first BDR.

@JCrozier1 2 жыл бұрын

definitely some of the wildest riding I've seen you do. it really helps tell how stupid it is when he's going down the hill in front of you. I did catch your Austin Powers reference.

@a2bmoto 2 жыл бұрын

What a site to end on! I don't even like camping and I want to stay overnight there!

@AdventureTomek 2 жыл бұрын

Looks like a blast, I have to catch up with the series. I’m in northern Colorado and have not rode the BDR here yet, fingers crossed I’ll be able to next season 😎🤘🏼

@LtSoulRipper 2 жыл бұрын

NEED. MORE. C O N F I D E N C E! Haha. Loving the videos

@aBluegrassPicker 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I got the Austin Powers reference........

@SSN70 2 жыл бұрын

You are killing it ! 🤘🏽🍻

@owenlushadv 2 жыл бұрын

I feel ya!! Lol I’m in my second year of this adventure bike thing, and motorcycles in general, and I have to talk myself through sections of routes that are more technical on the big bikes for sure!! Nice work! … and you’re absolutely right about the camera, it flattens and smooths everything out so much nobody has any idea how steep or rough it is lol unless they actually use the cameras!

@nerdymoto4353 Жыл бұрын

Just came across your videos and am really enjoying them. Will definitely subscribe. Can I give you an unsolicited amateur tip: go wide on the corners. A - buy taking a slightly longer path it is not as steep. B - you can see further around the corner so there are less surprises.

@1berserker165 2 жыл бұрын

Great riding and filming. Our group is planning to hit this next year. Baby, baby head 🤣

@TheHoovercm 2 жыл бұрын

Wow what a ride! Lots of challenging stuff but beautiful. That last camping spot was amazing! That's postcard material! Well, all of it is really. You have a gorgeous playground in your backyard. What model KTM is Tim riding? 😀

@ronlessner3247 2 жыл бұрын

Good job sticking it out !!

@deltabravo1257 Жыл бұрын

I'm shocked at how much the area above Beehive Reservoir has burned. It's been at least 12 years ago that I rode that are last, before it burned. You mention that it would be easier on a lighter weight bike - you are so right! Look at section 3 as a primer for the COBDR. I've ridden down around Silverton, CO in 2020. There's a lot of steep, rocky terrain. I can't imagine having fun riding that on a big bike. I'd prefer a DRZ sized bike for a lot of the COBDR.

@dingalsbe88 2 жыл бұрын

that baby-head rock hill coming down from the towers is pretty gnarly.

@MrTmax74 2 жыл бұрын

Great video brother, been enjoying the series. I’m just getting into adventure riding myself, I still have a lot to learn. I I appreciate how you share your thoughts about what it takes on various parts of the trail and pluses and minuses of small vs large bikes. I’m starting with a 650 V Strom just a dabble a little and see if I like it. I realize I’m not starting with the best bike for the job.

@SteelHorseman 2 жыл бұрын

Man I really enjoyed this video.

@Doublecheesemoto 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent work!!

@Resort_Fans 2 жыл бұрын

Your best video yet. Excellent camera work and commentary. I felt like I was with you. What KTM does Tim ride?

@DorkintheRoad 2 жыл бұрын

500 exc f

@stevedobson7837 2 жыл бұрын

Such beautiful views.

@bryanmitchell4463 2 жыл бұрын

That was a good Day’s road, and a great camp spot

@kawabungah20 2 жыл бұрын

Wow! Ben and Tim are an inspiration. You definitely earned a night at the best campsite on BDR#2. Did you ever miss your other mid-sized adventure bikes for their particular plus points? Or is the Norden 901 the total solution?

@rockyrace7454 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Ben, Hope your move is going well. Looks like a cool place. I have been watching your BDR trip,It looks like it was a crazy good time. I had been woundering when it was that you actually went on the trip and I was watching section 2&3 and you were riding along and you said look here comes someone on an 890 no its a1290 whitch was me and then my friend came by next on an 890. Just thought it was kinda funny to see my self while watching your video,wish I had known it was you would have injoyed chatting with ya,but I remember that spot and it seems like it was around 100 degrees or so. Too dam hot.Anyway maybe some day I mite get a chance to talk shop with you I do a lot of different trips and rides in the spring, summer, and fall. If you ever think you might want to come do a ride in Idaho let me know I can set you up with some of the coolest spots. Get your move done and get back out there making more content we all injoy them. Stay cool and rubber side down.

@cyabaib 2 жыл бұрын

What do you think the cons would be of doing this trip on a DRZ400 or something similar? What are the pros of having a bigger, more powerful, but ultimately much heavier bike when the top speed you're doing is far below what a DRZ400 can handle? I have been wondering this for months and need to finally ask! Also I am still loving your videos. You da man.

@6806goats1 2 жыл бұрын

Asked about the DR650 since I don't have a bike yet and shopping.

@deltabravo1257 Жыл бұрын

I would totally do the WABDR on my DRZ. Drawbacks: Highway riding to get to the start and then back home would be rough on a DRZ. I live in Spokane. I'd probably ride it North to South. DRZ needs a big tank. I have a 3.2 gallon IMS tank, which gives me at least 130 miles of fuel range. If I rode it on my DRZ, to avoid the highway riding from home to the starting point, and back home after finishing the route, I'd probably set up a base camp around Wenatchee, head north, then back south, then continue south to the end and then back north to my base camp.

@brickmanengineer1973 2 жыл бұрын

I bypassed babyhead hill as well. It had been a long day, I was tired, hungry, and dehydrated. Met up with a guy that was bringing up tubes for 3 flats up there. He offered to ride it with me, but said it was super gnarly and not fun at all. It was my first offroad trip, and solo nonetheless. I came to that gate from the other side, S to N, and said the same thing. Thought I had to turn around and go all the way back. 😂

@andrewrollin3506 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, buddy. Sorry for the hard times, hoping for the good times.

@JarenMorris_UnderHover 2 жыл бұрын

Section 3 was the sketchiest part for me right there at the washout when o took my truck through a few years ago. I can attest to it being pretty gnarly

@motafinga6652 2 жыл бұрын

You did fine and got through admirably, like you mentioned, on a big bike you really can't 2nd guess or hesitate once you're committed you just gotta go! Did you sort the clunking noise in your suspension? Mine was doing the same on a 790 and at first I thought it was a loose headset but in the end it turned out I needed to open the bleeder screws on top of the forks and a shitload of air came out. Fixed the noise

@Blacksheep_88 2 жыл бұрын

That doesn't look too bad on camera, but having done some similar stuff on my 890 I know how your guts are feeling. Can't wait to get out there, do some more, and keep learning. I definitely need some better tires than the stock Avon "trail riders" though. I likely upgrade next season if I can find some adequate replacements.

@MagnumMuscle1000 Жыл бұрын

I just rode Section 2 today. At least 60% is gnarly rocks and ruts. Baby Head Hlll is gnarly and super challenging on a loaded KTM 1290 Super Adventure R. It would be fun on real dirt bike but sketch on a big ADV.

@skiphalbakken859 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! I road some similar terrain in New Mexico and I have to say the T7 would roll through that stuff easily. ✊️👊✊️👊

@Crittermoto 2 жыл бұрын

Yes! I so have to do this!!!

@SamuelLee84 2 жыл бұрын

Just got done with section 2 and had no idea of this bypass you took at the end of it(your beginning). Wish I knew and took that - I dropped the bike 4 times in that short span between baby head and the end of section 2. Dropped zero in the in the parts before that.

@HippoDrones 2 жыл бұрын

GoPro never shows how tough the terrain is, always flattens it out. Riding a big heavy bike in rutty trails is very intimidating. What a stunning reservoir, be ace spot to camp! Confidence is a weird thing, can totally ruin or make a ride. I seen so many people go straight to a big adv bike without any dirt experience and it go wrong and puts them off the dirt, where had they spent a couple of years on a dual sport to cut their teeth, they'd have probably loved it and had far less issues. What an awesome view at your camp!

@brentkellner5107 2 жыл бұрын

Would it have been much easier if you were on a DRZ?

@deltabravo1257 Жыл бұрын

I've ridden a lot of section 3 and 4 since 1995. I did a lot of section 4 last weekend on my DRZ. It is MUCH easier on a light weight bike.

@deltabravo1257 Жыл бұрын

Good choice skipping Babyhead Hill. I will skip it too. Even if I was on my DRZ I'd skip that mess.

@davidlsmithjr129 2 жыл бұрын

Even though the camera flattens it out. I can tell how difficult it is by your breathing. Great videos. can't wait for the final.

@DaveP923 2 жыл бұрын

I'm surprised you didn't comment about the rain-rut section climbing to the top of Bethel Ridge before your camp site. Maybe it bothered me more.

@AKAOmnivore 2 жыл бұрын

Your insecurity cracks me up, but you still do it. It's no easy task riding adv touring bikes on that crap, been there done that, they're just too damn heavy on loose stuff and if they fall on you, you break stuff. The upside is you can road drive there with ease and comfort. The down side is riding the hard parts is harder, where I want it easier. I want to do WA again or the ORBDR, but the drive there will suck on my Beta 500. There needs to be a delivery service to the starting line :-)

@SylviaFannin 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video!

@surfman1968 Жыл бұрын

I live in the wrong side of the country. Epic scenery.

@kevinmason3141 2 жыл бұрын

small bikes rock!

@pitargi 2 жыл бұрын

that's quite a Tim you got there

@IRQ1Conflict 2 жыл бұрын

Need the crf300l rally for that. Your confidence would be way higher.

@InTransit8911 6 ай бұрын

Fellow PNW resident enjoying your content! How do you feel you would have fared on these sections if you had the 450L vs the Norden?

@marthanssen279 Жыл бұрын

Nice ride. TET roads in Spain Pyreneen looks the same. Did it on my last trip with R1200 GSA in september. Now switching to the Nordon. How did your suspension hold up?

@mototurkey5289 2 жыл бұрын

🎶Gold….member🎶 I’ll go take my back pill now…

@paulscor69 2 жыл бұрын

Great spot to camp.

@jayhopkins1337 2 жыл бұрын

Hello i live in this area and its not bad at all. Unless you're a beginner rider. Remember the golden rule if your thinking about going down you probably will go down. 32 yrs riding off rd

@ianferrier235 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome 👍🏻👍🏻

@irishmike8218 2 жыл бұрын

My buddy and I did section 3 last year and took the highway home as there was no way in hell we wanted to do section 3 again. It’s super sketchy, especially on a T7

@dbmiller5881 Жыл бұрын

Dear Mr. Dork... I'm watching you work your way through these BDR episodes, and I keep thinking you'd be much happier / more confident with a Honda DCT transmission. Any thoughts?

@eck172 2 жыл бұрын

Right about the 10:30 mark is where I felt the sketchiest moments were as well, but I was going the other way.

@theninja001 2 жыл бұрын

I was gonna say, I bet you miss your DRZ on the rougher sections! Having owned a Drz, now on an Africa Twin, I’m thinking a good BDR bike is maybe a Dr 650, light enough for rough sections, big enough to carry plenty of gear

@coasterx2796 Жыл бұрын

Trying to understand how you did this - a couple questions: Did you do the route backwards? I love that bethel ridge campsite however going south to north, in order to get to bethel ridge site it looks like a really big day 1 to get there, or a really short day 2. How did you do it? I want to make reasonable use of my days but it looks like that campsite is just not at a great spot to complete a day at it.

@Hoser1mVm Жыл бұрын

Post you buddies pages so I can explore their bike setups!

@rickydurfee1643 Жыл бұрын

How did the norden do? I just picked up the expedition to do the BDR next year!

@brapsquatch 2 жыл бұрын

Super weird you rode it backwards. I’m sure you’d have way more enjoyed some of those sections going the other way

@bencarpenter4129 2 жыл бұрын

By your comments it sounds like the Norden did great. What are your thoughts on some of your past bikes, like the KLR, would they of handled the worse of it as well? That wash out area looks fun yet terrifying lol

@JD-ek8bt Жыл бұрын

Don’t worry always funnin’ son

@TheWinger1008 2 жыл бұрын

Bethel Ridge sucked when I did it but, it was completely worth the effort once you see the views.

@nuur2825 2 жыл бұрын

How do you find campsites like that! Please have Tim share his skills/process with us!

@DorkintheRoad 2 жыл бұрын

You just have to bring along a Tim of your own!

@Mr_JP_007 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video. This is in my list to ride. What bike is Tim riding?

@deltabravo1257 Жыл бұрын

500 EXC-F

@jayhopkins1337 2 жыл бұрын

How much time did it take you guys ? Covered alot ground

@ronny-drz 2 жыл бұрын

Nice!

@crowsgarage6669 3 ай бұрын

what mic setup do you use for you helmet gopro

@michaelahr1 2 жыл бұрын

Norden is too big, just a highway cruiser and why I always thought the T7 was the better choice in your stable. Super proud of you doing the BDR though, pretty awesome!