BMW Motorrad USA And BDR Launch Chattahoochee BDR-X For Adventure Riders

Published: Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 2:03 [IST]

BMW Motorrad USA and Backcountry Discovery Routes® (BDR®) have announced their fourth route collaboration, the Chattahoochee BDR-X. This 350-mile loop through the north Georgia mountains offers a mix of graded forest roads, primitive two-track, and scenic backcountry pavement under the dense canopy of the Chattahoochee National Forest. The route is accessible most of the year, with optimal riding conditions from March to December.

The full route and an accompanying documentary film will be unveiled during a live YouTube broadcast on Thursday, September 19, 2024. The event will feature a 30-minute film screening, release of GPS tracks, a waterproof route map, and other resources. Viewers can join via YouTube.com/RideBDR or RideBDR.com/Hoochee at 7:00 pm Eastern / 4:00 pm Pacific time.

Kirk Lakeman, Route Architect and BDR Board Member, described the Chattahoochee BDR-X as "the Greatest Hits" of the region. Riders will experience notable North Georgia highlights such as the Toccoa River swinging footbridge, Camp Frank D. Merrill US Army Ranger training facility, stunning mountain lakes, state parks, and numerous creek crossings. "All set beneath a lush forest canopy," he added.

Louise C. Powers, an adventure riding instructor and expedition film team rider, shared her experience: "Riding the BDR-X Chattahoochee felt like a highlight tour of unseen Northern Georgia mixed with incredible backroads and fun local stops along the way." She noted that even three days of rain and mud couldn't dampen the fun.

Backcountry Discovery Routes® (BDR®) is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating off-highway routes for adventure and dual-sport motorcycle travel. Their work promotes rider education and safety campaigns while supporting rural communities economically. BDR also encourages responsible motorcycle travel in remote areas by working with land managers to keep public roads open for motorcycling.

Since its inception in 2010, BDR has developed routes in various states including Washington, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, Southern California, Wyoming, Oregon, Northern California, and more. In 2022 they introduced shorter loop routes called BDR-X. Current BDR-X routes include Red Desert in Wyoming; PA Wilds in Pennsylvania; Steens Mountain & Alvord Desert in Oregon; Black Hills in South Dakota; and now Chattahoochee in Georgia.

BMW Group's Presence in America

BMW of North America has been operating in the United States since 1975. The BMW Group's U.S. operations include marketing, sales, and financial services for BMW vehicles including motorcycles under the BMW Motorrad brand. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA began distributing vehicles in 2003. The company also operates Designworks consultancy in California and a technology office in Silicon Valley.

In South Carolina, BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC assembles several models including X3 to X7 Sports Activity Vehicles as well as the BMW XM. The sales network includes 350 BMW passenger car centers and 144 BMW motorcycle retailers across the U.S., among others.

The collaboration between BMW Motorrad USA and BDR continues to enhance adventure riding experiences by offering meticulously planned routes that cater to both seasoned riders and newcomers alike. The Chattahoochee BDR-X promises an unforgettable journey through some of Georgia's most scenic landscapes.

For more information about BMW Group products in the USA or details about their operations can be found on www.bmwgroup.com or www.bmwmotorcycles.com