Hey All, I am new to this forum, so hopefully I don't screw this up too bad! I am thinking that a Washington Backcountry Discovery Route trip for 2013 should be planned! This sounds like such a cool idea! And input or does anyone know someone that is already planning this ride?

Welcome to the forum !

I've considered doing it this year myself but haven't set any plans in motion yet.

I am mainly focusing on my 2014 Alaska trip.

__________________
DL650K7
XL1200N (Sold)

1. Point motorcycle towards Alaska
2. Eat, sleep, gas as needed
3. Take pictures
4. Give wife big gift
5. Bring toilet paper

Planning done, wabdr awaits!

__________________

It's on my to do list. However I was thinking my DR350 might be a better choice. Over on ADV I've seen pics of stroms after riding it and they are pretty beat up. Not sure my stock suspension is up to the challenge, unless you were thinking of taking the big bike alternative routes?

My 74 year old dad has stage 4 cancer so I can't do any long range planning. I'm limited to day today...if he's doing good, I'll ride kind of trips. I'll keep my eyes on this thread.

I don't think the route opens up until mid July so there's plenty of time for dreaming....I mean planning. I'm less than 2 hrs from the southern end of the WABDR.

Tim

haha! i know i know...

it's more about getting my bike set up for touring the way i like, and then also about $$$ and vacation time

the pits of only getting 3 weeks vacation a year is i've got to plan my trips carefully and still have enough time with the wife

__________________
DL650K7
XL1200N (Sold)

I've seen some bikes afterwards too, but i don't think it'd be too terrible, at least nothing not repairable. I've talked to a few guys that have done it on stock wee's with a skid plate and basic stuff and did just fine, and they had shinkos on...if i did it i would be throwing a set of Kenda Big Blocks

i'm only 30 minutes from the start/southern end of the WABDR...so it's really close for me...even if i don't do the full thing, i might be interested in at least doing half of it or a day or two worth

__________________
DL650K7
XL1200N (Sold)

Planning done; well almost...the last two weeks of September.
Last year I did the UTBDR which was awesome if not a little challenging doing it solo. Camping out up on a sandstone mesa on an Indian reservation cooking supper as the sun set and drinking a cold one...
That Utah route was about 5K round trip from St. Louis. The WABDR is reported to be much easier, but will probably be 6K for the total trip.

__________________
EZ-RDR55
The opinions expressed herein are mine, and do not represent that of any other humanoid past, present or future on this or any other planet.

'95 H-D FXDWG
'06 Honda CRF250X
'04 KTM 450EXC
'97 Honda XR-600R
'04 K1200LT (Sold)
'07 K1200GT (Sold)
'09 Wee-Strom DL-650ABS

I've done several sections. The ones N&S of 410(410 to 12 and 410 to I-90), which are noted to be 2 of the worst. Was very glad that I was on my DR350. Lot of broken type rock and deep ruts in these sections. With 11" of travel it still bottomed out on the skid plate a few times. Other portions were easy, even on the Strom.

__________________
DL-650 K5 red
93 DR 350S
The thrill of living should never be traded
for the safety of existance

I've also heard that some of the original route has washed out, but cant
confirm, sounds like there are alternatives. would have to be flexible and allow time to reroute if needed. I'm looking at starting from the north end. I'll keep and eye on this and see what develops for next summer!

__________________
03' yellow dl1000 Rich's seat, custom built racks with ortieb drybags
givi crash bars, powercommander,mm spacers,SV slipper clutch
43t sprocket, speedohealer custom 04'+MpDesigns/madstad windscreen

I used this site for Utah, but they have info for Washington as well. I'm getting the DVD, map and routes here.

Backcountry Discovery Routes

__________________
EZ-RDR55
The opinions expressed herein are mine, and do not represent that of any other humanoid past, present or future on this or any other planet.

'95 H-D FXDWG
'06 Honda CRF250X
'04 KTM 450EXC
'97 Honda XR-600R
'04 K1200LT (Sold)
'07 K1200GT (Sold)
'09 Wee-Strom DL-650ABS