Mid Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route (MABDR)

[Funbobby]

For anyone thinking about riding the Mid Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route - ride it!!! It was the longest ride I've taken on the VFR, 2750 total trip miles, and the most off road riding I have done on the VFR. I traveled with three other guys that were riding an Africa Twin, KTM 790, and BMW F800GS. The VFR performed flawlessly and impressed the guys. As for me, the VFR won my heart.

As for the MABDR, it is a 1080 mile route that runs from Damascus, Virginia to Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania. The route is a combination of pavement, dirt, and gravel through forest roads and rural country lanes. The scenery is spectacular and the off road portions are not technical for the most part. I'm a novice off road rider and I never dropped the VFR. With the exception of one day of rain, the weather was perfect. We made time to visit Antietam National Battlefield (U.S Civil War) which is the location of America's bloodiest day in history - 23,000 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing after twelve hours of battle. On the return trip south, we rode the 105 mile Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, Tail of the Dragon, and Cherohala Skyway. A spectacular 10 days of riding!

Rob, 2017 VFR 1200XD
Navarre, FL
IBA# 606

[andyrob]

A big trip always cements your feelings for a bike. And thats a big trip! Glad it was a positive outcome  Kick the tyres and go. Enjoyed the photies. 

[Funbobby]

The problem with epic trips is you want to ride more of them. Glad you enjoyed the photos.

[matt28]

One of  my dream trips - go to US and ride some scenic routes like you've just done.

[Phil X]

Hello

Nice trip, what a chance to live in such a big country where the freedom to ride is real! 

[Younger06]

Looks fantastic!!!!
How many nights ??

[Funbobby]

Originally Posted by matt28

One of  my dream trips - go to US and ride some scenic routes like you've just done.

@matt28. When you find the time to ride the US, use the Backcountry Discovery Route weblink (https://ridebdr.com/) as a starting point for planning. You won’t be disappointed.

On the other hand, I’m interested in riding portions of the Trans European Trail. The Balkan countries have caught my eye.

Rob, 2017 VFR12XD
Navarre, FL
IBA# 606

[Funbobby]

Originally Posted by Younger06

Looks fantastic!!!!
How many nights ??

The trip was over 10 days. We weren’t crushing daily mileage, but we rode 8-10 hours a day. We averaged 175-200 mile legs for the backcountry discovery portion of the trip and 300+ mile days on paved portions. I underestimated how much time riding 175 miles of dirt track takes. Additionally, I underestimated the physical toll riding long days of dirt riding will do to your body.

Rob, 2017 VFR12XD
Navarre, FL
IBA# 606