Photos: Simon Cudby
The Lost Coast BDR-X is pure Northern California adventure riding at its best. Remote dirt roads twist through towering redwood forests, rugged coastal ridgelines, and isolated mountain terrain where the Pacific Ocean constantly appears and disappears through the fog. Every mile feels untouched and wild, delivering the kind of backcountry riding experience that keeps adventure riders searching for the next horizon. From fast gravel sections to technical forest climbs, the route offers a perfect mix of scenery, challenge, and exploration.
We set out early each morning with dense coastal fog hanging low across the landscape. Visibility would shrink to just a few turns ahead before suddenly opening up to massive ocean views high above the coastline. The cool marine air, wet roads, and changing light created an atmosphere that felt cinematic from the moment the bikes fired to life. The Lost Coast has a way of making riders slow down and take everything in, whether parked on a ridgeline overlook or rolling through silent redwood groves.
The Honda Africa Twin proved perfectly suited for the route’s constantly changing terrain. Smooth and balanced on rough forest roads, it handled loose gravel, rocky climbs, and long stretches of dirt with confidence. Alongside it, the KTM 1390 Super Adventure R brought massive power and aggressive handling to the faster sections, carving through sweeping fire roads and steep mountain grades with ease. Together, the two adventure bikes represented exactly what the Lost Coast BDR-X was built for — long days, unpredictable conditions, and endless dirt roads leading into the unknown.
Great dirt is what defines this route. The roads flow naturally across mountainsides and through deep forest valleys, alternating between hard-packed earth, loose gravel, and winding two-track trails. Riders are constantly rewarded with elevation changes and epic scenery around every corner. One moment the route snakes through dark forests covered in moisture and moss, and the next it breaks into open coastal ridgelines overlooking the Pacific Ocean stretching endlessly into the horizon.
The remote nature of the Lost Coast made reliable gear essential for the trip. Randy, Brian, and Simon relied on Alpinestars riding gear to stay comfortable through cold foggy mornings, warmer inland temperatures, and long dusty sections late in the day. Giant Loop bags carried tools, layers, and camera equipment securely across rough terrain without adding unnecessary bulk. The lightweight luggage setup kept the bikes agile while still allowing the crew to remain completely self-supported deep in the backcountry.
What makes the Lost Coast BDR-X unforgettable is the feeling of total escape. Hours pass without traffic, phone service disappears, and the outside world fades away behind endless dirt roads and dramatic coastal views. The combination of foggy mornings, perfect ADV terrain, powerful motorcycles, and rugged scenery created an experience we will remember long after the dust settles. The Lost Coast is more than just a route — it is one of the most immersive adventure riding experiences anywhere in California.
Get the full GPX download at ridebdr.com
