Seattle, WA – (April 13, 2023) – Backcountry Discovery Routes^® (BDR^®), the non-profit leader in off-pavement route creation for adventure and dual-sport motorcycles, today announced Outside Interactive, Inc’s Gaia GPS as the “Official BDR Navigation App”, kicking off a multi-year partnership. Outside is the world’s leading creator of active lifestyle content, services, events, and experiences. The partnership includes integration of route downloads from the BDR website directly into the Gaia GPS app, user resources, FAQs, upcoming webinars on route planning and navigation, and more.

A key feature of the partnership is a seamless “one click” option for BDR users to import routes directly into their Gaia GPS account and onto their mobile devices.  This custom functionality provides immediate access to BDR’s more than 12,000 miles of free routes, enhanced by Gaia GPS’s powerful map and navigational tools. 

“One of the more frequent questions we get at BDR is, “what type of GPS” do you recommend? Along with a GPS unit, our scouting teams rely on Gaia GPS for navigation, track recording, route building, weather, and public land boundary verification.  We are excited to offer this new practical solution to the BDR community, where downloading tracks and navigating in the backcountry without WiFi or cellular signal is now easier than ever.”

– Inna Thorn , BDR Executive Director

As the primary mode of navigation for motorcyclists shifts to mobile devices, this new partnership and expanded functionality is expected to be welcomed by both experienced and new riders alike.  Meanwhile, BDR’s GPS tracks will continue to function on any standard GPS device capable of displaying tracks with a minimum of 500 waypoints.

“Here at Outside, we believe everyone should experience all the amazing things nature has to offer. Our partnership with BDR is built on a shared passion for responsible backcountry navigation and exploration. With the integration of BDR’s routes and resources into Gaia GPS, we are excited to offer riders the tools they need to confidently and safely explore the backcountry, and support BDR’s mission to promote responsible off-pavement travel.”

–  Devin Lehman, Gaia GPS, Group Product Manager

Options for Gaia GPS include a free basic version, and a premium version ($39.99 annually).  The premium version, recommended for BDR riders, offers features such as offline maps, live layers, as well as full Gaia GPS maps catalog, with over 250 maps and overlays, including popular layers like NatGeo Trails Illustrated. BDR riders will receive 20% off their first year when they sign up for an annual Gaia GPS subscription, with a portion of each sale going directly back into powering the BDR non-profit mission.

“Not only does Gaia GPS feature multiple map layers, live data, weather conditions, and points of interest, it also helps our riders travel in remote places responsibly and accurately, every step of the way.”

–  Michael Bielecki – BDR Routes Manager

Easy and responsible access to public lands for motorcycles is the driving force behind the Backcountry Discovery Routes and by partnering with Gaia GPS, riders have never been better equipped to explore. 

Backcountry Discovery Routes® (BDR®) is a 501c(3) non-profit organization that creates off-highway routes for adventure and dual-sport motorcycle travel. The organization’s work includes promoting rider education and safety campaigns, driving economic relief to rural communities, and encouraging responsible motorcycle travel in the backcountry. Through the careful investment of funds and working with land managers and other public benefit organizations, BDR seeks to keep remote roads and public trails open for motorcycling for generations to come. 

BDR delivers turn-key trip planning resources to the community including GPS tracks, digital maps, travel information, route condition updates, YouTube videos, Q&As, and other information – all available 24/7 on www.RideBDR.com. Since 2010, BDR has created routes in Washington, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, the Mid-Atlantic region, Southern California, the North-East region, Wyoming, and now in Oregon.

Outside Interactive, Inc. is the premier destination for active lifestyle enthusiasts and home to leading brands in the endurance sports, outdoor, and healthy living spaces. Each month, Outside reaches 80 million of the most active consumers in the world across its 30+ media, digital, and technology platforms, creating an experience for both longtime adventurers and those just getting started. Outside’s mission is to get everyone outdoors, experiencing healthy, connected, and fulfilling lives. Outside’s membership offering, Outside+, bundles best-in-class storytelling, meal plans, gear reviews, mapping apps, online courses, discounted event access, magazines, and more. Learn more at OutsideInc.com.