BDR Announces Interactive Gaia GPS as Official Navigation App
Seattle, WA – Backcountry Discovery Routes® (BDR®), the non-profit leader in off-pavement route creation for adventure and dual-sport motorcycles, announced Outside Interactive, Inc.’s Gaia GPS as the “Official BDR Navigation App” kicking off a multi-year partnership that includes integration of GPS route downloads from the BDR website directly into the Gaia app, instructional resources, FAQ’s, upcoming webinars on route planning and navigation, and more.
A key feature of the partnership is a seamless “one click” option for users to import routes directly from the BDR website into their Gaia 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’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, which comes with an impressive level of detail on the free base map, and a premium version ($39.99 annually). The premium version, recommended for BDR riders, offers features such as offline maps, weather data, snow depth, wildfire boundaries, and other live layers, in addition to a full Gaia GPS maps catalog, with over 250 maps and overlays, including popular layers like the National Geographic Trails Illustrated maps.
“With detailed map layers, weather conditions, points of interest, and intuitive navigational features, Gaia GPS allows our riders to travel through remote places responsibly and confidently, even without cell service, every step of the way. This is the one tool you don't want to leave at home on your next BDR.”
– Michael Bielecki, BDR Routes Manager
BDR riders will receive 20% off their first year when they sign up for an annual Gaia GPS subscription via the BDR website. A portion of each sale will go directly back to BDR to help power the non-profit’s mission.
Gaia GPS Sign up & Resources:
BDR & Gaia GPS Affiliate Link - use this affiliate link to become Gaia GPS Premium subscriber and receive 20% off your first year.
Gaia GPS Resources - link to instructional resources on the RideBDR website.
BDR Tracks Download Page - download over 12,000 miles of BDR adventure tracks for free.
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 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.
