5 Days on the Arizona BDR, Part 1: Mexican Border, Bad Weather, and a Missile Silo @DorkintheRoad
5 Days on the Arizona BDR, Part 1: Mexican Border, Bad Weather, and a Missile Silo  @DorkintheRoad
Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Day 1 of my Arizona BDR motorcycle tour was eventful! In my head, Arizona is just desert so I didn't bother to pack a rain layer. This was a mistake. We had a full day of unpredictable desert weather to start our Arizona Backcountry Discovery Route tour. Along the way we rode to the top of Montezuma Pass, along the Mexican Border wall and fence, and to an abandoned Titan Missile Silo in the desert. This was a very fun and exciting way to kick off our first day of a five day adventure motorcycle trip along the AZBDR.

We had to improvise a bit at the end of the day as the rainy, windy weather made the prospect of motorcycle camping in the desert a lot less appealing. The group decided that a hotel stay might mean a better rest and more energetic start to day 2.

We finished Arizona BDR section 1. On to section 2!

Huge thanks to Arizona Motorcycle Adventure Tours (arizonamotorcycleadventuretours.com/) for organizing this tour and to Colorado Motorcycle Adventures (coloradomotorcycleadventures.com/) for loaning me the awesome Tuareg 660.

I hope you'll join me for the entire five day journey on the Arizona BDR. I rode the Aprilia Tuareg 660 and had a blast exploring the deserts, lakes, and forests of Arizona. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss the entire Dork in the Road Arizona BDR trip!

Full disclosure: I was able to come on this tour for free in exchange for my help promoting it.

Drone footage courtesy of @thegracefulrenegade

Arizona BDR Motorcycle Riding Gear: (affiliate links where possible)
Adventure Spec Supershirt 2.0: adventurespec.com/shop/the-supershirt-2-0-1298?category=26#attr=1553,1382
Arclite Glasses: https://j0f13w-8y.myshopify.com?sca_ref=11162438.8s3E20ZSNexeRc
(save with promo code "dorkintheroad)
MSR Legend Jersey: rockymountainatvmc.com/riding-gear/msr-legend-offroad-jersey-p?ref=1035
Mosko Workhorse Jersey:
MSR Legend Jacket: rockymountainatvmc.com/riding-gear/msr-legend-offroad-jacket-p?ref=1035
Mosko Kiger Pants: moskomoto.com/collections/pants/products/kiger-mesh-pant?variant=51984965665135&ghref=12956%3A690577
Mosko Phase 2 Knee Pads: moskomoto.com/products/phase-ce-2-knee-protection?_pos=1&_psq=phase+2&_ss=e&_v=1.0&ghref=12956%3A690577
Alpinsetars Corozal Boots: rockymountainatvmc.com/riding-gear/alpinestars-corozal-adventure-drystar%C2%AE-oiled-leather-boots-p?ref=1035
Leatt 9.5 ADV Helmet: rockymountainatvmc.com/riding-gear/leatt-adv-9.5-helmet-with-4.5-velocity-iriz-goggle-p?ref=1035
EVS Knee/Shin Guards: rockymountainatvmc.com/riding-gear/evs-tp199-knee-shin-guards-p?ref=1035
Klim Dakar Gloves: bit.ly/3BHkqEw
Dork in the Road Neck Gaiter: motocampnerd.com/collections/dork-in-the-road-merch/products/dork-in-the-road-neck-gaiter/?ref=dork
Mosko Moto Apecat Harness/Hydration Pack: moskomoto.com/collections/backpacks-hip-packs/products/apecat-9l-harness?ghref=12956%3A690577
Mosko Moto Gnat Handlebar Bag: moskomoto.com/collections/motorcycle-tank-bags/products/gnat-handlebar-bag?ghref=12956%3A690577

Arizona BDR Electronics:
Cardo Packtalk Pro: cardosystems.com/discount/DORKINTHEROAD
Brake Free Helmet Mounted Brakelight: https://crtor.one/DorkintheRoad-BrakeFree21
Android Phone for ADV Navigation: amzn.to/4tFiU0S
(NOT the same model because it's discontinued but that is very similar, but better)


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Channel Sponsors:
Brake Free: https://crtor.one/DorkintheRoad-BrakeFree21
(save $10 with promo code "dorkintheroad")
Cyclops Adventure Lighting: cyclopsadventuresports.com/?AffId=15
(save 10% with promo code "dorkintheroad)
MotoCamp Nerd: motocampnerd.com/?ref=dork
Quad Lock: Save 10% at quadlockcase.net/discount/dorkintheroad with promo code "dorkintheroad"


Dork in the Road Sweepstakes OFFICIAL RULES: docs.google.com/document/d/1RQtiIu3sphRlmHPoT2NUD_iHI-9CT6DMPzJ7IClc1do/edit?usp=sharing

FULL DISCLOSURE: MotoCamp Nerd pays me to create content for his YouTube channel. This isn't a "sponsorship" per se, but it does mean I use their products exclusively and may impact my opinions about camping gear. Fortunately their stuff is good so I'm happy to recommend it, but just FYI.

Disclaimer for reasons: I am not a professional journalist, expert motorcycle rider, or a mechanic. These videos are for entertainment purposes and represent my personal opinions and experiences. I'm just a dude who isn't even good at riding or making videos, so be smart and don't risk life or limb trying to follow my example or advice. My official recommendation is to avoid my content entirely for your own safety.
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5 Days on the Arizona BDR, Part 1: Mexican Border, Bad Weather, and a Missile Silo

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