Frequently Asked Questions

All routes and videos presented on this website have their own unique challenges and requirements, which are often region-dependent. For example, U.S. residents traveling to Canada require a passport, and vice versa. Questions about route difficulty, wildlife, and route conditions (sand vs. gravel, etc.) are addressed in the route overview documents.

What is presented here are general answers to the most common questions. The routes developed by RubiKon Adventures include documents that provide more detailed information to address any additional questions you may have. We encourage you to refer to the route descriptions for specific information about each route.

Note: WE ARE NOT A GUIDE SERVICE

Things To Consider

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RubiKon Adventures
RubiKon Adventures

In General, Most People Want to Know ...

What is the Golden Rule of motorcycle backcountry travel?

In General, the Golden Rule of backcountry travel is:   The more remote the travel is – the more self-reliant you must be; lighter is better; take a more conservative tolerance attitude to risks

Backcountry motorcycle adventure travel requires more than normal road riding gear. You need protection, self-sufficiency, and recovery capability — because help may be hours (or days) away.

Practical breakdown summarized here:

  • Riding Protection (Non-Negotiable)
  • Navigation & Emergency Communication
  • Bike Repair & Recovery Kit
  • Survival & Good Camping Gear
  • Safety & First Aid
  • Clothing Layers
  • Durable and Waterproof Luggage
  • Smart Extras (spare key, emergency contact info, etc..)

Specific gear is listed in the route overview documents.

Short answer: No. Due to the extra gear needed to do long-distance motorcycle travel means additional weight, affecting balance and handling—especially off pavement. Get training and start on a smaller bike. Practice proper techniques. Also gain backcountry camping experience before attempting remote routes. Build skills gradually in both riding and self-sufficiency.

No, we do not offer guided ride options. Reputable businesses that provide guided motorcycle tours are welcome to connect with us—we’d be happy to review their services and potentially list them here.

Yes. All routes traverse public highways and forest service roads. All these roads require a street legal vehicle that must meet state, municipal, provincial, etc. rules and regulations.

Don’t be swayed by marketing hype. Prioritize reliability and field repairability over fancy electronics. The ideal bike fits your budget, weight, and physical ability.

Good guidelines on what type of bike to take into the backcountry must have these qualities

  • Street-legal with good dirt capability
  • 50/50 or better tires (true off-pavement tread)
  • Strong load-carrying capacity (luggage, tools, camping gear)
  • Long fuel range for remote areas
  • Reliable and field-repairable (simple design, easy to work on)
  • Good ergos for long days — and liftable when heavy

Most routes developed by RubiKon Adventures are “big bike” friendly for intermediate riders, though smaller bikes offer advantages in rough terrain.

For most backcountry routes, fuel planning is straightforward — but it must be taken seriously.

Most of the published routes are divided into logical sections between fuel stops. Generally:

  • 200–300 km (125–200 miles) between fuel services is typical.
  • Some remote sections — particularly in parts of British Columbia (BC) — may stretch to 480+ km (300+ miles).
  • These longer distances are normally noted in the route description where most riders will need to carry extra fuel for these sections.

It is always a good idea to carry extra fuel while doing backcountry travel in case of a road closure or an injury where backtracking may be necessary.

For true backcountry riding — trail, dirt roads, forest service roads, gravel, mud, sand — street or sport tires simply won’t cut it. 

Tire choice is one of the most important safety decisions you’ll make. For long, mixed-terrain routes (like those in British Columbia), you need tires that balance traction, durability, and pavement manners. You’ll need DOT-approved tires since most routes include pavement to and from trail systems. Choose 50/50 (Adventure) Tires – Equal street/dirt capability at a minimum or get more aggressive tires, e.g., 40/60 or 30/70 (More Dirt-Oriented) – Better for mud, sand, and rough terrain

Why Tires Matter So Much

  • Loose gravel; Mud after rain; Sand patches; Embedded rock
  • Long stretches without support mean help and repairs can be few and far between.

Tire failure or poor traction can quickly escalate into:

  • Falls and injury
  • Damaged luggage
  • Stranded riders

Don’t compromise on tires. Start your trip with fresh dual-sport tires — build this into your travel budget. Tires are not the place to save money.

The backcountry routes published by RubiKon Adventures are designed primarily for motorcycle travel. Every route — and often each individual section — features unique terrain and varying conditions.

In general, much of the travel follows public forestry roads that are typically passable with a properly equipped 4WD vehicle. However, there are exceptions. Riders and drivers may encounter wet or muddy areas, fallen trees, washouts, blockages, and overgrown stretches where travel can become difficult and recovery gear may be necessary. Conditions are also highly weather-dependent. Early in the season, routes are often muddier, with more tree fall and overgrowth.  Be sure to review the specific route documentation for detailed information on each segment.

These routes are not suitable for 2WD vehicles.

For the most part, NO. The majority of backcountry routes in British Columbia have little to no mobile phone coverage. You should not rely on cell service for emergency assistance.

Coverage is generally available in towns and along major highways, and many first nations stops offer guest WiFi. However, once you are on the remote sections of the routes, coverage is typically unavailable.

For riders traveling from outside Canada, most major international carriers have roaming agreements with Canada’s primary providers — Rogers Communications, Bell Canada, and Telus. That said, it is important to confirm roaming details and rates with your provider before traveling to avoid unexpected charges.

Always plan as though you will not have service, and prepare accordingly.

Short answer — YES.

The backcountry routes in British Columbia are, for the most part, extremely remote. Satellite-based emergency communication is strongly advised — realistically, it should be considered mandatory, especially on the more northern routes. Cell coverage is typically unavailable, and in some sections you may not encounter another traveler for 24–48 hours or longer. In an emergency, help could be more than 100 km away, requiring significant travel to reach assistance.

Some well-known satellite communication options include:

  • Garmin inReach
  • ZOLEO
  • SPOT Gen4
  • A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
  • Satellite-enabled mobile apps (where supported)

The BC Adventure Routes are true remote travel. Go prepared, travel self-sufficiently, and ensure you have a reliable means of emergency communication before you depart.

For many published routes, motorcycle service and parts suppliers may be located near section start or end points. However, you should not rely on servicing your bike while on route. Complete all required maintenance — including mid-interval service — before departure.

Along the routes in BC, motorcycle service shops are very limited. Available shops are typically identified within the route waypoints.

It is important to note that authorized BMW Motorrad service centers are not available north of Vancouver. Most shops you may encounter will be general Powersports dealers that primarily support major brands (Yamaha, KTM, Polaris, etc.) These dealers typically focus on ATVs, boats snowmobiles, and dirt bikes. Model-specific parts for your motorcycle may need to be special-ordered or flown in, and service work may be performed by mechanics who are not specialists for your particular bike model.

Plan to be self-sufficient, carry essential spares, and prepare your bike thoroughly before heading into the backcountry.

Yes — backcountry travel is almost always through bear country. Escpecially in British Columbia. Bear sightings are common, especially for lead riders. Central and northern areas include Grizzly bear habitat, though sightings are rare. Most bears avoid people. Never approach or corner a bear — especially with cubs. Serious incidents are uncommon. Harassing and baiting of wildlife is dangerous and unethical.

Practice safe camping in bear country.

  • Keep a clean camp at all times.
  • Hang or securely store all food and scented items (including toothpaste and deodorant).
  • Carry bear spray on your person and know how to use it.
  • Make your presence known (noise typically encourages bears to stay away).

Yes – you can travel backcountry routes solo on your motorcycle. But whether you should depends on your experience, preparation, and the type of terrain. We highly recommend to travel with a friend for safety. However, solo backcountry riding isn’t automatically unsafe  – it just removes your margin for error and it is usually up to individual acceptable risk tolerance in both riding and mechanical skills should you encounter rough terrain and/or break down in a remote area.

Always follow the The Golden Rule of Motorcycle Backcountry Travel

The farther you go from pavement:

  • The more self-reliant you must be
  • The lighter your setup should be
  • The more conservative your risk tolerance should be

Ride Right

Always ride on the right. Cutting corners or riding left in low visibility increases collision risk with trucks, ATVs, campers, hunters, or other riders. Stay safe and considerate in the backcountry.

Ride Respectfully

Ride with respect and restraint—honor Indigenous peoples, wildlife, history, and fragile landscapes. Leave no trace, follow signs and speed limits, leave gates as found, and never ride off-road on protected or private land.

Ride Smart

Before any backcountry ride, know weather, terrain, local rules, and wildlife that may be encountered. Daily routine should include maintenance of your bike, gear, and inventory (fuel, tools, maps, and emergency devices); travel light, minimize risk and travel safe.

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