Think twice - A picture and its history | NEBDR

Think twice…

During the filming of the documentary about the Northeast Backcountry Discovery Route (NEBDR), somewhere in Maine, we ride through a section that is only accessible to experts. This very technical passage is to be included in the BDR as an option for riders looking for a special challenge.

We reach the key section on a rocky ascent that seems almost impassable with a fully loaded adventure bike. Mike Lafferty, the eight-time AMA Enduro champion, is the first to try it on his KTM 790. He goes up slowly, stops a few times to choose the best line, and successfully reaches the top. Finally, he descends again to recommend a strategy for tackling the ascent to us mere mortals.

I gladly accept his advice and decide to take the same route as he did to complete the section. When I get as far as the smooth granite rock that Mike has just climbed, I realise that this slab is more like a big step and has an almost vertical front. Afraid I might get stuck on the step, I decide to accelerate a little harder. My rear tyre tries to build up grip on the slippery rock and the bike lurches up the step, the front wheel rising high into the air. The jerky movement causes my right hand to give full throttle and catapults my F 850 GS completely off the ground, while my feet slip off the foot pegs. Above the windscreen, all I can see are trees and the sky. My short flight ends with the front of the motorcycle hitting a tree. The windscreen is shattered and my ego is bruised, but I'm grateful to be uninjured and able to finish the ride. The film crew and the photographer are satisfied because they've captured the whole thing on film. There's one piece of wisdom I take with me from this adventure: "Think twice before you take the Lafferty Line".

Epilogue: this section was not included in the final NEBDR track. Unfortunately, much of the originally planned route through Maine had to be cancelled due to local regulations. The route now ends in New Hampshire. The current version can be found on the BDR website at URL https://ridebdr.com/nebdr