"... the greatest western U.S. adventure of all." * "The Heart of the West is replete with spectacular diversity, history, and scenery. ... I found your GPX tracks to be profoundly detailed and accurate. But your ongoing support, personal communication and regular, relevant updates made the 'price of admission' for HOW one of the best values in adventure travel I have ever encountered." * "Top quality adventure, experience, service, you name it Tony has it all. And he perfects it daily. An experience/adventure you will always remember. If you didn't do it this year, put it on your calendar for next year. It's never too early to start planning." -- ADVrider inmates -- Brothers and sisters: If you're fretting about planning your next ADV ride ... finding time to do the research ... tracking down resources ... stocking up on maps, atlases and guidebooks ... posting queries ... getting the answers you need when you need them ... Ugh! How 'bout this: Do it the easy way! Backcountry Byways LLC has done the work ... so you can live the dream! We've been documenting the unpaved backroads of the American West professionally for 30 years -- for national magazines, major newspapers (remember them?), dirt-road guidebooks, web publications, corporate clients, groups and individuals. We've even built a number of custom routes for the most selective travelers. Examples ... A 1,400-mile odyssey through Idaho, Montana and Utah ... ... with a variety of camping and lodging options ... A spectacular connecting route from Southern California to the crown jewel of Western wildland-travel routes: our six-state Heart of the West Adventure Route© (a.k.a. H.o.W ... see below). It's 1,400-plus miles from the Mojave Desert to H.o.W.'s adaptable web of wildland routes 'n loops ... ... that weaves together a legal wilderness corridor, old Route 66, Heart of the West ADV Route©, and the Utah and Colorado BDRs. An 825-mile journey through some of the wildest lands remaining in Northern California, from the historic gold country of the Sierra Nevada ... ... to the Lost Coast ... ... by way of Cascadia ... ... available separately as Sierra to the Sea Adventure Route© (or Sea to Sierra, since one can travel either way). Or more simply, S2S ... ... which can be a major component of a true expedition from California's North Coast, across Nevada to the northern Rockies and the web of interconnected loops that comprise Heart of the West ADV Route©. Phew! (Drop by our blog site to learn more about our roster of world-class wildland routes. Or contact us at: backcountrybyways at gee mail dot com. We respond promptly.) The hub of it all: Heart of the West Adventure Route© is a logistically convenient 2,800-mile-plus web of interconnected loops 'n routes through the wilds of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah and Nevada. (Note: Don't fret over the length. H.o.W. is a network of shorter loops to accommodate shorter itineraries, as well as seamless connections to BDRs and the Continental Divide Trail.) H.o.W. is a product of our decades of experience chronicling the unpaved backroads of the West for guidebooks, auto manufacturers, magazines (National Geographic Adventure, Road & Track Specials, Four Wheel Drive & SUV, Mercedes Momentum, Popular Mechanics and others). Its easy-to-access web of loops includes some of the West's most iconic landscapes and historic backways. H.o.W. is a highly detailed, modular, ready-to-ride, GPS-based, self-paced journey through the storied landscapes and history of the American West -- adaptable to your travel needs and interests even as you ride! H.o.W. is improved with each new season. We do that through expansion of its trademark network of interconnected loops; our continual research and field checks; and especially feedback from wildland travelers like yourself, who come from across North America to immerse themselves in a Western experience like no other. This continual upgrading means Heart of the West ADV Route always has something new! Each season's H.o.W. travelers get the latest data, sometimes even receiving updates as they travel. The proprietary, licensed H.o.W. GPX track file includes: -- Hundreds of waypoints for campsites, campgrounds, lodgings, fuel stops and more. -- Historic two-track roads, e.g., Pony Express, Oregon Trail, Lincoln Highway, Overland Stage route, Lewis & Clark Trail and Transcontinental Railroad. -- Dozens of individual tracks (primary, optional and alternate) listed in an easy-to-follow sequence, which enables you to modify the route however you wish ... as you travel! -- No land-access issues. The focus is on public lands, public roads and public right-of-ways. There is none of this ... Don't take our word for all of this. Read first-hand accounts on ADVrider! One especially entertaining H.o.W. ride report that reflects these changes is inmate Tragic Overlander's fast-paced tale of an international team's apparent attempt at an ADV land-speed record -- can be found here. Just be ready for a lot of ... OkieRedPig also was kind enough to share his video. You can read reports by inmates Shooby, Dynobob, DonS, Zeegman and CaseyB. As those ride reports illustrate, duly adjudicated inmates will find: More mountain ranges More two tracks More campsites More lodges More of everything ADV! Available options include: -- Connecting routes to Heart of the West ADV Route© from Northern California's Sierra Nevada ... ... across Nevada ... ... and from Southern California's Mojave Desert ... ... to the 870-mile Utah Backcountry Discovery Route ... ... the 700-mile Colorado Backcountry Discovery Route ... ... and the 1,250-mile Idaho BDR ... ... via our Nevada connector ... All of this makes H.o.W. an unparalleled multi-state roundabout of interconnected, adaptable wildland-travel routes. Here are some ... This is in addition to roads that H.o.W. shares with the American Mountain Biking Association's Great Divide Route (a.k.a. CDT) from Canada to Mexico. * * * While H.o.W. is primarily a GPS-guided route, we recognize the value of a quality, packable folded-paper map. So as an option ($60, shipped) we offer the ... ... Heart of the West Adventure Route© Map Pack*. Published in partnership with Benchmark Maps -- publisher of indispensable travel-and-recreation maps and atlases -- this 36 in. x 46 in., wall-mountable color map is packed with the details every wildland traveler needs, including: all H.o.W. tracks indexed, numbered and labeled in easy-to-read colors to quickly match the detailed H.o.W. track file; dirt roads, paved roads, public lands, national and state parks, campgrounds, cities and towns ... and a lot more! It is contained in the included weather-resistant vinyl pouch with a roll-top hook-and-loop closure and two sizes (large and small) of H.o.W. stickers. * The map pack option is available exclusively to licensed H.o.W. clients. * * * While Heart of the West ADV Route© is designed to be a largely non-technical (i.e. no single-track) dual-purpose motorcycle/SUV route, sections can be challenging. Overall, it is certain to test your bike, your physical and mental stamina, riding skill, and ability to organize, lead and execute an overland expedition -- in America. The route is continually evolving as we evaluate feedback from each season's travelers, and as we continue field research to improve the experience each season. Today ... this modular loop is more convenient and adaptable than ever! H.o.W.? For starters ... the full, primary loop is comprised of a web of interconnected loops that you can be woven into a trip that suits your and your group's travel needs and interests -- even if they change along the way! This traveler-friendly advantage accommodates individual schedules, and the schedules of group members that might otherwise conflict. There's more! -- Access from any point on the compass to numerous start and end points is direct and convenient -- saving your precious vacation time -- via two interstate highways: north-south I-15 and east-west I-80. -- Loops mean no backtracking! -- Major airlines serve cities at logical entry/exit points, e.g., Denver, Salt Lake City, Jackson, Wyoming ... even Idaho Falls, Idaho! -- Vehicle storage is readily available at airports and motels. So if you're ready, spare yourself the anxiety, cost and frustration of doing all that research yourself -- and get that ADV vacation of a lifetime rolling the easy way. Join the growing number of inmates who are experiencing an authentic American West adventure ... ... riders just like you who don't want to do all that work ... ... who don't want to risk their precious vacations ... ... who refuse to pay thousands of $$$ to be led on a 20-bike forced march with ... strangers ... -- yet who DO want the ride of a lifetime! HERE'S THE DEAL: We do the work. You live the dream! For as little as USD$199***, Backcountry Byways LLC licenses use of H.o.W.'s GPX/GDB track file, a detailed, road-tested navigational aid that has been years in the making ... plus you can get the optional H.o.W. Map Pack, and prompt, authoritative responses to your trip-planning questions. You'll also get 24/7 access to our detailed, continually updated and printable e-booklet. It explains the route, the track file, each individual track, unique lodging options ... and more! So ... Give it for graduation . Make it your birthday wish Make it a special surprise for Father's Day, anniversaries , Administrative Assistants Day , retirement ... and so forth. Being self-inflic ... excuse us, self-directed ... H.o.W. is perfect for travelers who want to do their trip their way, while still receiving the benefits of prompt, personalized service -- from pre-trip planning advice to advisories as you travel. Wow! Read more about this geographically diverse, logistically convenient and easily adaptable ADV route on our blog, Backcountry Byways Journal. Have a question? Just post herein! In addition to the many outstanding photos you will see in ride reports, I've compiled an online Web album depicting the route. Have a look here. Enjoy! Byways To learn more or to order your license, send a note to: backcountrybyways at geemail dot com. P.S. Heart of the West ADV Route© can be adapted and modified to accommodate your geographic, timing and logistical needs. You'll also find options to do so already built into the route. Or we may be able customize it for you.* *Additional fee and 90 days advance notice required. *** H.o.W. license-fee schedule (per vehicle in the H.o.W. travel group): USD$199 for 1-2 vehicles USD$319 for 3-4 vehicles USD$415 for 5-7 vehicles Additional license required thereafter according to the same schedule. *Shipping the map pack outside the continental USA (Lower 48 states) may require a shipping charge. Below: The historic Oregon Trail along Heart of the West ADV Route© ...
There is no one that knows this area like byways. I was on this ride and I can tell you it's amazing. I've been on other rides that he's put together as well and seen somethings that he sent me to while I was solo. All things you wouldn't see if you didn't get in touch with him. The great thing about dealing with byways is he's been on all these roads before. He's not going to tell you this is good for an adventure bike with your kit when most would be dropping you know what in their pants if they were on a trials bike. The other great thing about byways is his wide ranging interest and curiosity. So he knows where those hidden gems are that most people just drive past. What's a few shekels when it come down to having a really enjoyable ride without missing something you'd be kicking yourself over when you figured out you missed it. It will also save you a bunch of time and effort.
Been with Byways on a lot of this route scoping out the trail and making sure it is a advertized.. He will NOT steer you wrong if it is not good for a big bike he means it or if it is doable by your grandma that is a fact! Every mile of this incredible journey is awesome scenic and just plain fun! dman
If you always wanted to ride an amazing/scenic/historic Adventure ride in the Wild West of the USA this is a must do ride. Tony has put together a fantasic collection of off-road rides that any Adventure would enjoy. Check it out while you are planning your next years Adventures. It is perfect for a two week trip. Mike Z
As a veteran of the very first "Forever West 2010" ride, I'm telling you all unequivocally that Tony's route is the "must ride before you die" route if there ever was one. If I had one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel and was granted one more ride, this would be it. It's all spectacular, every mile. The diversity is unsurpassed; mountain passes, open prairie, desert, high plateaus, no man's land-type open vistas. You New Englanders like me need to pay attention to this. We ride under the canopy in CT and can't see more than 100 yards in any direction. How would you like to peg the throttle for miles and see this before you? Southern Great Salt Lake Basin, Utah Or skies like this? Great Basin (the Big Empty), Wyoming Or camp at a place like this: South Pass, Wyoming. Or hang out at a place like this: the Wasatch Range, Utah. This is your #1 bucket list ride if you are serious about dual-sport riding and want the very best experience riding out West. Tony continues to be the premier back-country route planner when it comes to our sport. Highly recommend it!
Wow! I am humbled indeed. It is a terrific feeling for me, helping you experience the "Heart of the West." Hope you can come this way again! tony
Tony is indeed the master of local knowledge and planner of routes. Tony knows this part of the country better than anyone else, and he has personally scouted these routes himself. Basically, if you work with Tony, you are guaranteed a successful trip where you ride and see all the best of the West. Q~
Just a "by the way" for byways he is too modest, but he will work with you on a custom trip also. If you have a certain time frame or a must see area he can also fix you up for that too. starting to sound like a commercial. but I have no gain in this enterprise other than I get to go with him once in a while. pretty good deal I must say. dman
Question Tony, In WY before/after South Pass City are you routing people to Farson for gas? I show Boulder (& of course Pinedale) has fuel too. I'm wondering what that out and back is before heading north to Pinedale. Just so everyone know Great Divide Basin (desert) is an amzing wide open area but you must be dead on your toes with fuel as there is nothing out there (see Docking Pilot's picture just above to get the idea & note his 2 fuel containers - http://www.touratech-usa.com/Store/PN-070-0520/2-Liter-Canister-with-spout-Black ). This could be one of the longest stretches of fuel for his whole ride. Tony do you have a need minimum fuel range people need w/ their bikes so everyone knows this? This is a key piece of info.
Eakins, yes, "Gun Show/Next Exit" was originally going to be the name of the route. But some thought that was too, I dunno, provincial , or some big .45-cal. hollow-point word like that. Then we noticed the "Forever West" part of the sign. And it was thought that "Forever West" was gentler, cozier, and so would have more appeal among dude-ranch riders from mid-Atlantic regions. Really, though, we sort of backed our way into calling it Forever West just because it embraces the feeling one gets in these parts, and the route was just a thing among ADV friends. But that moniker is closely tied to Wyoming. As the route has gained rapidly in popularity, it seemed wrong to continue borrowing Wyoming's well-established promotional theme. Heart of the West Adventure Route better reflects the scale of this route, which is about immersing oneself in Western landscapes and history. So I've changed the name to that. It has to be noted that Dockingpilot led the first group to travel the entire route in a single trip. And at that time it was new route, waiting to be tested by experienced riders with a keen eye for what works, and what doesn't. He also did a great deal of work researching the South Pass segment, and has made important post-ride contributions to refining the route -- all from the bridge of a supertanker he was parallel parking in NY Harbor.
Thanks for the questions and comments, Bill. Butler Maps would know to ask! There should be no fuel issue in Wyoming. There definitely can be, however, farther west in the Great Basin of western Utah and eastern Nevada. There are two segments that exceed 230 miles; an optional segment would add another 100 miles to one of them.. Both are in the Great Basin of western Utah and eastern Nevada. Both well exceed any of the distances in Wyoming, including the "Big Empty" crossing between Atlantic City and Rawlins. In Wyoming, greater South Pass area, I provide three options to get from fuel at Boulder (south of Pinedale) to fuel again (usually) at Wild Bill's Gun Shop in Atlantic City -- not a gas station, just a guy who sticks to the basics: guns 'n gas. Depends more on what sort of experience and landscapes one prefers ... and it's a tough choice, I'll tellya. One way I route that focuses on important Oregon Trail tracks and sites runs for about 80 miles from gas at Boulder to gas at Farson. From fuel at Farson to fuel @ Rawlins is about 185 miles on this route, via Atlantic City. But from gas at Farson to gas at Atlantic City, on South Pass, is only approx. 50 miles or so via highway, and it's always advisable to buy gas every chance you get. Then A.C. to Rawlins ... 130-135 miles roughly ... no prob. There's no gas at South Pass City, which is just a state historical park.
Thanks Tony, Without seeing your exact route, it was hard to tell exactly where you take everyone through that part of WY. I just noticed that double back in that area. All i would do is put the route in mapsource and crunch some numbers. I did all the gas station location detail for our WY map and there is gas in Rawlins, Wamsutter, Muddy Gap, Farson & Boulder. Looking at my map is see that cutback. You're routing people on the Oregon trail west of parting of the ways and then back to the Lander cut-off vrs just taking the Lander Cut-off. Is that gas consistent in Atlantic City? I did not come across Wild Bill but i like his name. If so i'll add a gas symbol to future versions of our WY map w/ his phone # to check.
From time to time--even just a moment ago--I receive queries about whether I have a paper map available. I do not. One can print out the route from the digital file, however. And I do reference the relevant Benchmark Road & Recreation atlases where the route is depicted. (I recommend Benchmark atlases, for they are the gold standard in the atlas genre.) Coming from many years in publishing, part of me leans toward developing a paper map. But for now, the route and all it entails is dynamic. As reports from travelers come in, as I explore more, and as changing conditions on the ground need addressing, I'm finding that the ability to continually upgrade and tweak the route digitally -- and then instantly get the latest personalized data to my clients even while they're traveling -- is very cool.
Not knowing Tony's exact route our state maps will more than likely have many of the roads labeled on there to give you a big picture view. Like Tony said Benchmark Maps (they are Atlas size) have all the details and the best prices are on Amazon here: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Benchmark-Maps/e/B005WIPIBG/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&tag=butmaptou-20">Benchmark Maps</a><img src="https://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=butmaptou-20&l=ur2&o=1" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> We build all of our maps from Benchmark base maps as does Tony designing these routes. You can always photocopy or cut out the pages you need and highlight the exact route with a highlighter if you don't want to bring alot of atlases. The reality of navigating on remote routes like this is that many of these roads/intersections are not labeled. You might come to an intersection in the middle of no where and have an option of 2 unmarked roads. Without a GPS to follow a map would not help you. It's best if more than 1 of you in the group has a unit w/ the route on it as a backup. Tony has chosen very remote western routes where you need to be on your toes and have all the tools, equipment, water, fuel etc. with you. You need to plan properly as you might not see anyone for hours/days. If you are coming from populated places this is terrain is another world with no one to bail you out. Many places will NOT have cell coverage. The rewards are some of the finest remote western riding you'll ever experience!
