The TransAmerica Trail on WR250R's - from the Mississippi to the Pacific

Note: While there are mountain lions in Colorado, the picture at 19:31 was photoshopped as a joke to my friend.
Over 21 days in late August and early September 2018, two friends ride WR250R's nearly 5000 miles over 9 states. The TransAmerica Trail is a mapped route across the USA using as much unpaved roads as possible. It's a great way to see the beauty of America away from the highways and cities. Over the 3 weeks we camped as much as possible and took 2 rest days. We averaged about 230 miles per day.
I didn't set out to make a 1 hour video but we had an amazing trip, had some great riding, and saw some really beautiful places.
If you're interested in a real quick overview of the trip, here's a 2 minute video:
• The TAT "in 120 seconds"

Пікірлер: 662

  • @TheWilly350
    @TheWilly3505 жыл бұрын

    If you're interested in a more detailed account of the trip, my riding partner is putting out a series of videos @ youtube channel "Moto Bikepacking". kzread.info/dash/bejne/hn6F3KWMoMbeiag.html

  • @barrybennett8765

    @barrybennett8765

    5 жыл бұрын

    TheWilly350 d

  • @TheWilly350

    @TheWilly350

    4 жыл бұрын

    Will Hester have a great trip!

  • @peterjfox69

    @peterjfox69

    4 жыл бұрын

    Great Video and trip. What tyres are you using?

  • @TheWilly350

    @TheWilly350

    4 жыл бұрын

    peterjfox69 Dunlop D606 front and rear. I think I’m on my 4th set now.

  • @donniebaker5984

    @donniebaker5984

    4 жыл бұрын

    Been riding off road for 60 years and those bikes you chose are the most versatile size for all types of off road adventure to off road competition riding ..if i have heard it said once ive heard it a 1000 times a 250 cc single cylinder is the best all around size for any type of off road situation and still fast enough to break all posted speed limits and powerful enough they are never boring..and the perfect choice for a beginner's first bike that will teach you in short time all the skills necessary for defensive safe riding . And for competitive performance riding ..service and maintenance on the level of a scooter ..can take serious falls sustaining low damage as frame material chain sprockets are the size and strength of bike twice as heavy ...making a 250 naturally over built ...load it down with all your gear and it is still lighter weight than a KLR650 never serviced and the handling of a 250 off toad bike is probably the most forgive motorcycle of all the rest as they are just heavy enough to keep their stability after encountering a road hazard but still agile and quick to respond to input of Corrections much easier than larger bikes that would not be able to avoid the same hazards ..and you dont need a tow truck if you get it hung up in mud and snow ..and your trail is exactly what your bikes where designed and built to target . I wish you guys never have to part with these bikes that made your adventure happen ..never trade them in and never sell as once they are gone there gone for ever ...and when the engine is grows old and tried buy the factory brand yamaha shop service manual that are expensive but will guide you without one mistake and learn the art of motorcycle repair ...or do it the eazy way and park it when it gets tired and buy a used unit listed in cycle trader that is identical model and year with low miles of 5k or less and pay half price and your original becomes a major parts donor of things like the frame , fuel tank all the body works that is flexible polymer plastic that are very expensive like the fenders you got laced up Alloy rims that are five hundred bucks a piece or more handlebar suspension front forks sync all the lighting in gauges brand new engine side covers in case airbox and carburetor. Not that all that stuff going to wear out from usage but it's all subject do damage every time you ride the bike and the manufacturers know that and put incredible prices on such items because they know you will pay it on the average a complete engine assembly is over half the price of an entire new motorcycle as for what you guys are doing your bike will never be obsolete ride the hell out of it and keep it forever shiny side up

  • @backyardbraaapn1017
    @backyardbraaapn10172 жыл бұрын

    Brother, from someone who has been riding for 43 years, it warmed my heart that you learned how to ride to be able to do the TAT. That is awesome! I'm hoping to do it next year for the 1st time.

  • @TheWilly350

    @TheWilly350

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! Make your trip happen - it’s a fantastic ride.

  • @davelambardo6464
    @davelambardo64644 жыл бұрын

    10 years ago I met some bike riders who where on this trail. I live in oregon and met them in the mountains near my house. They were about 30mil. From the coast. The conversation we had made me want a dual sport adventure bike,I have owned many dirtbikes and knew then I wanted to do this kinda thing! 3 months ago I finally decided I had to do it! We bought 3 of the more dirt leaning dual sports for me and my kids! Can't wait to hit the open mountain roads!

  • @TheWilly350

    @TheWilly350

    4 жыл бұрын

    Dave lambardo hope you all have an amazing trip!

  • @daviddrabek5834
    @daviddrabek58345 жыл бұрын

    Exactly why I watch Utube, for videos like this! Great job!!

  • @TheMezzy712
    @TheMezzy7124 жыл бұрын

    Guys, you made my night. What a journey, 2 mates, 2 bikes, and the wilderness. Loved it. The bikes did very well, and I must say the tires deserve some recognition. Some of those terrains were rough. I tip my hat to both of you. Cheers.

  • @guyvsguy6728
    @guyvsguy67283 жыл бұрын

    Bought one. Learned to ride on it. Put a MT21 front/D606 back, ASV levers and 14/51 gearing on it. Ride it through desert, mountains, rivers, singletrack, sand/mud/snow/ice - no problem. Couldn't be happier. Started my own KZread channel (Temple of Dirt) dedicated to WR250R adventures.

  • @BobThePilotN4WFH
    @BobThePilotN4WFH4 жыл бұрын

    Two guys on a mission with through stunning scenery and the best of weather. Congratulations. I'll watch it again and make notes. Thanks for all the riding time.

  • @brucesizemore739
    @brucesizemore7394 жыл бұрын

    1 word: EPIC. Thank you for sharing your fantastic journey.

  • @joea8572
    @joea85724 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for taking the time to take us along! Excellent job.

  • @krete69
    @krete695 жыл бұрын

    Yeah I agree with you, you have an amazing trip. Thanks for sharing a beautiful place and view 🙏🏽

  • @MHix63
    @MHix633 жыл бұрын

    This is awesome, thanks for sharing the experience! I've been researching 250r's and found my way to your video. A trip of a lifetime.

  • @guyon2wheels808
    @guyon2wheels8084 жыл бұрын

    Awesome footage and an epic adventure. Specially like seeing places I've passed by in my past lives. Very cool. Thanks for sharing.

  • @dolittle11111
    @dolittle11111Ай бұрын

    Your video out of the ones I have watched is simply the best. Congratulations

  • @MrKevin-fg1ml
    @MrKevin-fg1ml5 жыл бұрын

    That was a great trip and a great vid... Thank you for putting it together. Well done, sir.

  • @abyields7831
    @abyields78312 жыл бұрын

    What a beautiful ride, thank you for sharing. I could watch it over and over, just amazing scenery!

  • @jeepman1976
    @jeepman19764 жыл бұрын

    Wow! What an epic adventure! You guys are awesome for doing that! Definite bucket list item! Seriously, this makes me want to get out and have an adventure. Just what I needed tonight. Thank you!

  • @TheWinger1008
    @TheWinger10083 жыл бұрын

    I appreciate you didn't install aftermarket pipes. I'm sure others and, Mother Nature appreciated it. What a great video. So inspiring. It was also just nice to hear the bikes without music. Best kind of riding videos IMHO.

  • @Alexgomez411
    @Alexgomez4114 жыл бұрын

    By far the best trans america trail video yet!!!!!!!!! Thanks guys i felt like i was there everystep of the way

  • @user-jv9gx9dh9k
    @user-jv9gx9dh9k3 жыл бұрын

    Awesome....a TAT video with narration! Thank you because your travel journal is an excellent resource for researching the TAT. Thanks!!

  • @999RVS
    @999RVS3 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely loved this video, thanks guys, proper viewing pleasure.

  • @bike-n-hikecascomaine5052
    @bike-n-hikecascomaine50524 жыл бұрын

    Most definitely, awesome journey. So jealous, thanks for such great photography and editing.

  • @melvillewright9296
    @melvillewright92964 жыл бұрын

    I really enjoyed and envied you guys on this awesome ride through the picturesque and rugged terrain , america really is beautiful . Regards from south africa

  • @savage22bolt32
    @savage22bolt322 жыл бұрын

    This is one of the best TAT videos I've seen! THANKS SO MUCH!

  • @davidhanson5514
    @davidhanson55143 жыл бұрын

    Great job guys, thanks for letting the trip speak for itself

  • @tareqibnziyad4732
    @tareqibnziyad47324 жыл бұрын

    I have seen hundreds of ADV riding videos, this is by far the best of all of them . The music, the intro, the simplicity, the drone shots...etc. Thank you do much for shaving such a spiritual journee. Brilliant. Can you please comment on how the bikes performed, fuel consumption issues and the like. Thanks a million.

  • @TheWilly350

    @TheWilly350

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, really appreciate the feedback. I just wanted to show the beauty of the western US seen by backroads. The bikes were great and I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again on the WR. It’s a great size bike for a trip like this. We each had a problem caused by the New Mexico mud that was repaired in Colorado Springs. My buddy’s fork seals leaked and my radiator fan got stopped by a chunk of mud which caused it to burn out. Other than that no probs with the bikes. I think we averaged about 60 mpg since much of the time was cruising gravel roads at 30 mph.

  • @tareqibnziyad4732

    @tareqibnziyad4732

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@TheWilly350 thank you so much for your kind response. Am from New York City, planning to do the TAT in few month, never being off road, would a DR 650 be too heavy for such an adventure ?. I have not bought a bike yet. The WR 400 dual sport looks like a perfect size, whats your opinion ?

  • @TheWilly350

    @TheWilly350

    4 жыл бұрын

    I would guess that I’m in the minority doing the trip on a 250. Many more people do it on a 400 or 650. Main thing is you want the bike to be reliable and have enough fuel capacity to make it between stops. You’ll be in some pretty remote areas. Good luck.

  • @tareqibnziyad4732

    @tareqibnziyad4732

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@TheWilly350 thank you.

  • @mikedkc
    @mikedkc3 жыл бұрын

    Amazing footage. Amazing trip. Thanks for taking us along.

  • @jeffs7139
    @jeffs71394 жыл бұрын

    Wow....that was amazing and captivating ! Thanks so much for sharing with us. 😊

  • @rejeanpaquet4375
    @rejeanpaquet43754 жыл бұрын

    Your tires had to touch the Pacific, I totally understand, I bet that moment was filled with emotions. What an adventure, guys Congratulations on completing the TAT.

  • @Moon-magic109
    @Moon-magic1094 жыл бұрын

    A lot of backroads been driven. Beautiful scenery and fantastic view. Thank u.

  • @Kicking_Crow
    @Kicking_Crow3 жыл бұрын

    That was wonderful, thank you so much for sharing your journey.

  • @davidinghram2494
    @davidinghram24945 жыл бұрын

    Just watched this very entertaining video. Great job guys! A you did it all without a major injury, to me that`s the best part. Memories for a lifetime. Your grandkids will always look at you in a different way from now on.

  • @TheWilly350

    @TheWilly350

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you

  • @rodneybutler7939
    @rodneybutler79395 жыл бұрын

    ONE OF THE BEST!!! you showed us not told us, thanks

  • @michaelbean8404
    @michaelbean84043 жыл бұрын

    Wow, that moment at the end!🥺 You definitely had to touch the ocean. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. My daughter and I are in New England, and we are planing a coast to coast ride. Maybe a year or two left of planing. You've inspired me more, thanks 😊

  • @motosnav339
    @motosnav3393 жыл бұрын

    Great video! Thanks for the hard work putting it together. Looks like a trip of a lifetime.

  • @jeffconley6366
    @jeffconley63663 жыл бұрын

    Awesome! Thanks for bringing us along on your adventure.

  • @S.p.a.c.e.C.o.w.b.o.y
    @S.p.a.c.e.C.o.w.b.o.y4 жыл бұрын

    The switchbacks in the hills were epic :) Nice video.

  • @adventurenoob7181
    @adventurenoob71814 жыл бұрын

    This is an excellent video, thank you for posting.

  • @vstrom9586
    @vstrom95864 жыл бұрын

    You lucky buggers. I congratulate you both for taking a reasonable motorcycle on a fascinating ride

  • @noeleaton3812
    @noeleaton38123 жыл бұрын

    Wow ! Loved it ! Brilliant format and editing , thank you

  • @jawaring
    @jawaring4 жыл бұрын

    1.) Awesome job learning to ride! 2.) Epic adventure right after learning to ride!! 3.) Excellent video and perfect music selection!!!

  • @JG-fi8sq
    @JG-fi8sq5 жыл бұрын

    Great scenery and epic ride! Thanks for sharing. Cheers!

  • @ajasonsmith
    @ajasonsmith3 жыл бұрын

    Very enjoyable to watch! Thank you for posting.

  • @kenwalz7231
    @kenwalz72314 жыл бұрын

    That was fun to watch! Thanks for posting and making it. I have to do that trip!

  • @dwightbernheimer331
    @dwightbernheimer3314 жыл бұрын

    And the part that I got the most enjoyment from... you guys didn't have to use Mega Buck BMW motorcycles to get it done Lol...

  • @TheNutzandBoltz

    @TheNutzandBoltz

    4 жыл бұрын

    It's all perspective, they don't give WR250R away.

  • @TheNutzandBoltz

    @TheNutzandBoltz

    4 жыл бұрын

    @Last_Stach_Standing ! True that.

  • @carlose6010

    @carlose6010

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@TheNutzandBoltz 6k vrs 30k

  • @pauls466

    @pauls466

    4 жыл бұрын

    Look for C90 Adventures That guy drove from Alaska to Argentina nearly all off road on a 200 dollar 90cc Honda . And he drove from India to England

  • @mikereaume2773

    @mikereaume2773

    4 жыл бұрын

    Denis Elis you are a dick! The video was awesome. When was your last 4000 mile trip you prick?

  • @lizdg3892
    @lizdg38925 ай бұрын

    Glad you did this. So enriching. ❤

  • @Cycle9568
    @Cycle95684 жыл бұрын

    Nice controlled bail at 12:00. I wish they were all like that! Keep up the good work.

  • @SweetTone76
    @SweetTone764 жыл бұрын

    Great video 👍 thanks for taking us along 🍻

  • @michaelsupple6081
    @michaelsupple60813 жыл бұрын

    One of my all time favorite TAT vids. Well done!

  • @TheBigjake04
    @TheBigjake044 жыл бұрын

    With that music I keep picturing Daniel Day Lewis on a KTM going full throttle while firing a musket. Great video!!

  • @RideVictoria
    @RideVictoria4 жыл бұрын

    wow. that was a great ride. thanks for bringing us along too.

  • @chrismithchrismith
    @chrismithchrismith4 жыл бұрын

    Very enjoyable; thanks guys!

  • @rockwestfahl
    @rockwestfahl2 жыл бұрын

    I haven’t been on a bike in 40 years but now I feel like I’ve been your third man on this trip. Great work!

  • @muhammadrudjito3279
    @muhammadrudjito32794 жыл бұрын

    One of the best video I have ever seen.

  • @hobbiehobbs
    @hobbiehobbs5 жыл бұрын

    An amazing journey of discovery.

  • @tristangreen5695
    @tristangreen56954 жыл бұрын

    Awesome video! I never knew about this until now watching this. I'm inspired. Definitely something I will plan for!!

  • @mauricemidgley2862
    @mauricemidgley28622 жыл бұрын

    Love the trip and you've helped make a choice on the bike to use. Giant Kudos to both of you.

  • @poohbear6468
    @poohbear64684 жыл бұрын

    Great job guys! Something I hope to do with my daughter when she is old enough.

  • @chrisslowik6156
    @chrisslowik61565 жыл бұрын

    Great video 👍even better memories for life

  • @hoosiertrailrider
    @hoosiertrailrider4 жыл бұрын

    Well done! I'm quite surprised a couple newbies pulled it off. Ride on! 👍

  • @rehabem
    @rehabem5 жыл бұрын

    Well done video. Looks like an extraordinary trip.

  • @grudgetank3127
    @grudgetank31274 жыл бұрын

    well done guys,, inspiring trip,,great views!

  • @WRjockey
    @WRjockey3 жыл бұрын

    Truly spectacular scenery and an epic adventure. Congrats, and thanks for sharing your trip with us! Especially cool for me as I just got a new WR250R in the past week... :)

  • @pennsyltuckyden9823
    @pennsyltuckyden98234 жыл бұрын

    Now can you imagine Noraly doing this by herself in the Middle East and South America. Even though she doesn't camp she stays in Motels and Inns.

  • @timm1583

    @timm1583

    4 жыл бұрын

    pedro mota!

  • @trevorhope8447
    @trevorhope84475 жыл бұрын

    Thanks fellas, beautiful video, majestic country. Would love to come over and ride it myself one day.

  • @stevexrv750
    @stevexrv7504 жыл бұрын

    Great video. A good insight into the route. Loved it!!!

  • @paulroesner
    @paulroesner4 жыл бұрын

    One of the best I've seen about the TAT to help me get motivated and understand what the trail is like in each area. One thing, with a video this long and this type, maybe highlighting the state/area you are in at all times while you play the video would be helpful.

  • @WillysPerformanceCycleCtr
    @WillysPerformanceCycleCtr5 жыл бұрын

    Great video of your trip. Thanks for sharing this with us. Ride safe my friends.

  • @longjonwhite
    @longjonwhite3 жыл бұрын

    What a great trip guys ! Very inspiring, thanks. I’ve got an old WR250R myself. I pretty much use it exclusively to run around the town.... I’m in London, maybe I should try a length of Britain tour now the restrictions are lifting and summer is a comin’ ! Happy trails !

  • @mhilde7744
    @mhilde77444 жыл бұрын

    Awesome job, guys.....awesome!!👍

  • @offpherj7884
    @offpherj78844 жыл бұрын

    Nicely done. Thanks for not having annoying background music the whole time volume on it was just right. Thanks for posting!

  • @aparkes782
    @aparkes7822 жыл бұрын

    Great video. That descent section from Ophir really brought back some memories. Riding that scree feels like you're on a moving walkway!

  • @marcbrown4512
    @marcbrown45124 жыл бұрын

    One of the first vids i've seen with excellent GoPro tilt and placement. didn't make me feel like I had to lift my gaze while watching the vid. The views and terrain leave me green with envy.

  • @crosscountrytouring3678
    @crosscountrytouring36784 жыл бұрын

    Epic trip...Awesome views! Thanks for the info on moto bikepacking

  • @mariojaneiro22
    @mariojaneiro224 жыл бұрын

    awsome, guys!!!! Enjoyed very much!

  • @MrPepper312
    @MrPepper3123 жыл бұрын

    I enjoyed this beautful ride. Looking forward to the other vidio's.

  • @centralmn4071
    @centralmn40713 жыл бұрын

    Excellent video of your trip!!!! Thanks for sharing.

  • @rimrunz1795
    @rimrunz17952 жыл бұрын

    Outstanding, man! I'm sitting here, where I live and work, in Thailand... And I'm American, so this is ripping my heart out, I'm bleeding to b at home touching, smelling, breathing, living it.... Been here 7 yrs, so long to b away. From VT. Thank u, so much

  • @emfl4437
    @emfl44374 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful adventure, thanks for sharing

  • @WadeParish
    @WadeParish4 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic video! So inspiring!

  • @rolfpiotrowski4325
    @rolfpiotrowski43254 жыл бұрын

    Elis Denis, you´re right,I guess! A good self-assessment, self-discipline and a clever way of riding is the only way to be quite safe on a bike! But anyway! This boys did a great trip! and they showed me fantastic pictures and Landscapes, I probably will never reach in my live. Thank you so much! And always be save, especially in this crazy times! ;-D

  • @kentcarper7585
    @kentcarper75854 жыл бұрын

    This looks like an amazing trip! Very inspiring! I was thinking about buying a couple of DR Z 400’s and planning a trip with my son.

  • @nothingman3542

    @nothingman3542

    2 жыл бұрын

    Kent, have you developed a plan yet? I hope you do. Best of luck.

  • @clivegreenall309
    @clivegreenall3095 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing your video. You live in a beautiful country, enjoy it to the full. Ride Safe Regards from S Africa Clive

  • @TheWilly350

    @TheWilly350

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Clive. It was the first time I’d seen most of these areas. I hope to revisit many in the future. Cheers

  • @wireedm1
    @wireedm13 жыл бұрын

    Fun to watch, thanks for posting!

  • @conradclipper
    @conradclipper4 жыл бұрын

    You know, this is the single best video on the TAT in my humble opinion. First of all: great choice of bike. Then in your film there's no terrible dubstep just great music choices, plus unbelievable landscapes, nicely filmed. Look at the skies at 24:30! Damnit Utah. Really breathatking, even on GoPro. Really nice job guys, thanks so much, and greets from Berlin.

  • @TheWilly350

    @TheWilly350

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much for the feedback. I really appreciate it. The remote, western parts of the US definitely met my high expectations.

  • @conradclipper

    @conradclipper

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@TheWilly350 Man, pleasure. This is something that stands up to repeat viewings, this is how to make a KZread video!

  • @vernonyow1509
    @vernonyow15094 жыл бұрын

    Awesome!! It's on my bucket list to do the tat myself with some friends.. I want to do it on my klx 250

  • @goloudgraphics
    @goloudgraphics2 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic video, fantastic trip. Congratulations guys.

  • @handyhippie6548
    @handyhippie65484 жыл бұрын

    i like the cougar checking you out in co. glad you weren't on the menu. this looks like an awesome ride. if i can swing it, i think i'll look into taking the trip in '20. i'll be starting in indiana as well, but i live in the northeast corner of the state. thanks for sharing it with us. keep the rubber side down, and stay in the wind.

  • @Bud755
    @Bud7555 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful!

  • @rontaylor4235
    @rontaylor42352 жыл бұрын

    Bloody marvellous!!! Cheers

  • @stevenrasor7015
    @stevenrasor70153 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely the best hour spent watching Utube videos.

  • @FirstLightAdv
    @FirstLightAdv4 жыл бұрын

    WOW this is stunning

  • @petercarty6379
    @petercarty63793 жыл бұрын

    Ah lads that was a fab trip . my nephew planned to come to visit me in CA and do a trip but sadly he fell of his bike 3years ago . cheers guys for a lovely video .

  • @mikependleton6813
    @mikependleton68134 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, enjoyed the ride

  • @roadrat1100
    @roadrat11003 жыл бұрын

    This was a great video thank you so much. I am just learning about the TAT. This was a very helpful.

  • @sew-tec
    @sew-tec2 жыл бұрын

    Great video guys! Enjoyed the adventure.

  • @ernesttolic6494
    @ernesttolic64943 жыл бұрын

    Evcellent landscape, footage and bikes.

  • @texasdirtbikerider3335
    @texasdirtbikerider33354 жыл бұрын

    That’s so cool I hope to complete a trip like this before I die!

  • @themthillbilly
    @themthillbilly4 жыл бұрын

    Truely enjoyed watching your video, so often I watch vids on 2x speed, but no need at all to on yours!

  • @MrMike47274
    @MrMike472742 жыл бұрын

    Seen your Indiana tags on your bikes. KUDOS to you both from one Hoosier to another. Great video. Loved the Drone shots as well. I went to Moab in 2015 to mountain bike. Love that place.

  • @vegasromaniac
    @vegasromaniac3 жыл бұрын

    Glad I found this video I was looking for wr250r reviews , quite a trip.. I loved it...