Meet BDR Board Member Kirk Lakeman! Kirk has been a BDR Volunteer for many years and instrumental in the creation of the Chattahoochee BDR-X and South East BDR. As Co-Route Architect of each, he share's some great insight into southern BDR riding and more in the Q&A below! Q: What first got you interested in being a BDR Volunteer? A: When I retired in 2018, I wanted to find ways to support some of my lifelong passions. I was familiar with BDR from riding some of the excellent western routes and the MABDR, so becoming a volunteer BDR ambassador was an easy decision. Q: What do you look for when scouting a new BDR Route? A: Developing a new route for BDR is quite challenging because we have multiple goals for our routes. We obviously want the riding to be interesting and fun to a broad group of riders. We also look for cool points of interest combined with unique cultural finds. Q: What's your favorite part of the Chattahoochee BDR-X? A: I like all sections of the Chattahoochee BDR-X but my personal favorite would probably be Section 1 between Ellijay and Suches Georgia. Q: Chattahoochee BDR-X Restaurant Recommendation? A: There are so many cool restaurant opportunities on this route. Van Zandt’s Grill is a favorite of mine for lunch. Great food and great people. Q: What's your favorite part of the South East BDR? A: All of the sections have their own unique vibe and appeal. Starting in the panhandle of Florida, and riding some of the sandy parts leading up to Alabama is different and cool for many riders. However, the section from Ellijay Georgia to Tellico Plains Tennessee is predominantly off-highway with some of the best views. Q: South East BDR Restaurant Recommendation? A: This is hard because the route involves so many interesting dining opportunities. Cave Spring Georgia offers two of my favorites for dinner at both Linde Marie’s Steakhouse and Stagecoach Pizza! Q: If you could give one piece of advice to a new ADV rider, what would it be?   A: Find some friends or a club to ride with, and make it fun.  Also, you can get started with a relatively inexpensive bike and a map.  Sometimes less is more.  Thanks for all you do Kirk! https://www.instagram.com/p/DHPTUuLSplr