All Roads Still Lead to Globe-Miami — Even the Backroads

For years, we’ve proudly said that “all roads lead to Globe-Miami.” Tucked at the crossroads of five major highways, our community has long been a hub for travelers coming from Tucson, Safford, the White Mountains, the Valley, and Payson.

But now, we can also claim a spot on the map for a different kind of traveler—the two-wheeled adventurer riding the Arizona Backcountry Discovery Route (AZBDR). Created by the nonprofit Backcountry Discovery Routes, this 750-mile stretch from the Mexico border to Utah brings motorcyclists through some of Arizona’s most stunning and remote terrain—and right through Globe. Completed in 2014, the Arizona route is one of 14 routes in the US with more in development. 

“BDR’s mission is to develop and preserve off-pavement riding experiences for adventure and dual-sport motorcycles, and its impact is no small feat. In 2023 alone, the organization reported over $60 million in economic impact across all routes, the majority of it going to small, rural towns.” BDR Website.

Their work is “second to none,” according to Aussie Bruce Graydon, who stopped in Globe in May on his way north. 

“When you travel on a motorcycle you need to plan, plan, plan,” says Graydon. “It’s exhausting. The BDRs essentially allow you to put your brain in a bucket and ride. So good.”

Having ridden up from the border of Mexico, Graydon’s first stop in Globe was at the Huddle for a beer and the local lowdown on a good place to stay. He found more than that—he found new friends in owner Tracy Quick, the Huddle regulars, and me. I ended up hosting him for a couple of days, giving him time to explore Pioneer Pass, soak up local stories, and enjoy a few more brews before continuing north on the AZBDR.

Bruce had ridden 4000 miles of Mexico’s coastline—east, west, north, and south—and was en route to conquer the Arizona, Utah, and Colorado and New Mexico BDRs before dropping off his bike in Dallas and flying home. Turns out, this wasn’t his first backroads adventure. He’s also ridden in Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Georgia, Chile, Argentina, and of course Australia. Retirement and a supportive wife of 30-plus years have been key to a life of open-road adventures.

Bruce’s story reminded me of the BDR riders we met in 2021, when Dusty Wessels of West 38 Moto brought his training camp to Globe. The folks who are attracted to backroads adventuring are some of the best you’ll ever hope to meet. We are fortunate in Globe that we are on their radar thanks to the work of those who first envisioned building routes through the backroads, who strived to keep “remote roads open for motorcycling for generations to come.”

For BDR riders, one thing is clear—Globe-Miami isn’t just a waypoint on the map. We’re a place to land, refuel, and connect.