BUTLER MAPS
There’s something undeniably special about using a map.
It’s a bit like holding a book instead of reading on a Kindle, not that there’s anything wrong with that, but there’s something about the texture, the scent, and the way it builds character with every fold and every trip. Butler Maps took me back to childhood road trips with my family. I can still picture mom sitting on the passenger seat holding up a map while dad drove, and their voices as they discussed the best route to keep us on track. Back then, GPS wasn’t even a thing you see, (90’s baby here woo woo) it was all about paper maps and intuition.
But beyond going back to memory lane, when I first picked up a Butler Map, I thought, “How much can a map really teach me about the roads I already know?” Turns out, a lot. Sure, I’ve ridden a lot of the roads in my area before, but these maps showed me roads I didn’t even know were there. I found roads I probably would have skipped, thinking, “Eh, it’s probably just a dead end or a private road.” Spoiler alert: they’re not. These are roads that make you want to hug the corners a little tighter and twist the throttle a little more. They’re like treasure maps, only instead of "X" marking the spot, every twisty, scenic road they highlight is its own hidden gem. I feel like the cool kid in class who knows all the secret hangouts.
Fun Fact:
Did you know that the maps are made from a material called HopSyn that they got from Germany? It is extremely durable, tear resistant, and totally waterproof. You can fold fold it hundreds of times without perforating and tearing the edges.
G1 Series
| A cheat sheet for planning epic adventures |
Weight: 0.68 oz / 0.43 lbs
Dimensions: 9 × 4.25 × .5 in / 22 x 10.8 x 1.25
Now, let me tell you a little bit about these maps. They are divided in four different series, BDR Series, Experience Series, Adventure Series, and G1 Series.
I absolutely love their Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR Series). For those who aren’t familiar with the name, BDR are off-road routes designed specifically for dual-sport and ADV riders. Think of them as challenging but rewarding rides filled with very scenic but rugged terrains. If your goal is to ride through some of the most remote and beautiful parts of the country, a BDR map is your golden ticket. They features ONE iconic route across a state or a region that’s predominately off-road. And guess what? You can also download these routes on BDR’s Website.
The Experience Series currently offers two map sets; one is a bundle of American Classics, which has a total of 60 destinations nation wide (30 in the west and 30 in the east), and a bundle of Historic Route 66, Western Segment and Eastern Segment.
The Adventure Series shows the best dirts roads in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah! And last but not least, we have the G1 Series. You are probably wondering what G1 stands for. Well, I went to Butler’s FAQ page to figure that out myself hehe. Scott Calhoun, one of the founders of the company, used to fly airplanes and came up with the term 'G1' as in 'Gold Standard', so essentially, the term G1 refers to the best paved roads in the state.
| NOTE: Butler Maps does not have maps for all the states, but don’t let that hold you back! Instead, see it as an opportunity to ride farther and earn your Iron Butt Status. |
Did I mention that these roads have been rated? Once again, Butler Maps did the work so all you have to worry about is go out there and experience these roads yourself. They came up with a rating system that’s color-coded. The Gold line (G1) is for their best roads, the red (G2) is for their mid rating roads, and the orange (G3) is for their lowest level of rating. However, don't let that fool you, G3 roads are still amongst the best paved or dirt sections in North America. Also note that these roads are not rated by difficulty but by scenery. Anyway! Let me show you a few photos of the places I’ve ridden to using Butler Maps, including Latigo Canyon Road, Deer Creek Road, Las Flores Road, Yerba Buena Road, and others!
Let’s talk about road-trips shall we? Butler Maps have been essential for planning my upcoming Route 66 trip. Spoiler alert! The EZ66 Guide for Travelers is amazing, don’t get me wrong, but it doesn’t have everything! The details and insights in these maps helped me choose a few detours along the way and avoid those endless flat highways hehe. I would like to get my riding boots a little dirty you know! Butler Maps hand picked some great roads very near and all along Route 66 and created twelve scenic loops and side trips you can choose from that will most definitely add an extra layer of excitement to your trip. For my trip, I'll need to narrow down that list even further, but I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. I know it’s a once in a lifetime experience, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to cover all that ground in just 10-14 days, especially if I want to take my time and enjoy other attractions along the way. The Historic Route 66 Bundle also show you 96 classic cafes and diners, 63 motels and 169 attractions with street addresses! Let’s face it, if I’m going to ride Route 66, it’s only fair that I try to make it as epic as possible.
I know what you’re thinking: “Ana, it’s just a map.” Sure, but I’m genuinely impressed by the level of detail and thought put into these maps. I think everyone should experience this for themselves; you’d be amazed at what difference they can make. Below are a few shots of other stunning places I went to using Butler Maps.
In a world dominated by screens, there’s something neat about having a map and knowing how to use it. It’s not just a tool; it’s an experience. Unfolding one, tracing your route with your finger, and almost losing your mind trying to fold it back the way it was, just like newspapers. It’s all part of the moment. Now, before I let you go, let me sprinkle in some humor; If you’re a rider looking to try something new, grab a Butler Map (or two) they are $19.95 each (keep an eye out for those bundle deals) and use my discount code: THATMOTOGAL and save a whopping 10% - Hurray for covering taxes! hahaha - Know that if you use the code you’ll be supporting a fellow rider (moi!) while prepping for some epic rides. In all seriousness, the information and fun you’ll get from owning one of these maps is priceless.
If you still think paper maps are not your style or you’re looking for an alternative, you can purchase and download Butler Maps in the Avenza Maps app (my code doesn’t work here) or access them digitally through the Rever app with a premium subscription. I’m not on Avenza yet, but you can find me on Rever as Ana Rand and join my new riding community called “Ride With ThatMotoGal”.
Happy riding everyone! And remember, the best roads aren’t always the ones you already know… sometimes, they’re the ones waiting to be discovered. If you enjoyed this blog post, subscribe to my newsletter below to stay updated and receive notifications whenever I publish new content! Now tell me, which map do you have your eye on?
