Want to know what people thought of last years Meeting? Is it worth coming to the Meeting?
"I'm so looking forward to another UK meet. My only problem is that I simply can't get to every talk I want, such is the amount of terrific presentations on offer. Each year I've been astonished at how articulate, intelligent, informative and entertaining the speakers are. I'm willing to help with anything that doesn't keep me from a talk - and my timetable will be full to bursting!" More comments here.
Important!
Registration is limited! So to be sure you get in and avoid disappointment, get your registration and payment in early!
As of mid-June, over 650 people have registered!
We really don't want to turn anyone away, but more importantly we want to be sure of having a great meeting - and overcrowded facilities will be no fun for anyone. Please be patient and bear with us - and them - as we all try very hard to bring the best possible meeting to as many as possible.
See you there!
Schedule for Presentations and Events is now online
- Registration form
- Meeting Location - Where is it?
- Camping on site
- Other Accommodation
- Information about the area
- Membership
- Rides
- Schedule
- Volunteer to help out!
- Vendors information
- Local hosts, information
How you can help - put up a few posters! 2011
poster available! Please post it everywhere!
The Plan
The plan is simple. Show up on Thursday or at the latest Friday afternoon, meet people and setup. Travel Presentations and Tech seminars are planned throughout the meeting, starting Thursday night.
2011 Speakers and Tech Seminars:
Inspiration
Confirmed:
- Austin always has something fun!
- The Road of Bones
- Walter Colebatch
A detailed look at the various routes that make up the Road of Bones and its history.
- Walter Colebatch
- Long distance with limited cubic centimetres.
- Joel Juergens, Canada (fredsuleman) - Canada to Central America, and next across Europe to Turkey.
Challenges of setting up and traveling with small motorcycles. (under 250cc!)
- Joel Juergens, Canada (fredsuleman) - Canada to Central America, and next across Europe to Turkey.
- One day you have to live your dream...
- Manuela Beis
How to plan, prepare and realise a 4-month solo journey through South America on a DRZ.
- Manuela Beis
- Even Italian bikes provide laughs
- Paddy Tyson
Travelling the Americas with a standing joke.
- Paddy Tyson
- Amazing Vietnam
- Sam Manicom
Know you can't get away on the big trip, yet. But would love a two or three week break, on a bike in an exotic land. How about amazing Vietnam? No organised tour needed. You can do it all - easily. Check in on Sam's talk to find out more.
- Sam Manicom
- R1 Around the World
- Sjaak Lucassen
The story of Sjaak's amazing round the world trip on an R1 that took more than 5 years and covered almost 250,000 km through 75 countries.
- Sjaak Lucassen
- Arctic Riding Adventures
- Sjaak Lucassen
In the middle of winter to the North Cape, the most northern point of Europe, being the support act for the World Championship Ice Speedway, midwinter from Florida to the frozen Arctic Ocean in northern Alaska and all about what Sjaak's planning for riding on the Polar ice again!
- Sjaak Lucassen
- Touring on Ice on a C90
- Ed March
2500 miles on ice on a C90 in January from the UK to the Elephant Rally in southern Germany.
- Ed March
- Financing your trip through writing and sponsorship
- Alun Davies (Editor of Adventure Bike Rider magazine)
Q&A session about what sponsors and editors really want.
- Alun Davies (Editor of Adventure Bike Rider magazine)
- Central and Southern Asia - Part 1
- Simon McCarthy
Tales of bike abuse, local vehicles, dust and smiley children in some of the less travelled parts of central and southern Asia.
- Simon McCarthy
- Central and Southern Asia - Part 2
- Simon McCarthy
Tales of keeping body and soul together - food, markets and accomodation in some of the less travelled parts of central and southern Asia.
- Simon McCarthy
- Touring Thailand on 125's
- Mark & Joyce Groucutt, "followthedream"
Size does not matter, blend and see the country at the locals' pace.
- Mark & Joyce Groucutt, "followthedream"
- Septuagenarian Odyssey
- Simon Gandolfi, "simongandolfi"
Riding Baja with the California Scooter Posse.
- Simon Gandolfi, "simongandolfi"
- Tea with Bin laden's Brother, 'Overland to Nepal via Iran, Pakistan and India'
- Simon Roberts
An illustrated journey through countries where you won't get travel insurance
- Simon Roberts
- Rider in the Rain
- Eryl Price-Davies
A 25,000 mile solo (and often very soggy!) round trip from New York - to LA, Mexico, Alaska and Trans Canada.
- Eryl Price-Davies
- Riding Dorothy
- Nathan Millward
Sydney to London on a 105cc Australian Post bike called Dorothy.
- Nathan Millward
- Santiago to Ushuaia without giving up work
- Lilian Hobbs
Dream of riding to the bottom of South America, but can't afford to give up work? Then see how we did it by going on an organized tour for 3 weeks!
- Lilian Hobbs
- RTW 3 Months 2 Amateurs 1 Bike
- Brendon and Tasha Ball, "KIWI 7"
Trans Canada and the Russian Federal Highway. With what worked and what didn't!
- Brendon and Tasha Ball, "KIWI 7"
- Leprechauns in Latin America
- Norman & Maggie Magowan
Tall Tales from the Panamericana: 35,500 miles of Mud, Sweat & Tears! Part I of their Adventures in Yellow covering the Latin American leg of the trip.
- Norman & Maggie Magowan
- Leprechauns to Alaska
- Norman & Maggie Magowan
Tall Tales from the Panamericana: 35,500 miles of Mud, Sweat & Tears! Part II of their Adventures in Yellow covering the North American conclusion of this epic journey.
- Norman & Maggie Magowan
- Living and working with motorbikes in Peru, South America
- David Groves - Adventure Peru Motorcycling
My experience of living and working in Peru for 11 years and organizing running and guiding bike tours for motorcyclists to experience The Real Peru with Peruvian guides and mechanics.
- David Groves - Adventure Peru Motorcycling
- Live! On the Road Q&A from the 'Stans!
- "Zebb" and Henry
Technology-willing, Zebb and Henry will host a live Q&A session from somewhere in the 'Stans.
- "Zebb" and Henry
- Scooters in the Sahara - Come and Join us
- Dennis and Alison Robinson
Next trip scheduled for March 2012 - you could be on it!
- Dennis and Alison Robinson
- UK2India
- Alexandros Papadopoulos
Why YOU have to do this trip. A non-extreme trip that YOU can do. Practical tips & advice given for those on the brink.
- Alexandros Papadopoulos
- Oz
- Colin O'Carroll
Around Australia on a Triumph, Highway One = world's longest national highway.
- Colin O'Carroll
- Cardiff to Cairo, A Solo holiday on a bike
- Francis Maxey
Just going for a ride, EVERY DAY! The pit falls and joys of travelling alone.
- Francis Maxey
- The Trans Am Trail 2003
- Dave Lomax
When there were no GPS points and Nevada seemed big and empty! 3 guys, 3 bikes and 5000 off-road miles in four weeks. Heaven!
- Dave Lomax
- No Experience Neccessary
- Henry Nottage
A brief intro into how I got into overlanding without any riding experience and a synopsis of next years ridiculous trip - desert racing on pizza delivery bike!
- Henry Nottage
- Hidden Morocco 'The Film'
- Dave Lomax
A professionaly created short travel/exploration film about the more remote areas of an increasingly popular travel destination. Oh, and a great way for me to get a superlightweight desert fix!
- Dave Lomax
- UK to India on an Enfield and a Transalp
- Simon Chegwyn
A light-hearted and unstructured look at a classic overlanding route - and why the Enfield didn't make it!
- Simon Chegwyn
- Mad in the Med
- Graham Hoskins
Graham dragged Danny John-Jules (the Cat from Red Dwarf) on a 15 day, 7000 mile endurance ride circumnavigating the Med Sea. Hear and see the story before it comes to Sky.
- Graham Hoskins
- Indian Himalayas on a Bullet
- Chris Bright
The best fun you can have for not a lot of money.
- Chris Bright
- New Zealand and Africa
- Ian Mutch
The art of surviving ineptitude on inappropriate machinary and how to fail with women.
- Ian Mutch
- Enduro Gazmundo
- Steve Mallon
A film of a trip made by 7 guys on 7 Royal Enfields in 2008 around the Himalayas from Delhi and back.
- Steve Mallon
- Crossing the Arctic Circle
- Lilian Hobbs
Two ladies, two BMW's and 3 weeks to go from the UK to Norway to cross the Arctic Circle. See how we did it, survived expensive Norway and watch the video from our trip.
- Lilian Hobbs
- 2 Pegs to Patagonia
- Bruce and Jean Porter
We are just 2 people with a desire to see places. This trip is about Jean seeing penguins in the wild. We just decided to start near the top and bimble down.
- Bruce and Jean Porter
- Real Way Round
- Jonathan Yates
Getting round - no frills - no spills.
- Jonathan Yates
- Rider in the Rain
- Eryl Price-Davies
A 25,000 mile solo (and often very soggy!)round trip from New York - to LA, Mexico, Alaska and Trans Canada.
- Eryl Price-Davies
- Dusty Old Bags RTW
- Sheonagh Ravensdale & Pat Thomson
Lack of planning plus being hijacked by hospitality meant we only managed 14 countries in 15 months on the Honda Falcons: Panama to Cambodia, but we did it with less underwear than last time.
- Sheonagh Ravensdale & Pat Thomson
- thedomwayround: Part 1. Alaska to Panama
- Dom Giles
A 6 month, 22,000 mile,8 country journey through North and Central America. - Attacked by bears in Alaska - Struck by lightening in Nevada - Bitten by a sloth in Costa Rica. Find out if any of these things actually happened to Dom.
- Dom Giles
- thedomwayround: Part 2. Cape Town to Nairobi
- Dom Giles
A 3 month 6,000 mile, 10 country journey through South and East Africa. - crashing in the sand of Namibia - getting arrested by the Zimbabwe police - charged at by an elephant. These things almost happened to Dom, but not quite. thedomwayround - the antidote to "adventure" travel.
- Dom Giles
- Flash Floods in a Moroccan Wadii
- Mike Vitkovitch
How we got caught and submerged in a flash flood...and survived...
- Mike Vitkovitch
Learn
Confirmed:
- Overweight is Underprepared!
- Dave Lomax "davidlomax"
A full breakdown of the best lightweight kit to take with you on your next trip. Complete with film and images from a recent super-lightweight trip to North Africa.
- Dave Lomax "davidlomax"
- thedomwayround - what worked for me.
- Dom Giles
Heading off on a trip soon? Not sure what to take? I've just spent nearly a year in North/Central America and South/East Africa. I'll share with you what worked for me (and what didn't). What gear stood the test of time and why you should definitely take a Pogo!
- Dom Giles
- Keep your Airhead on the road
- Phil Hawksley
Q&A session for BMW twins.
- Phil Hawksley
- Stretch the body, Travel further
- Francis Maxey
A practical guide to stretching the muscles before you ride and releasing the stiffness when you stop.
- Francis Maxey
- First Aid on Two Wheels
- Ashley St John-Claire
Getting to know the really basic things that will save your life, and those of your fellow riders.
- Ashley St John-Claire
- Bike Recovery From Deep Water and on Steep Ground
- Ashley St John-Claire
Simple and effective techniques for getting your bike unstuck.
- Ashley St John-Claire
- Body Mechanics-- How to Make the Long Ride Easier; Why work so hard?
- Ramey (Coach) Stroud (Coach)
Come learn the trick of the trade that will give you Miles of Smiles in all conditions. Will be in either TWO sessions or one long session. This is a 5* clinic for the thinking rider!
- Ramey (Coach) Stroud (Coach)
- How to have the trip of a lifetime and keep your house
- Craig Robinson
You don't have to sell everything to keep the Free Spirit flying.
- Craig Robinson
- Planning your trip with Garmin Mapsource
- Tim Cullis
- Morocco: Safe, Exciting and Inexpensive
- Tim Cullis
- An Idiot's Guide to Technical Clothing
- Alan Perrins (HUBB: ZZSPEEDZZ)
What makes a technical garment and in what environments you should use each garment. Discussions on waterproofing, windproofing, base layers, wicking, insulation choices, synthtics vs cottons etc. Alan will bring a huge selection of various technical garments that will demonstrate and improve a riders understanding, which will lead to greater comfort and safety.
- Alan Perrins (HUBB: ZZSPEEDZZ)
- Maintenance on the Move
- Greg Baker, "Gregorius"
How to keep things going!
- Greg Baker, "Gregorius"
- Demystifying the Myth
- Yosi Rapaport
Maintenance, tools, which bike.
- Yosi Rapaport
- Using the HU Blog
- Bruce Porter
Why you should, plus it's easy to use and read for your friends! Plus how to shrink pictures and upload them.
- Bruce Porter
- Bushcraft for Bikers
- Kevan Palmer (HUBB: Desert Ways)
Different relevant bushcraft demos over the weekend, e.g.firelighting, foraging..
- Kevan Palmer (HUBB: Desert Ways)
- It's All in the Mind?
- Andrew Sercombe
Adventure psychology to help you get there.
- Andrew Sercombe
- Fix that flat! How to change a tyre anytime, anywhere. Two hours.
- Grant Johnson
'Basic Guide to changing and maintaining tyres.' How to prevent flats in the first place, and fix them when you get one. Grant's changed thousands, and will show you all the secrets to make it easy. The best tools and how to use them for tube and tubeless tires. Bring your changing / patching kit with you! Hand's on practical, try it yourself.
- Grant Johnson
- Tyre Changing Contest for beginners to experts!
- Grant Johnson
Come prepared to show everyone how fast you can do it - classes for beginners and experts, and ladies! Prizes too!
- Grant Johnson
- How yoga can help keep you safe, healthy, sane and able to fully enjoy your ride
- Tori Lang, "YogaforBikersTori"
Save your back, and ease the aches - before they happen. Talk and demonstration: come and find out what it's all about, how yoga can really help your riding in more ways than you might realise. Includes demonstration of some basic practice. (45 minutes)
- Tori Lang, "YogaforBikersTori"
- Yoga for bikers - practical session
- Tori Lang, "YogaforBikersTori"
You've heard the talk, now give it a go. Come along and try it out for yourself - no previous experience necessary. Please avoid eating heavily for 2 hours before and bring a roll mat/blanket to lie on and a sense of adventure! (80 minutes)
- Tori Lang, "YogaforBikersTori"
- Panel - volunteers please!
- How to get someone of the opposite sex to go travelling with you - panel and discussion.
Why is it so hard? What are you doing wrong - or right? All viewpoints discussed!
- How to get someone of the opposite sex to go travelling with you - panel and discussion.
- Women only
- A VERY popular session - I'm told it's a must for the ladies, so plan on being there!
- Roadkill Cookout
- Danny Taylor and Fil Schiannini
Watch and learn - how to make a firepit, skin a rabbit, pluck a pheasant, fillet a trout, cook it and eat it. Check schedule at the firepit for demo times.
- Danny Taylor and Fil Schiannini
- Ask the Experts!
- Panel Session! Still have a nagging question or two? Want to ask, but not sure who? There will be a panel session to get all those last details covered - ask anything at all! MOST of them we'll answer...
- Tax refunds to help fund your trip
- Steve Mercer (Mercer and Co)
George (Osbourne), mate, as I am also joining the offshore club any chance of a few quid to start me off?
- Steve Mercer (Mercer and Co)
- Photo Composition for Travellers
- Grant Johnson, Canada, RTW
We all want to take great photos of our trip - so why don't we? This easy seminar will transform your photos from boring to FABULOUS!
- Grant Johnson, Canada, RTW
- How to make beer money from your travel blog
- Iain Harper
Following on from last year's info about creating travel blogs, this presentation will explain how you can monetise your blog to contribute to your travel budget.
- Iain Harper
- Hearing Protection "We're not all size 9!"
- Andy Hobdell, Ultimate Hearing Protection
Hearing Protection - the nuts & bolts of it.
- Andy Hobdell, Ultimate Hearing Protection
- Digital Security on the Road
- Alexandros Papadopoulos
When you hit the road, you have to do some business on the road... whether that's rudimentary email with family, editing your blog or sorting out money transfers "for that final stretch", there are a few things you need to be aware of to protect yourself from identity theft (also known as "fraud") and all its unpleasant consequences. This session will teach you everything you need to know on the topic.
- Alexandros Papadopoulos
- Camping Forum, Anyone can rough it.
- Leslie Madge, Traveldriplus
An opportunity to improve your camping skills
- Leslie Madge, Traveldriplus
- Preparation and Planning for that big trip
- Colin & Dee Masters
Pitfalls & worries of long distance travel
- Colin & Dee Masters
- Motorcycle Outreach
- Barbara Alam and Craig Carey-Clinch
Can motorcycles help make the world a better place? Would you like to do your bit for people in poorer countries? Does your next big trip need a charity angle? Motorcycle Outreach is a charitable organisation which works to introduce effective healthcare delivery in remote areas of developing countries.
- Barbara Alam and Craig Carey-Clinch
Video from 2010: Tiffany Coates with a masterclass in picking up a dropped bike
2010 Speakers were:
Inspiration
- Jupiters Travels - the start...
- Ted Simon
An expanded account of the beginning of the first journey, and more on the second journey, two talks.
- Ted Simon
- Every country in the world!
- Peter and Kay Forwood, Australia
All 193 countries on a Harley in 13 years, the Challenges, Enjoyments and Logistics of Visiting Every Country.
- Peter and Kay Forwood, Australia
- Septuagenarian Oddyssy
- Simon Gandolfi, "simongandolfi"
Six month solo tour of India on a Honda 125
- Simon Gandolfi, "simongandolfi"
- The Sibirsky Extreme Project
- Walter Colebatch
Going Where No Motorcycle Had Been Before - into the ultimate depths of Siberia
- Walter Colebatch
- Mongolian Mayhem
- Tiffany Coates
A journey across the 'Stans and Central Asia to the far corners of Outer Mongolia
- Tiffany Coates
- Touring New Zealand's South Island
- Lilian Hobbs
Wendy & Lilian spent 3 weeks touring New Zealnd's South Island in rental motorcycles. Come see video of Biking Heaven where glaciers can be easily ridden to and road signs warn of bends for 10's of kms!
- Lilian Hobbs
- Six weeks in Oz
- Dave Owen
Cyclones, deserts, mountains, animals and bikes
- Dave Owen
- Beyond Bucharest
- Bob & Viv Goddard, Timbuktu Publishing
We barely survived this ride to Eastern Europe. Sixty-two others weren't so lucky...
- Bob & Viv Goddard, Timbuktu Publishing
- UK2India
- Alexandros Papadopoulos
A 5-month journey
- Alexandros Papadopoulos
- Riding the Pink Porridge - Trans Canada
- Craig Carey-Clinch and Barbara Alam
Tales from the Canadian Highway, a new journey from west to east, including The Labrador territory
- Craig Carey-Clinch and Barbara Alam
- Himalayan Highway Code
- Nicola Taylor and Craig Robinson
Spectacular scenery and survival tips from Himalayan India
- Nicola Taylor and Craig Robinson
- Scoots2: C90s to Bansang, The Gambia
- Ian Underwood and Lisa Booth
A charity endeavour delivering scooters and supplies to the Bansang Hospital, Georgetown, The Gambia
- Ian Underwood and Lisa Booth
- American Idle, From Gold Beach to South Beach... and back again!
- Jenny Morgan
23,000 miles coast to coast across the USA including the desert southwest, the Gulf coast, the Trans-Am Trail, Moab, and the mighty Rubicon Trail... Jenny Morgan reveals what the USA has to offer the dual-sport adventure rider, and also offers tips on packing light and traveling solo all over the USA.
- Jenny Morgan
- An Italian Bike??
- Paddy Tyson
Even the most inept bikes can provide fun, frolics and frustration on the road.
- Paddy Tyson
- Black Sea by 1948 Panther
- Rollo Turner, Panther Publishing, "PRC155"
A 60 year old bike takes it similarly aged rider on a trip to the Black Sea - an absence of preparation and just doing it is what it's all about.
- Rollo Turner, Panther Publishing, "PRC155"
- Tea with Bin Laden's brother - the graphic novel!
- Simon Roberts
An Illustrated journey overland to Kathmandu via Iran, Pakistan and India.
- Simon Roberts
- 'Salt and Gold' Timbuktu and beyond the hard way
- Dave Lomax
The tale of an attempt to reach the Salt Mines of Taoudenni following ancient camel routes across 3000km of virgin desert. Includes previously unseen film sequences of the recent 'Salt and Gold film' filmed by Austin Vince.
- Dave Lomax
- Around the World - Borders, Bribes, Bugs and Bandits...
- Tom McInally
A tale of part-solo RTW west to east across Eastern Europe, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Japan, USA and Ireland
- Tom McInally
- Riding Asia - The Silk Road
- Barbara Alam & Craig Carey-Clinch, GlobeBusters
A DVD of Kevin & Julia Sanders' 2009 Research Expedition from London to Beijing
- Barbara Alam & Craig Carey-Clinch, GlobeBusters
- Another Cunning Plan
- Brendon and Tasha Ball, "KIWI 7"
"The wrong way round" Canada, Japan and Russia in 3 months
- Brendon and Tasha Ball, "KIWI 7"
- RTW 10 Years After
- Chris Bright, "chris"
An introspective look at the trip TheBrightStuff did 10 years ago, including lots of pictures and trying to answer lots of FAQs the budding adventurer might have e.g. Do my alli boxes look big on this bike, should I pack my curling tongs etc.
- Chris Bright, "chris"
- Leprechauns in Latin America
- Norman Magowan, "Normanmags"
The Panamerican for the vertically challenged
- Norman Magowan, "Normanmags"
- One Man Caravan
- Robert Jardine
Melbourne to London on a Honda Transalp
- Robert Jardine
- Thailand - Ride it, Live it, Love it
- Mark & Joyce Groucutt, "followthedream"
We will share our knowledge and experience of travelling and living in this amazing country including snippets from the rest of Indochina.
- Mark & Joyce Groucutt, "followthedream"
Learn
- Would you take your own G.P. biking up the Andes?
- Wendy Peters
Experiences of a G.P. looking after an all female bike trip plus crew to Northern Peru
- Wendy Peters
- Communication systems for Motorcycles
- Richard Graham
The practical and effective way to communicate on and from a motorcycle, the nuts and bolts issues.
- Richard Graham
- Publish Your Story!
- Dennis Robinson
How to publish your own book without breaking the bank.
- Dennis Robinson
- Overweight is Underprepared!
- Dave Lomax "davidlomax"
How to pack and travel as light and economically as possible.
- Dave Lomax "davidlomax"
- RTA Trauma care
- Drew Wilson, "drewwilson636"
Emphasis more on trauma care than basic first aid
- Drew Wilson, "drewwilson636"
- Motorcycle Outreach
- Barbara Alam and Craig Carey-Clinch
Can motorcycles help make the world a better place? Would you like to do your bit for people in poorer countries? Does your next big trip need a charity angle? Motorcycle Outreach is a charitable organisation which works to introduce effective healthcare delivery in remote areas of developing countries.
- Barbara Alam and Craig Carey-Clinch
- Help! I'm about to go RTW next month!
- Dom Giles, "Lonesome George"
This seminar will explain what problems and issues I've faced getting this far and what I'm still unsure about. Hopefully then I can open it up to a discussion where people will give their advice and help.
- Dom Giles, "Lonesome George"
- GPS for Travellers
- Ian Bradshaw
How it works - Availability problems, comparison of current Garmin/TomTom/etc models - Getting the most from GPS on different trip types - Navigating without GPS - Q & A
- Ian Bradshaw
- Keeping your Airhead running
- Phil Hawksley
Q&A session on fixing your broken Airheads
- Phil Hawksley
- Preparation and Planning for that big trip
- Colin & Dee Masters
Pitfalls & worries of long distance travel
- Colin & Dee Masters
- Maintenance for Beginners
- Greg Baker, "Gregorius"
The basics of maintenance at home or on the roadside.
- Greg Baker, "Gregorius"
- Chains - not always the weakest link
- Greg Baker, "Gregorius"
Beginners guide to chains and sprockets, maintenance and replacement.
- Greg Baker, "Gregorius"
- Demystifying the dark arts of blogs and websites
- Iain Harper
Setting up a blog for your journey, or even a whole website, is a lot easier than you might think and it can all be done for free. This presentation will show you how. (Includes HU Blogs!)
- Iain Harper
- Camping Forum, Anyone can rough it.
- Leslie Madge, Traveldriplus
An opportunity to improve your camping skills
- Leslie Madge, Traveldriplus
- View From The Saddle: the tips and tricks I learnt
- Paul Read, "karter257"
One man, 2 years, 25,000 miles, 10 countries, 2 bikes must have learned something. Among others come along to learn the biscuit tip, the SpectroTesteInvertor trick and just what can be done with a tin mug.
- Paul Read, "karter257"
- Plan? What Plan?
- Jacqui Furneaux
How to have fun whilst going with the flow.
- Jacqui Furneaux
- Hearing Protection & Ultimate
- Andy Hobdell, Ultimate Hearing Protection
Ear Plugs, noise and you! Why you really NEED plugs.
- Andy Hobdell, Ultimate Hearing Protection
- Tax refunds available to fund your trip
- Steve Mercer, Mercer and Co
Gordon/David/Nick (*) please give me a tax refund to pay for my trip. (* delete as applicable post election :)
- Steve Mercer, Mercer and Co
- Photo Composition for Travellers
- Grant Johnson, Canada, RTW
We all want to take great photos of our trip - so why don't we? This easy seminar will transform your photos from boring to FABULOUS!
- Grant Johnson, Canada, RTW
- Solo on a single
- Tony Woodhams
R.T.W. solo including Darien Gap, with emphasis on culture & understanding
- Tony Woodhams
- Motorcycle + Sidecar
- Austin Vince and Lois Pryce
The ultimate couple's overland vehicle!
- Austin Vince and Lois Pryce
- Fix that flat! How to change a tyre anytime, anywhere. Two hours.
- Grant Johnson
'Basic Guide to changing and maintaining tyres.' How to prevent flats in the first place, and fix them when you get one. Grant's changed thousands, and will show you all the secrets to make it easy. The best tools and how to use them for tube and tubeless tires. Bring your changing / patching kit with you! Hand's on practical, try it yourself.
- Grant Johnson
- Tyre Changing Contest for beginners to experts!
- Grant Johnson
Come prepared to show everyone how fast you can do it - classes for beginners and experts, and ladies! Prizes too!
- Grant Johnson
- How yoga can help keep you safe, healthy, sane and able to fully enjoy your ride
- Tori Lang, "YogaforBikersTori"
Save your back, and ease the aches - before they happen. Talk and demonstration: come and find out what it's all about, how yoga can really help your riding in more ways than you might realise. Includes demonstration of some basic practice. (45 minutes)
- Tori Lang, "YogaforBikersTori"
- Yoga for bikers - practical session
- Tori Lang, "YogaforBikersTori"
You've heard the talk, now give it a go. Come along and try it out for yourself - no previous experience necessary. Please avoid eating heavily for 2 hours before and bring a roll mat/blanket to lie on and a sense of adventure! (80 minutes)
- Tori Lang, "YogaforBikersTori"
- Panel - volunteers please!
- How to get someone of the opposite sex to go travelling with you - panel and discussion.
Why is it so hard? What are you doing wrong - or right? All viewpoints discussed!
- How to get someone of the opposite sex to go travelling with you - panel and discussion.
- Women only
- A VERY popular session - I'm told it's a must for the ladies, so plan on being there!
- Roadkill Cookout
- Danny Taylor and Fil Schiannini
Watch and learn - how to make a firepit, skin a rabbit, pluck a pheasant, fillet a trout, cook it and eat it. Check schedule at the firepit for demo times.
- Danny Taylor and Fil Schiannini
- Ask the Experts!
- Panel Session! Still have a nagging question or two? Want to ask, but not sure who? There will be a panel session to get all those last details covered - ask anything at all! MOST of them we'll answer...
Important!
The main conference room will squeeze 250 people. Smaller rooms hold up to 100, so there will be THREE and sometimes FOUR shows happening simultaneously, so you can pick and choose what you watch. We will do a few popular shows twice.
The Marquee (the Souk!) we used for the first time in 2010 will be back, and will be used even more. It easily holds 3-400 people with standing. Many of the shows in the main room will be streamed to the big screen in the marquee, so you have two choices for where to watch.
There will also be Breakout sessions, which anyone can call! We'll have signup sheets for breakouts, just grab a sheet and list what subject you want to talk about and where and when, and people can sign up and meet you there! Sessions can be during dinner, or over breakfast or meet at someone's bike, whatever, it's up to you.
There will be slide shows and talks Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, as well as all Saturday morning and afternoon, and Sunday too, (see the schedule). Come early and make it a great weekend! We recommend planning on riding Thursday/Friday and Sunday, and leaving time for Seminars all day Friday and Saturday.
NEW AT RIPLEY THIS YEAR - SLOW BIKE RACE!
All overlanders know that you are going to spend a significant amount of time, picking your way at slow speeds through mud, slaloming potholes and slow motion dodging through loony traffic. What better way to show off your skills than to have a go at this year's 'Slow Bike Race', supported by Rieju Motorcycles. It won't be easy, but it'll be fun. First 20 people to book with John May at the Meet get to take part. Kick off 10am sharp on Saturday morning. Meet outside the Traveldri-Plus marquee. There'll be a prize! And a bonus prize for the slowest rider who completes the course within the rules, but carrying a log (chosen by John) from Danny's Roadkill Firepit. Um, NO SIDECAR OUTFITS or 4x4's :)
BIKE SHOW!
Back again this year, the HU Travel Bike Show!
Free to enter, open to all bikes.
Prizes for:
- Most Unsuitable
- Most Stickered
- Best Modification
- Most Travelled
Shine it up - or perhaps get it dirtier... and bring it to the front parking lot area Saturday afternoon - details at registration.
See the Schedule here
Rideouts
Rideouts are limited to 6 to 12 people per ride, no exceptions.
The TRF has VERY generously volunteered to lead rides.
We plan to have rideouts on the Friday and the Saturday. On paved and unpaved road. Leaving at 10.00 AM both days, arriving back around 5.00 PM. All riders must have signed the usual H.U. disclaimer, but its up to the ride leader who goes and who doesn't, nothing to do with H.U. Full on crossers with race pipes, knobblies, and numbers are likely to be frowned upon. Numbers are limited and that again is up to the rideout leader.
If you're interested please put your name down on arrival at the TRF tent across from the Registration Tent. There will be signup sheets for each ride posted. First in best dressed.
All participants have to sign a liability waiver in advance. YOU are responsible for your own safety, rides are NOT guided, you will ride with volunteers who will point out the interesting routes to you.
All rides will be back on site at or before 5.00pm
Donations to the TRF fund are requested from all ride participants.
All rides are "register on the day." There will be signup sheets for each ride posted the evening before. First in best dressed.
Charity Draw
2011 Charity is Motorcycle Outreach, through the sale of raffle tickets and the generous donation of prizes from all the vendors on site and from afar. If you'd like to donate a prize for the charity raffle, send it direct to Lumb Farm marked to Angela Woods FAO Dee Masters HU.
Motorcycle Outreach does much the same as Riders for Health, but in Indonesia! :) In 2010 you raised £800.00 for them with your raffle ticket purchases!
One of the great prizes included in the raffle this year has been kindly donated by the French ferry operator, LD Lines, who are offering a return ticket for a motorcycle and up to two people, with a 2 berth cabin if available, between either Le Havre/Portsmouth, Dieppe/Newhaven or Saint-Nazaire/Gijon.
As with 2010, the draw will be held at 5 pm on Saturday in the marquee, and numbers will be matched to prizes. Prizes will be available to pick up from 5 pm Saturday until 10 am Sunday, so no need to be there to win! The raffle for any uncollected prizes will be redrawn at 10 am on the Sunday - so don't throw your tickets away.
Food
Great food served all day from 8.30AM every day and well into the evening, a wide and varied menu - including vegetarian, at various excellent prices.
Camping
Camping is INCLUDED in your registration fee.
There are TWO camping areas, one as you come in on your left, and the main area at the end of the driveway behind the buildings. Access to BOTH is behind the buildings. The main camping area fills up fast, so early arrivers please don't take a big area, just squeeze in, and leave a pathway for early departures. The quietest area is probably the secondary area, on your left as you arrive - but no promises!
NOTE: The lower field has a small area that's prone to seepage from the site's septic tank - which is supposed to be "no problem" but as the weekend goes on it has been errhhm "overwhelmed" so look for the signs and steer clear!
NO 4 wheeled vehicles in the main camping fields, too much damage to the grass, and too crowded, so there is an area specifically for you. Same as in previous years, directly opposite the main building front entrance, across the driveway, backed up to the paddock fence.
Showers - limited but adequate showers are available in the main building, in the sports area. Open at 7:00 AM
Wi-Fi - there is Wi-fi available in the Pub area, but it's a single connection for EVERYONE so don't expect fast! Just look for the Horizons Unlimited network!
Barbecues - ONLY at the firepit area, not on the camping fields AT ALL. There are NO cooking facilities except what you bring, but there's tons of excellent pub food at good prices available. Water is available from a tap at the back of the main building.
Dogs - due to a particularly noisy dog in '07, there will be no dogs allowed to camp in the main camping areas at all. VERY sorry we have to do this, but there were a lot of complaints, and understandably so, about a dog barking all night, so we're forced into this restriction. 4 Wheelers can have their dogs in the parking lot area, and there is an area on the driveway on the right as you arrive, near the very bottom of the hill, where people with dogs and tents camped last year and were happy with it, so we will continue to do that this year. Noisy dogs will be ejected regardless, so please keep your dog quiet.
Children - the organisers have come to the conclusion that this is not a suitable event for children. Safety concerns have been raised, especially with folks riding around on motorcycles, not always sober! Some of the presentations are absolutely inappropriate for kids, and yet their parents brought them along anyway! It is not fair to the presenters (or the audience) to expect them to censor themselves so that children can attend talks that are intended for an adult audience, and we could run afoul of child protection legislation. So for 2011, IF you wish to bring your kids along, YOU must sign a waiver on the day taking FULL responsibility for kids under 16 (and 14+ year olds will pay full adult price). NO children admitted to talks after 9pm.
Equipment for Sale
There will be a pin board for you to post equipment, bikes etc for sale.
Free stuff - A Scratch Patch
(as suggested by Michelle Clarke in an email:)
"We all know how expensive these overland travel dreams can be, but also how you often manage to accumulate travel equipment and bits and pieces that just end up gathering dust. That thingamabob that you have been meaning to give away for ages could be exactly what some skint newbie is in need of before a first trip.
How about a table set aside inside as the Scratch Patch at the UK HU meet? A place where people can put those extra inner tubes for the bike that they already sold but forgot to give to the new owner (clearly labelled as to size of course ); that jerry that you bought that doesn't fit your mountings; that Lonely Planet for Mongolia - anything that might be a big help to someone else.
(of course, anything that does not find a home by the end of the weekend will need to be reclaimed)"
Perfect - we'll set up a spot somewhere, so bring your goodies!
Travel Vendors
Vendors sign up here to join us!
2011 Vendors:
- Adventure Peru Motorcycling, motorcycle adventure holiday trips to Peru
- Adventure-spec, waterproof riding gear, luggage, tools, bike protection parts, first aid kits, camping bits and pieces
- Azcari, Satmap off road navigation and Husqvarna motorcycles
- Compass Expeditions, Adventure Motorcycle Expeditions in South America, Australia and Russia
- James Cargo Services, bike shipping around the world.
- Metal Mule, overland luggage systems
- Rally-Raid Products KTM 690 Adventure Kit and Adventure/Rally parts
- Rieju Motorcycles Manufacturer of a range of versatile bikes, including a 200cc supermoto
- Stahlkoffer Bespoke motorcycle panniers and accessories as well as motorcycle clothing
- Traveldri-Plus, motorcycle travel and camping goodies specialists
- Touratech UK, the adventure travel specialists - everything for your bike!
- Touratiger, adventure motorcycle tours for charity
- Two Wheel Trekkers, Jesse Luggage Europe
- Ultimate Hearing Protection, Andy Hobdell
- Wildcat Adventures, 25 years of Adventure Travel!
- Winding Roads FAMSA and Wolfman Luggage and heated accessories
- Woodland Ways, bushcraft skills courses and equipment
- Xpress Despatch, new Xpress Bike service provides a scheduled crated bike service, ex Ripon, to and from Malaga - cutting out the long ride to/from Spain
Books - get your signed copy direct from the Author!
Expected attendees (but no guarantees):
Austin Vince will have his DVD's for sale as well as his books 'Terra Circa' and
'Mondo Enduro'
Dennis Robinson, 'Scooters in the Sahara'
Lois Pryce, 'Lois on the Loose', will have books, including her African adventures book.
Robert Wicks, 'Building the Ultimate Adventure Bike' and the rest of his series: 'Adventure Motorcycling', and 'Adventure Riding Techniques'
Sam Manicom , with his books 'Tortillas to Totems', 'Distant Suns', 'Under Asian Skies' and 'Into Africa'
Sjaak Lucassen, with his DVD 'Sjaak the World'
Paddy Tyson, with his book 'The Hunt For Puerto del Faglioli'
Overland Magazine, the great new publication from Paddy Tyson
Simon Gandolfi, UK, will have his book 'Old man on a bike' (Ushuaia to New York on a 125)
Norman Magowan, with his NEW books 'Leprechauns in Latin America' and 'Leprechauns In Alaska'
Simon and Georgie McCarthy 'Sorebums Rattling Around Asia'
Simon Roberts, with his motorcycling graphic novel - 'Tea with Bin Laden's brother'
Bob Goddard will have his latest 'Beyond Bucharest' and earlier 'Land Of The Long Wild Road' books.
Chris Scott may be seen wandering around too!
Bring some cash! :)
Overall Schedule (not Seminars and clinics)
All times - and everything - approximate!
An up-to-date schedule will be posted at the Meeting.
Registration is on all day, from Thursday noon all day every day.
Thursday morning
10:00 - 10:00 PM CHECK-IN! You MUST be registered to go on a ride or for entry to any events, seminars etc. EVERYONE must check in!
Friday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM CHECK-IN! You MUST be registered to go on a ride or entry to any events, seminars etc.
9:00 Ride briefing. Be gassed up and ready to ride if you're going.
Speakers presentations schedule - check the posted times on the day for all details.Saturday morning
8:00 - Breakfast, all morning
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM CHECK-IN!
9:00 Ride briefing. Be gassed up and ready to ride if you're going.
Saturday Lunch
Carvery - from 12:00 noon served all day. Cost is £5.95 payable to the venue on the day. Range of specials from the blackboard served all day, various prices. Vegetarian meals available.
Saturday afternoon,
Rideouts - details here if you're riding on your own.
On road runs - we'll post a sheet of paper up for you to add your name to a destination, volunteers to lead appreciated!
Speakers presentations schedule - check the posted times on the day for all details.Saturday, dinner
5:00 in the Marquee: Raffle prize draw. You do NOT have to be there to win. Any ticket drawn, and prize not collected immediately, will be affixed to the prize and left till noon Sunday for pickup. Any prizes not collected will then be given to Motorcycle Outreach to be drawn at another event.
Sunday
Breakfast served from 8:00
Sunday Carvery from 12:00 till 3:00.
Presentations - there will be a few repeated presentations Sunday morning. LAST chance to get the ones you missed.
There will also be several travel oriented vendors there, so a great opportunity to have a good look at the latest goodies. Vendors please contact me for details.
Miscellaneous notes:
Organizers will be there Wednesday afternoon, if anyone wishes to arrive early and just hang out or go for a ride in the area. There is no problem arriving even a couple of days early, Lumb Farm will be happy to see you and feed you, and camping is free. If you arrive early you might get put to work - there's a lot to do setting up! All assistance greatly appreciated! :)
Download the 2011 Presentations and Events Schedule as a PDF here
Plan what you want to see! The schedule is subject to change, so don't hold our feet to the fire - stuff happens! But we will try very hard to ensure that it goes off as planned. To avoid disappointment, be sure to check the latest schedule posted at the meeting on the day. And even that can change. :(
Registration
Registration will be CLOSED when we fill up. Check back here to be sure we're full Currently there IS still a little room, but online registraiton si closed. Register onsite.
Admission pricing (for PAID pre-registration):
Register and PAY between January 1 and June 15, 2011, admission is £45.
At the door, IF space is available, admission is £60.
Friday ONLY £30 at the door, no camping.
Saturday ONLY £30 at the door, no camping.
NOTE: Car parking - due to the EXTREMELY limited car parking space, and a lot of problems in 2010, there is a £10 charge for onsite car parking. Pay on the day. All parking charges will be donated to Motorcycle Outreach.
4WD / Adventure Travel vehicles that you're sleeping in, no additional charge, and we have a private area for you.
Presenters with equipment no parking charge.
Entry fee includes admission to the slide shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night and Sunday am, and other events during the day every day. Camping is also included in your entry fee for Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. If you arrive a day or two early there is no problem finding a spot to camp, no charge. Just eat there and they're happy! If you want to stay over a day, similarly no problem.