HU Travellers Meeting Ontario 2019
THE PREMIER OVERLAND ADVENTURE TRAVEL EVENT
Horizons Unlimited 8th Ontario Travellers Meeting - Rice Lake
Thursday May 23 to Sunday May 26, 2019
It's All About Overland Adventure
Whether you're a seasoned veteran with wisdom to share or a complete novice hungry for ideas and guidance, it doesn't matter if you ride a motorcycle, a bicycle, or drive an expedition vehicle...Horizons Unlimited meetings are for everyone who dreams of adventure along the road less travelled.
Inspiring, Informing & Connecting
Some people value Horizons Unlimited events for what they learn from the unique line-up of presenters. Some people value the chance to discover new products and services at the trade stands. Some people value just kicking back with a beer among old friends and new.
Most people enjoy a little bit of everything, and everyone goes home fired-up for adventure with a smile on their face.
The event will include a packed schedule of presentations and activities. All within the relaxed and friendly atmosphere that Horizons Unlimited is known for.
Horizons Unlimited Ontario Event Schedule
The event is taking place from Thursday, May 23 to Sunday, May 26, 2019.
The Registration Tent will open for check-ins at 3:00 pm. The first presentations will begin at 5 pm. The event will draw to a close at Noon on Sunday, May 26.
Over the course of the event there'll be talks, demonstrations, workshops, discussion groups, challenges and competitions, with many presentations being repeated so you won't miss out.
As well as hearing inspiring stories of overlanding adventure from around the world, you'll get the low-down on preparing for your journey, navigation, first-aid, photography, filming and a host of other essential topics. Whatever your past experience or future plans may be, there's something for everyone.
Draft schedule can be downloaded here!
PLEASE NOTE: The schedule is subject to change at any time - all the presenters are volunteers and travelling, thus they may be delayed or unable to get there. Some may have anxiety attacks and be unable to perform! ;-) And sometimes travellers show up unexpectedly with great pics and stories, so we try to fit them in!
Presenters at HU Ontario 2019 include...
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Invitation for experienced adventure travellers to join the panel."ASK ME ANYTHING" Panel Discussion |
Are you relatively new to motorcycle travel or still figuring things out? You've come to the right place. Bring your questions that cannot be answered elsewhere by plugging directly into the knowledge base and experiences of our featured panelists, some of whom have travelled round-the-world (RTW).
Have you earned that wealth of knowledge, ready to share? Contact moderator, Bill Hooykaas, at:
stubdetoe[AT]icloud[DOT]com to join the panel.
WHO'S WHO... so far:
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LIZ JANSEN, Hardcore Survivor (Toronto) - Since Liz began riding a motorcycle at age sixteen, she's logged hundreds of thousands of miles of mostly solo riding across Canada and the United States. While she enjoys the rugged beauty of Ontario's northern wilderness, she has a particular fondness for the open expanses of the Canadian prairies and Midwestern plains. Non-motorcycle travel has taken her throughout Southeast Asia, India, China, northern Africa, and parts of South and Central America. |
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JENNIFER PAGE and ADAM TWORKOSWKI, Late Bloomers (Toronto) - Their nine-month "Trans-Continental Mambo" Latin America adventure on two rugged Suzuki DR650s took them to the U.S., Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and finally, Argentina. These happen to be the exact same countries Adam visited in 2010 on his Kawasaki KLR650. While Adam has a somewhat unique "feather in his cap", and while these two trips followed many of the same routes and used many of the same border crossings, there is an adage that "you cannot step in the same river twice". The Jennifer+Adam combo offers some interesting perspectives ranging from: solo travel vs. travelling as a couple, faster vs. slower travel, and how quickly things can change. While the notion of traveling through the same countries twice might seem a little repetitive compared to, say, heading to Africa (which was actually the original plan), nothing could be further from the truth. Perhaps once considered "home bodies", Adam and Jenn are "late bloomers" in that they got into both motorcycling and international travel well into their adult life.|
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BRIAN KENNEDY (Ottawa) - Brian says, "Over the last 45 years I have motorcycled through some 40 + countries, toured through every province and territory in Canada, rode through every state in the US, and in that time I managed to wear out some 16 motorcycles over 600-700k of touring. For the last 20 years I have been spent 4-5 weeks each year on the road, motorcycling across North and Central America, South America and Europe. I attempted my first RTW motorcycle trip back in 1976, I was never able to complete that trip but after a year on the road I did manage to visit many interesting places around the world. I did plan another RTW back in 2016 after my retirement—one very similar to the one that Bill Hooykaas completed—but had to cancel that trip (no Russia visa for me) instead I spent 4 months touring across Ireland, Europe and Balkans. I have a lot of experience doing these "Fly and Ride" motorcycle trips to different places around the world. Over the last 20 years I have done 8-9 different "Fly and Ride" trip, many of them have been down to central and south America, Colombia(2), Ecuador, Peru, Costa Rica. I have done a number of major jeep trips around SA, I lived and worked down in SA for 5-6 years during my time as an exploration geologist, so I am fairly knowledgeable about travelling around in that part of the world."|
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DIETER EBERHARDT, A man of few words and big rides (Toronto) - Rode in Namibia twice, to Inuvik twice , TransLabrador twice, to Deadhorse , Tuktoyaktuk and to Ushuaia ( via Chile, Argentina, Uruguay) also to South Africa, Zambia and Botswana, all on my 2009 BMW 1200GSA , except for Ushuaia (KLR650) and to the James Bay coast ( R1100RT). Plan to ride to the end of the Trans Tiaga in August.|
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GREG POWELL, Cashed out and then hit the road (Toronto) - Bought his first motorcycle at age 10 (a long, long time ago) and has always had a sense of adventure. He'd travel as far as he could get before the street lights came on and he had to be home for dinner. In 1997, he took his first ever real adventure tour, a guided bicycle trip through the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Never losing his sense for motorcycle adventure, he and his brother flew to Vietnam in December 2008 where they rented motorcycles and spent the next four weeks exploring north and central Vietnam. The following year, 2010, they returned to Asia, this time exploring Cambodia and Thailand by motorcycle. In 2011, heembarked on a solo motorcycle journey that would cover North, Central and South America spanning 14 countries, 65,000 kilometers over 11 months.|
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BILL HOOYKAAS, Moderator (Severn) - Bill has been riding since 1970, got his first BMW, a new 1972 R75/5 when he was 20 years old and promptly set out across Canada to Alaska only to total the bike 20 miles from home. With the insurance settlement he finished school and headed to Europe and bought a 1974 R75/6 in Rotterdam (which he still has) and spent 5 months touring Europe, Russia and North Africa. Then came marriage, a family and a hiatus from long distance travel, until he attended a HU meeting in Silverton, CO, in 2008 where the spark was reignited. Since then he has travelled tip to tip in the Western Hemisphere, on his 1150GSA and from London to China via the Hindu Kush and back via Siberia on his 1200GS-LC. Combined with his decade of riding with the OPP Golden Helmets Motorcycle Team across the country, Bill has accumulated well over 1 million km of every kind of terrain. |
Liz JansenStories from the Ancestor Trail |
Liz was 60 when she set off on a quest seeking the answer to who she was before her Mennonite culture told her who she was. Three weeks into it she crashed in rural Alberta, 2,000 miles from home, writing off her motorcycle and shattering her shoulder. Two years later she resumed her journey on a new Triumph Tiger. Stories of her ancestors came to life as she traced their beginnings in Canada, gaining a new appreciation for the stories that had shaped her. Liz learned how to reconnect with the community and culture she was raised (and conditioned) in without losing herself.
LIZ JANSEN combines her gifts as a healer, author, and motorcycle aficionado to create stories that inspire readers to embark on their own journey of self-discovery. No helmet or jacket required. Liz has logged hundreds of thousands of miles of mostly solo riding across Canada and the United States.
Check out Liz's facilitated session, The Stories We Carry: Crash Course, under "Tech Sessions and Workshops below.
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Jennifer Page and Adam TworkowskiA Trans-Continental Mambo |
Inspired by the greats of the motorcycling adventure world, Adam and Jenn set off on an open-ended journey, heading down through South America with the hopes of traveling onward to other exciting and exotic destinations. Join them as they recount and fondly remember the challenges (that's how we grow after all!) and the good times of their 2013 trip through Latin America, that will hopefully inspire you to set out on your own journey.
JENNIFER PAGE and ADAM TWORKOWSKI are self-professed late bloomers to the motorcycling world. Not content on being an "arm chair traveler" while Adam was off on a solo Latin American adventure, Jenn got her motorcycle license so she could join in the fun. Their travels have taken them from the wilds of downtown Toronto gridlock to the mountains, deserts and beaches of South America. This is their story.
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David EadyToronto to Ushuaia via KLR650 |
Five months exploring Central and South America, with some side adventures to the Galapagos and Antarctica. I'll touch on a variety of subjects including: prepping for the trip; riding solo versus in a group; how much advance planning to do; some adventures along the way; and looking back at the trip and what I learned.
DAVID EADY is a retired software sales executive. He has traveled extensively in North America, India and, last year, rode from Toronto to Ushuaia by motorcycle. He is now planning to travel in Australia this fall.
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Joe EnbergHU Newfoundland 2020 [INFO SESSION] |
Joe introduces you to HU Newfoundland and the beautiful destination (and home to the Trans-Labrador Highway) you can look forward to August 11-14, 2020. HU Newfoundland lead organizer David Moores (who's currently travelling in Europe and unable to present this great news himself) approached HU about it and helped to make it a reality. Newfoundland and Labrador are gorgeous riding areas that we hear about at other HU events. It's high time to put it on your travel bucket list and experience first-hand. Start planning to join the fun there next summer.
Watch this video for a glimpse into Newfoundland & Labrador
FYI, there's already a growing contingent from the U.S. who are adamant about being there. Let's make them feel right at home.
Exploring Gros Morne National Park // Photo: Steve Anderson, #HUVirginia lead organizer
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John DeikisCuba! Not Just For Canadians Anymore / |
1. Cuba! Not Just For Canadians Anymore
It's Chris Baker's fault that I just had to go there, but how?
When John read some articles by Chris Baker about motorcycling in Cuba, he knew he just had to go there. But how? Yes, things loosened up a bit for Americans at one point, but tightened right back up again recently. Since Raul succeeded "Papa Fidel," Canadians, Swedes, Germans, and well-off South Americans have been flocking to Cuba's all-inclusive resorts at about half the price of a week in Cancun. But what about riding a bike? Forgoing the top-shelf tour companies that advertise in all the bike magazines, John found an outfit renting BMW 700 GS's and promising bad roads, small villages, and mountain two-tracks, leaving the pavement to the Harleys. After two weeks of Spanish language immersion school, daily volunteer work with young kids, and dozens of mojitos, he set off on a Beemer 45 years newer than the bike he rides in the U.S. He'll tell you all he learned about Cuban biker culture, the music, the dancing, the cigars, and the politics of life in this unique country just 90 miles from Key West.
2. Nordkapp: Reindeer Meat and Raman Noodles
Lured by the end of the road on any continent
The end of the road on any continent is a bucket list item for many. The ride to Europe's North Cape on the arctic Barents Sea offers excellent pavement, spectacular scenery, scores of bridges, ferries and tunnels, up to 27 km long. It can also be staggeringly expensive, unless you learn to cook and sleep on the ground. John spent six weeks last summer making a big circle around the Baltics and Scandinavia. Doing a "bike swap" with a rider in Lithuania got him on an '86 Honda TransAlp 600. Five weeks later, the ride could have come to an abrupt end when the chain snapped on the German autobahn at 150 kph. A cell phone, a credit card, and access to a network of adventure motorcyclists saved the day. In the land of $3 per liter gasoline and $12 pints of beer, John ate plenty of codfish and ramen noodles cooked up beside the road. He got a little cold, a lot wet, and forever seduced by Norway's fjords, islands and mountain passes. Find out what you may be missing!
JOHN DEIKIS bought his first motorbike in 1964 because he couldn't afford a cool car and he wasn't getting any dates with his mother's Rambler. Later, he spent his early 20s vagabonding in different parts of the world carrying just one change of clothes and a goosedown sweater. In 2011, after a 40-year interruption by a required adulthood, he picked up the habit again and began traveling by motorcycle.
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Joe Enberg and Claude HachéThe Teacher and the Learner |
[EN] It took Claude 47 years to finally decide he was going to buy that motorcycle he always said he would, but when he did, he went all out! Claude bought a 2016 Suzuki VStrom with full adventure gear and all the camping gear you could want. There was one problem. It was January in Canada and he didn't even have a license. Countless hours on the web were spent watching riding techniques, do's and don'ts, and trips. Then came his first plan: get the licence and just go!
His first trip would be one he did several times by car, so there would be fewer surprises - Gaspésie, N-B and make his way to the Cabot Trail. Online, he came across a blogger who would change the game! Joe Enberg had done the trip. A few emails later and off he was! The real riding adventure began when Claude and Joe arranged to meet at the 2017 Horizons Unlimited meeting in Bracebridge, ON. Joe initiated Claude to some off-road riding later that summer and he's been hooked ever since! Joe and Claude are now planning their second MABDR (Mid-Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route) trip this summer.
CLAUDE HACHÉ was initiated into the world of motorcycle adventure travel quite recently. An avid enthusiast, Claude is already planning more trips like there's no tomorrow.
JOE ENBERG is an avid adventure rider from Ottawa, Ontario. Whether he is piling the kilometres on his 2014 Suzuki V-Strom in the summer or going on multi-day overland adventures on his 2017 Arctic Cat snowmobile in the winter, Joe is virtually always on the move and living life one day at a time. Check out Joe's talk about "Adventures on Snow".
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Jillian Henderson and Walter RomanowskiColorado: Canyons, Hot Springs, Cannabis / |
1. Colorado: Canyons, Hot Springs, Cannabis
A visual tour of western Colorado with a breathtaking side trip into Utah
Get the low-down on the best roads to ride in Colorado. Make it a point to hit all the most enjoyable natural hot springs and spas. And if you really want the authentic Colorado experience then learn about the status of the cannabis industry there. Jillian and Walter toured this majestic American state in 2015 and again in 2018. We will share what we found out and leave no stone unturned.
2. Motorcycle Travel and Personal Finance
Prepare financially for your extended motorcycle trip and re-entry back home
Taking an extended motorcycle trip can be a lot of fun. It also comes with challenges. One of those challenges is how to manage the money before, during and after the travel. Walter and Jillian will discuss ideas to build an investment portfolio of passive, cash flowing assets so as to ease the financial burden. Potential strategies include owning real estate and dividend-paying equities. It is important to have a plan before you go so you have some cash and a place to live when you return. If you arrange your affairs correctly you may even find you can travel perpetually and you may never need to come back home unless you want to.
PLEASE NOTE: Walter and Jillian are not financial planners. They are not selling anything. Please consult a financial professional before making any changes.
JILLIAN HENDERSON started riding in 2012. Overland travel experiences include arid Arizona, curvy Colorado (2015, 2018), undulating Utah, and exquisite eastern Canada. Recently, Jillian took off to New Zealand to escape the Canadian winter for a little while and spend time with some friendly Kiwis.
WALTER ROMANOWSKI's passion for motorcycles includes travel, maintenance, and upgrading riding skills. He has traveled well over 100,000 kilometers in eastern Canada, southeast and northeast USA, rust belt USA, and the western states.
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Charlie Pearce and Robert StranskyReal HUMM, Pure Adventure |
Charlie's son, Ashley, passed his bike test just three weeks before entering his first HUMM. They have placed 3rd and won as a father-and-son team. Ashley may not have been very confident as a new rider, but they had a strategy... and it worked. Charlie is also a keen competitor, so when his son isn't able to compete, he's teamed up with other riders, and they let 'er rip for the tough stuff. That's Charlie for you. Whatever your bike, whatever your skill level...you can participate in any HUMM. It is fun! Most importantly, Charlie and wife Linda make it a full travel experience by including a couple of weeks in the Canadian Rockies and Kootenays, and a couple of weeks in Arizona after each competition. According to his math, happy wife equals happy life!
CHARLIE PEARCE has competed in almost every single HUMM held in North America, except for the very first one in British Columbia back in 2016! Every year, he makes the rounds to BC, Arizona, and eastern U.S.A. to fill up on HUMM-y goodness all season long. He is also helping to organize HUMM Appalachians 2019, which means (sadly) he can't compete in it as he'll know where every single hidden secret tag is. Sorry, Charlie!
ROBERT STRANSKY has been riding motorcycles for more than 30 years and has travelled over 200,000 miles throughout the United States and Canada. Several years ago, he became interested in more dirt-oriented riding and has participated in two HUMM Appalachians events. He recently bought himself a 2-stroke enduro motorcycle for his 54th birthday.
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Joe EnbergAdventures on Snow |
Adventure riding in Ontario does not have to stop when the bikes are stored for the winter. As a matter of fact, there are amazing adventures awaiting anyone willing to brave the cold. The world takes on a whole new look when blanketed with snow, and a snowmobile adventure is a great way to experience it. Joe will recount his forays into northern Ontario, the Gaspé region of Quebec, and, if this season allows it, all the way to Newfoundland and Labrador.
JOE ENBERG is an avid adventure rider from Ottawa, Ontario. Whether he is piling the kilometres on his 2014 Suzuki V-Strom in the summer or going on multi-day overland adventures on his 2017 Arctic Cat snowmobile in the winter, Joe is virtually always on the move and living life one day at a time.
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Michel LevesqueSouth Africa and Namibia |
Flying our bikes to our destination was too costly for just a three-week trip. Instead, we rented single-cylinder 650cc bikes which were ideal for riding on gravel/sand 80 percent of the time. Preparation was critical! We were ready for almost every circumstance in case of a breakdown in the middle of nowhere. This meant plenty of water, shelter, and an InReach satellite communicator. Most roads were good, packed gravel, but if you take a slide at 80 km/h, you would be glad you had your full gear and did not cheap out on it.
MICHEL LEVESQUE rode his first motorcycle at the age of 12. He's now 60. He has traveled a lot in Canada and USA, but in 2016, he went for a trip in Mongolia and, in 2017, a trip in South Africa and Namibia. This year his goal is to go up north to Tuktoyaktuk.
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Mike MuldoonA Stroke of Luck |
Everyone dreams of getting out there and doing that one great trip. Many just hop on the bike and go. These travelers we idolize for their spontaneity and courage. Most others take an extended period of time dreaming of that one great trip. Along the way, life gets in the way and the trip gets delayed. When all comes together these travelers get out there and live their dream. Yes, there are challenges that play with the mind, but one learns to override these thoughts and enjoy the journey. My journey had challenges and stepping over them was empowering and rewarding.
MIKE MULDOON has travelled the Trans Labrador Highway. He's dreaming and preparing for this Great Trip and have challenges popping up. He's handling these challenges and moving forward.
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Jeff LuttmerThe Land Down Under |
After buying a Wee-Strom in Sydney, I made my way solo around and through OZ. While camping and riding the outback roads, I had some crazy adventures along the way. Some of the experiences I had were from attending and presenting at the Horizons Unlimited meeting in Jindabyne Snowy Mountains, snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, getting robbed, driving in 51C heat, if it moves it can kill you, and meeting some of the most fantastic people ever. I have done many trips all around the world in my lifetime, but this one had a profound effect and you'll find out why. I will explain how to buy a bike in OZ, where to go or not go during their summer months, and what it's like to camp in a hammock where nobody does this.
JEFF LUTTMER has traveled most of Europe in his younger years and toured Ottawa, Inuvik, Tierra del Fuego, the TransLab Highway, and now Australia and New Zealand.
Tech Sessions and Workshops
Because Horizons Unlimited meetings are also about informing, not just inspiring!
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Brigitte CroteauFirst Aid Tips / |
1. First Aid Tips
Session d'apprentissage interactive. Cette session n'est pas un cours de formation ni de certification officielle. // Interactive learning session. Not a formal training or certification class.
[FR] Si?... "Je ne tombais pas! J'étais toujours en bonne santé! Cela n'arrivait qu'aux autres." Et si, votre pensée magique de licorne échouait et que vous vous blessiez? Sauriez-vous quoi faire? Une simple blessure peut s'aggraver si elle n'est pas traitée correctement dès le début. Venez apprendre quelques astuces de base en secourisme lors de cette session interactive. Je couvre également le genre de trousse de premier soin que vous devriez avoir - amenez le vôtre et nous les comparerons!
[EN] What if...?? "I will not fall! I'm always healthy! That only happens to others." And what if your magical, unicorn thinking fails and you injure yourself? What if another biker need help? Would you know what to do? A simple injury can get worst if not handled and treated well from the start. Come and learn some basic first aid tips in this interactive session. I also cover what kind of first aid kid you should have - bring yours and we will compare!
2. On the Bike with Young Children (ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION)
Rouler avec vos enfants ou petits-enfants: Emmenons-les du "côté obscure de la Force" //
Riding with your kids or grandkids: let's bring them over to the "dark side"
[FR] Partagez vos expériences avec vos jeunes enfants ou vos petits-enfants - équipements, histoires, conseils. Qu'est-ce qui nous motive à les amener vers ce "côté obscur" de la conduite de motos? Nous aborderons également l'équipement adaptatif, les casques, les gants et les appareils de communication. De plus, nous discuterons des petites balades ainsi que la meilleure façon de les initier à ce style de vie de moto qu'ils aimeront autant que vous?
[EN] Let's talk about your experience with your young kids or your young grand child - equipment, stories, tips. What motivates us to bring them to the "dark side" of riding motorcycles? We also address adaptive equipment, helmets, gloves, communication devices, short rides, and what is your best way to introduce them to this moto lifestyle and get them to like it?
BRIGITTE CROTEAU, ambulancière paramédicale depuis 15 ans et pilote de moto depuis 16 ans. Elle a beaucoup vu dans son domaine et a récemment découvert les joies du voyage en moto à longue distance.
BRIGITTE CROTEAU has been a paramedic for 15 years, and a motorcycle rider for 16 years. She has seen a lot on the job and recently discovered the joys of long distance motorcycle travel.
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Liz JansenThe Stories We Carry: Crash Course |
Join author, storyteller, and rider Liz Jansen in a workshop inspired by her recent memoir, Crash Landing, in which a motorcycle quest becomes the key to unlocking her own identity. Liz learns how to reconnect with the community and culture she was raised (and conditioned) in without losing herself.
The stories you were raised with shaped you, and continue to operate in the background without your knowing. You have the power to change those that no longer serve you (note: perhaps these stories did serve you at one time!) and write life according to your own script.
Liz helps you get you started on the path to free yourself of who you were told you were so you can be your best at who you are.
Through storytelling, drumming and facilitated journeying, and creative exercises (no experience required), you'll take a look at why you do what you do. Just like packing for an overland adventure, you'll learn how to choose what to take, what to keep, and what else you need to make the most of your life's journey.
NOTE: While not absolutely necessary, it will help if you attend Liz's presentation on "Adventure Gone Amok".
LIZ JANSEN combines her gifts as a healer, author, and motorcycle aficionado to create stories that inspire readers to embark on their own journey of self-discovery. No helmet or jacket required. Liz has logged hundreds of thousands of miles of mostly solo riding across Canada and the United States.
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Clinton Smout, SMART AdventuresDirt is not just for potatoes! |
Clinton will demonstrate how to control a big adventure bike off-road. Tips on standing up, control at slow speeds, going over obstacles, and how to pick up a fallen motorcycle.
CLINTON SMOUT is a motorcycle adventure travel nut / motorcycle safety instructor. He loves sharing riding tips and safety philosophies that he's have learned from others and by teaching for almost 40 years. Off-road is not just for potatoes. Clinton has a riding tips seminar that may help riders feel more comfortable with sand, gravel, tight turns, and obstacles: always let your friend go first! ;-)
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Greg PowellKrav Maga Training: Stay Safe on the Road |
Learn how to defend yourself should the situation arise when you are on the road. Krav Maga is a practical, effective self-defense system designed to be taught to anyone, regardless of age, size, gender or athletic ability. Krav Maga is the official hand-to-hand combat training for the Israeli military using a variety of self-defense techniques and can be used in street fighting situations. The focus will be on real life practical situations and can be attended by everyone. This course will be hands-on. No special equipment or clothing is required. Greg is very approachable and loves teaching the "good people" to protect themselves. You will have fun and learn something in the process.
GREG POWELL is a black belt and a Krav Maga instructor certified by Krav Maga Canada. After years of training Muay Thai (Thai boxing), he also reached the level of Blue Short in Muay Thai in 2018. This past fall, he trained in California with some former Navy Seals in a 12-hour physical challenge called Sealfit based on the Navy Seal Hell Week. Greg also participates in Go Ruck events and is currently training for a Tough Mudder.
Bike Games & Obstacle Course!
We're here to play! Michel Levesque is organizing a small obstacle course suitable for all skill levels, and the Bike Games complete with the Slow Challenge, cone flipping, and more. Are you "game"? And don't miss his talk about his adventures in Namibia, Africa, and getting out of your comfort zone.
LOTS of presentations to come! As people register to present we'll list them here.
How about you? We're all here to learn, and there's LOTS to learn! We want to do more presentations and seminars - but we need volunteers to give them! Any topic you can contribute having to do with motorcycle travel, maintenance, planning etc, lasting 20 minutes or more, would be great. Please contact us here to volunteer.
MINI-HUMM (Horizons Unlimited Mountain Madness)!
What the heck is a HUMM?
A unique 2-day motorcycle orienteering / navigation challenge, the HUMM has also been described as an off-road motorcycle scavenger hunt. There is no set course, so you make your own adventure! Winning demands strategy, teamwork, riding and navigation skills and pure fun! www.horizonsunlimited.com/humm for more details.
"The best 48 hours of my life! (apologies to my wife!)"
HUMM Rockies 2016, riders on trail, pic by Denis Semenov
How can I get into this?
We're running full-fat HUMM events in 2019: Monashees, BC (July 19-21) and Appalachians, VA (Sep 13-15). In 2020 we'll also have Arizona! They're a great way to test your map reading and navigation skills, find hidden secrets, and enjoy fabulous riding. The trails and roads are amazing, the scenery is breath-taking, and the people are wonderful. Come along and bring your friends - if you can handle the competition!
HUMM Rockies team 'Dirty Girls' planning their route
But what if you can't get to Arizona or BC or Virginia, or you're not sure about this whole concept?
For the HU Ontario 2019 Travellers Meeting, we are offering a taster, a Mini-HUMM. This 4-hour event (8am-Noon) will be offered on Friday Morning and Afternoon. You can ride one or the other, or both.
HUMM Monashees 2017, checking book on the trail, pic by Ken Delathouwer
You must sign up when you register for the event, so we can plan how many books and maps we need. The Mini-HUMM will be open to all HU Ontario attendees, but the numbers will be limited, so sign up NOW! There will be prizes for the winning team, and it's only $30 to enter!
"The most fun you can have on two wheels!"
HUMM Monashees 2017, following Virginia Lane, pic by Ken Delathouwer
HU Casbah!
We will be holding a personal travel gear swap meet in the Casbah. Bring those replaced jackets, boots, GPS units etc and sell them at the meeting. We will have a spot set aside in the main hall to display your stuff. Price it reasonably and good karma will follow you!
Note: this is just for adventure travel gear and not motorcycle parts, if you want to sell parts, set up at your tent please.
Panel discussions at most HU events include...
Border crossings - How to get through borders with minimal stress and cost!
Packing light - Tips and techniques from experienced travellers to reduce weight and bulk.
Regional discussions - e.g. travelling in South America or Asia.
For Women Only - A must for the ladies, so be sure to plan on being there! A chance to talk to experienced travelling women without the men around!
Experienced Travellers Panel - ask the experts anything you want!
Walk arounds / Show and tell!
Tool Kits - Show us your favorite tools. Toolkit discussion.
Tents and Bedding discussion (in the camping area) - What works, cheap vs dear and which ones keep you dry, warm and comfy!
Farkle Walk - Take a stroll and talk about your best bike mods - homemade saddle bags, toolbox mounts, GPS mounts, seats, side stands, tank panniers, cup holders, etc.
The Adventure Travel Zone
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SMART Adventures - Professional off-road instruction, covering aspects of enduro, trials, motocross, rhinos, ATVs (including Canada Safety Council ATV certification), and snowmobiles. Clinton will be bringing BMW bikes for demo rides! |
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Wherever your adventure may take you, Dualsport Plus has what you need. Authorised dealer of Husqvarna, AltRider, Bell, Forma, Klim, REV'IT!, Sena, Wolfman, and many more. Exclusive dealer for Outback Motortek, Moto-Skiveez, Redverz, and Enduristan. Also offers service on all makes and models of motorcycles. |
If you know of any other motorcycle or travel equipment vendors or tour operators who should be there, please suggest it to them! Vendors please contact me for details.
If you'd like to secure your place in the Adventure Travel Zone, there's a pre-registration form for Authors & Film-Makers and a booking form for Exhibitors.
Facilities for a Fantastic Four Days
HU Ontario 2019 will be back at our fantastic new venue - Golden Beach Resort at Rice Lake! We'll be in a great riding area, and a bit further east, still very convenient from Toronto and closer to Ottawa and Montreal.
Lots of accommodation choices on site for every budget, from camping to cottages. More good news - the entire facility is heated!
Camping & Parking
There is plenty of room to camp, and since we've booked an entire area for our folks, we've got a great price for you - only $10 per night per TENT!
Parking is available for 2-wheel and 4-wheel vehicles. You can park next to your tent or cabin (or inside it if you prefer!)
Showers & Toilets
There are centralized male and female washroom and shower facilities, which campers will have access to.
Accommodation
Golden Beach Resort offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget, from powered camping sites to condo suites to classic cottages suitable for sharing by 2 or 3 couples. Please book your un-powered camping spot when you register, but for all other accommodations please book directly with Golden Beach Resort at 1-800-263-7781.
2 and 3 bedroom Traditional Cottages
Traditional 2 and 3 bedroom cottages have ceiling fans, electric coffee makers, microwaves, basic satellite T.V. and bedding. Our traditionals are clean, comfortable and have a great view of our harbour or our lakefront. Max 4-6 people per cottage.
2 Bedroom Condos
Our newly renovated 2 Bedroom Condos (max 4 people) are self-catering units that face the water. With an exceptional view overlooking the harbour, there are welcoming balconies to enjoy the sunsets.
All units are equipped with air conditioning, gas fireplace, ceiling fans, full-sized fridge and stove, coffee makers, microwaves, flat screen T.V's satellite, and bedding. Our bedrooms in the Condos include one room with a queen sized bed and the other with two twin sized beds. These units accommodate up to 4 people.
2 bedroom Classic Cottages
These superior 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom magnificent cottages are located on the beachfront. They are complete with ceiling fans, electric coffee makers, microwaves, basic satellite T.V, in-room safes, fireplaces and bedding. The master bedroom has a queen size bed with an en suite, while the second bedroom has 2 single beds which can be easily combined to create a king size bed. The main bathroom is a four piece. These cottages also have large, spacious, partially covered decks, which face directly onto the lake. Max 4 people per cottage.
Housekeeping Items
No Fires
Fires will be restricted to fire pits, which are plentiful around the site. Camping stoves are allowed. Please be aware that we will be obliged by the venue to enforce these rules very strictly.
Young Adventurers
Horizons Unlimited is naturally keen to inspire the next generation of adventure travellers so you're welcome to bring your children along if you wish. Bear in mind that the event is for adults (with adult themes and language) and we won't have any specific kids' activities. Children under 14 years old get free registration (pay for camping/accommodation and meals). Please note that the health and safety of your children is your responsibility and they must be supervised by you at all times. Children under 14 will not be allowed in any of the presentations from 8 pm onwards each evening.
Pets
If you'd like to bring your well-behaved dog or cat along to the event, we'll have a special area set aside for you to camp in, or you can keep them in the Traditional Cottages only (not the Condos or Classic Cottages). Please bring copies of vaccination records in case the health inspector comes by. Alas, there will not be specific pet activities either! ;-) You'll need to ensure your pet remains on a leash at all times and doesn't damage or foul the site. Pets will not be allowed in food areas. Owners of noisy or aggressive dogs may be asked to leave.
Smoking & Drinking
The venue has a No Smoking Policy in any building. Smoking outside will be restricted to designated smoking areas only. Please dispose of the butts properly in the butt cans.
You may Bring Your Own alcohol for consumption in your cabin or tent. Due to safety hazards associated with broken glass, we kindly ask that all beverages brought into camp be in recyclable plastic, tetra, or aluminum cans.
In Ontario, the legal age for consumption of all alcohol is 19. The venue's policy with regards to alcohol is consistent with the provincial law. Any attendee who violates this law will be asked to leave camp immediately. No refund will be given.
Those of age who choose to consume alcohol must drink responsibly. We reserve the right to expel without refund any attendee who becomes intoxicated and/or causes a disturbance. Absolutely no alcohol will be permitted in any water vehicle.
Food, glorious food!
Food at Golden Beach Resort is a significant step up from 'camp food', and offers quite good value. These meals are an excellent way to meet fellow participants and talk to presenters, and since you're eating right there on site, you won't miss any of the presentations. Always enjoyable.
For 2019, we have negotiated individual meals for pre-booking. If you're staying in cottages, kitchen facilities are available, or there is also a well-reviewed restaurant on site.
There will be a vegetarian option offered at each meal - we will need numbers for these, so please indicate when you register if you wish a vegetarian meal. Special diets can be accommodated with advanced notice within reason.
I've already registered - I just want to pay!
2019 PRE-REGISTRATION PRICING FOR FULL PASSESALL PRICES in CDN $. Includes admission to all slide shows, Tech Clinics, demos, ride outs and discussion groups. Camping and Meals (Optional) are priced separately. |
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Full Pass |
2-Day Pass |
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Register and Pay before Jan 31, 2019 |
55 |
39 |
|
Register & Pay between 1 Feb and May 16, 2019 |
75 |
54 |
AT THE EVENT PRICING (APPLIES AFTER MAY 16)Pay Cash or credit card on Arrival |
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Full Pass 2-Day Pass (arriving Friday night) |
95 69 |
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CAMPINGAccommodation is not included with your registration. Accommodation options include camping or condo suites or cottages (see descriptions above). Pay when registering for un-powered camping. Camping prices are $10 per night PER TENT! For powered campsites, condo suites or cottages, book directly with Golden Beach Resort AS SOON AS POSSIBLE - 1-800-263-7781. |
MEALSFood at Golden Beach Resort is a significant step up from 'camp food', and offers quite good value. For 2019, you can pre-book individual OR all meals so you don't miss out on the yummy food! There will be vegetarian alternatives, so let us know your preferences when you register. NOTE: Ordering meals is COMPLETELY OPTIONAL. Kitchen facilities are available in cottages, or there is also a well-reviewed restaurant on site. Note if you're comparing the below to restaurant prices, these include gratuity and taxes. NOTE: Below are the costs to us - there is NO MARKUP! |
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Description
|
Cost Before Gratuity + HST |
Cost Incl |
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Thursday Dinner - House made three meat, three cheese lasagna and an alfredo rose sauce vegetable lasagna served with Caesar salad and grilled garlic baguette slices. Warm apple Blossoms with a caramel drizzle and whipped cream. |
24 |
31.92 |
|
Friday Breakfast - Variety of toasted bagels with an assortment of house made cream cheeses and a smoked salmon and capers platter, fresh fruit platters, individual yogurts and maple nut granola |
14 |
18.62 |
|
Friday Lunch - Assorted pizzas – chicken, meat lovers, pepperoni and vegetarian served with a Tuscan salad in a citrus poppyseed vinaigrette |
16 |
21.28 |
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Friday Dinner - Chicken Souvlaki and marinated vegetable skewers served with rice pilaf, roasted lemon infused potatoes, house made tzatziki sauce and Greek salad. Fudge Brownie with fresh berries and chocolate drizzle. |
22 |
29.26 |
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Saturday Breakfast - Variety of individual quiches served with onion and potatoes patties and fresh fruit platters |
14 |
18.62 |
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Saturday Lunch - Chili Dogs and Italian sausage served on sesame seed buns with a variety of condiments and house made kettle chips |
16 |
21.28 |
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Saturday Dinner - Pork Tenderloin in a rosemary gravy and Salmon filet pan seared with a citrus and chive butter served with roasted herb potatoes and seasonal vegetables. New York Cheesecake with a berry coulis. |
28 |
37.24 |
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Sunday Breakfast - Scrambled eggs done two ways with home fries, breakfast sausage peameal bacon and freshly baked croissants with house made preserves. |
14 |
18.62 |
days to go!
Mini-HUMM!Join the discussion:
On the HUBB!
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What happens at HU events?
Comments about HU Ontario
"Another fantastic event! Looking forward to next year."
"A huge shout out to all the organizers. From the outside looking in, everything ran like clockwork, the presentations were entertaining and informative, and it was great to renew friendships and begin some new ones. Thank you all!"
"Awesome time was had by all I imagine! Thanks for all your efforts Greg et al."
"What a great event! Thanks to all who contributed -- whether by organizing or attending. Every single person added to what makes this gathering so special."
"Great event! Wonderful people!"
"It was a hoot! Great weather, food and friends!"
"I had a great time - the best was the shared camaraderie and love of motorcycles and travel. Met lots of great new and old friends and will be there next year."
"Greg, a most awesome event! Thank you, thank you, thank you to you and everyone who helped out, and the presenters, wow! What are people thinking missing out on Horizons Unlimited?"
"Well done. Great connections and comaraderie. And bikes, bikes, bikes!"
"Excellent event! Short trip from our place in Ottawa, we have been present to the five events thus far in Ontario and have always been privileged to meet fellow Canadians and long distance travelers. Always a great opportunity to get to know people that have a passion for motorcycle traveling. Great job to the dedicated group who makes it happen every year. Special kudos to Clinton Smout for his time and dedication to make all of us better riders and for leading us during the BMW test rides. Well Done!"
"Super Super fantastic time. Thanks to all who volunteered to make everything run smoothly. To those that presented, I cannot thank you enough for the wealth of information we have gained from meeting you. We wish we could have left on our adventure Sunday morning we were so excited. We are very much looking forward to the next HUBB meeting we're able to attend."
"My first, and very enjoyable HU meeting."
"It was great to be part of the Ontario 'Rendez-vous'. It was a real pleasure to meet some of the world travelers and to eat in their company. These people are real nice to talk with and most important, they don't have an 'attitude'."
"Thank you again for organizing such a great meeting. It was our first and we are certainly looking to attend again."
"My first HU meeting but not my last! I thought I'd feel awkward but there were quite a few 'newbies' and I discovered I had been to a lot more places than I had thought. The friendliness and diversity of the people attending made it great! See you next year!"
"Thanks for the great weekend!"
"We had a great time, you have outdone yourselves once again. Lots of interesting folks and the presentations were well done and informative, not to mention inspiring! Hope to see you next year."
"I had a great and informative time at the HU meeting."
Be a Presenter
We're inviting submissions for presentations, so whether you're attending the event or exploring a distant continent, if you've got a story to tell or expertise to share we'd like to hear from you.
We love to hear stories about your travel adventures, especially if you have great pics! Also, practical how-to sessions such as roadside cooking, navigation / GPS, trip prep and planning, adventure motorcycling medicine, packing light, setting your bike up, communications / blogging from the road, self-publishing your story, yoga for bikers, bodging / bike maintenance, self-defense, photography, videography, tire repair, safe riding techniques, how to pick up your bike, off-road riding, all are of interest.
There are 45 minute and 100 minute sessions available for talks, workshops, demos and live web chats.
Click here to submit your ideas
PLEASE NOTE:
Submitting a Presenter registration DOES NOT mean you will automatically be included in the schedule, as we can have more presenters than available presentation slots. We will confirm one way or the other as soon as we can (but not immediately!)
Book your Exhibitor Stand space
Over the course of four days, this Horizons Unlimited event offers a unique opportunity to build awareness of your brand and talk directly to potential customers.
The Adventure Travel Zone occupies a central position at the event site and is exclusive to trade stands representing the overland adventure travel market.
Choose between our Premium and Standard packages, both of which include on-site advertising and can include a presentation about your products and services. Be sure to let us know you want to do a presentation when you register.
You can help!
If you have a few minutes, please download the poster (Adobe pdf format) and print off a few and hand them round your club or your local bike shop or anywhere seems like a good place.
Poster in pdf format (315 KB):
POSTCARD - NEW!
Postcard in pdf format (356 KB) full colour Event postcard, can be printed 4 to a page:
You may need to right click and choose "save target as..."
Thanks!
Join the Volunteer Crew
From welcoming travellers at the gate, to taking care of the campsite and making sure all the presentations run smoothly, the success of every HU event relies on the enthusiasm of its volunteer crew.
"What a wonderful bunch of people. I had no idea how much fun I'd have by helping out!"
"It was my absolute pleasure to be able to give something back to the HU community and working with such great folks really made the event special."
Volunteering is a great way to make new friends, get more involved with Horizons Unlimited and have loads of fun! You can sign up to volunteer when you register for the meeting, OR click here if you have already registered and want to add volunteering.
Departing or Returning?
If you're planning an expedition, why not make the Horizons Unlimited meeting your official start point? Or maybe you're nearing the completion of a journey and would like a very public welcome home? Of course you might just be passing through and fancy marking a key stage of your travels?
We'd love to make you a big part of the meeting, so feel free to get in touch and tell us your plans.
Information about the area
A good source of information on the area is at Ride the Highlands website.
Any other info you have on rides etc, please let us know.
Local Hosts
Greg Powell is the local host for this event, assisted by Joe Enberg, Bill Hooykaas, Jennifer Page and Adam Tworkowski, Claude Haché and volunteers. We're VERY grateful to them for stepping up and making it happen with a lot of legwork and effort.
We can always use help - please volunteer to help out for a couple of hours when you register!
HU Events Refund Policy
Like adventures, life can throw surprises our way. Stuff happens. While we would love for you to join the fun and connect with everyone at our events, we understand that you (and the funds) may be needed elsewhere. We'll catch up later!
On our side, we know you appreciate that we have financial commitments to venues and caterers!
The best way to let us know that you're unable to attend an event is to reply to the Registration Confirmation Email you got from us when you first signed up.
Up to 30 days prior to event start, we will refund all fees in full less a $10 (or €9 or £8) handling fee and PayPal charges. At your request, we can apply your Event Registration and all fees to any subsequent HU event you wish in that year or following year.
Up to 15 days prior to event start, we will refund only the camping/accommodation and food packages in full less a $10 (or €9 or £8) handling fee and PayPal charges. At your request, we can apply your Event Registration fee (with no handling fee) to any subsequent HU Event you wish in that year or following year. If you purchased a t-shirt, we will ship it to the mailing address you provide.
Within 15 days of the event start, there will be no refunds. At your request, we can apply your registration fee (with no handling fee) to any subsequent HU event you wish in that year or following year. If you purchased a t-shirt, we will ship it to the mailing address you provide.
If WE cancel an event:
We are constantly evaluating the situation for every event, and very much err on the side of caution. We will endeavour to announce "Final" decision one month or more before the event, but the situation COULD change closer to time, and we could be required by law to cancel.
If we are forced to cancel for COVID or natural disaster, we will roll your registration over to next year automatically.
If you want to transfer your existing registration to any other HU event in the world, just let us know.
Need a full refund? PLEASE REPLY to your original Registration Confirmation email to make it easier for us to find. If you can't find it, please email a request to: events-c (AT) horizonsunlimited(-)com with the subject line: "Refund event-name event-year"
Next HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
New to Horizons Unlimited?
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80 G/S motorcycle. The website, HUBB forum and regular events across the globe have inspired thousands of people to follow their dreams and take the road less travelled.
Membership - Show you're proud to be a Horizons Unlimited Traveller!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love overland adventure travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events such as this one (18 this year!); we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, the HUBB or to receive the e-zine. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
You can join at a reduced rate as part of your meeting registration. Note that new Memberships with your Meeting Registration are applied as of the Meeting date or as soon as possible thereafter, not earlier, unless you make a special request in the Comments box when you register.