HU Romania 2024
THE PREMIER OVERLAND ADVENTURE TRAVEL EVENT
Horizons Unlimited 5th Romania Travellers Meeting - Cabana Bodvaj
Friday August 30 - Sunday September 1, 2024
It's All About Overland Adventure
"Adventures can take any shape. They can take place on the motorcycle, a bicycle, in a small car or a 4x4 monster. For us, some of the most interesting adventures have been to produce guidebooks about Romania. The work on this project has surrounded us with extraordinary people, and this has encouraged us to try a new adventure: a meeting of travellers in Romania.
The 5th Horizons Unlimited Romania meeting will take place in the Baraolt Mountains, in the hearth of the Szekely Land. The meeting will be about sharing stories in a mountain hut, learning and inspiring people to travel further that they have imagined. Two and a half days we will be in be in the middle of nature, with the best food and great people.
This event would not be possible without the awesome participants. presenters and crew. Friends, we hope to see you all again this year!" Călin Nucuță
HU Romania Participants
Whether you're a seasoned veteran with wisdom to share or a complete novice hungry for ideas and guidance...
Horizons Unlimited meetings are for everyone who dreams of adventure along the road less travelled.
Online registration is now closed,
but we have plenty of room,
so come and join in!
Horizons Unlimited Romania Event Schedule
The event is taking place from Friday August 30 - Sunday September 1, 2024.
The Registration Tent will open for check-ins at 10:00 am Friday. The first presentations will begin at 3 pm. The event will draw to a close at Noon on Sunday.
Please don't arrive earlier than Friday!
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 approximately 1 week before the event.
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 Romania 2024 So Far..
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Tania Pricop and Radu SpanTaking the Africa Twin to Africa |
TANIA PRICOP and RADU SPAN are two people with 9-to-5 jobs who also enjoy getting out of our comfort zones and experiencing different places and cultures while traveling on a motorcycle.
Let's face it: Africa has "adventure" written all over it, and every adventure-seeking enthusiast should experience it. But even more so if your vessel of choice is a motorcycle - and that motorcycle happens to be an Africa Twin - then taking it back home becomes a duty! By all means, Africa is not a small place. If you have to choose a country that is safe, has mountains to climb, deserts to cross, beautiful ancient medinas to explore, great food, and friendly, always-ready-to-help people, Morocco is a no-brainer!
Even if you're an experienced or novice traveler, Morocco most certainly has more to offer than you might expect. But if you happen to work for a living and free time is not exactly your strongest ally, then finding the best solution to get there and still have enough time to take it all in might be a challenge. We were in the same situation, but we decided to take a chance at it. Now we can give you all the information you need to do it on your own: from costs and schedules to routes and points of interest - everything you need to know is here.
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Theodor-Stefan PanaOne Month in Crete with Baby and Campervan |
THEODOR-STEFAN PANA rode adventure motorbikes for 12 years. He has been travelling across central Asia, Mongolia, Siberia, The Road of Bones, the Balkans, and more. He loves life on the road and meeting new people.
Originally traveling a lot with bikes, we decided to take a month off in the summer of 2023, travel to the Greek Island of Crete, and spend the time there, this time with a 20-year-old campervan. Along with our 1.5-year-old baby, we started our trip in Bucharest, traveled to Athens, and then with a night ferry to Crete.
Since we knew we didn't want any hotels, we did our research for the best camping spots that the island has to offer. We stayed on empty remote beaches, surrounded only by the sea and herds of goats. We got to explore most of the island, from the mountain peaks to the sea coast. An unforgettable experience that we would repeat anytime.
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Henriette Thiim, For The Love of WheelsA Three-Year Solo Ride |
[Don't miss Henriette's workshop: Fly-and-Try Drone Session. More info in the 'Workshops and Tech' section below.]
In August 2020, Henriette was granted a 1-year leave from her workplace, and took off on a dream adventure from the top of Europe to the bottom of Africa. It would take three years before she finally crossed back into her home country of Denmark again. The journey was highly affected by the global pandemic, which meant ever-changing border crossing rules.
Eventually stuck in Morocco for six months, she was forced to slow down and not just ride through countries, but actually explore them. The slow traveling was addictive and she never managed to pick up speed again. The solo ride ended up taking her 100.000 km through 45 countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East. Henriette combines travel stories with beautiful drone videos and funny clips.
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Adela Vancea and Andrei BaraianFive Months Roaming in South America |
We quit our jobs and decided to discover one of the most beautiful continents on this planet, South America. No previous rides together, no overlanding experience whatsoever. Just huge ambitions and a "how bad can it be" attitude. We rode through the rains of Patagonia, clenched our teeth on the washboards of the Atacama Desert, escaped electrical storms in Peru, got a free coffee when we were soaked in Colombia, and many other stories. We also met incredible people along the way and we never felt as good as when we were on the road.
ADELA VANCEA is a veterinarian who loves adventure and exploring new places. She loves meeting new people on the adventure and getting to know herself better.
ANDREI BARAIAN is a passionate motorcycle rider who is all about the off-the-beaten-tracks which bring you closer to nature and humans. He has taken his Ténéré 700 through Romania, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru... and he isn't stopping anytime soon.
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Radu Prie, Vrajitoru (YouTube)To the Highest Road in the World |
Following a friend's recommendation, together with another six friends, we decided to ride on the Himalayas! The trip was from May to June 2024. We rented Royal Enfields. The plan was to spend five days in Nepal and 12 days in the Ladakh province in India. Starting from 3500-m elevation, we wanted to get to the highest motorable road in the world: Umling La 5,882.64 m high. We made the trip as safe as possible because we were accompanied by two ladies. Did the Royal Enfield Himalayans rise to the challenge?
RADU PRIE is a late bloomer. He's been riding since the age of 38 and overlanding only in the last seven years, but now that he has started, he'll go on as much as he can. Riding mostly big bikes, he did a lot of off-road on them, only recently acquiring a smaller bike to do trips in even more remote area.
Tech Sessions and Workshops
Because Horizons Unlimited meetings are also about informing, not just inspiring!
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Henriette ThiimFly-and-Try Drone Session |
[IMPORTANT ADVANCE NOTE: Please know which countries allow drones. Consequences will vary.]
The DJI Mini 4 PRO is the newest drone from DJI with state-of-the-art follow and tracking functionality. The perfect travel drone that weighs just under 250 grams and, therefore, it's easy to pack for motorcycle adventures and in most countries, you can fly it without a drone certificate. Henriette has flown her drone daily for more than four years and teaches drone flying in Denmark. Join the session and try the drone for yourself.
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Marius Achim StefanBush Mechanic / |
1) Bush Mechanic
If your bike is broken in the wild, I have tricks to help you continue the adventure!
How to fix your bike easily using what you already have or using natural elements around you so that you can continue the journey.
2) Biker Yoga
You must take care of your body to be able to travel without pain.
You must warm up your wrists and joints to be able to travel without pain and to avoid stupid injuries! Learn how to take care of your body and travel without stiffnes and pain. A balanced body automatically creates a mind and spirit that are better, happy, and full of love and joy!
3) Correct Position on the Bike!
How to travel farther without pain in your back, arms, and body.
Join this session to learn how to have good bodyposition while riding your motorcycles, whether standing or sitting, and to have the abbility to able to cover more distance, without pain. Sound good?
MARIUS ACHIM STEFAN - All the people know me as Achimoto, because I've ridden a motorcycle since I was 12 years old. I have travelled all my life on bike and 4x4, all over the globe. I love people and all beings, nature, Gaia, and I am very attracted to amenist comunities and tribes. I am a motorcycle mechanic, profesional moto Rally Raid pilot, and, in the last five years, I rediscovered myself and became a holistic therapist. I'm here to share all my knowledge and request nothing back. I promote love, light, knowledge, and mental, emotional, and spitirual health!
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.
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.
Online registration is now closed,
but we have plenty of room,
so come and join in!
The Adventure Travel Zone - TBC
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Exhibitors - To Be Confirmed
If you know of any other motorcycle or travel equipment vendors or tour operators who should be there, please suggest it to them!
Exhibitors, more details and registration here. Please contact us if you have more questions.
Facilities for a Fantastic Weekend
The 4th HU Romania meeting will be at our fantastic new venue – Cabana Bodvaj . Lots of accommodation choices on site for every budget, from camping to couple's rooms.
Cabana Bodvaj
DC45, Bățanii Mici 527017
Romania
N 46.115129, E 25.712413
46°06'54.5"N 25°42'44.7"EQuestions, call Călin, your event organiser: +40 726 272 002
Contact by Email
Cabana Bodvaj, a beautiful location in the mountains on a quiet road
Camping
There is plenty of room to camp, and we've got a great price for you - only €16 per night per person, and breakfast is included!
Accommodation
There is a range of accommodation, but don't delay - it will sell out quickly! Very reasonable prices, and breakfast is included! Book your accommodation when you register!
Two single beds (SHARED facilities with another room – three bathrooms on the level, includes breakfast!)
32 € per night per person – minimum two nights and you need to book the whole room (include the second person in the registration form).
Double room - (SHARED facilities with another room – three bathrooms on the level, includes breakfast!)
32 € per night per person – minimum two nights and you need to book the hole room (include the second person in the registration form)
Single room - (1 single bed, SHARED facilities, includes breakfast!)
64 € per night per person – minimum two nights
Beds multishare 'Dorm' Room - (separate beds, SHARED facilities not in room
17 € per night per person, (includes breakfast!)
Full details on the Registration page.
Housekeeping Items
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 (but must 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.
Smoking & Drinking
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.
Food, glorious food!
This event features a combination of International, Romanian and Szekely traditional recipes cooked on the open fire:
A traditional Hungarian Goulash is a soup or stew that is usually filled with tender beef and onions spiced with paprika. It also includes vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, peppers, and tomatoes.
Romanian Sarmale are already a tradition at our meetings, and we will not forget this this year
Virsli - Make your own sandwich with traditional Romanian sausages
A shot of Palinca (traditional Romanian beverage) will be on the house on arrival.
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 and amazing value at only €9 each!
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!
2024 PRE-REGISTRATION PRICING FOR FULL PASSESALL PRICES in EUR €. Includes admission to all slide shows, Tech Clinics, demos, ride outs and discussion groups. Camping, Accommodation and Meals (Optional) are priced separately. Breakfast is included with all accommodation options, including camping. |
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Full Pass |
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Register and Pay before May 16, 2024 |
35 |
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Register & Pay after May 15, 2024 and before Aug 24, 2024 |
40 |
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AT THE EVENT PRICING (APPLIES AFTER AUG 23)Pay Cash on Arrival |
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Full Pass |
45 |
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CAMPING AND ACCOMMODATIONAccommodation is NOT included with your registration fee. Camping or shared Cabin rooms are available. See descriptions above. NOTE: Breakfast is included with ALL accommodation options, including camping. |
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Tent camping, per person (includes breakfast!) per night |
16 | ||
All beds are for two nights only. |
2 nts |
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Two single bed room (SHARED facilities with another room – three bathrooms on the level, includes breakfast!) |
64 |
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Single room - (1 single bed, SHARED facilities, includes breakfast) |
128 | ||
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Double Room - (SHARED facilities with another room – three bathrooms on the level, includes breakfast!) |
64 |
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Beds multishare 'Dorm' Room - (separate beds, SHARED facilities not in room |
17 |
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MEALSYou can pre-book individual 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: Breakfast is included with all accommodation options, including camping. |
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Description |
Cost |
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Friday Lunch - Make your own sandwich with traditional Romanian sausages: Virsli |
9 |
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Friday Dinner - Sarmale and Kurtos-Kalacs for dessert |
9 |
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Saturday Breakfast - Self-serve with a lot of Romanian goodies: several types of cheese, smoked ham, bacon, red peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, butter, jam, cereals, milk, bread, coffee or tea. |
9 |
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Saturday Lunch - Make your own sandwich with traditional Romanian sausages: Virsli |
9 |
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Saturday Dinner – A traditional Hungarian Goulash is a soup or stew that is usually filled with tender beef and onions spiced with paprika. It also includes vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, peppers, and tomatoes. And a glass of white wine. |
9 |
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Sunday Breakfast - Self-serve with a lot of Romanian goodies: several types of cheese, smoked ham, bacon, red peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, butter, jam, cereals, milk, bread, coffee or tea. |
9 |
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days to go!
Join the discussion:
On the HUBB!
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What happens at HU events?
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Comments about HU Events
"So many trips, tips, subjects, discussions, questions, answers, experiences, insights... I could go on and on. I will be back, and back, and back."
"It was like being with family... a friendly group with shared love of adventure."
"Everyone was humble, genuine, and encouraging, and I really needed that kind of 'we're all just people' kind of atmosphere."
"You'll see and hear the most useful ideas on so many subjects that it boggles the mind."
"Full of very inspiring people who got me fired up again and motivated for my next trip!"
"What a fantastic inspirational weekend...we will be back."
"I have picked up so much information... and met some new friends and wonderful people."
"...a new league of awesomeness."
"Great atmosphere and camaraderie, especially at dinner time, and interesting presentations."
"I have learned so much, made some great mates and met some of the best people. I was buzzing by the time I got home. I have a little trip planned and just can't wait to get out there."
For more about HU Events, see some magazine articles here.
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 (746 KB):
POSTCARD
Postcard in pdf format (603 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.
Romania Venue Location
Cabana Bodvaj
DC45, Bățanii Mici 527017
Romania
N 46.115129, E 25.712413
46°06'54.5"N 25°42'44.7"E
Info: phone Călin, HU Event Organiser
Phone: +40 726 272 002
Contact by Email
Local Hosts
Călin Nucuță and Diana Cordea are the local hosts for this event, assisted by Marian Balan, Ana Cordea, Valentin Baditoiu 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!
Questions for the team about the Event? Contact them here!
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
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.