Well I went to the Hubb meet at Ripley a couple of weeks ago and I can't help but think it was a missed opportunity for the other 4 wheeled travellers to share experiences, compare notes and, yes, learn from the bikers.
There were lot's of shinny (unscratched) bikes that may have travelled on tarmac but there were also bikes and their owners who had done amazing, fantastic things with modest machines and kit (top tip).
It would have been good to meet other 4x4, 4x2, 6x6, etc, etc owners to see how they did, or are doing their trips - we all like the kit and gadgets - but we are about traveling to new, distant, exotic lands and I thought first and foremost that was our driver but it seems the (over)planning has won out over the thrill and danger of the open road.
Maybe the real travellers are out there doing it ( I know one guy who is - yes you Steve) and are too busy/far away/modest to have attended Ripley but................
rant over. perhaps next year

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Chris
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"Never have a stupid argument with an idiot - he gets a lot more practice than you"
there I go again
not too hard really

Hi Chris - I answered to you other post too, but .........anyhow.

I think you are right it would have been nice to go, but it would seem a bit unnecessary to insult people generally who couldn't go, for whatever reason.

Lot of people have different demands on there time, and although I really wanted to go, I couldn't free up the time. I know you are trying to start a billing vs HUBB meeting debate and if it was that simple it would be an easy decision. But it isn't, and perhaps let me explain ...

I work in Dublin and so have to commute and pre-book my flights etc, and also against project time. I am also training to cycle 1000 miles John O'groats -> Lands End, which takes a lot of my time I can assure you. On top of that there is a demanding wife (well not really, but she at leasts wants to see me). Unfortunately the date of billing was set long before the HUBB meet, and hence arrangements were made. Two friends of mine did attend the HUBB meet, and of course sang it's praises.

Anyway - as you can see I feel a little defensive, but at least next year, instead of meeting up with people talking about travelling I will be well into a 3 year round the world trip. At that point it will irrelevent which meeting I went to.

Rant Over too

PS Will you sponsor me for my cycle?

https://secure.justgiving.com/jennyandollie

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Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009

Hi Ollie, not meaning to insult just trying to generate a little discussion.
I got bogged down in the whole (expensive) business of kitting out the car with the latest must have fridge and winch rope, not to mention rebuild, military gearbox bla, bla, bla but it was really refreshing to get my feet back on the ground and remember why I obsess about travelling.
There are real differences in approach to overland travel in 4x4s and it would have been good to sit down with a few s to hear about the things you want to see in China and how being in a vehicle has real benefits over a motorbike (not to mention creature comforts such as roof tents - autocamp rule btw).
I think I was just a little dissapointed at the turnout. There were people there - a chance conversation led to a description of slipping off a sea cliff with no option but to head 40' down to the sea praying the water didn't get too deep too quickly - that's what travel is about.
Still ranting.............
Chris

ps. I think you did say the other week that it was either Ripley or Billing (in mitigation).

Re: sponsoring :- I just give to one charity on a structured basis rather than a little here and there. VSO is a very worth while organisation and hope I have the time to offer my time in the future.

__________________
Chris
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"Never have a stupid argument with an idiot - he gets a lot more practice than you"
there I go again
not too hard really

Damn the internet, can't hide anything! Yes i did mention that, but ... but. Oh I can't remember!

I think it would be good to increase the 4wd presence too, but I do think that the HUBB is a MOTORCYCLE forum through and through. In fact, my two friends who attended, both of whom I introduced to the HUBB by personal recommnedation (and who since bought bikes!) came back and asked 'Don't you have your own forum!?' B@st@rds!

So there is work to be done to convince other members, and I suppose that might mean showing up at the do's ........

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Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009

No offence intended guys

I just think that theres a lot of people that use this HU 4x4 forum but unfortunately when it comes to meeting up and supporting the forum, theres always a poor turnout.

Would be nice to meet up with the lurkers...

Hows about a 4wd focused HUBB meeting. After my cycle,, which ends mid September, I'd be happy to try and help organise something with you Bec? You're down South too. perhaps we could do some sort of Salisbury plain gathering or similar?

Ideas?

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Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009