HU Queensland 2015 Meeting - new date 24-27 Sep
 

HU Queensland is on again at the Beaudesert Showgrounds, note the earlier dates:

Program for 2015 will return as follows:

- Onsite on Thursday 12 noon 24 September 2014
- Open Registration from 4pm Thursday
- Last Presentation is on Saturday night 26 September 2014
- Packup and farewells on Sunday morning

We have a bunch of new ideas for presentations including field and workshop repairs as well as inspiring travellers. Come and join us and take in the event or get really involved as a volunteer; its even more fun.

Online registration is open now! Super Early Bird Rates until Jan 31, 2015!

Volunteers sought - we can't do it without you.
 

Hello!


To kick start the preparation for this year’s meeting, we’re having our first organising team get together. We’ll be:
· - Reviewing the feedback from last year
· - Discussing what can be changed / added / deleted
· -Setting the ‘how to’ session part of the program
· -Suggesting possible presenters across a range of topics
· -Looking at some of the key team leader roles and timeframes
· -Brainstorming some promotional ideas
Your thoughts and opinions are vital for a successful 2015 event! We’d love to see you there.


Meeting details:
·

Date: Saturday 31st January

· Place: Esk Grand Hotel, 121 Ipswich Street, Esk
· Time: 12noon
· Helen’s contact number: 0468 355 881
· If you think you can make it could you let me know via email helen@thechangeteam.com.au


Want to go on a pre-meeting ride out?


For those of you who want to explore the area before we sit down for a meeting over lunch, be at the Esk Grand Hotel at 9am - we’ll travel up the range on ½ tarmac - ½ easy gravel. It won’t be fast (I’ll be on it!) but it will be scenic. Let me know if you want to come or check the SE Qld Horizons Face Book page for updates closer to the day.


As Karen reminded me – don’t forget to vote before you come!
Google Map for Venue: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Esk+Grand+Hotel/@-27.23886,152.421285,17z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x6b94206dfe8db493:0xb41a4df8f50c6 0fa?hl=en

Cheers

Publicity for HU Queensland 2015
 

Hi everyone,

Helen called together the troops and we had an excellent roll-up for the first organizers' meeting for 2015. Helen went through the feedback from 2014 and there were some real gems. One things that we can work on is publicity and so here are my questions for you:

Are you a member of different groups outside of HU that are interested in adventure travel? This includes other motorcycle adventure travel groups, pushbike and 4WD travel for example. If it has wheels and travel, it is welcome.

Would you be interested in spreading the word? Whether in person, print media or social media including forums, facebook, twitter etc?

If this is something you would like to help with, please let me know ( shane@horizonsunlimited.com ). A solid coordinated effort with publicity will really help spread the word.

Some people are only on the HUBB, some on email and some on facebook and so I will need to use all three. My apologies in advance for those of you who get bombarded via multiple methods of communication. Most of all, thanks to everyone for ongoing help and support.

Elektrickery Workshop
 

Thought I may make a mention of what I am planning to include in the Electrical (not electronics) basics workshop:


1. Basic tools include crimps and different crimp jaws, soldering irons, wire strippers, multi-meters. Did you know that there are different jaws for different connectors or insulation/no insulation options? Neither did I until six months ago!


2. Selecting wires.


3. Soldering basics.


4. Insulaton, including heat shrink.


5. How to avoid setting you bike on fire. Perhaps even a practical demonstration, still thinking about that one.


6. Other stuff that I haven't thought of yet. Feel free to add your 5c worth and I'll see if I can include it.

The new venue "The Outlook" at Boonah"
 

All this rain has made me think about the facilities at "The Outlook". Feedback from last year that we needed to take on board included:
1. Concerns about the sound equipment. The Outlook takes care of both or those as the conference rooms are properly lined and airconditioned. They also come with their own projectors and sound and so NO ECHO!
2. Concerns about heat. The conference rooms are airconditioned and the dormitory rooms that are available have two beds in each with ceiling fans and we are told the the site gets a very pleasant afternoon breeze.
Of course, the other issue is what about rain? Most of the cabins are highset and there is parking underneath for bikes for all.
We have taken the feendback seriously and hope that the new venue will resolved all of these and make it a brilliant event. It even has fireplace pits

Wheel Bearing workshop
 

Just thought I would mention what we hope to do in a field workshop on changing wheel bearings. Our hope is that we can inspire confidence in everyone to have a crack at this sort of thing themselves and to also show how to do things properly but without expensive tools. Here's what is on the planning board:

1. Will a milk crate hold a 200 kilo + motorcycle? A word about bike stands and safety.

2. Don't let the cushions from that cush drive go everywhere. Using re-usable cable ties to keep the sprocket and cush drive together.

3. Keep that sprocket and brake disk off the ground. Using an old Ford Falcon wheel as a rim stand. Holden wheels will never be strong enough!

4. Who needs a bearing drift? Using a dyna bolt to remove a bearing. This will also apply for tricky bearings such as triple clamp/steering head bearings.

5. There's no such thing as too much grease. Packing the bearing.

6. Tapping the bearing back in and using a DIY bearing press. The bearing press will probably not be needed but again, useful to show for things like triple clamp/steering head bearings.

Hopefully it will all work. I've not done it before on this DR800 so fingers crossed. Otherwise I'll be walking home.

Duck Creek Road ride Sat 18 April 2015
 

Just thought I would mention that a bgroup of us, eight so far I think, will be travelling along Duck Creek Road on Sat 18 April 2015. Meet at Macdonalds at Beaudesert at 9:30 AM. We will leave from there and go up Duck Creek Road, then up to O'Reillys. Bring your own lunch to have in the QLD Parks and Wildlife area or have it at the O'Reillys cafe. Return journey TBC, depending on how everyone feels about the journey up.

To give an idea of the conditions, Duck Creek Road when recently graded can be traversed by large 2wd cars such as Falcons and Commodores. However we drove it in a 4WD last week and the first 1/3 is rutted enough for me to put on a Mitas E07 on the rear wheel and will be stopping to deflate tyres to 20 PSI.

Should be a good day. Let me know if you are coming so we do not head off without you.

Shane, what bat Canbus, I think that's what it is, I had to know which model bike I had to order some HIDs because of it.

Ken

Hi Ken,

A CANBUS system is a vehicle bus standard designed to allow microcontrollers and devices to communicate with each other in applications without a host computer. So with a bunch of different computers sharing information, you need to really know where the various computers are, what they do and the vulnerabilties. Just a change in voltage draw or a significant drop could shut part or all of the system down. Basically, you need proper training that I haven't had and also to use tools and aftermarket equipment designed to run with the CANBUS system. Most (perhaps all?) modern BMWs, Bombardier Spyders and some other bikes use it. However older Japanese bikes use only a single transistorised device known as a CDI unit or Ignition unit and you need only isolate that and you battery before doing any electrical work.

Hope that this helps.

Regards,

Shane

Photos from Duck Creek Road ride Sat 18 April 2015
 

If you would like to see some photos or am curious about what the local rides have to offer, here are some links for you:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...and-ride-81452

https://www.facebook.com/events/1629910773904242/

Sanity on Two Wheels: Duck Creek Road Ride

It was a great day and hope to see you at a future ride.

Modifications Workshop
 

Thought I might give a sneak peak on the modification workshop. Here is an example of a ghetto mod that works better than the "write a cheque" path. I have used a drainage grate as a heat shield for a total cost of Australian $3.00. We will be looking at a lot more, from the inexpensive to the full across-the-counter solutions to hopefully point you in the right direction that suits you, your riding style, your destination and your budget.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jfSy62DhK6...0/P1010311.JPG


Sanity on Two Wheels: Ghetto modification - Exhaust heat shield

Rides around Boonah
 

The red roads are tarmac (in theory, some recent damage and road works have left Mt Lindsay Road with some gravel stretches)

The grey roads are gravel but graded.

The blue pen are dirt tracks some of the locals just love. They shared this knowledge over coffee and lemon cheese cake at Flavours Cafe in the heart of Boonah:

https://www.facebook.com/download/15...1%20300dpi.jpg

https://www.facebook.com/download/77...2%20300dpi.jpg

VSM Adventure Ride & Information Weekend
 

Anyone riding up to HU Queensland at Boonah from down south and with some time to spare may want to check this out. Vince Strang is a legend in Suzuki off-road setups.

19th & 20th Sep 2015, Inverell. Link to more information:

DR650 News VSM Vince Strang Motorcycles

I did the Carneys ck road last year on tiger 1050 with roD tyres, mate on a R100. More dirt orientated would love it. Think we headed nth from abt Old Koreelah to the Queen Mary Falls rd then tar to to the falls. Nice ride

Payment
 

I paid for the event through the website but couldn't see how to book for 2. Do I have to make another bookings?

Booking for Two
 

Hi Ken and Rachel,

Each person must be registered separately. That's the only way we can get the website and insurance etc to work. If you have paid already for two, don't sweat it, fill in the registration and then check with the registration team on arrival and they will sort it all out.

Discount for early(ish) registraion
 

Just a reminder that if you are coming, the $20.00 discount rate for pre-registration applies only until 30 June 2015. If you want to save a few bucks and help the organisers get ... ah ... organised, register as soon as you can.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/events/queensland-2015#pre-registration

More information can be found at our facebook pages too:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/bris...zonscommunity/

https://www.facebook.com/events/521311311338643/

Is the camping fee per site or person?

Camping available? And costs ...
 

There is camping onsite, no problem there.

But to keep things simple and to be sure we cover the venue costs, camping is $14.00 per person, per night. The camping costs are not per campsite or per tent. However, the views will be worth it.

Price breakdown can be found at:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/eve...d-2015#pricing

Mount Mee Ride Saturday 16 May 2015
 

Hi everybody,

We are having a morning sprint through Mount Mee on Saturday 16 May 2015. Its not a demanding ride, just a morning blast to blow a few cobwebs out and have a few doughnuts.

Meet at Dayboro Bakery at 9:30 AM. Ride via Laceys Creek through forestry. Lunch at Pitstop on Mt Mee at around 12:00 PM.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/bris...munity/events/

As of 9 May 2015, we have eight people going. More are welcome. If you can let me know, that's great but not essential. Just want to be sure that we don't leave anyone behind.

Next SEQ Horizons Unlimited Ride
 

Hi everyone,


I'm thinking of rides that help us prepare for HU Queensland 2015 at Boonah. It would be great to use the opportunity to get to know the Scenic Rim area better.



Anyone got some ideas for 1/2 day and full day rides that start and finish at Boonah? Send in just a description, rough route, mudmap on a JPG, Word document or PDF. You could send in a GPX or other GPS format file as well, but I really wouldn't know what to do with it. If you wouldn't mind, a bit of the description of the road surfaces and skill levels would be great too.



Basically our next ride will be built around what comes in and will probably be after 7 June.



Thanks,


Shane

Riding around Boonah and Scenic Rim
 

Received a heap of responses through direct email and facebook on ride suggestions, routes, etc as well as other things to do in the Scenic Rim. I will post up what I can, when I can. Feel free to post up directly yourselves as well. Here is one suggestion from Christophe:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.n...1ca2f1b79c4d04

Boonah area/Condamine River Road ride 11 June 2015
 

Just some photos to help show what people attending HU Queensland 2015 and would like to go riding as well may find:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ca3GU-LqAB...E/s1600/01.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zO6ygFJH-l...Zg/s1600/2.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KFhOSwTJ1I...Ig/s1600/3.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8eYmxYfwvo...hM/s1600/4.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OtelQ7TlCQ...yM/s1600/5.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AixYx0hMpl...0/P1010331.JPG
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PnmlKtK7HA...0/P1010332.JPG

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZadDcyXY-p...oE/s1600/6.jpg

Accomodation options in Boonah
 

If you are coming to HU Queensland 2015 your accomodation options include camping onsite, cabin/dorm rooms onsite or local motels and B n Bs. If going the local motel option be advised that you need to book early. September is a busy period for Boonah as the weather is usually fantastic. You can find accomodation options at: http://www.visitscenicrim.com.au/accommodation/ .

Last day for early bird discount for HU Queensland 2015
 

A local tarmac ride you may be interested in ...
 

If you haven't ridden it before, you may want to try the Lions Road whilst viting HU Queensland 2015:

https://scontent-hkg3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...94&oe=5629F5B0

For those coming up from down south
 

This is a great way to come up to Boonah. Turn off at Rathdowney (My recommendation) or Beaudesert:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.n...6be3d5de164659

Queensland Topo Map Service
 

Anyone still using maps for planning or actually on a trip or ride? I actually regularly use a Garmin Montana 650 as well as the various GPS programs available for Android such as Hema Memory Maps and OSM - Open Source Maps but still find paper maps easier, esepcially during the planning phase.


Here are a couple of links for creating your own detailed topographical maps for Queensland:
QTOPO - Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Queensland - Desktop version
QTOPO
The service is brilliant. I get the A3 maps, fold them in half and laminate them. Place them in a tank bag map holder whilst travelling. I have just made one for the area between Boonah and Ipswich and found a whole heap of tracks I was not aware off, just waiting to be explored.

Hi Shane

I just had a quick look at the links you put up for the topo maps, what a great resource. Cheers for sharing that onebier

Looking forward to the event, only a bit over a couple of months now. It will be good to meet some people and get some great tips.

Brad

Hi Brad,

Thanks for the post. Yes, I was very pleased with the find and have created a few maps for different rides already.

Have you registered yet via the HU website. The more people who register via the website in lieu of just turning up, the easier it is for us in terms of organising onsite dinners, accomodation and so forth.

Thanks,

Shane

Yeah Shane, my son and I have both registered and paid for the event a couple of months ago now. Looking forward to it. Should be a bit warmer by the end of September too :biggrin:

HU Queensland 2015 rideouts
 

Online pre-registrations
 

Hi everyone,

Just a reminder that HU Queensland 2015 is now only about seven weeks away. If you are coming, it would be a huge help to get your online pre-registrations done so that we can book caterers and so on.

Thanks,

Shane

Room Accomodation
 

Hi everyone,

Unfortunately technology, the bain of every motorcyclist has caused some information to be missed on the website.

There is the option of room accomodation. The Outlook has dormitory style rooms, with twin beds in each and the cost is $43.00 per night, per bed. If you are on your own, you can have the room to yourself if you wish. If you are not on your own, you can share the room with your partner but be aware that the cost is per bed, not per room. The rooms don't have ensuites, you still need to go down the hall to the shower etc.

Its pay in cash when you get there and take a bed because we haven't had a chance to put this up and collect and so on. Anyhow, another option for those who do not want to camp.

If you haven't done an online pre-registration, please do so, it really helps with catering and all sorts of things.

Thanks,

Shane

Boonah 2015 one day ticket
 

Hi , Im interested in attending HU QLD this year and am wondering if there is a one day/ night entry pass . I am only available to attend Thursday night camping and all day Friday and hoping to keep my costs down . Will probably spend on food drink and merchandise so it may end up an expensive day for me . Thanks Dan

Hi Dan,

Great question. We have gone with a $25.00 half day and a $50.00 single full day price. That helps keep the cost down and helos us pay for expenses such as venue hire.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Shane

HU Queensland 2015 is coming very soon! Online registration closes Sep 17!
 

Why come? Just a few of the amazing stories this year...

• Georgia Melville, 22 year old rode from Scotland to Africa and back
• Jacqui Kennedy, around Oz on a postie bike. Seriously?
• Peter 'The Bear' Thoeming from Australian Motorcyclist has been on the road for 50 years!
• Dale & Chris Bartlett have been 'stuck' in Oman for 5 years...
• ex-stunt rider Peter Jeremijenko 'accidentally' rode around 30 countries in Europe & Asia
• Peter & Kay Forwood, 193 countries two-up on a Harley
• Curt Curtis & Lyn Williams, Morocco and eastern Europe

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/eve...Melville-1.jpg


Heaps more great stories, including Johnsons African adventures, PLUS Tips on Road Food, Minimalist Touring, Bike Mods, Electricals, Wheel Bearings, First Aid, Tire changing, Major Maintenance and much more!

For all the details, including the draft program schedule, and to book your Full Event pass: www.hubb.to/events/queensland-2015

You can just turn up on the day, but it will cost more and you may not get dinner. :(
We're looking forward to seeing you there!
Helen, Shane, Susan & Grant

Exhibitors
 

Hi All,
Reposting this as I posted in the wrong place previously. The line-up of speakers is looking great, do we have a better idea of some of the exhibitors who will be showing their gear at the meet?
Thanks

Re: Exhibitors
 

Hi Troppy,

At this point, we have a handful only. These include:

Motorcycle Adventure Products. Adventure products and luggage solutions. Ron has the right gear for you. I know as that's where I get most of mine.

Reidon Industries. The fabulous foot throttle.

NSW Parks and Wildlife. They have a bunch of incredible adventure destinations available for us.

I am still waiting for several others to confirm, we have received verbal commitments throughout the year but not matching registrations yet.

Regards,

Shane

The HU Meeting at Boonah 24 - 27 Sept
 

Hi all,

Two things: 1. Great meeting as usual and very useful presentations
2. At the GPS session (David Hicks) I mentioned a useful link regarding a question on Routes using Garmin.

I mentioned I did not have grey hair until I started using Base Camp - only partially true. This posted information is well put together, the presentation is calm and is very useful.

I mentioned this site I have used with videos tutorials for Route creation.

The link is http://www.2wheelgeek.com/BaseCampResources.aspx
(This works on a PC)

OK Edit - Thankyou to Brad (post below) the link can be called up on a tablet (Android) but to play the video click on "watch in YouYube (top right first paragraph). This works on Android tablet using YouTube.

Alternatively use Google and search Stupid Base Camp Tricks. Click on the above web link (first find). The first video tutorial is on Routes. Other video tutorial is tracks.

I hope this is of assistance.

Thankyou to David Hicks for his presentation.

Mal_C

Hi all

My first time attending one of these meetings. Big thumbs up to all the people who took the time and effort to organise this event and make it run as smooth as it did. I really enjoyed myself and got a lot out of it.

Keep up the good work, look forward to going next time.

Hey Mal_C, I was in the room when you made the grey hair comment, everyone had a chuckle. The link you posted doesn't work on my iPad but the search info you suggested to put into google took me straight to the web page, cheers for that.

Brad