HUMM 2009 - Horizons Unlimited Mountain Madness
 

HUMM 2009 - Horizons Unlimited Mountain Madness

HUMM 2009 - Bike Rental
 

Hi all,

Has anyone looked into renting dirt bikes (250-450cc) for the HUMM this year in La Molina, Spain?

Or maybe someone could bring along a bike to rent?

Any suggestions are most welcome,

Peter

Bike rental
 

Hi Pete,
I'm just working with Grant to make eight 2008 Tenere's and six 2008 KTM 450's available for hire, I think Grant intends to make booking them available off the tour page in the registration section. Please bear with me while I out this together for Grant regarding pricing and logistics. All bikes are impeccably prepared and I'll be there to keep an eye.
All the best
Tim:scooter:

HUMM 09 ....anyone camping?
 

Is anyone camping at Quexians?
Anyone found anything better/closer?
We are definitely entered, just waiting to sort travel and accommodation... see ya there!

HUMM Bike Rentals now available!
 

Bike Rentals now available!

You don't have to ride all the way, or trailer your bike, just fly in like the pro's :) Or if you were thinking your bike isn't the right one for the event, now's your chance to get great bikes delivered to the door of the hotel, ready and fully prepped for you, with backup and maintenance crew too!

Tenere's, KTM Enduro, BMW 450X and 650 XChallenge.

See the HUMM page for details

Humm
 

I am camping, but also have a small dog, which may be a problem help!!!!!

Anyone need a HUMMer?
 

Also, looks like the group I had thought of going with is falling through... Anyone need another team-mate? In the bigger than 645cc category...

HUMM 2009 Update for February
 

Hi,

We have been doing a lot recently with the HUMM, getting hotel bookings sorted, shipping the bike down, rentals and more. Registrations are coming in steadily, and clearly everyone is getting excited already! :) With all the terrible weather :stormy: we've had in the last while, the thought of the beautiful Pyrenees weather is all that is keeping us going, dreaming of warmth, beautifully warm riding in sunshine :Beach: and glorious twisty roads! :mchappy:

Latest news on the HUMM

1. We have 85 riders registered already, months ahead, to ride the HUMM, so it looks like it will be a great turnout.

43 for the under-645cc
27 for the over 645
12 for the Road
2 Road Pillion
1 Brave/Crazy Off-road Pillion

If you're looking for a team mate, at the moment we have 11 singles, so it should be no problem matching you up with a team mate, but of course if you can find a friend to come along that's even better.

As we are filling up, we may need to cut off registration EARLY - so if you know anyone interested, tell them to get registered NOW!

2. Ship your bike down: Billy Bike Truck is planning on running a truck down to the HUMM, so if you're short of time, he can take your bike and gear down, while you fly in. All details on the HUMM page: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/humm#biketruck

3. Bike Rentals: You can also fly in and get a rental bike. Bikes available are Teneres, KTM Enduros, BMW 650 XChallenge, BMW 450X, so there should be one to suit you, or perhaps a chance to get a thorough "road test" on something you're interested in buying! Again, full details are on the HUMM page: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/humm

4. Ferry - Portsmouth to Bilbao - nearly full! Many dates are fully booked already, so get it sorted now!
4a. Train - Calais to Toulouse, an alternate is the RailEurope train, see French Motorail destinations en route to Narbonne and Narbonne Inbound Prices. A car and passengers with sleeper for the Sat 18th July 09 to Toulouse train = £490

5. Remember - Booklets with all the check points will be handed out to you at 11AM the day before the start, on the 20th, at the event! You and your team mates will then have until the start time (start 0800 - finish 1800) next morning to plan your route. There is a huge bar room with tables etc to do your planning. We expect this will put everyone on an equal footing technology wise and get it back to the original idea of a planning and mapping exercise - but most importantly, a fun ride!

6. Maps - Will NOT be laminated.

7. Planning, sharing, getting there: There is a thread on the HUBB just for the HUMM, where you can contact other riders and make plans, so have a look at:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...mountain-38622

It's worth subscribing to that thread to keep up-to-date on the conversation and what's happening.

8. We'll be in touch individually by - at the latest - early May with final hotel confirmations. There is lots of room, and if you have requested extra days, no worries, all is good.

We're going down on the Portsmouth to Bilbao Ferry on Monday, the 13th July, so will have time to check out the facilities and make sure it's all sorted for you. If you're going down early, we'll see you at the hotel.

Do plan a few extra days, two days can only scratch the surface, and if you haven't been down before, you'll find you regret not planning on extra days to take real advantage of the trip and get in some more riding, so book the days off now, and you'll have a great time!

see you there!

Bike or baggage.....
 

I am taking a Tranny van down this year, a mate of mine is also taking a van.
Although we have 4 bikes and all sorts of stuff on board we could take another small bike or some baggage/tyres etc down for a very modest contribution to the beer/diesel bill!
We leave Thurs 16 July and arrive Sat/Sun before HUMM. Will be back in UK Mon 27 July.
Luggage is easier but if you want a small bike taking its not a problem... other than the fact you would need to let us have the paperwork..... Your call!
We were there last year in a big Merc with a trailer so not entirely unknown.

Hi guys. This event sounds fun, and am v interested in doing the event on my R1200GS. I realise that there is a >645cc class, but I wonder if the R1200GS will be suitable for use on the trails for this class?

I don't mind a challenge, or knocking the bike around a bit !

But would be handy to get some comments on this.

Ta
M.

The WINNERS of the event the first year were a 1200GS and Africa twin team, and the SECOND year winners were a 1200GS and F650GS team so no problem! :) In fact the 1200GS could be considered a favourite. :)

You will want to avoid the very few bits marked as very difficult, but that's not a problem. Go for it!

billy no mates
 

hi i've entered the event and the lads that were supposed to go have cried off unfortunately. i took part last year and my team did quiet well it was a bit mismatched though,a 450 exc with a 30ltr tank and an old airhead 800 dakar with very dodgy fork seals.

i will be using the ktm again,im very competent off road can use a map[not great though] and fairly serious.

if you need a team mate or leader im your man. btw im camping and expect to be a day or two early to have a look around and hope to spend a few days after to enjoy the sights

please feel free to contact me. nothing ventured ,nothing gained

bernard

unable to register online for HUMM
 

Hi, I'm new to this forum as I am to offroading.. so hello, everybody!

I wonder if I can get some advice from someone in the know, maybe even the webmaster ;-)

I tried to register online about a week ago but have not been able to complete registration. The allocated space to enter the bike details is not active & won't allow input. Consequently, the system does not send off the data asking to complete the missing information :-(

I could not find a way around this other than printing off the registration screens and filling in the details by hand. As I intend to take part with my 15 year old son riding pillion on my F800GS (comments invited!), I had to print many pages..
Sent everything off to Grant including payment & have yet to receive a reply.

Left in the dark, I'm unable to book a ferry passage to Bilbao, which may no longer be available by now..

Any helpful comment/advice would be most welcome!

Wolf

Hi - I guess knobblies are needed for this event. So if I was to ride down from the UK with road tyres, if there someone nearby that could fit some knobblies if I bring some with me? Perhaps LocoMoto who are doing the bike hire?

Hi,

Welcome to HU! And sorry about the problem, I know it's very frustrating when it doesn't work right!

Please try again - I've checked the form and it works fine now - maybe it wasn't properly downloaded when you tried it.

You sent the reg form to our Vancouver address I think - I have a report from our person there that a hand printed one arrived there - so it will be a while before I get the details in London.

No problem with registration, we'll get it sooner or later, and there is still space, so go ahead and make your arrangements. Any questions specifically on this should just go to me at the "contact Horizons" link at the bottom of the page.

Ferries for Bilbao have been largely unavailable for some time now, depending on which one you want.

Here's some info in recently from elefantman which may help.

It might be worth mentioning to Hummers that the French Motorail does a sleeper train service between Calais and the south of France. I believe it stops in Toulouse, which I'd venture could be a nice day's ride from Humm HQ in the Pyrenees.

It's a sleeper train where you ride your bike on and then kip for the night on the train, waking up and disembarking at the other end.

I think it makes the downward journey on Thursdays and back up on the Friday. It's a bit hard to find out about but there are phone numbers at the RailEurope website.

As for a pillion - off-road HUMM or on-road HUMM? Assuming it's off-road or you wouldn't ask, yes it's doable - we had a pillion last year ride it most of the way - bike broke so they didn't finish.

Take your time, have fun, and don't expect to win, but do expect some amazing scenery, great roads, and lots of great experiences.

hope that helps! Grant

Hi Grant,

thanks for your reply. However..,

Unfortunately it still does not work & I tried 3 different browsers..!

I sent the forms plus two checks recorded delivery on March 10 to your Windsor address.

If this should be the case for the dates I have in mind (the system won't let me check as it's past midnight) I will have to cancel the trip. Riding all the way is no option.

Not an option either as hideously expensive and very few dates to choose from! Narbonne Inbound Prices


Wolf

Ok, figured it out - I had Susan test the form and she had the same conclusion you did! She thought there was a missing field too. BUT there is only ONE field on the right, not two, and it does dual duty - bike type OR pillion - so I've made it clearer now. I hope. :blushing: Sorry for the confusion!

Hi guys. Reposting this as no response, so apologies:

- Are knobblies desired / optional / not needed for this event?
- Am considering riding down on road tyres. So if knobblies needed is there somewhere nearby who could fit them if I bring some with me? Perhaps LocoMoto who are doing the bike hire?

PS - Anyone looking for a HUMM buddy in the >645 class (R1200GSA) ?

Ta
Mike.

Sorry Mike I missed that. :(

Knobblies are optional - useful, recommended, not necessary. Fresh dual sport tires at the minimum!
Fit them yourself - there'll be loads of people around to help! PERHAPS LocoMoto but you'd have to check with them directly.

We have loads of singles to be teamed up, so don't panic, last years winners were teamed up by us! We'll do the teaming up when reg closes, and everyone will be notified. We try to match riding style, bike and location as best we can, in that order.

See you there!

Grant

MikeyP
I rode it last year on a 690 with road biased Pirrelli's ..... ran about 15psi as its quite rocky and impact pinch punctures could be an issue on a heavier bike.... TKC's would be perfect.
I can ferry a couple of tyres down for you and will have all the levers and stuff if you are running tubes etc.... will help too but take NO responsibility for scratched rims etc!
Near Oxford if you want to go that route......

Grant & Harv - Many thanks for the responses. Appreciated! Just trying to work out time off / pass out / logistics etc. Really want to come !!

camping-travelling
 

Hi I have just paid so thats me commited. I am riding from the UK 2-up on my 900 Diversion, a couple of weeks before the event, down through France, cross into Spain in the west and then along the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. Afterwards heading down through Spain to Morocco. Anyone else camping in the area in the days before the event?
Dave :cool4:

nil reply
 

Has anyone had any succes getting a response from the 'Quexians' camp site....?
I have e-mailed twice, gone onto their web site, no response to date.
Any other sites near by?

I wouldn't be too worried, they'll probably reply in a week, maybe two. ;)

We called them, and they're there, so no problem. (Be warned, no English speaker at the time we called if you want to call.)

Here's the details:

There's 140 spaces. €18 per space, + €5 per person, and the spaces are motorhome sized, so will fit 2-3 bikes and 2 tents ok.

Reservations not required.

We will book 5-10 spaces end of April, based on the reservations we have for the HUMM - Hotel reservations, so that should take care of everyone fine.

Deposits not required for reservations, but do let us know to be sure we have you down for camping in case they fill up/ They don't expect it, but between now and then there could be another group at the same time!

Hope that answers your question!

Grant

Hi
Don't worry about Tyres.
We have done these trail's on Tourance without any problems.

Have a good One :thumbup1:

Ha....the trick is in the language,,,, posed the question in Spanish and got a response.
Now sorted thanks.
Looks like a dirt road option from them to La Molina if you zoom in on Google Earth....
All sorted now, ferry booked...... do we purchase a map beforehand and just collect a road book or do we get both on the Monday before?

Good! :)

Maps - maps will be sent out - one per team - in the first couple of weeks of May.

Booklets - on Monday before - come prepared with markers and notebooks to make your own modifications and notes! Everyone will be able to do the updates and notes at the hotel - fabulous big room to do it all in and have a drink or two while you're at it.

Are there still places available for this years HUMM? I know it's past the closing date but two more off roaders may be interested - camping. i don't want to fill in the registartion only to find it's already full!

Yes! There are still places available - the reason for the cutoff date is logistics - getting maps to people, organising teammates for the singles, hotel reservations etc.

We will be doing all that first thing next week, so you have a few days to get in while we're in the finalising stages. Hotel rooms are not a problem at this time if you want to hotel it with the bulk of the group.

So get your registration in quick! :)

Thanks, I'll try to sort it out this evening.

G'day,
I registered about a month or two ago (with the team). Should I get something in the post?
Ta,
Bob

Bob,

Good timing! We are working on the HUMM today. We will be sending out an email in the next couple of days with all payment and hotel confirmations, and if you aren't in a Team, we will be setting up the teams too and sending that information out.

Within the next couple of weeks we'll be sending out the maps. That will be the only thing posted to you. You will pick up your checkpoint booklet on the day before at the hotel.

We have a great turnout, lots of riders, I've put in a request for perfect weather, and it's all looking good for a fantastic event! :)

I'm looking forward to getting out there! :mchappy:

Grant

Anyone fancy riding down to HUMM from London with me?

As it stands, I'm planning on doing it on my R1200GSA, and riding down from London. Plan to leave London on Fri 17th July after work to get across to France, and then bomb down Sat / Sun for the event prep day on Mon 20th.

After that, no idea about coming back; will likely take the rest of the week off and go from there.

But if someone is driving down with a van or trailer, then I'm could be persuaded to share cost & driving....

Mike.

Mike,
Two of us are going down from London on GS1150s. We can hook up with your leaving time. Fancy joining us for the ride down? :scooter::scooter::scooter:
Stephan

Depending on the dates I'm in. I need to book my ferry first and I'll come back.

Updates!
 

We still have room for more teams - it's a BIG hotel - but new registrations will NOT get a t-shirt. They're now on order and in progress.

Reg form will be GONE when we can no longer take anyone. :(

Maps will be mailed out tomorrow! :clap:

Remember you need to be there at the hotel the day before you start riding, on the 20th, at 11AM for the briefing! Then you need to sort your route, which will take you most of the day! You'll need a magnifying glass :eek3: and a red fine felt pen. I'm looking forward to watching the hair pulling and wailing! :innocent:

see you there!

Maps
 

Hi, Understand that we have a HUMM map coming, but what Michelin number map do you suggest for viewing in advance? Can you help with that - I'm sure its not cheating......!:innocent:

Maps were mailed today! No idea what Michelin map it is... :)

I ordered a spare from here:


https://www.stanfords.co.uk/stock/sp...raphic-survey/

No. 31

You can tell the paper will fall to pieces first time it gets wet... not like a good old OS map!

Heres my rough riding plan if anyone fancies tagging along:

- Riding down from London on Fri 17th
- Aiming for the 19:40 Sea France ferry from Dover to Calais, then likely stay in a hotel at Calais.
- Early start Sat am and aim for the Pyrenees, hopefully make it in a day.

EDIT - Now aiming for the 17:55 ferry.

Will be on a red 09 plate R1200GSA.

Any takers for a ride?

Mike.

Setting off tonight, Van and 2 bikes
Aiming to get to the Camp site for Satuday
:clap::clap::clap::clap:

Crossing to Caen Friday afternoon and looking to get down either Saturday night or Sunday morning if I get delayed by wet weather or cheap booze....:thumbup1:

Doing the big roads (in van with 2 bikes and camping regalia..) will do Le Mans, Bordeaux, Toulouse route.

No sleep....(till bedtime!)

Susan and I are here in the area now. :mchappy:

The weather is fantastic - but hot! :Beach: Bring a camelbak and your sunscreen.

We're currently adding a few new checkpoints, just for fun, and changing codes on many.

Looking forward to seeing you all here!

Grant and Susan

And we're looking forward to being there. We're badly in need of a holiday! We're on the Portsmouth St Malo ferry tomorrow night and riding down through France on Saturday. Hope the good weather over there keeps up, it's pretty rotten in Portsmouth tonight

Hostels in La Molina
 

Hey just got back and would like to point out that there are 2 hostels in La Molina that are affordable and closer than the suggested campsite.

The nearest hostel is Pere Carne who has 50-60 beds and being off peak was more than happy to have us in. In fact it was really easy to find, it was on the bend next door to where the Hotel La Molina is (the hotel that is closed and loads of bikers made the mistake of thinking it was the meeting place).

For 24 euros you get your standard board, using your own sleeping bag/sheets, breakfast and free wifi included.

36 euros gets you a 3 course dinner and the above.

Facilities were great, bar was cheap (about half that of the hotel prices) and it was very laid back and relaxed. We were able to cook in the garden on the nights we didn't eat their dinner.

The other hostel which was down in the village at the bottom was full owing to a school being there, but they are apparently bigger and cheaper. Maybe next year they're not so busy.

Glad to see your DRZ did you well Neil:thumbup1: Good blog
Definate vote for the Bunkhouse it was great and cheap, hotel La Molina was poor stuff especially for an evening meal:funmeterno:

Event was great mind

Cheers fella! Nice meeting you and Mel.

John & Jane (Yamaha Tenere)....
 

Does anyone have the email address for John & Jane (who were riding a Tenere) on the road route ??? I got their email address, but must have written it down incorrectly, and have some key info for them.

Or if you know them, can someone get them to contact me via the HUBB?

Cheers
Mike. (riding red GS Adventure off road)

Have posted a little video of the 2009 event over on this thread.

I am still waiting for my trophies ... "highest-scoring Cagiva at the Humm", "only Cagiva at the Humm" etc

great video :thumbup1: - sham you didnt get any of the mud hole!!

Here you go
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/wideboy/082.jpg

HG La Molina 2010
 

Hi guys,

For 2010 we will still be using the HG La Molina as the event hotel. For the HUMM, it's by far the best hotel in the entire region. We have negotiated a great rate of 50 Euros Per Person Per Night, including room and buffet style all you can eat cooked breakfast.

If you check, you will find this is a good price for this class of hotel with facilities - pool, spa, etc. If you're on a tight budget, we understand, there are other hotels/hostels in town that are a little cheaper, and also camping nearby. But they don't have the facilities we need to run the whole event.

Please do keep in mind that it is important that we fill the hotel so that we can take over the entire garage, which is perfect for bike prep / repairs, and all the common areas for planning, not to mention the bar and restaurant for the after-riding festivities! If half the participants decided to stay at another hotel or hostel to save a few quid, and therefore half the hotel is filled with non-participants, it would hugely detract from the whole event for everyone.

Finally, we have worked closely with the Hotel HG La Molina management so that they know what to expect, and we believe that next year will be much smoother re meal service, including buffet-style dinners to reduce waiting times, and a price of 15 Euros that is VERY competitive with other restaurants in town, especially considering it's a buffet - all you can eat!

See you next year - registration page will be up soon!

Cheers,
Susan

Sounds good Susan:funmeteryes:

What are the dates for 2010
Also from this years event is there a gallery for everyones shots?
i also noticed Grant on the vid camera, any chance of knowing if thats being put up, as Grant said he would be uploading it??

HUMM 2009 video
 

This is part 1 of Team Furieux' adventures during HUMM 2009

Video

Gallery - post your pictures right here! :)

Video - haven't had time - our video time is all dedicated to the DVD series, so until that's done, sorry. :(

Grant

HUMM 2010 is July 27-29, HUMM 2010 registration and details here