Canada Ontario 2014 HU Travellers Meeting, near Parry Sound, Sep 11-14, 2014
 

We're very pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2014 Horizons Unlimited Ontario Overland Adventure Travellers meeting, to be held from Sep 11-14!
HU Travellers Meeting Ontario 2014 | Horizons Unlimited

We're back at Camp Manitou, on Lake Manitouwabing, north of Parry Sound. Fabulous venue and fantastic riding, not to mention the great food!

If you register and pay before the end of December you can save $50 on a full event pass.

Typical comments from 2013:

"Thank you again for organizing such a great meeting. It was our first and we are certainly looking to attend again."
"Camp Manitou was a great place for this event. The food was excellent. It was fantastic."
"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!"
"A special thanks goes out to Bill Hooykaas for leading us through a great GS ride along the Algonquin trail. Like Andy and Keith said: 'What a hoot!'"

HU Travellers meetings are for everyone who dreams of adventure along the road less travelled, on two wheels or four. There are no bands and no wild parties, but we do have great people and interesting bikes - and fantastic stories about travelling to interesting places, plus tech seminars on everything from tire changing to GPS usage to packing lists. For a taster of HU meetings, see the video here:
HU Events, the place to meet and be inspired by other travellers! | Horizons Unlimited

We are very grateful to have a strong organizing team for 2014, led by Bill Hooykaas. Our thanks to Bill and the team for stepping up to make this event happen, but they can use some help, so please consider volunteering when you sign up. It's a great way to meet people too!

We're all here to learn, so if you have information to share, consider signing up as a Presenter - free entry and t-shirt - bonus! :)
Please pass this on to any serious travellers and would-be travellers you think might be interested in attending or presenting!

Thanks for anything you can do to help spread the word about the event. There is a poster on the webpage you can print off and hand around to local venues and bike shops too!

As we count down the days, you can get the latest event updates by subscribing to this thread, (thread tools, subscribe) or 'Liking' the HU Ontario event page on Facebook.

We'll be there, and hope to see you there!

Grant and Susan Johnson
Welcome to the global home of motorcycle travel and overland adventure travel! | Horizons Unlimited

Will be there, always great people to meet, trails to ride and adventures to hear about, and the camp and food are top drawer!:funmeterno:

General questions about HU Camp Manitou event
 

Hi,

Last year I attended my first HU Travelers Event at Iron Horse Lodge in Stecoah, NC. I am investigating the 2014 HU Ontario event at Camp Manitou.

Can anyone share more information about:

- On the HU website, I saw some photos of deep rutted roads. What are the general day loop riding options and conditions?

- Does anyone have a compiled list of short loop rides and destinations?

- Where is closest place to stock up on provisions and beverages like wine? Any grocery stores nearby?

- What was the temperature and weather like in September?

- For those tent camping, I assume there is common bathroom and shower facilities?

- Are meals cafeteria style buffet, or served at window like Iron Horse?

- Does Camp Manitou rent towels, provide washer / dryer facilities, and rent coolers?

Just trying to do my planning early. Many thanks.

Kam

Sure thing Kam. Bill here, host of this years event. Answers are highlighted below your questions.

I'm signed up! Maybe you'll even have to listen to me talk again!


Is it too early to reserve that same camping spot?

http://xspain.smugmug.com/Travel/Hor...2_122639-L.jpg

Hi Susan,

Is this HUBB session a good place to start discussion about things like:

- Border crossing tips for U.S. travelers & other advice for our lower 48 state riders.
- Pros and cons of travelling the east vs. of west of the Lake Ontario up to HU event.
- How do you travel 407 ETR without electronic pass or cash.
- Scenic route recommendations from Mid-Atlantic region.
- Must see destination, routes, places around HU event.

Otherwise, please direct me to a good place to start posting Q&A and discussion.

I cannot wait.

Kam

Thanks Bill. Your responses greatly appreciated. Perfect.

Thanks.

Kam

I'm not useful for route stuff, since I spend a lot of time with no clue where I am or how I got there. But I can say there's a lot of pretty stuff 'round those parts.

You can travel on the 407 without the epass or cash, they will mail you a bill later. At least, that's what they've done with me.

I've gone to this event twice, both times from the west, so I can't help you with which side of Lake Ontario. I can say the Niagara side is pretty developed, and that is where I am planning to cross this year since I'll be coming from the south. I want to visit the Tesla Museum and...you know..Niagara Falls (which I've seen but are still cool).

As for border crossing, it's not that bad. But don't exchange money right at the border. Even though it's Canada they'll still (apparently) rip you off. Grr. Have your passport, make sure you say you have a job back home, smile lots, don't bring a gun.

So, I should make sure the clean the mud off my license plate before getting on the 407 toll. Thanks.

There are non-toll options as well. The 401, I think.

GPS Coordinates & Camp Manitou address clarification
 

I noticed the HU Ontario web Events page has two different street address for Camp Manitou. The first address on the right pane states 110 Camp Road. The second one at the bottom of the page states 10 Camp Road. Moreover, the Camp Manitou home website has 199 Camp Road. I made some inquiries directly to the staff at Camp Manitou, and this is the explanation for various addresses:

Quote:

"I hope you are well. Thanks for the email. Simply put good question. Our mailing address is 10 camp road, our courier address is the 199 camp road for the purpose of gps our address is 110 Camp Road, McKellar ON, P0G 1C0. Sorry for the confusion it is a remote area which is why all of the confusion exists because our property is so large they have the three designations."

I also noticed my Garmin nuvi 1490 software has no Camp Road. But it does recognize "The Camp Road." Typing in "The" Camp Road, brings my GPS to correct address. If your GPS doesn't show Camp Road, I would use the 110 THE Camp Road address for your GPS. The GPS coordinates for 110 The Camp Road are as follows:

DMS format (Degrees, Minutes, Second):
N 45° 29' 32.292"
W 79° 52' 58.373"

DD format (Decimal Degrees) :
Latitude: 45.492303
Longitude: -79.882882

Kam

I didn't have a GPS or map that showed the roads around McKellar. There are signs to the camp, and really there just isn't that much around there. I like to think I can get lost with the best of them, but I found it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

backroads
 

All of the 400 series highways are boring on a motorcycle. There are lots nice scenic alternate backroads and highways.

Going north from the Carling Bay area you won't be disappointed by this route. The last few kilometers is good condition gravel and the rest is well paved with some nice twisties.

http://tinyurl.com/northbound2HU

Any questions? windtogo.wordpress.com
I live in Kingston Ontario but previously in Parry Sound so I know some of the nice back roads and am happy to help any HU riders to decide on a good route.

Any scenic roads from Virginia to Ontrario HU event?
 

Hi,

I am planning on attending the HU Ontario event. I live in Virginia. Just outside Washington, DC. I am trying to find scenic roads, places, and byways for my trip. Any suggestions?

Kam

From group: HU Ontario Parry Sound 2014
It would be interesting to have the perpective as speaker of the young Holly Johsnon (she was their last year as a participan)t and she did an amazing trip "Motorcycle for Miracles Hall of Fame" with her Dad Bruce Johnson

https://www.facebook.com/events/625767034133395/

Towns and Places I should visit
 

I am coming up from Virginia (south). I would like to spend my days seeing the area. Does anyone have cities, towns, and landmarks to visit within 100 to 200 radius of Camp Manitou HU Event?

Gf kam
 

Hi,

Look out for a 2014 Grey VStrom stickered bags Chile Mexico Alaska etc.....I will give you some ideas.........Manitoulin Isl, The Temiscaming Loop or just riding around the Muskoka Lakes

Bob

And if you see a red SR250 with an HU map sticker on the windshield stop and say "Hi."

I won't be able to give you any useful route suggestions. In fact, I'll probably be lost and could use some help. Or at least a suggestion, I kind of like being lost.

There really aren't many towns...just Canada. Once you get past Barrie, grab a map and look for a way to spend a day off of the 400 roads. Georgian Bay will make you forget the Chesapeake as a sailor's paradise...and the price of beer will make you wish you were back in Virginia. A bit of a loop to the west can take you to Tobamory and the ferry to Mantoulin Island with a causeway leading northeast back to the mainland and up to Parry Sound. That's my suggestion...but what do I know?
JohnDjeiger

Cant' wait for the HU meeting in Camp Manitou!! I live not far from the area..well 300km, it's not far!!:scooter: See you all!!!jeiger

Do the shared cabin bunks have pad / mattress?
 

Does anyone know if the 6 person shared cabin bunks have some kind of a pad or mattress on them?

Somewhere I recollect reading, we need to bring a sleeping bag / pad for bunks.

Hamilton to HU meeting Friday Morning
 

I will be heading to the meeting Friday morning from Hamilton, ON. Anyone interested in sharing the ride. Thinking of a back road route, not the 400..

The shared cabin bunks do have mattress. See official response from Camp Manitou below.

Hi Kam
We are excited to welcome back Horizons and you to Camp Manitou. All of the group cabins have bunks with mattresses on them. We only use the lower bunks. They all have full washroom facilities, but we do not provide bedding so a sleeping bag or alike would be best. Let me know if you need anything at all.

Dave

Original Message


Hello,

I am planning on attending the upcoming Horizons Unlimited event at your camp. Can you tell me if the 6 person shared cabin bunks have a pad or mattress? Should we bring our own camping mattress / pad and sleeping bag?

Look forward to staying at Camp Manitou and surrounding area.

I will post the information on Horizons Unlimited forum.

Regards,

Kam

I'm really looking forward to the event. I don't live too far away in Barrie. There are all sorts of roads and trails in the area to keep those looking for adventure happy. Temps have cooled down which means the bugs aren't bad at all. The leaves are starting to turn already and probably be spectacular if the cool nights keep up.

Hello to anyone reading / following this thread. This will be my first HU and I'm in Toronto so it's about 2.5 hours ride for me. Unfortunately, I can't be there for the entire event so I am planning to ride up early Saturday morning (maybe Friday afternoon if I can arrange it with my wife...). In any case, I don't think I will have my knobbies in time so I won't be doing the big ride but if anyone wants to john me on any local road / gravel runs on Saturday and Sunday, let me know. Also, for anyone traveling from out of town who needs a guided tour from Toronto to the HU event site on interesting / non highway roads, let me know and we can coordinate. Admittedly, I'm rarely on this forum ( spend most of my time on advrider.com where I go by alongat) but you can email me directly at alongat.gat@gmail.com (yes - first name last name dot last name at gmail dot com).

Looking forward to the event and meeting a bunch of great people.

Hi, I would like attend the Manitou travellers meeting!
Is it possible for me to just show up and join in?
Can I register & pay when I get there?
Will I be able to get a meal plan and tent site without notice?
Thanks!!!

Just Show Up
 

Hi,

No problem....just show up......hundreds of tent sites..........you will need to pay cash as the site isn't set up for Visa etc....

Bob
hickeryonthemove

Great news, thank you Bob! Looking forward to it!!

We recommend riding Sunday after the event - you'll miss a LOT if you go on a big ride Saturday and only get there Saturday!

The off road ride is a VERY good one, BUT the presentations and workshops are so good you won't want to miss out. MOST people park their bike on arrival and don't touch them again till time to go home.

It's not a riding event, it's about getting inspired and learning how to go a little farther, and connecting with travellers who've been there and done it - and will encourage you to go too!

Contact Alon by clicking his name - best not to put an email address in a post - otherwise the spambots will collect it and send you MORE spam.

See you there!

Yes, just show up and you'll be welcomed!

BUT:
Tent site no issue, but we could run out of food if too many people just show up! The venue buys FOR US - and adds a percentage on top for showups - but if we and they guess wrong...

BEST is to pre-register, second best is to get there early and book your food quick!

The food by the way is fantastic! EVERYONE raved about it last year, right down to the bedtime snack included!

Yes, it's in the webpage with the details, also there are no towels supplied so bring one if you want a shower, or if you don't, no problem, we have a corner at the back reserved for the towelless... :Beach:

Basically - there are NO linens supplied.

IF you should forget, ask - kids have been known to leave stuff behind them :)

DRAFT Presentation Schedule now posted!
 

You can download the PDF of the presentation schedule below:

Please note it is subject to change!

Cabines
 

Is Thérèse privante cabinet still available for 3 nights
Paul

Jody from A Vicious Cycle here. Seem we left a yellow Redverz tent in the spot we were camped in. If anyone picked it up with the ground sheet please let me know and I will make arrangements to get it returned to myself.


Thanks

Great Weekend
 

This was my first HUBB meeting. It was fantastic, great presentations and everyone attending are top notch people.
I am spreading the word as much as possible. I bumped into a guy on the ride home, on a gravel cross road near Milton on a Tiger 800XC and put the bug in his ear. Hopefully one more attendee next year.
Thanks again.

Had a great time and met lots of fantastic people. Here are a few photos from the weekend.

RR

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps7f1df777.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...pse0f1b48c.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps24ef8c61.jpg

few more.

RR

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps0fa0185e.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps79dc6884.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...psa8fb7428.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...psfea4d795.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...psb64ef6d0.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...psc50451c6.jpg

A few photos from HU Ontario 2014 , Camp Manitou
 

Wonderful event as always! A tad on the chilly side with a cold front that came in on Thursday. Some of my favorite photos:

Great week end !!!!

Thank's every ones .

....

.....

Walter, I lost your email.

Don

We are 3/3 so far.
 

Great event. They get better every year. We have gone for the past three years and will continue to do so.

We should organize a group departure from Ottawa for the people coming from the East next year as there are a few very nice roads to get to the event location.

... Only drawback is getting back to work on Monday after hearing the stories of the people who have the guts to "do it".

Excellentes photos Kio et content de t'avoir rencontré.:thumbup1:

Eric

Merci Eric très heureux de cette magnifique fin de semaine !!!!

This was the first Ontario HU I missed, and I'm sad. Bike bike did an admirable job of destorying it's intake when I left the NC event, and there was just no way I could get repairs done and get there in time.

Next year is a new year.