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7 Oct 2004
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Gold Member
HUBB regular
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Join Date: May 2002
Location: Western NC USA
Posts: 62
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Me and a bud will be in the general area of Big Bend Park/Presidio on the 10th, 11th or 12th. If you run past a Transalp and a Dakar wave us down and chat awhile.
Leavin out of NC and N. Ga. today -- see you on the road.
Kurt, May try some dirt on the way down from Presidio. Look for a dust cloud. 
Jim D
__________________
Jim
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7 Oct 2004
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Registered Users
New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Lutts, TN, USA
Posts: 3
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"I wouldn't sweat it. When we drove down in 1997, we didn't bother with licenses. Just use common sense and don't flaunt it if you're at a checkpoint.
If you're in a large city, don't be surprised if the locals hassle you a lot once they hear you. :-) It's all in good fun but it gets old after 10 minutes."
Since you have been there, maybe you can tell me if it`s OK for motorcycles to go to the head of the military checkpoint lines. Someone on another list said they are not interested in checking MC riders, and let them through. Doug
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7 Oct 2004
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Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Posts: 233
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I always wait. They have guns and I'm shy! Sometimes they check (maybe just out of curiousity) and sometimes they just wave you past. I have had my bags gone through pretty thouroughly once.
Kurt
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7 Oct 2004
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Registered Users
HUBB regular
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Nevada City, CA, US
Posts: 34
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Sorry, guys not going to be able to make this one. Maybe if I had two weeks. I have a lot on my plate right now. I have the bug though. I'll be on the East Coast for the meeting in NC next summer.
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8 Oct 2004
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: May 2002
Location: Phoenix AZ USA
Posts: 132
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Quote:
Originally posted by Kurt:
I always wait. They have guns and I'm shy! Sometimes they check (maybe just out of curiousity) and sometimes they just wave you past. I have had my bags gone through pretty thouroughly once.
Kurt
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What Kurt says... these are for the most part 19-20 year old kids who might be excited seeing something as strange as we look coming up too fast. Generally speaking, if the list is long, there are other soldiers watching the queue in case someone trys to dump something. Motion them over and ask if you can ease around.
Mostly, they're very friendly although sometimes they want to play, "Let's make the gringo open his bags." Don't sweat it.
I think that the most important thing to take to Mexico is a good ATTITUDE. It's their country/their rules. Go with the flow, don't get excited and enjoy the game.
If you can't understand that or even tolerate it, go to Disney. Don't turn into the ugly 'merican and make it difficult for others that are sure to follow behind you.
If you can do that, you'll have a blast. The people are friendly as you move away from the border. Wave at the kids, enjoy the countryside, spend money with the roadside vendors, etc.
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Gerry
PHX AZ USA
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8 Oct 2004
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Registered Users
New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 19
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The first question is always "a donde va?" where are you going? and where are you from.
Remember that most the check point guards are just kids from the country that have been stationed on some remote highway and theyre usually bored out of thier minds. They will be very interested in your bike, i.e. how fast does it go?, How much it costs? etc.
Smile and be cheerfull you'll get past faster.
Also you may run into a PGR check point, they are looking for drugs and guns. They are polite but assertive, be patient and dont piss them off.
It's the local federales who get the wise ideas. . . ride with caution around them. (slow)
should you not wish to be searched, put some third rate cheapo porn mags on top of your luggage. When they find them, give them as gifts. Also the helmet makes a discreet storage place.
Mexican law is draconian, stiff penalties for minor offences, so act accordingly.
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9 Oct 2004
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Gold Member
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: NY, USA
Posts: 356
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One last call. I'll be leaving NYC early tomorrow. Several people (well at least 2) will be at Lone Star BMW the morning of Oct 12 for some service before the run to the border. The more the merrier!
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Brooklyn Dakar
http://motorcycleramblings.blogspot.com/
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20 Oct 2004
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HU Founder
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Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,313
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Quick update from an internet cafe enroute home:
If you didn't make it to Mexico for the meeting - and even some that pre-registered didn't - you really missed a great time!
We ended up with 92 people, more than 50% increase over last year. The weather was perfect, the riding awesome - I even got to do some myself! 
Lots of great presentations, lots of talk, and lots of plans made for future trips. There were 6 (that I know of) folks heading on south for Ushuaiua too!
Jim Hyde's 3 hour off-road rider training went over big, with nothing but rave reviews.
Just to make sure you include Copper Canyon Meeting in your next years plans - Jim will be back with more off-road rider training courses, and for those who just couldn't face the freeway drone - or the border crossing - we'll have rental dual sport bikes available (pre-booked only) at the meeting!
Keep an eye on the Meetings page for more details as we lock everything down. Time will be about the same, in the September 10-18 area.
We are debating doing it mid-week instead of the weekend. Comments? Which would you prefer?
See you there in '05!
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Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
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Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
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20 Oct 2004
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: May 2002
Location: Phoenix AZ USA
Posts: 132
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Quote:
Originally posted by Grant Johnson:
Keep an eye on the Meetings page for more details as we lock everything down. Time will be about the same, in the September 10-18 area.
We are debating doing it mid-week instead of the weekend. Comments? Which would you prefer?
See you there in '05!
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Yep...we made it home also... pretty close to 700 miles in one day. :-)
I would prefer a midweek meeting. That would give others a couple of days to get there and home and for us in AZ, we could extend our route to/from the event.
__________________
Gerry
PHX AZ USA
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21 Oct 2004
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HU Founder
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Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,313
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Photos wanted - if you have any photos from the meeting, please let me know!
You could also get published, I have received a request for photos for an article. No pay, just fame! 
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Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
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Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
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21 Oct 2004
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Contributing Member
HUBB regular
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Join Date: May 2003
Location: Gun Barrel City, Texas
Posts: 36
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Grant,
Thank you for putting on such a great event. It was more than I expected. The Villa Mexicana was a great place to stay, either camping or cabins and the food was good also. The many different configurations on the bikes sure does give one a bunch of ideas for long distance travel. Also, thanks for taking the time to talk to me one on one about my KLR and how to make it as bullet proof as possible for my biggie trip in 2006. The information is appreciated. Talking to Juan Ibarra (sp??) was great. Listening to him talk about riding in different parts of our world made me want to start my trip right then. Would have had to clear it with the wife first.<G>
For those that didn't come you missed a first rate rally. The evening slide shows are things dreams are made of. Made is very easy to sleep at night just rerunning the slide shows in my head.<G> The folks that showed up were very willing to share any knowledge they had about their trips or bikes. Very unique group of people in the way they share.
Thanks to all but especially to Grant and Carol for putting this together.
John
Quote:
Originally posted by Grant Johnson:
Quick update from an internet cafe enroute home:
If you didn't make it to Mexico for the meeting - and even some that pre-registered didn't - you really missed a great time!
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code fixed by Grant
[This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 21 October 2004).]
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22 Oct 2004
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HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,313
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Thanks John!
(I assume you mean my wife Susan not Carol?)
Others to thank for putting it all together would be Gerardo Ibarra and Arturo Macias, plus all those who helped out where needed, and especially all the presenters for putting together terrific slide shows and getting up in front of everyone and inspiring us to get out there and just do it.
My thanks to all above, and especially to all those who made it to the meeting - you're the ones who made it a success!
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Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
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Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
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22 Oct 2004
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Registered Users
HUBB regular
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Join Date: May 2004
Location: Counce, TN USA
Posts: 20
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Grant,
I have a few pics of the meeting and area if you want them for your article or the site. Let me know.
Thanks for another GREAT HU meeting. I got to see some old friends, and made plenty of new ones.
Regards,
Bruce
Quote:
Originally posted by Grant Johnson:
Photos wanted - if you have any photos from the meeting, please let me know!
You could also get published, I have received a request for photos for an article. No pay, just fame!
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quote code fixed by Grant
[This message has been edited by gaspipe (edited 21 October 2004).]
[This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 21 October 2004).]
__________________
gaspipe
[the original]
KTM 540 EXC
R1100GS Rallye
KTM 950 Super Enduro
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22 Oct 2004
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HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,313
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Bruce, thanks, good to hear you enjoyed it!
RE pics - not for an article I'm doing, someone else at the meeting is doing one for a mag.
Click "Contact Horizons" at the bottom of the page to get me direct, and I'll tell you what to do with the pics. Thanks again, and see you next year!
What's your vote - weekend or midweek for next year?
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
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Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
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22 Oct 2004
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Registered Users
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Join Date: May 2004
Location: Counce, TN USA
Posts: 20
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I vote for midweek - it'd be easier to get to/from.
Bruce
__________________
gaspipe
[the original]
KTM 540 EXC
R1100GS Rallye
KTM 950 Super Enduro
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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
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
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Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle 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 all over the world with the help of volunteers; 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, or ask questions on the HUBB. 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.
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helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
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