Horizons Unlimited Ireland 2015 - June 26-28
 

Lend a hand?
 

Hi Guys,

I've just ridden from Melbourne to Birmingham, through South Korea, Russia, Mongolia, Khazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Kalliningrad, Estonia, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany and Holland. Details on my blog here:

sophiewhiptank | Just a bloke riding home.

I'm moving to Cork early next year and I'm happy to lend a hand, I used to be a technical instructor too! PM me if you're interested. I'd contact you directly but I don't know who "Liam, Naomi, Jochen and the team" are!!

Cheers,
Mark.

PM sent Wasman beer

Hurray
 

I've definitely got this one pencilled in the diary, hopefully there will be a group of us riding over from the UK.
Looking forward to it :scooter:

HU Ireland Overland Vehicles
 

Hi. Just a quick message to ask if the Ireland meet is open to those of us with 4 wheels. As no HUBB Donnington in 2015 I am looking for an alternative. Many thanks, Dave. :clover:

Hi, I'm not answering in an official capacity here but there where other 4 wheel vehicles there last year so I don't think there will be a problem. I'm sure someone will confirm shortly. Its an excellent event, local to me, in a nice area to explore so you should come if you can!

Signed up and paid, looking forward to it!

Hi Dave
4 Wheelers are more than welcome to the event and parking is not a problem.

Hope to see you there!

Liam

Booked
 

Booked & looking forward to the tropical Irish sunshine & hearing some travellers tales already.

Hoping to ride across from London leaving the weekend prior or so & looping round from the Wexford ferry terminal along the South & up the West Coast to my parents place in a Mayo first then across to the meet.

Anyone considering heading in roughly the same direction let me know.

See you all there!

All booked in. :mchappy:

On the thursday 10.30pm ferry liverpool to belfast, if you want to join us in the bar for a drink.bier

Laid back
 

For me it was the most chilled out and relaxed event of 2014, I'm really looking forward the this one. It's my summer overseas holiday.

Hi,
Interested in going to this meet. would anybody know if it is off road to get there or paved roads? i'm on a road bike.
Thanks Kevin

I suspect that the only off road riding required will be the field we camp in

Thought as much. Thanks.
What would be the best ferry to use. I am in South Africa but my bike is in Telford. left SA last year to JFK then after a few months touring the USA and Canada flew from Vancouver to Frankfurt. heading back to the UK end of May.
Went to the Hubb meeting in Nakusp BC last year. was great to meet other travelers.

Kevin

Hi Kevin

as you are setting off from Telford I would suggest either the Holyhead - Dublin or the Liverpool - Belfast ferries will be the most direct routes for you. Both will require a 2 hour jaunt to the campsite after disembarkation. Check out https://www.stenaline.co.uk/ferries-to-ireland

Dave

Hi Kevin

David's advice on ferry routes is spot on. Definitely no off-roading needed to get to the site. Camping facilities are as close to perfect as you could ask..we camp on a hurling/football pitch (perfect drainage) and the hall used for presentations is within staggering (used advisedly.hey this is Ireland we are talking about!!) distance from there.

Hope you can make it and look forward to seeing you there.

Liam

Plans are coming together well for the meeting in Enniskillen and for up to date information on presenters keep checking out

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/events/ireland-2015

or

https://www.facebook.com/events/1510...98620/?fref=ts

Why not help spread the word on the event by "sharing" the facebook page with your friends?

Liam

Hi, HU event newbie here. I am booked for June and will be travelling from London. I look forward to a good time and hopefully, a kick to JFDI

Hi Hugues

You can be sure of a warm welcome at the event. Don't worry about being a newbie. Once you arrive you will be amoung friends and like minded people.

Keep an eye on the Events page on HUBB and, if you are on facebook, check out and follow the "HU Ireland 2015" events page where will keep you up to date on planned presenters and other useful information.

We have a great line-up of presenters and this is being added to all the time. Did I mention that we are really excited to have Tiffany Coates, possibly the most travelled female adventure biker ever, coming along to Enniskillen? That will be one of the many presentations which are "do not miss"

Looking forward to meeting you and you can be assured of a GREAT weekend.bier

Liam

Good to see you're attending. Where you getting the boat from mate ?

I'm doing my best to go too.

I am just looking at ferries. Coming from near London I plan to take the Holyhead to Dublin one. Quick question, how realistic is it to aim for an 08:45 return ferry on Sunday morning? Does much happen on the Sunday? Many thanks

A night in Stirling???
 

Hi Ted, booked on the 11:30 AM Stena superfast V111ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast(100 quid return).
Cairnryan is just over an hours ride from my place in Stirling, if you can get booked on that ferry you are more than welcome to stay in my humble abode the night before.
Jake

That would be a VERY early start from Enniskillen on Sunday morning. And , trust me , the craic and atmosphere on Saturday night should not be missed :D I would definitely suggest a later boat on Sunday if that can be fitted into your schedule.

Perfect, sounds like very good advice. I am looking forward to the event even more now! Cheers

Well, I live 2 miles away from the Liverpool (really Birkenhead) ferry terminal.

But Hollyhead is cheaper. Cheers all the same.

Probably see you at the bar beer

Mark, did you move yet?
I'm in Kinsale if you want to drop by.

WW

Do you reckon I could do a presentation ?? Shamelessly to get a free ticket as a ferry trip to Ireland is rather pricey and I've spent all my money on broken engines and broken bikes.


Topics to chose from include.

How to moan on Facebook about the weather.
How to spend all day drinking tea instead of working.
Why backpacking is rubbish.
Why I don't like modern BMW's.
How to efficiently waste money on motorcycle improvements.


Or perhaps something useful ???

How to buy a second hand Overland bike.
How to pack tools and spares for the road.


I suppose I could do something about travel but you can read all that crap on my blog :P

How about a presentation on prepping an overland bike and on the road maintenance Ted, that would be different and compliment the travel presentations, HU ireland has had some notable instances where attendees have been inspired to do trips, many would find your mechanical experiences really interesting and useful.

Oh and Jochen the main man buys everyone who presents a pint of Guinness!!beer or so a leprechaun told me !:rofl:bier

Who's the person to talk to ?

Oh and Jochen the main man buys everyone who presents a pint of Guinness!!beer or so a leprechaun told me !:rofl:bier[

First I have heard of this bierbeer

You have a PM Ted:clap:

Oh heck what have I started!:oops2: We'll have 150 presenters, Jochen will be broke and the whole HU meeting will be Brahms and Liszt ! beer:funmeteryes:

Booked !!!
 

Ferry booked..

Getting the overnight ferry from Liverpool (Birkenhead) to Belfast. Leaves at 22.30 and arrives next day at 06.30.

Joining me is David Kitson (RTW conqueror) and James Watson (African riding hero).

I live literally 10 minutes from the Birkenhead Ferry Terminal in Prenton. We're all meeting at my workshop.

If anyone else wants to meet us at my workshop for last minute tyre kicking (please no tyre changes lol) , or at the ferry Terminal, please feel welcome.


After the HUBB we're going to go exploring so any advice is welcome.

Ted

Booked
 

Booked and paid for. Friday morning ferry from Holyhead. Return Sunday evening.

Looking forward to it .

:D

I m getting the 20.40 Sunday night, with cabin. Grab some sleep. Get to London and work Monday.

I have my ferry booked . If I have enough beers and you all go easy on me I'd like to do my first ever presentation . I could do a talk on.......
RTW on a Yamaha xt600
12 months in South America on a x challenge
Or Vietnam on a Chinese Honda win
Maybe show a few photos with some ramblings about them all plus a bit more

Are you travelling on the Thursday night. if so I'll either see you at the ferry port (or in the barbeer !!)

DaveR

Yup.. Thursday night sailing. 10.30pm.

The ferry is in Birkenhead. 10 mins from my house.

A few days exploring the emerald isle Ted?

It's a possibility aye

Ferry
 

I m getting the 20.40 ferry Sunday night, either stay in Wales that night or crack on back to London.
Re ferry do they strap down bike for you or is it supply own straps? Always gone on euro tunnel.

Cheers

I've used that ferry before. They'll supply straps for you. Tie it down yourself or ask for assistance. The lads on that boat are very helpful but at loading/unloading times they are very busy. They might be a bit rough and ready with their tie down technique so if you're fussy about a dirty strap touching your gleaming bike you might want to do it yourself.

Ireland = danger
 

Heading for HU meet with trepidation. Old men and alcohol is a sure road to disaster. Very old men with alcohol, yeah well....
But looking forward to meeting with old friends and new, sending you to sleep with tales of my Indian travels, avoiding the black stuff and (hopefully) surviving....
:oops2: or Grandpa Oops as my grandchildren call me. I wonder why!

Thanks
 

Thanks for the info ..

Interested in doing a wee bit of exploring before or after the event? Have a look at this site

Off the Beaten Track

put together for Fermanagh Tourist office by Eddie McGovern and Brian McGirr, both bikers and both great supporters of HU Ireland. The site is still in development but Eddie and Brian have told me that many of the routes are perfect for two wheel exploring of this beautiful part of Ireland.

Enjoy! :clap:

Enniskillen June 26-28
 

What's the actual address of this event guys.....
i'm new to the site.....currently i'm in the Armed Forces serving down the Falkland Islands.....but will be back for June
Currently i'm planning a trip from East to West of Canada in 2016

cheers

Home page is the place to look
 

I see some interesting speakers are being lined up for this event. Do you need to book for specific sessions too? The off the beaten track site looks fantastic

Just reading through the thread here. Just a word on the Ferry to and from Ireland, North and South.

If you are thinking of coming from UK mainland and want to book a ferry at a discounted price try Nutt Travel Nutt Travel :: Home

You will definitely get a deal and their bookings are very flexible.

Travel times from Belfast to Enniskillen are around 1 hour 45 minutes along the M1. longer on the A roads.

From Dublin 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on how hard you want to drive.

If your traveling from Rosslare (Fishguard) take 4 hours or longer.

Anyone interested in looking for a green lane whilst in Ireland better not look for anything north of the border.

There are plenty of facilities nearby but you will need to drive to them.

Dublin to HUIE, is the direct route (quickest route) a toll road for bikes?

Sent from SYDland......

Dean the meeting is fairly easy to get to, its located just outside Enniskillen, which has direct links to both Belfast and Dublin.

If coming from Belfast you can turn off at Lisbellaw and follow the route below :

Bing Maps - Driving Directions, Traffic and Road Conditions

Site is a GAA ground, you will be camping on the actual field :

http://i.imgur.com/KcbVeCW.jpg

Sat Nav Co-Ords :

54.347235, -7.548235

Google Maps Link : https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/...!3m1!1s0x0:0x0

Just signed up, really looking forward to this one - haven't been on HUBB meetings before!

Will be riding to the event from Dublin, will perhaps leave the office bit early on Friday like 3-4pm to be at the place by 6-7ish. Hope its not too late :).

We are working on the running order at the moment and to fit in all the great presentations, we will be kicking off at 3.00pm on Friday. We will also have a full program on Saturday and Sunday morning so whatever time you arrive you can be assured of a busy and inspiring weekend.

A detailed information email will be winging its way within the next week to everyone who has registered. See you all there bier

Have the emails ben sent?, haven't noticed one in my inbox

Just got the email an hour ago or so, so I guess they're on the way to everyone.

Great schedule, really looking forward to the event!

Timing is everything!!

Emails sent about one hour ago bier

17 days to go

C U there.

Hey!

I'm thinking of coming to this event, and I'm looking at the ferry times.

In terms of events on friday and sunday, is there a lot happening? If there's a lot on friday day I might get the ferry thursday, and would get the late ferry back sunday if that's an equally busy day.

Alternatively, would anyone mind sending me the schedule of events? :)

Thanks!

Hi Agour

Can you pm me your email address (or email me at liammcilhone at hotmail dot com )and I will forward details for the weekend (running order, how to get there etc)

First presentation is at 3.30pm on Friday and we will finish up about midday on Sunday. The longer you stay the more you will enjoy the weekend, so a Thursday ferry and late Sunday return would certainly be the preferred option.

We are nudging up towards our numbers limit (Insurance/ Health and safety requirements doh ) and so I would recommend you get your name in the hat by registered as soon as possible. If you have never been to a HU meeting before, I can assure you that you will not regret coming along. One word of caution.........you will develop a severe case of "itchy feet syndrome" when you return home!! :clap:

Liam

I'm not sure if that was just clever marketing suggesting that you're getting near to the limit.. but it worked haha. Just bought my ticket :)

Ok will do thanks, I'll send you an email now!

Cheers

Received all the emails regarding timings, thanks!

Ferry's now also booked, leaving liverpool at 10:30 on thursday night, then I'll have a ride up to giants causeway and such on the friday daytime if anyone fancies that.

Looking forward to a great event :)
 

I'm presenting with Paul Mooney on Friday on our charity trip last year, be gentle with us!

I'll be riding over Thursday from North Norfolk to Cairnryan where I'm getting the ferry across to Belfast. Not sure of the exact plans Thursday evening, will depend on travel and times so may see you guys then or first thing Friday!

Never been to NI before so looking forward to the experience and what looks like a great weekend of talks and experience sharing :)

Getting closer
 

Looking forward to Chris and Paul starting off proceedings at 15.30 on Friday.

Well worth making the effort to get to the venue in time for this.

And don't worry Chris.....you will be in the company of like-minded friends over the weekend.

It's going to be great .:D

Quick question as I've never been to HUBB meetings before - is there someone usually around the campsite during the day when the presentations are running? Just thinking how safe the tent content would be - not from other attendees obviously :), but from "unwanted guests".

I hear there are a couple of scousers going.... Beware.

Usually at events there are plenty of people milling about the tents area. If you really that concerned about safety lock your valuables in your panniers or get a ski cable lock to secure the zips of your tent. For me I'm usually carrying my valuables (wallet phone keys).

Sent from SYDland......

Plan A B C...
 

Getting exciting about attending my first HU event this weekend.

So...
- Time off work organised.. check
- Have packing list... check
- Bike in good order... check
- Pass full licence test so I can ride my lovely BMW G650GS out of the Republic of Ireland into the North for 20 miles or so... NOOooooooo...

Oh dear, we have a problem Huston.

I've mulled over my options, like:

Plan A - leaving the bike at home (Dublin) and bussing up, but just can't get that to feel okay in my mind.

Plan B - to store it for Fri and Sat night just south of the border, and bus the last wee bit... feasible, but don't like the bike being out of sight for so long

Plan C - ask around and see if someone with 'Ride other Bike' insurance cover would be prepared to ride it from the border to the meeting around Friday lunchtime, and back again Sunday afternoon.

Is Plan C a goer? If so, is there anyone out there who may be able to help me out for a beer or two, and lots of smiles?

Site is fairly remote and safe. One entrance in etc. Gear will be safe, but if you have doubts as advised lock it away. Its a great event, dont miss it!

:D

I live locally and will be happy to help you if need be. I could give you a route with very little traffic if you want? PM me and I'll help get you sorted.

post # 2... one more to go before I can send a PM!

Thanks, very kind of you.

Riding all the way there is Plan N - N for nervous... but never say never! If I wasn't riding alone, maybe... perhaps... ooooh, so temping... but...

As I'm helping with the set up, bringing sound gear etc I wont be riding myself, but I'm sure someone will be. Join the facebook group and ask?

As dmac says, the site has one entrance and is well away from "unwanted guests" In the 5 previous events on this location , I know of no case of anything being stolen. The camp site, the bike park and the events hall are all close by each other.

If you are concerned, it is good advice to lock possessions in pannier. Do what makes you feel most comfortable and then chill out for a great weekend in store.:Dbier

Not worried at all
 

Getting ready to pack for what I know will be a brilliant weekend.

I have no worries that my bike, tent and valuables will be safe, never had any problems at previous meetings and I feel it in my water there will be no probs during this one, relax and enjoy guy's and gals bier
Jake

Bike checked, gimp tins loaded and twat sacks packed. All set for the ferry to Ireland tomorrow. See you all there.

Attachment 15528

Sent from SYDland......

Great venue, great people, great event!! Thanks to all!

Postscript... Plan N worked!
 

I did it! Rode all the way there and back home again safely, without incident. Just like to say once again thanks to all those who offered help, and apologies if I wasn't able to say so face-to-face over the weekend.

The event exceeded all my expectations in so may ways. So glad I went and what a buzz meeting so many like-minded people.

To the organisers and volunteers, thank-you very much :)

Just to echo everyone else, I had a great time at the event and thanks to the organisers for putting on such a grand do!

===================

I was fortunate enough to bivvy near three chaps who were also great company: Pete and Sean (whose cooking kit wanted for nothing) and Richard from Enniskillen (who had ultra lightweight kit which complimented the lightweight KTM he rode). Lads, please drop me a private message as I'd like to keep in touch.

Sent from SYDland....

Thanks!
 

Just wanted to say what a great weekend. Caught up with existing friends and met some great new people. Saw a lot of interesting talks and demos!

Very pleased our session went down well, it's difficult to know what's the best way to do something like that and I think we did OK. From what I saw after it seems lots of people do more photo's and talking than bullet points and facts! Guess that's the IT Geeks in us!

Thanks again and see you next year!

You did a lot better than just "OK " Chris.bier An excellent and informative presentation which set the standard for the rest of the weekend.

Thank you and look forward to seeing you again next year.

Naomi, Jochen and Liam.

What a great event - laid back, Irish time, and great company bier

We were in the Land Rover Carawagons - thanks for allowing us to join you all, and hope you found our vehicles and travels interesting.

After nearly two weeks wild camping on the southern sections of the Wild Atlantic Way, the HUBB was a great way end to our trip.

It was only surpassed by a wild camp in Anglesey on Sunday night with other HUBB travellers we bumped in to on the ferry back to Holyhead - Tom (USA), Steve (New Zealand) and Tiffany (Lands End) joined us in a forest where we all went to bed quite late :thumbup1:

We're looking forward to next year when we'll try to do some more of the Wild Atlantic Way and again, finish off at the HUBB.

Thanks all for your company, chat and tips, and the organisers for the presentations, food, entertainment, etc., etc., etc.

Cheers,
Robin.

Last away and missed the ferry
 

I would just like to say thank you to Naomi, Jochen and Liam, what a great weekend, also thank you to Dave and Bee who made it great too, Touring Ted and your mates, Brilliant night Sat. Liam, the Irish dancers were a great surprise. :)

The Docs presentation Sun morning was very informative, drank the last of my cider then had a power nap, woke up at 16:00 and the field was MT ha ha, packed up then headed off to Larne, missed the bloody Stenna ferry but managed to get on the 20:00 P and O.
Well done guys and gals I will never forget it, looking forward to next year, thank you all again.
Jake from Sunny Stirling (Raining). !!!:thumbup1:

Hammock Info
 

Hi Guys,

Great to meet everyone, especially the Liam, Susan and Jochen - who we all know put on a fantastic event.

Thanks to those of you who came to the hammock and kettle presentation. I've put some links on my blog to various hammock and kettle sites.

Sorry I couldn't make it to everyone elses presentations, but the ones I did see were first class. (Tiff, Liam and Simon - hats off to you). If I don't see you before, see you next year!

Mark.
sophiewhiptank | Just a bloke riding home.

Thankyou
 

After years of missing the Ireland HU despite Liam inviting and bribing - due to being away a lot, this was the first time I had actually made it and what a wonderful time I had.
The grassy luxury of the hurling pitch was a delight to camp on - lots of space, flat and well-drained. The venue is a perfect combination of indoor and outdoor space in one area.
And of course the great crowd there - wonderful to meet so many enthusiastic fellow travellers and the variety of talks and classes, though I did seem to be doing a lot of chatting!
The unofficial after party in a woodland meadow on Anglesey was a lot of fun - cheers to Steve and Robin in their carawagons (who supplied the wine and led us there) and to Kiwi Steve and Tom from Connecticut on his Harley - a fun ending to the event when I'd been expecting to wild camp on my own.

A huge thank you to Liam, Naomi and Jochen for organising it and ensuring it's such a sociable event.
Roll on next year...err, except I'll be away again, OK, so roll on the year after :clap:

The Dusty Old Bags had a ball at Enniskillen
 

Can't think why we have never made it to this meeting before! The craic was brilliant, as was the food, the organisation, the campsite, the showers, the presentations and all the lovely people who made it such a fab weekend! It was also great to meet so many women travellers, many on their own - and congrats to Carol1961 who found a way to get there (see earlier post with her dilemma...!)

Thanks to everybody who came to our presentation and to the wonderful Steve Morris who whisked us away to stay with him and his family and to show us some cracking roads and views in N.I. and Donegal. Little did we think when we met him on February 1st at the top of a hill outside Ooty in India, that we would see him again so soon!

Hope to see you all next year! Cheers Sheonagh and Pat:D

Craicing Time Hubbers
 

Despite being in carawagons and not our bikes, everyone made us (Robin and Steve) feel totally welcome at the HUBB.

Our track around the Wild Atlantic Way had seen us meet plenty of bikers and a few Hubbers, then it was wonderful to finally meet Liam, Naomi, Jochen and the crew.

Complemented, of course, with a drop of the black, a few full Irish's to slow us down, and the wee snifters of poteen (40%–90% ABV) that we didn't drink jeiger

So we made new friends and contacts, which is what the HUBB is all about, to hopefully meet up again on the road.

Mr G especially kept us entertained and chucklesome. I do hope my mind's as sharp as his when I reach 28 (or is that 82?).

Our final night post-ferry nicely prolonged the show, wild camping with Tiffany, Stephen and Tom in Anglesey.

Thanks to everybuddy and looking forward to next time :thumbup: