Well, frankly, I’m really sad to see a post on this thread that takes the p**s out of people who are interested in travel, however they make it happen. I think Mr Bright should stop being such a cynic and appreciate that one of the beauties of overlanding is that each person can do it the way they would like to do it. Be it round the world, or the length of a continent, or a ride from London to Scotland for the first time, it’s actually doing it that matters. NOT what you ride or what your kit is.

For me, I get a buzz when I hear that anyone is planning a trip, whatever they are planning to be on. I’ve seen plenty of people on the road who are wearing the right kit for safety and riding a bigger bike. And they have been having a ball. The right kit? If it keeps you safe and you feel comfortable in it, then its the right kit.

I’ve also met people travelling on Vespa Scooters, Honda C90s, DR 350s, Africa Twins, Tenere and Tigers and everything on up to the big mile eating bikes that are so popular now. And why should they not be. Some people travel off road at every opportunity and some people stay on the more beaten track. Both ways are right. There is no right and wrong. Chris, you are a very unusual character in that you get far off the beaten track and you do need particular types of bikes to do that. Many people don’t have the same aims for their trips and many people can't make the time to head out that you can. So they enjoy their riding the way they can. Why not encourage everyone to hit the road in whatever way they can, and not try to make a section of the overlanding and travel community feel small.

It doesn't matter how you travel. Bicycle? Small bike? Big bike? Expedition vehicle? What matters to me and I think the greater majority of people who are on HU and go to the HUBB UK is that it has wheels and that a person goes. Great world this.

As for the coffee? I drink latte every chance I get. Love the stuff. I also drank the coffee that the hotel put on last year. It was really good! I’ll be drinking more this year for sure. Oh and yes, I ride a BMW. She has 275,000 miles on her now - 220,000 of those being travel miles. Nuff said.

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http://www.sam-manicom.com

Now this is a very good question. Better look into it. Might be one or two people interested Actually, I have had a couple of emails asking too. I don't know what's possible. I'll find out.

Who is the next Exhibitor at the HUBB UK to let you know about? Zen Overland. Who are they?

Well, they supply ‘high quality after-market accessories for off-road and adventure motorcycles’. They also carry out custom fabrication projects, and produce their own range of products.

The business was started in 2010 by Gabriel Bolton, about the same time he returned to the UK from an 18 month, 50,000 mile round the world trip. As a design Engineer by trade, it was a happy transfer from drawing up parts for industry and aerospace, to adventure bikes.

They say, ‘Zen Overland has grown fast over the last few years, and in early 2013 we moved into much larger premises. This has given us the chance to display most of the products we offer, and the increased workshop space has enabled us to take on more custom fabrication jobs.’

As well as selling bike stuff, they also ride, a lot!

Gabe was extremely privileged to be part of the latest Austin Vince adventure; Mondo Sahara. He has also competed in the Baja desert race, took the road of bones to Magadan, and competes in UK rally, enduro and trial events.

'If you need something for your bike that no one else seems to offer, please do get in touch. We’ve done all kinds of projects, for all kinds of bikes.’

Sound good? Check them out at the HUBB UK this year.

Attached Images

 

There's no time for TV (or football ) at The Hubb

Margaret

Do we have a tea tent ?

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http://www.ytc1.co.uk

I must apologise Sam. I assumed that all those reading this had a sense of humour. I must assume less in the future. The liberal use of emoticons should have been a clue. Where/what I ride and what I do is not better/worse/different to anyone else interested in m/c travel. But thanks anyway for singling me out for allegedly being a cynic and different. I'm not.

I was assuming (sorry) that only those who only ride their shiny bike, clad in their shiny suit in order to pose at Starbucks might take offense. As these individuals would never attend a HU event anyway (aimed at people who dream of driving/riding any 4/2/1 wheeled vehicle, interested in travel: Starbucks riders aren't interested in anything but posing at that hot beverage serving American franchise), they would never read this thread anyway, so there'd be no fuss.

Sorry for my part in allowing a fuss to be made.



PS. I spotted the offending video on a BMW GS website. Everyone was laughing at it over there.



PPS. + 1 for finding a telly to watch the footy.

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Brighty's website: TheBrightStuffDotCom

CURRENT RR WITH REGULAR UPDATES: The Wife Takes on Chlamydia: A South American Retrospective

I personally vouch for top quality service from Zen Overland... Everyone should come and see the stand.

I'll most likely be helping Gab out on this stand so if anyone wants to slap me with a wet fish, that's where I'll be. Please cue orderly though

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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

If you zone out the trade stands and talks by people flogging stuff, there's more time than you think, particularly if you're interested in footy. (I'm going to be accused of cynicism again )

What an excellent idea. I don't drink coffee, so to get my caffeine, I need tea. Great to chat over a cup of builder's tea. Must remember to pack my stove.

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Brighty's website: TheBrightStuffDotCom

CURRENT RR WITH REGULAR UPDATES: The Wife Takes on Chlamydia: A South American Retrospective

Lets move on to overlandery positive things now shall we

Thanks Sam, much appreciated. Never thought two of my big loves - motorcycling and football - would clash like this

And as befits world travellers like us, I'm not just talking about England games; in fact I'm keener on watching some of the other sides!

Anyway had a look at the schedule and the affected games (with times) will be:

Thurs 19th
17.00. Columbia v Cote D'Ivoire
20.00. Uruguay v England
23.00. Japan v Greece

Fri 20th
17.00. Italy v Costa Rica
20.00. Switzerland v France
23.00. Honduras v Ecuador

Sat 21st
17.00. Argentina v Iran
20.00. Germany v Ghana
23.00. Nigeria v Bosnia Herzeg.

Sun 22nd
17.00 Belgium v Russia
20.00. South Korea v Algeria
23.00. USA v Portugal

Some mouth watering ties there featuring countries that many of us either hail from or have been to and love.

Really hope something can be sorted out with regards viewing. If you need volunteers to help get it sorted, and hold the remote control, deal with the hooligans etc count me in.

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That concrete whizzing by five inches below your foot is the real thing...

Hi Bruce,

Let me know by email which one you decide to go with

Thanks

Iain

A cunning plan is being hatched. We'll update you when we have something sorted.

On the current level of votes (1), that will be the RTW and alcohol blackouts then :-)

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http://www.ytc1.co.uk

Excellent! I knew you guys would be...er..on the ball

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That concrete whizzing by five inches below your foot is the real thing...

Sam, Sorry about this moan on the site, I hope not to offend anyone but - - -
I know a lot of people think football is the be all and end off of sports, go to matches and watch it on TV at every opportunity, please give the majority of people who do not like the game a break and dont allow TV's blaring Football matches all over the site.

This meeting is about bikes, travel and excellent stories / presentations.
If you are condoning the world cup on a telly in the campsite or where ever anyone is thinking about having a TV during the event, I for one will be seriously P - - - - D off Sir!