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3 Feb 2011
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Noobs boosting the HUBB demographic
Just noticing a good trend over the past weeks, months, that we (the HUBB) seem to be welcoming a larger than normal proportion of new members to the HUBB. Well it could just be that there are a lot of lurkers that just all of a sudden joined but I think from trawling the site most days that there has been an increase in the noob/newbie demographic. It would be interesting to see if there are some stats available (hint to Grant to chime in if yes) to confirm the sorts of numbers of new people joining the HUBB.
I say a toast to all the new blood and that great spirit of adventure that is the epitimy of Horizons Unlimited. 
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3 Feb 2011
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Does a big recession promote overlanding?
On the one hand people have more time so could spark some RTW trips, on the other hand people have less disposable money.... Could go either way.
One thing that was very noticeable with rock climbing in the UK during the 90's was that it got very popular, mainly due to the rise in indoor facilities. This was great at first (what, there are women at the crag now?!?) but had a big downside in terms of no longer being able to escape from all the people everywhere.
Will more overlanders mean that we stop being such a point of interest for the remote villages we ride into and become just another brand of tourist? Call me an ego-maniac but one thing I enjoy about going off adventuring is it transforms me from a small cog in a large machine to something a bit out-of-the-ordinary.....
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3 Feb 2011
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doesn't mean they're all off on a RTW, they may have joined for the company 
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3 Feb 2011
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I couldn't agree more, that overlanding is one of the best means to get off the beat track, but as you say, what happens when that track becomes beat itself.
I think that the likes of Mcgregor and their series probably turned for some the overlanding thing a bit more realistic. And the fact that we are here helping others do the same sure takes the mystery away from it. But after all the planet is a remarkable place and I think big enough (even if it is over populated) for all of us to have our very own adventure.
On that note I am a big proponent of ecologically minded travel. You may say it doesn't really fit with the overlanding thing, but in fact it is much more economical than taking a plane... but that's another topic 
Perhaps the new noobs (I know it's a tautology) can teach us a thing or two about travelling in our footsteps, time will tell. 
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3 Feb 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by henryuk
Will more overlanders mean that we stop being such a point of interest for the remote villages we ride into and become just another brand of tourist? Call me an ego-maniac but one thing I enjoy about going off adventuring is it transforms me from a small cog in a large machine to something a bit out-of-the-ordinary.....
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That's how I felt when I first started "overlanding". You stood out when you rolled into a village covered in dirt and had to buy petrol in glass jugs from the village shop. These days too many bandwagon jumpers have diluted the experience. Who do these Johnny-come-lateleys like Ted Simon think they are, grrrr. (Mind you, my definition of "these days" is anyone who's started since about 1975.) 
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3 Feb 2011
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It's quite possible that some of the new members have more travel-experience then most members on this forum.
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3 Feb 2011
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What amuses me, is that anyone can register on the HUBB, and many members have quite openly posted where on their bike they hide money! What will be the next post, 'show us your garage contents' complete with postcode? 
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3 Feb 2011
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Noobs, firsts and well just read the damn post.
Well yes there's that, the money thing, but wait till they tell you where they hide their spare key, then things well start to get interesting 
Apart from the same old same old China, Tibet, Burma questions that get posted every second day, it's good to have the noobs joining because it helps remind me of what it used to feel like when I was planning the very first trip. To be honest I think it's like heroin, after the first fix, you keep coming back for more keep looking for that feeling, the feeling you had the first time... anyone get what I'm on about or have I taken too many drugs?
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3 Feb 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TurboCharger
... anyone get what I'm on about or have I taken too many drugs? |
I get you! You develop a tolerance quickly too, so you need to get a bigger and bigger hit. The first trip that blew your mind starts to feel a bit mundane so you have to plan something bigger, better, riskier to get the same rush.
Apparently it's a chemical imbalance in the brain that makes people prone to this sort of total addiction whilst 'most people' would rather have two weeks in the Costa del Sol. Maybe we could get Zammo to do a rendition of 'just say no' at Ripley.........
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3 Feb 2011
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Pushing the envelop
Quote:
Originally Posted by henryuk
I get you! You develop a tolerance quickly too, so you need to get a bigger and bigger hit. The first trip that blew your mind starts to feel a bit mundane so you have to plan something bigger, better, riskier to get the same rush.
Apparently it's a chemical imbalance in the brain that makes people prone to this sort of total addiction whilst 'most people' would rather have two weeks in the Costa del Sol. Maybe we could get Zammo to do a rendition of 'just say no' at Ripley.........
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Right on, that's the s*&t.
It makes us (well me at least) want to go out and take more risks. And I don't just mean with just the technical riding but also going places that haven't been ridden before. Or riding in hostile places that to better judgement should be off limits.
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3 Feb 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by henryuk
Apparently it's a chemical imbalance in the brain that makes people prone to this sort of total addiction
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Noooooo.... Isn't it the imbalance on your bike? That makes it so adictive? Only having 2 wheels and all that. 
.....With that, I'm shortly off for 3 or 4 weeks on the Costa del Sol........
(yes - honestly) 
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3 Feb 2011
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Hmm, I must be a bit odd. I just like riding my bike and the destination is just an end to the means.
I dont plan my rides much, just a few waypoints with a very loose, written in sand itinery.
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3 Feb 2011
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'feeding the rat' is a popular phrase of mine (coined by Al Alvarez, great climber). The rat's inside you and you feed it by doing dangerous stuff. If you don't feed it it gnaws away at your guts, giving you that familiar crap feeling of lifelessness. Problem is the more you feed it, the bigger it gets, the more often it needs feeding.
I had a 6 year break from doing anything remotely interesting and thought the rat had died. The gnawing sensation had gone but it was more like it had hollowed me out, nothing left - that's when I started overlanding and it's back and bigger than ever now. The rat makes a damn good solo travelling companion as well!
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3 Feb 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by henryuk
'feeding the rat' is a popular phrase of mine (coined by Al Alvarez, great climber). The rat's inside you and you feed it by doing dangerous stuff. If you don't feed it it gnaws away at your guts, giving you that familiar crap feeling of lifelessness. Problem is the more you feed it, the bigger it gets, the more often it needs feeding.
I had a 6 year break from doing anything remotely interesting and thought the rat had died. The gnawing sensation had gone but it was more like it had hollowed me out, nothing left - that's when I started overlanding and it's back and bigger than ever now. The rat makes a damn good solo travelling companion as well!
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Henryuk, Seriously I think that is the best analogy I have ever heard. But it could also have a lot to do with my current state of mind and a small amount to do with the number of 's I've had.
No but I do empathise, with this and my rat inside is gnawing me hollow as we speak, I really am considering taking the bike out from it's winter hibenation to ride a couple of passes this weekend... but I think I might just not feed the rat and go snowboarding instead.
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3 Feb 2011
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That's still feeding the rat!! Anything that shuts it up, even temporarily counts. Overlanding is just pure gluttony for the little fella, non-stop eating for months!
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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.
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Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
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Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
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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.
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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.
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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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