 |
3 Feb 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Aussie expat in Switzerland half way RTW
Posts: 611
|
|
|
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. 
|
3 Feb 2011
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
|
|
|
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.....
|
3 Feb 2011
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bucks, UK
Posts: 642
|
|
doesn't mean they're all off on a RTW, they may have joined for the company 
__________________
Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand 2016
Buenos Aires to NYC 2012-2013: www.facebook.com/curryhunt
India and back 2009-2010:
|
3 Feb 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Aussie expat in Switzerland half way RTW
Posts: 611
|
|
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. 
|
3 Feb 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,120
|
|
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.....
|
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.) 
|
3 Feb 2011
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
|
|
|
It's quite possible that some of the new members have more travel-experience then most members on this forum.
|
3 Feb 2011
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
|
|
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? 
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
|
3 Feb 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Aussie expat in Switzerland half way RTW
Posts: 611
|
|
|
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?
|
4 Feb 2011
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 27
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by palace15
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? |
I don't think anyone would want to steal your Enfield Dave......
yeah, Grant is slipping letting the likes of you n me on here....... 
How ya been ? got over Thailand yet or hankering for more?
M
PS The reason the HUBB is showing such a boost is the other main site for us here in USA ( ADV) has gone all weird and they keep changing the rules..... just a thought.
__________________
|
5 Feb 2011
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Dunedin, NZ
Posts: 308
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by henryuk
Does a big recession promote overlanding?.....
|
Perhaps - I'm on the brink of being made redundant.... The long overland biking trip idea seems to get closer every day.....
Winter also has an impact on the number of people online & the vision of being somewhere beyond the UK is very appealing 
__________________
 Elaine
Striving to live the ordinary life in a non ordinary way
|
7 Feb 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Aussie expat in Switzerland half way RTW
Posts: 611
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by pheonix
Perhaps - I'm on the brink of being made redundant.... The long overland biking trip idea seems to get closer every day.....
Winter also has an impact on the number of people online & the vision of being somewhere beyond the UK is very appealing |
I also think that overlanding has a lot to do with people wanting to get away from the rat-race or daily grind of work and not having enough annual leave to do so. I think also that as the population ages and people are more likely to have families later in life that there is an increasing need for a sabbatical year (sometimes more sometimes less). Some sort of selfish ego centrical (call it a gnawing rat in your belly if you will) need to do something for oneself. Scratching the surface more and it may uncover an discontentment in current work-life balance or just personal life & leisure activities.
I might be tempted to make a poll out of this and see what ist the age bracket(s) is of people leaving for their first overlanding trip. 
 Re ADV rider, I personally think there are too many topics and too many people, IMHO it suffers from its own popularity. But this isn't a thread about ADV.
|
7 Feb 2011
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
|
|
|
Another thing contributing to the increase might be people registering to hawk us their shoddy goods, discounted oil and locksmithing advice? These get banned pretty quick and it might be that I am only noticing them recently but they've always been registering......
|
7 Feb 2011
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Posts: 72
|
|
I'm a Newbie on this site  , and since I joined, the information sharing and advice has been very helpful. I think HU is a great website and pleased that they let me join. Keep up the good work HU!
Speaking of which, most of the advice and guidance I received has been from other Newbies.....Go figure! I guess they're the ones holding down the fort and also doing the riding while the "veteran Hubbers" are riding their keyboards  . Maybe you guys should go feed those rats again! (Great analagy by the way  )
Well, can't say I blame you, It's cold and wet and uncomfortable out there for you "old-timers".....hehe!
Ok, make sure you keep the 'old boys club' alive now
Wannabe Anewbie
__________________
Jo’burg to Cairo (And a bit further): KLR 650
Southern Africa (And still going strong): XT660Z Yamaha
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
| Thread Tools |
|
|
| Display Modes |
 Hybrid Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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)
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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)
Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
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
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
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.
|
|
|
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!
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.
