- Registration form
- Meeting Location - Where is it?
- Camping on site
- Other Accommodation
- Information about the area
- Membership
- Rides
- Local hosts, information
How you can help - put up a few posters! 
2009
poster available! Please post it everywhere!
The Plan
The plan is simple. Show up on Thursday or at the latest Friday afternoon, meet people and setup. Travel Presentations and Tech clinics are planned throughout the meeting, starting Thursday night. More Detailed Schedule here.
We can always use some help! If you want to assist, please sign up to volunteer to assist on the day or here for advance work or to ask questions. Thanks!
2009 Speakers and Tech Clinics (so far, more to come):
- The Achievable Dream
- Grant Johnson, Canada
Learn from Horizons Unlimited's founder and 11 year round-the-world veteran everything you need to know to ride to the next country or the next continent. Sound scary? Get the inspiration and information so YOU can hit the road! Friday.
- Grant Johnson, Canada
- Your NEW bike doesn't fit you!
- Grant Johnson
Ergonomics! When you pickup your new bike, did they take the time to make it fit you? You'll learn the amazing difference a properly setup bike makes to your riding fun.
- Grant Johnson
- Jim & Matt's Excellent Adventure
- Jim Key
A video show of Jim Key & Matt Baroody's 3 week ride from Denver to Guatemala, Belize and back
- Jim Key
- Women only
- a very popular session - I'm told it's a must for the ladies, so be sure to plan on being there!
- Fix that flat! How to change a
tire anytime, anywhere
- Grant Johnson or ?
How to prevent flats in the first place, and fix them when you get one. The best tools and how to use them for tube and tubeless tires. Hand's on practical and tire changing contest for beginners to experts.
- Grant Johnson or ?
- Packing your gear for Travelling
- Zigy Kaluzny
Take enough stuff - but no more than you NEED!
- Zigy Kaluzny
- Photos on the road
- Zigy Kaluzny
Using your camera to "make" - not "take" - the best photos without working your butt off to do so.
- Zigy Kaluzny
- Photo Composition for Travellers, Critique YOUR photos
- Zigy Kaluzny, USA, and Grant Johnson, Canada
Transform your photos from boring to fabulous! Bring 10 photos on a USB key or SD card for discussion - what's missing, or not quite right, or just plain BAD - and how to correct the mistakes we all make.
- Zigy Kaluzny, USA, and Grant Johnson, Canada
- Off-pavement basics.
- Grant and various!
New to off-road riding, especially on a big trailie? Grant will talk about where the beginning dirt rider goes wrong and what to do about it. We will also conduct a basic training clinic - sign up on the day!
- Grant and various!
- 11 Years on the Road, RTW
- Grant Johnson
Grant and Susan's show of their RTW trip hasn't been seen since 2000, so due to popular demand - well one or two - it's been resurrected with loads of never seen before pictures. Maybe...if there's time.
- Grant Johnson
- and more to come! How about you? We're all here to learn, and there's LOTS to learn! We want to do more presentations and clinics - but we need volunteers to give them! Any topic you can contribute having to do with motorcycle travel, maintenance, planning etc, lasting 20 minutes or more, would be great. Please contact me here to volunteer.
How to change a tire, seminar by Jim Stanley
2007 Presentations and Tech Clinics were:
- The Ultimate Journey
- Chris and Erin Ratay, USA, 4 years around the world.
A multi-media show that's guaranteed to make you want to leave - now!
- Chris and Erin Ratay, USA, 4 years around the world.
- The Achievable Dream
- Grant Johnson, Canada
Learn from Horizons Unlimited's founder and 11 year round-the-world veteran everything you need to know to ride to the next country or the next continent. Sound scary? Get the inspiration and information so YOU can hit the road! FRIDAY 9-1 PM.
- Grant Johnson, Canada
- Dusty Days of Freedom
- Simon & Lisa Thomas, "2 ride the World"
Film footage and photos of out trip through Africa, plus advice on how to cope in Africa.
- Simon & Lisa Thomas, "2 ride the World"
- Your NEW bike doesn't fit you!
- Tyler Dollard, USA Northern Colorado BMW / Ducati Motorcycles
Ergonomics! When you pickup your new bike, did they take the time to make it fit you? You'll learn the amazing difference a properly setup bike makes to your riding fun.
- Tyler Dollard, USA Northern Colorado BMW / Ducati Motorcycles
- First-Aid for Motorcyclists
- Leo Lloyd, USA, RN/Paramedic
What supplies and drugs to carry in your first-aid kit, where to get first-aid training, and a hands-on demonstration on how to deal with a classic problem: a downed bike and a broken leg.
- Leo Lloyd, USA, RN/Paramedic
- Photo Composition for Travellers
- Grant Johnson, Canada
The one everyone SHOULD take, but no one does... We all want to take great photos of our trip - so why don't we? This easy clinic will transform your photos from boring to fabulous! There may also be an advanced class if enough interest - bring 10 photos on a USB key or SD card for discussion.
- Grant Johnson, Canada
- Motorcycle Filters, Who Needs 'em?
- Harry Hill, USA, Basin Motorcycle Works, Durango CO
Every bike, regardless of make or model, needs a breath of fresh air, a gulp of clean fuel, and a bath of slippery oil. Learn how to choose and properly maintain all of your bike's filters.
- Mark Stetz, USA
Batteries are those semi-mystical lead weights that store and deliver electricity when we need it. Learn about the different types of batteries, how to service them, and how to get home when your electrons have all gone south.
- Harry Hill, USA, Basin Motorcycle Works, Durango CO
- Take it or leave it, Packing for the road ahead
- Jeremiah St. Ours, USA
Everyone's list is different. This clinic will help you decide what really matters to you, so that you'll only carry what's needed and leave the rest behind.
- Jeremiah St. Ours, USA
- Creating an outdoor office, Planning for the road ahead
- Jeremiah St. Ours, USA
Getting organized and staying organized are two different things. Everyone needs an information system that's capable of enduring the rigours of the road.
- Jeremiah St. Ours, USA
- Fix that flat! How to change a
tire anytime, anywhere
- Jim Stanley, USA
How to prevent flats in the first place, and fix them when you get one. The best tools and how to use them for tube and tubeless tires. Hand's on practical and tire changing contest for beginners to experts!
- Jim Stanley, USA
- Ride Costa Rica
- Eric Sargent, USA
How to crash in Costa Rica...Our Central American neighbor has two oceans, scenic vistas, tropical rainforests, exotic wildlife and great roads to ride! Eric lives part-time in New Mexico and part-time in Costa Rica and will give us a primer on saddling up and coming down.
- Eric Sargent, USA
- Copper Canyon, Mexico
- Arturo Macias, Mexico
Arturo's been riding in the famous Copper Canyon for some 30 years, and knows about everything there is to know. He'll tell you why you REALLY want to go, what's there to see and give you some tips on the area.
- Arturo Macias, Mexico
- Off-pavement basics.
- Grant Johnson
New to off-road riding, especially on a big trailie? Grant will talk about where the beginning dirt rider goes wrong and what to do about it. We will also conduct a basic training clinic - sign up on the day!
- Grant Johnson
- Riding and Filming the Trans-America Trail
- Michael Murray
Riding 5,000-miles across the United States... without touching pavement!
- Michael Murray
- How about you? We're all here to learn, and there's LOTS to learn! We want to do more presentations and clinics - but we need volunteers to give them! Any topic you can contribute having to do with motorcycle travel, maintenance, planning etc, lasting 20 minutes or more, would be great. Please contact me here to volunteer.
Rideouts
Rideouts - will be limited to 10 people per ride per group.
Hurricane Pass
Off-road ride leaders:
Ride leaders and sweep riders wanted!
Do-it-yourself Ride information and pass information.
The Alpine Loop Mountain Bike Ride is an awesome trip, long, intense, but incredibly scenic. The ridge between Engineer Pass (12,780 ft.) and Cinnamon Pass (12,620 ft.) is worth the entire trip.The route between the passes follows an exposed ridge above tree line with views in all directions for miles. The route passes old mining ruins and ghost towns like Capitol homestead. Mill Creek and Henson Creeks are lovely drainages. The route looks down into Silverton and Ouray and the 14'ers in the area, Redcloud, Sunshine, Handies, Uncompahgre, and the Wetterhorn, are all visible.
These two are about the same, but from very different perspectives.
Alpine Loop National Back Country Byway. The Alpine Loop follows back country roads through the Alpine Triangle recreation BLM area. Lake City, Silverton, or just south of Ouray can be used as starting points for the byway, and visitors can make a loop between these points.
The Alpine Loop Scenic and Historic Byway leaves the pavement and people behind, crossing the remote, rugged, spectacular heart of the San Juan Mountains. It's demanding: the two 12,000-foot passes (Cinnamon and Engineer) require high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, but the rewards you will reap are unparalleled: pristine mountain views, hiking and biking trails, spectacular camping opportunities, and plenty of solitude. Part of the loop is accessible by 2WD vehicle and is well worth the drive.
More ride info to come. Send in any you have!
Vendors
We would like more travel equipment vendors. Vendors please contact me for details.
Food
For breakfast and lunch you can cook or dine at a local restaurant. We have a dinner package for $15 each, (menu to come) Friday and Saturday nights, that we highly recommend. It will give you lots of opportunity to meet fellow travellers, and since you're eating right there on site, you won't miss any of the after-dinner slideshows.
Other food options range from Safeway Grocery Store about 1/4 mile away to the farthest restaurant at about 4 miles. Most are in the 1/2 - 2 mile range. There are probably 15 - 20 to pick from.
Schedule
All times - and everything - approximate! 
An up-to-date schedule will be posted at the Meeting.
Thursday morning
CHECK-IN and sign up! You MUST be registered to go on a ride or for entry to any events, clinics etc.
9:00 Ride briefing. Be gassed up and ready to ride if you're going
Evening dinner 6:00, then introduction and a presentation or two.
Friday
CHECK-IN and sign up! You MUST be registered to go on a ride or entry to any events, clinics etc.
9:00 Ride briefing. Be gassed up and ready to ride if you're going.
10:00 Tech Clinics. Grant Johnson's "The Achievable Dream" 4 hour "How to ride around the world, or just to another continent" seminar is probably Friday morning! Also other clinics - see schedule on the day! 10-12 and 1-4 for the Achievable Dream - yes, it's 5 hours!
1:00 Lunch
Friday night
7:00 pm
Speakers presentations start, so be sure you've eaten early!
Saturday morning
7:00 - 8:00 - Breakfast
9:00 Ride briefing. Be gassed up and ready to ride if you're going.
Rideouts - off-road runs details here if you're riding on your own.
Saturday Lunch
1:00 Lunch
Saturday afternoon,
Rideouts - details here if you're riding on your own.
On road runs - we'll post a sheet of paper up for you to add your name to a destination, volunteers to lead appreciated!
2:00 Tech Clinics. We have a number of informative and exciting tech clinics planned, so check the schedule Friday on-site for latest details.
Saturday evening,
7:00 pm sharp:
Speakers presentations
9:00 Door prizes - you have to be there to win!
Sunday
Breakfast in town
Head for home, hang around and chat, or head out for a last ride!
Miscellaneous notes:
Organizers will be there most of Thursday, hopefully Wednesday too, if anyone wishes to arrive early and just hang out or go for a ride in the area. NO camping on-site until Thursday night! There is an RV park a couple of blocks away to camp at if you're early.
Pre-Register and save $10-15!
Pre-registration fee $35-45 per person, $50 at the door. Includes admission to all slide shows Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, Tech Clinics, Rideouts, and all other HU events. Off-site accommodation and meals are NOT included.
Important: On-site Camping is INCLUDED with your registration!
Dinners: $15 each, available Friday and Saturday night if included with advance registration. $18 ea. at the door, as available. "5 B's BBQ" is the caterer, they also have a restaurant in town at 22 E. Tomichi if you can't get enough!
Showers: $5 ea, at the KOA nearby
Admission only pricing (for PAID registration):
- Register and PAY before July 1 2009, admission is $35.
- Register and PAY before August 21 2009, admission is $45.
- At the door, admission is $50
Entry fee includes admission to the slide shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, and other events during the day Friday and Saturday. Camping is also included in your entry fee for Thursday, Friday and Saturday night.
Accommodation other than camping, and meals are NOT included.
Please PRE-BOOK by filling in the form below and click the "Count me in" button below it. NOTE: Use one form per person!
Option 1. Pay by PayPal
a. You will shortly receive an e-mail confirmation. Check to ensure the details are correct. If you don't receive an e-mail confirmation within a few minutes, it means your e-mail address wasn't correct, (or the Internet has eaten your e-mail). Try again. A human being will actually get a copy of the e-mail, and we promise we won't sign you up multiple times. ;-)
b. After you have filled in the form and submitted it, you will have an opportunity to pay by
. Please be careful calculating the amount, the form isn't that smart yet!
OR:
Option 2. Pay by cheque
a. You will shortly receive an e-mail confirmation. Check to ensure the details are correct. If you don't receive an e-mail confirmation within a few minutes, it means your e-mail address wasn't correct, (or the Internet has eaten your e-mail). Try again. A human being will actually get a copy of the e-mail, and we promise we won't sign you up multiple times. ;-)
b. PRINT THAT EMAIL (or write out the important bits by hand if you don't have a printer) and MAIL it with a check (in US$ or CDN$ - prices quoted are US$,
made payable to Grant Johnson, and mail to:
Grant Johnson
PO Box 2123
Sardis BC V2R 1A5
Canada
Payment and Registration details AFTER August 21:
1. Please fill in this form below to let us know you're coming. NOTE the registration fee is $50 at the door!
2. You will shortly receive an e-mail confirmation. Check to ensure the details are correct. If you don't receive an e-mail confirmation within a few minutes, it means your e-mail address wasn't correct, (or the Internet has eaten your e-mail). Try again. A human being will actually get a copy of the e-mail, and we promise we won't sign you up multiple times. ;-)
3. Print the emailed confirmation form and bring it to the meeting.
Sorry, registration is now closed. There is plenty of room left at the meeting, so come on to Gunnison - see you there!
Membership - Show you're proud to be a Horizons Unlimited Traveller!
Just to clarify the membership situation: Currently there is no requirement to be a member to access the website, the HUBB or to receive the monthly e-zine. For now, 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.
We will also upgrade your status in the HUBB to Member. In addition to recognising your contribution through your status, this will allow you to upload a custom profile picture and custom avatar, store up to 50 private messages, upload more pictures (10 MB maximum storage) and create polls.
Another benefit we can provide is if you decide you want a t-shirt, mug, fleece jacket or other Horizons logo product from the Souk, you can purchase Member logo products at the basic price. Just let us know and we can arrange access to the Members Private Store.
T-Shirt Deal
Top quality heavy cotton t-shirts in black, or grey if pre-ordered. We will have a range of sizes available, but quantities will be very limited, so if you wait till the day, there might be none left in your size.
The new Synthetic t-shirts are in a beautifully made wicking material, and make great travel / riding t-shirts as well as all-round wear t-shirts. Available in black or grey at most meetings. MUST be pre-ordered.
Note that we will have a few black cotton t-shirts extra at each meeting, but anything else must be pre-ordered and paid in advance.
2012 Tshirt slogan "The open road is calling, and I have a world to ride!"
Back:
(large, full back)
Front:
You can help!
If you have a few minutes, please download the posters ( Adobe pdf format) and print off a few and hand them round your club or your local bike shop or anywhere seems like a good place.
Poster in pdf format (886kb) full colour 2009 poster. (You may need to right click and choose "save target as...")
Thanks for the help!
The Meeting Location for 2009
Gunnison, south of Denver, Colorado.
Fred Field Western Heritage Center
275 South Spruce
Gunnison, Colorado 81230
The city is only 30 miles from the Continental Divide. Population is 5000, so food etc is easy enough to find.
Pavement only riders - There's tons to see from the pavement, the roads in the area are awesome.
Gunnison is served by U.S. Highway 50, a major all-weather principal arterial highway interconnecting with I-70 126 miles to the west in Grand Junction, and with I- 25 150 miles to the east in Pueblo. Highway 50 also connects with several principal arterial highways to Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Albuquerque, Denver, Dallas, and other metropolitan areas. State Highway 135 is an allweather surface road providing access north to Almont, Crested Butte, and Mt. Crested Butte. All paved highways in Gunnison are open and maintained year ‘round.
Off-pavement riding - The riding around Gunnison ranges from beginner to advanced. It is high, wild, and rugged with great views everywhere. There are also a number of interesting towns nearby, reached via high, off-road passes.
Elevation: 7703 feet
Add comments and discuss getting there etc here
| Month | Crested Butte | Gunnison | Pitkin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
High |
Low |
High |
Low |
High |
Low |
|
| January | 28 | -4 | 26 | -7 | 27 | -3 |
| April | 47 | 18 | 56 | 22 | 46 | 15 |
| July | 76 | 38 | 81 | 42 | 74 | 37 |
| October | 57 | 21 | 62 | 22 | 55 | 20 |
That means it's COOL at night so bring the warm sleeping bag! It also means ideal riding temperatures! :)
Maps and distances
Distances:
Denver: 201 miles, 3:49
Colorado Springs: 172 miles, 3:21
Durango - 171 miles, 3:20
Montrose - 64 miles, 1:16
Ouray - 100 miles, 1:55
Telluride - 126 miles, 3:04
Salt Lake City - 409 miles, 7:17
Albuquerque - 353 miles, 6:32
Camping
- On-site camping is INCLUDED in the price!
- Showers at the KOA nearby, $5.
Other Accommodation
Links to local Hotels and Motels
Gunnison Chamber of Commerce Tourist information
Information about the area
Any info you have on the area, rides etc, please let me know.
Basin Motorcycle Works,
29465 Hwy160 East, Durango, CO 970-759-9189.
Northern Colorado BMW/Ducati Motorcycles
Local Hosts
Hal Johnson and Brad Tutor are the local hosts for this event - we're VERY grateful to them for stepping up and really making it happen with a lot of legwork and effort.
We can use help on the day too in order to make it all work smoothly and keep the costs down! If you want to assist, please sign up to volunteer to assist on the day.