HU Travellers Meeting Germany-Summer 2014 Archive

Grant and Susan Johnson, Horizons Unlimited How it all began. The story of Grant and Susan's 11-year trip around the world, without a plan or a clue!

Way back in 1987, before the Internet, two young and naive Canadians set out from Vancouver to ride around the world on a motorcycle. The plan (and budget) was for 3 years, but it didn't quite work out that way!

Heike Fania, 2 Live the Dream From Europe to the Himalayas and beyond!

Three faces of the Himalaya

Exploring the Himalaya in three very different countries: Pakistan, India and Nepal - During our world trip we had the chance to see three different faces of the Himalaya in three different countries. We explored the roads and stunning landscapes between the highest mountains of the world in Pakistan, India and Nepal. Different religions, different cultures, different people, different countries - but all were fascinating... In this presentation we will take you on a trip through those three countries, we will ride up onto some of the highest passes of the world in India, we will take you over the Karakorum Highway, and we will show you that Nepal consists not only of mountains!

Big Bikes Back in Burma

Burma is opening up - together with 3 friends we were the first that were allowed in with our bikes. While we were in Thailand we got the chance to enter Burma overland with our motorbikes. Together with 3 friends we formed the first group that was officiall allowed in. We spent only 7 days in this country, but we retuned with fantastic pictures and wonderful stories...

Werner travelled in January 2014 from Guatemala City to Mexico City. His presentation covers: Central Guatemala with its impressive Volcanoes, curvy roads, fascinating Atitlan Lake and the charming old city of Antigua. Colourful indigenous markets, the tranquil cascades of Semuc Champey and the impressive old Maya city of Tikal in the jungle. Belize wth its Caribbean air stands in stark contrast to the more reserved highland people further west.

Motorcyclewise, the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico is not really worthwhile. But the cultural treasures of old Maya cities like Chichen Itza, Uxmal and Paleque make up for missing curves and oppressive humidity. Riding on curvy roads into the highlands of Chiapas is pure fun. Crossing the isthmus of Teuhantepec is hard work. Fighting winds of up to 100km/h on an elevated Highway with heavy traffic took full concentration. The empty mountain roads in the Mexican highlands offered some more fun on the way to Oaxaca and Mexico City.

Werner Zwick on muddy road in Yungas, Bolivia on South American tour

Werner has travelled by motorcycle in the Americas, parts of Africa, New Zealand and many parts of Europe so far.

Markus & Ellen Kirchgeßner - two with desire of freedom! Karibuni! - Welcome to Africa

45.000 kilometers through 23 countries - A multivison-show about two nomads, embarking on a Transafrica journey.

Frank Panthöfer and Simone Dorner, Krad-Vagabunden Getting into contact with locals

The 'Krad-Vagabunden' (Simon and Panny) travelled around the world on two Honda Transalps from 05/2010 to 10/2013: North to South america, New Zealand and Australia, Southeast Asia, the Himalayas, back home through Iran, Iraq, Turkey, etc.

Following their successful presentation in Australia on this topic, Simon and Panny will give some highlights from their around the world trip, then describe the online 'channels' which proved to be of outstanding efficiency for us to get into contact with locals / local motorcycle travellers. They will also give some tips/tricks + examples for real live contact.

Premkumar Govindarajulu, Switzerland A Mixed Ride India, East Africa & Europe

Before starting this trip, I had a detailed plan. But the day I got geared up I threw all my plans in a Dustbin and decided to travel as a clean slate. Absolutely no plans. But I knew the direction from Switzerland. (as I live near Zürich). My direction was only south & East of Europe. With only direction in my mind I started my travel.

Premkumar rode Across India and East Africa in 2010 and after a break, started again to travel in Europe.

Filippo Fania, 2 Live the Dream Safe off-road riding fully loaded

Tips on how to handle your fully loaded bike in tricky off-road conditions

Tips and tricks for travellers that want to go off-road with a fully-loaded motorcycle, and don't want to risk a crash. E.g. how to turn around on a very steep and slippery slope with a fully loaded BMW - going downhill save and slow - handling of heavy bikes in difficult situations - turning on a narrow track - etc.

Bike modifications and technical tips

Bring your bike, bring your questions... Bring your bike and show us your modifications, fixes, etc. Bring your questions and problems, and we will try to find a solution. Filippo will also present some modifications that have proven very helpful during his world-trip.

I have travelled on two wheels for more than 30 years. In May 2012 I left Germany together with Heike to travel around the world, and after 2 years on the road we return in May 2014.

Grant and Susan Johnson, Horizons Unlimited 4 Easy Steps to Overland Travel! You can do it - we can help! Finding your way around Horizons Unlimited, other resources. Lots of great pics and video clips.

"Grant and Susan Johnson are icons in the round-the-world (RTW) motorcycling community. The Johnsons host - or more appropriately write, edit, produce, manage and coordinate Horizons Unlimited - a global network of motorcycle travelers... and a bona fide adventure motorcycling phenomenon." Dan Hilton, Rider Magazine

This seminar will be an overview of 'How To' travel overland topics. Includes content from the Achievable Dream series and great pics from HU Photo Contest winners!

Grant Johnson, Horizons Unlimited Fix that flat! How to change a tyre anytime, anywhere!

Grant's tyre changing seminars are always well attended and appreciated. This seminar covers: 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; hands-on practical for beginners to experts, optional tyre changing contest.

Grant's tyre changing seminar at HU California meeting.

Border crossings - How to get through borders with minimal stress and cost!

Packing light - Tips and techniques from experienced travellers to reduce weight and bulk.

Regional discussions - e.g. travelling in South America or Asia.

For Women Only - A must for the ladies, so be sure to plan on being there! A chance to talk to experienced travelling women without the men around!

Experienced Travellers Panel - ask the experts anything you want!

Walk arounds / Show and tell!

Tents and Bedding discussion (in the camping area) - What works, cheap vs dear and which ones keep you dry, warm and comfy!

Bike mods - Show off your best bike mods - homemade saddle bags, toolbox mounts, GPS mounts, seats, side stands, tank panniers, cup holders, etc.