HU Travellers Meeting Canwest 2013

THE PREMIER OVERLAND ADVENTURE TRAVEL EVENT FOR MOTORCYCLISTS

Horizons Unlimited Travellers Meeting

Thursday August 22 - Sunday August 25, 2013 - Nakusp, BC


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It's All About Overland Adventure

Whether you're a seasoned veteran with wisdom to share or a complete novice hungry for ideas and guidance, it doesn't matter if you ride a motorcycle, a bicycle, or drive an expedition vehicle...

Horizons Unlimited meetings are for everyone who dreams of adventure along the road less travelled.

Horizons Unlimited Canada West Event Schedule

The event is taking place from Thursday, Aug 22 to Sunday, Aug 25, 2013.

The Registration Tent will open for check-ins at 1 pm on Thursday, Aug 22, with the first presentations beginning at 6 pm. The event will draw to a close at Noon on Sunday, Aug 25.

Over the course of the event there'll be talks, demonstrations, workshops, Q&A's, challenges and competitions, with many presentations being repeated so you won't miss out.

As well as hearing inspiring stories of overlanding adventure from around the world, you'll get the low-down on preparing for your journey, navigation, first-aid, photography, filming and a host of other essential topics. Whatever your past experience or future plans may be, there's something for everyone.

Event schedule - V1 available for download - subject to change!

Presenters at HU Canwest 2013 included...



Nevil Stow.

Nevil Stow, RTW 2013

London to Vladivostok on a DR650 2013

The planning and execution of the first leg of an RTW, Border Crossings, Corrupt Police, a motorcycle accident and more!

Details the visas/documentation needed for border crossings, explains Transnistria, suggests good routes and what to expect from corrupt police from time to time. Covers England, France, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Transnistria, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia.

Nevil Stow on statue.

Nevil lives in Canmore Alberta and has worked as a mountain guide in the past. This year he rode from London to Vladivostok on a DR650 as part of a charity Fundraiser. In 2010 he rode to Inuvik and Prudhoe Bay only 9 months after his stroke to raise over $5000 for stroke victims.

Bike repairs

Daan Stehouwer and Mirjam van Immerzeel.

Daan Stehouwer and Mirjam van Immerzeel, Netherlands

Discover your limits - and check out what's beyond them!

Two Africa Twins through Africa

Africa; it takes some time to get used to. Perhaps we had already tuned in in 14 months through the Americas, still it was quite an adventure to cross this continent. The unpredictable offroading, the animals, the people, the fuel, the cultures...

Daan and Mirjam in Namibia.

Mirjam van Immerzeel.

From HU to the World

It started with a DVD... and ended up with a RTW trip and an emigration! One rainy day some years ago. Daan calls Mirjam at work: 'there is a DVD to buy about this crazy plan we came up with in the pub last week!'

Lots of hours on the HUBB and a few HU-meetings @ Germany. Finally we did it, travelled The Americas and Africa. Yes: it had a massive impact on our lives. But looking back on it, it was the best thing we've ever done! We're hooked...

How it all started!

How it all started?

Janet Wilson and Tom Feuchtwanger.

Janet Wilson and Tom Feuchtwanger, Canada

A Global Perspective - Achieving The Art of Overlanding

Janet Wilson and Tom Feuchtwanger have a deep love of Africa, its wilderness, wildlife and peoples. During the early 70's they spent many years living in the African bush where Tom worked as an exploration geologist. Their first overland adventure in 1974 was in a Renault in which we traveled around Europe.

This lifelong love for exploring the world continues and they completed 3 overland trips circumnavigating 80,000km across Africa. Not satisfied they sold up everything in 2010 and drove from Alaska to Argentina completing a 65,000km overland journey in 18 months.

"Nothing is more addictive than traveling off the beaten track across the globe. So why do some set off and others only dream? How did we break free and achieve the thrill of overlanding? We will share our lessons, from planning to risk management. We have laughed and we have cried, we have experienced thrilling highlights and fearful tragedies. And we keep going back for more. 87 countries and we have never paid bribe how do we do it?"

Zimbabwe - cruiser plus elephants.

Robert Thode.

Robert Thode, USA

Amazing Africa - 18 weeks and 38,000 K around southern and eastern Africa, the land, the people, the roads.

"I be a wandering old fart, doing the world on the installment plan. For several years I have traveled from 3 weeks to 3 1/2 months every winter. Sometimes I even talk my wife of 40 years to come with me, (sometime she knows I have gone over the edge and makes me go by myself). The last two winters we have been in southern and eastern Africa. Africa is an amazing place, wonderful people, exotic animals, and an abundance of adventure."

Robert Thode - lions and cubs.

This may be why they don't let you ride in on a motorcycle...

Robert Thode at Childrens center.

Children's center for street kids, Isiolo, Kenya

Bostjan Skrlj.

Boštjan Škrlj, Slovenia

Extreme Travel

It's not everyone's cup of tea, but it might be yours! Travel in extreme conditions and extreme temperatures. 1-YUKON-Whitehorse-Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk on ice road. 2-Winter ride to the north of Alaska-to Prudhoe Bay - Deadhorse. Boštjan will present his polar travel and how to prepare all equipment.

Bostjan Skrlj bike in snow.

Bostjan Skrlj camping in snow.

Bostjan Skrlj at Prudhoe Bay Hotel.

Ekke Kok.Audrey Allenspach-Kok.

Ekke and Audrey Kok, Canada

Riding to the Great Wall

Audrey and Ekke flew from Canada to Germany in July of 2012 and then rode east. All the way to the Great Wall of China. Who knew that you could simply ride to the Great Wall? Along the way they overcame a few logistical challenges, met wonderful people and had the adventure of a lifetime. 

Ekke and Audrey Kok at Great Wall of China.

Ekke Kok and camels.

Ekke and camels

Audrey befriends an elephant in Thailand.

Audrey friends an elephant in Thailand

Pat and Belinda Peck.

Patrick and Belinda Peck, Australia

Hidden Gem Montenegro, Schengen visa & Road Rules

We are an Australian couple travelling two up on a Yamaha Super Tenere for 1 year every second year since 2000. Areas include Western and Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa, Central and South America, Laos, Vietnam and Sri Lanka and average 100kms travel per day. We will share some of our knowledge and experiences and how we make it work!

Pat and Belinda Peck.

Using photos, we would like to share the unique scenery, roads and historical sites of Eastern European's best kept secret: Montenegro.

Pat and Belinda Peck in Montenegro.

We will also talk about the Schengen visa for travelling in Western Europe. Having had no accidents in nearly 300,000 kms we list the important rules of the road we have summarized for our friends and kids to ride safely around the world.

Jordan and Sandra Hasselmann.

Jordan Hasselmann, Canada

Calgary to Ushuaia (via Newfoundland)

After talking about it for years, Jordan and Sandra decided it was finally time for the big trip. Sandra just needed to get a bike. And a bike license. Then they quit their jobs and spend the next 14 months and 48,000 km travelling from Calgary to Ushuaia and back, via Newfoundland.

Camping on the beach.

The presentation is about their trip to South America from preparation to life on the road, with a few side trips thrown in, like hiking Torres del Paine, Machu Picchu and visiting Antarctica.

Jordan Hasselman, unloading the bike.

Onno Kok.

Onno Kok, Canada

Japan - Touring the land of the rising sun

The Land of the Rising Sun has many enticing places to visit no matter your interests. It is a land of contrasts with ancient temples and glittering skyscrapers, high tech gadgetry and old traditions. Discover how accessible this treasure of the Orient can be. Come and learn about motorcycle rental, accommodations, road and driving tips, and more.

Japan temple.

"I have lived in Japan for two years and have traveled back on numerous occasions over the last twenty years. Last fall I rented a motorcycle there and toured Japan for two weeks. I am quite familiar with the culture and language and have traveled across three of the four main islands on various trips by various means."

Onno Kok in Japan.

Bruce and Anne Ashton.

Bruce and Anne Ashton, Canada

Five ways to escape Canadian winters by Moto - How we were able to enjoy traveling on a motorcycle during the coldest winter months in Canada.

Bruce and Anne are both in their late 60s. First rode a 250cc motorcycle 35,000 kilometers in Europe in 1968. Took a 40 year break and started again 6 years ago traveling the CN winter months. Three winters in Central America, two winters in Australia and one winter in South America.

Bruce and Anne Ashton.

Kai-Uwe Och.

Kai-Uwe Och, Sweden

Adventure Touring in Scandinavia

Europe's best adventure touring happens in the north: Sweden, Norway, Finland!

The Scandinavian countries have a long heritage of outdoor live, both winter and summmer. Besides being (in contrast to central Europe) sparsely populated there is an ages old right still in force today, which give you the right to camp basically whereever you like. Just throw your tent on your bike, ride for some hours and find a nice spot in the forest at a quiet lake to enjoy a good meal at the campfire.

Adventure touring in winter!

Kai-Uwe Och is 44 years old, has always been interesting in outdoor live, but mostly travelling by bicyle for many years. Took motorcycle license in 2008 and continues to travel same style as before, just longer distances!

Kai-Uwe Och.

Mike and Marianne Robertson.

Mike and Marianne Robertson, Canada

Touring Africa

Why we sought an organized tour, benefits and challenges, where we went, what we really liked, what we sought out, highlights that have stayed in our memory, what others brought to the trip and would we do it again?

Mike and Marianne Robertson, Botswana.

Annette Birkmann.

Annette Birkmann, Denmark

A Journey to Effortless Living

As a little girl I dreamt about riding a motorcycle. At the age of thirty, I decided I'd waited long enough. I quit my job as an attorney in Copenhagen, sold everything I owned and moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I found work in a small motorcycle repair shop. I didn't know anything about motorcycles and I only spoke a few words of Spanish before I arrived; however, I credit working in the repair shop for providing me with an extraordinary cursing vocabulary in that language.

While in Buenos Aires I bought my first motorcycle – a six-year old BMW F 650 GS Dakar. Eight months later I began a one-year solo motorcycle ride through Latin America. My journey took me from the southern tip of South America to New York through 16 countries and 33,000 miles.

Annette Birkmann.

Grant and Susan Johnson.

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!

Grant steers around a road hazard - aftermath of flooding on the Pan American Highway!

Educational Sessions

Since HU meetings are about informing, not just inspiring, we've got a great lineup of interactive workshops for you!

Nevil Stow.

Nevil Stow, RTW 2013

Bears & Moto camping, the do's & dont's

A humorous insight into what to do and not do in bear country from an ex-mountain guide.

A simple slide show coupled with demonstrations and audience participation. Presented by Nevil Stow and quite possibly Trent Schumann. Lots of props and growling noises made here!

Bear Sign in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska.

Beware of bear sign in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska

Tracey Martin.

Tracey Martin

Life in 12 Kilos - Packing for life on the road

Tracey Martin has been travelling the globe for 30 years, visiting 35+ countries by bike, car, truck, bus, train, and ship. Each time she leaves home, she enjoys the expressions of wonder as she walks away with everything needed for weeks or months in just one small bag strapped to her back. Each new trip brings new packing challenges, but the greatest challenge of all was presented by the most recent adventure – 6 months in an Ural sidecar rig through pouring rain and from 45°C at sea level to snowing and below 0°C at 5,000+m.

Tracey and her husband, Miles McEwing, managed to carry everything needed for one low maintenance man, one high maintenance woman and one trusty Russian steed in just under 12 kilos. When you're on a bike as heavy as the Ural, carrying two passengers who are no light-weights, every kilo you can leave behind makes a difference.

Tracey Martin with Ural.

Join Tracey to learn from her experiences, both on and off of a bike: What do you bring? How do you pack it? What gear worked? What gear failed miserably? Then join in a round-table discussion where we'll learn from each other's experiences. If there is one lesson learned from many years of travel, it is that there is no right or wrong when it comes to packing. Learn from the experiences of others, then put together a packing plan that works for you.

Karen and Kevan Ibbotson.

Kevan Ibbotson (Dirtpig)

Best of Bodger Fixes

Can WD-40 fix everything? No, but you would be surprised what you can do with a bar of soap other than wash your hands!

Kevan's humorous and entertaining look at how to bodger repair your bike to get it home or at least to the next town.

This is an interactive session where we will review some of the tools and repair materials to carry with and how to use them to get yourself back on the road. It will be interspersed with photos and videos from Horizons Unlimited members from the past few years to showcase some of their very imaginative get home ideas.

Kevan Ibbotson bodging seminar at Canwest 2010.

Deb Hewson.

Debbie Hewson, Australia

Food on the road: healthy, happy, local

Discover tips for cooking on the road, basic travel ingredients, how to forage fresh food on the road, local markets, cooksurfing. Food is the common language. Eating on the road doesn't have to be expensive or boring. While travel with a stove can bring freedom, security and health (and just a little extra gas for the fuel tank!), eating with locals expands your understanding of the culture.

This workshop will explore tips for one-pot meals, basic travel ingredients, foraging food on the road to shopping at local markets, eating out to cook surfing. It will also include a brief exploratory forage and ID of the locality's weeds aka 'salad greens'. It will explore the ideas of healthy eating on the road, the pros and cons of what to pack, exploration of new food, options for finding ingredients and kitchens.

Deb Hewson foraging for nettles. Deb Hewson makes a quick lunch before a ferry.

Foraging for nettles, and a quick lunch before a ferry

Deb has traveled overland through 49 countries, backpacking, cycle touring and motorbike touring. She has most recently returned from a solo motorbike tour from Alaska to Patagonia. She is an avid cook, forager, and seeker of new learnings.

Herman Kovacs.

Herman Kovacs, The Seat Man

Riding in comfort on a custom seat

"Over the past 25 years my bike travels have taken me to various locations in North America with BMW motorcycles. Before I began exploring Alaska, the Yukon, Northwest Territories and the Arctic Circle along the Dempster Highway, I bought a BMW F650 GS. The stock seat was very uncomfortable and I had a five hour ride home. After one hour my butt got sore and I went into a fabric store in a small town en route. I had to become creative.

Herman Kovacs in Alaska.

Over the years I have made many custom seats for different motorcycles and there are a few key considerations in making a seat. The session will show how a custom seat is made and how anyone can modify and improve their bike's seat with some basic tools and equipment which are in most people's workshop or garage."

Herman Kovacs bike seat.

Grant Johnson showing tire changing.

Grant Johnson, Horizons Unlimited

Fix that flat! How to change a tire anytime, anywhere!

Grant's tire 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 tire changing contest.

Grant Johnson's audience for Tire Changing at HU California meeting.

Grant's tire changing seminar at HU California meeting.

Karen and Kevan Ibbotson.

Karen and Kevan Ibbotson

Hands on Emergency First Aid Clinic / First-on-scene

Hands on Emergency First Aid Clinic / First-on-scene. How to safely remove a crash helmet, check for spinal cord and head injuries, and what first aid supplies you might bring on a trip away from first world medical care. Bring your helmet and a mat to lie on.

Karen is a trauma nurse (BSN, RN, ERsp) and Kevan is a trained Medical First Responder.

 

Jamie Barber,

Guerrilla Camping, How to camp in interesting places for free

"I have been riding for over 40 years and have put on many overseas miles in S.E Asia, India, Europe and north America. I am an expert in what I call guerrilla camping... That is how to stay in the most interesting placed for free. In the past. I have camped in Richard the Lion Heart's castle in France, a Catholic Monks' abbey in Italy, a grand manor house garden in England, under bridges and in churches all over the world... all for free and usually without hassle."

Jamie Barber.

Jamie Barber on Bullet in India

Grant and Susan Johnson.

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 cover - how to navigate the site since the redesign - mega-menus, search, the HUBB. Includes 'How to' content from the Achievable Dream series and great pics from HU Photo Contest winners!

Get Inspired on Horizons Unlimited.

 

Michael Fodor

Adventure Riding Skills!

A demonstration of off-road riding techniques as applied to larger motorcycles.

Michael is an experienced off-road racer, who has raced hare-scrambles and enduros in BC. He's also an experienced touring rider who has ridden many miles on both tarmac and gravel. Michael will demonstrate how to ride off-road, followed by hands on session for riders as well.

Grant Johnson.

Grant Johnson, Horizons Unlimited

Bike mods and ergonomics!

Grant will host a bike 'Show and Tell' - bring your bike and show us your favorite travel mods. Critique and discussion.

When you picked up 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.

Ergonomics demonstration at HU Canada West meeting.

Ergonomics demonstration at HU Canada West meeting.

Panel discussions at most HU events include...

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!

Stove Cook-off - Everyone bring your stove and let's see what works - and what doesn't! The Pros and Cons of stoves, fuels and pots, recipes, pans etc

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.

Facilities for a Fantastic Four Days

Nakusp Lake.

Nakusp Lake

Camping

You will want to be at the official HU Campground so you don't have to go looking for people to talk to.Camping is NOT included in your registration fee! Camping is a very special price for us of $8 per tent per night, payable on check-in. (Regular price is $19-$27).

Note if you have a motorhome, car, need power etc, there may be a variable surcharge.
BE SURE
to clarify with the campground attendant that you are with us.

We have reserved the ENTIRE campground for 2013, so you'll have loads of space and can pick your spot!

Nakusp campground. Bikes at Nakusp campground.

Food

We recommend the Food - Deb Guest, the caterer was highly praised in 2011 and 12!

Dinners: $16 each. 2013 Menus:

Thursday - Mexican - Ensalada, chicken enchiladas, black bean and corn salad, chili and Mexican rice, dessert, coffee and tea.
Friday - Greek (lamb skewers or roast lamb, greek salad, potatoes, etc.)
Saturday - Steak or chicken, potatoes, hot veggie, green salad, dessert, coffee and tea.

Please PRE-BOOK dinners with your registration. There will be limited amounts available for late-comers. You MIGHT be able to get it on the day, but it's first come first served (and $4 more each), and they won't have much extra!

You can, of course, cook for yourself, or go to restaurants in Nakusp.

BREAKFASTS New for 2012 - Breakfasts!

So you don't have to wander all over town looking for breakfast, we have organized to have breakfasts provided on Friday and Saturday morning by the Nakusp Rotary Club. Breakfast will consist of sausage or ham and scrambled eggs, pancakes, with coffee and juice for a total of $10. It is all done by volunteers and all the funds raised go towards local and world projects.

Comments

I'm riding in from Spokane, Washington and have never been to a HU event before.  I'm all registered and paid, but I'm wondering is there a time I should be there in order to check-in, etc?  Are the campsites first-come, first-served?  I've looked here on the event page, but I'm not seeing some of these little details.

Looking forward to the meeting!

Tom

Camping - first come first served, but we have the whole campsite, it's plenty big enough, could probably do 400 bikes and still have room.

Check-in when you get there, we're flexible - travellers have to be! :) You want to be there Thursday morning if possible to really get into it all and get the best choice of campsites, but anytime is ok.

See you there!

Is there an actual agenda for the various seminars and speakers so that we can plan our days around them?  We're hoping to attend at least part of the event, but may have to choose just a couple of days depending on what the presentations are on which days.

Thank you very much.

Hi Nelson, we usually try to produce an agenda a few days before the event, but it's difficult and always subject to change, as most of the presenters are actually travelling overland to the event, so may be delayed or arrive early!

The good news is that we've got lots of presentations, and many of them will be repeated, so regardless of which days you can come there will be lots to see! :)

Having said that, Friday and Saturday will be the busiest days, and there are no presentations scheduled for Sunday (as yet), so hope that helps and look forward to seeing you there!

Cheers,

Susan & Grant

Hello,

Please provide the name and or address of the campground for the event. I am considering a B&B or something, and want to have a sense of how close they are. I know Nakusp is a small place, but it's always nice to know how long a walk it is!

Hi Snoofus, see the Nakusp map here. The presentations will be taking place in the Nakusp Arena, the campground is the Municipal Campground. Everything is close, but if you want a B&B you need to book soon! See you there! Susan & Grant



 

What happens at HU events?


HU South Africa


Comments about HU Events

"So many trips, tips, subjects, discussions, questions, answers, experiences, insights... I could go on and on. I will be back, and back, and back."

"It was like being with family... a friendly group with shared love of adventure."

"Everyone was humble, genuine, and encouraging, and I really needed that kind of 'we're all just people' kind of atmosphere."

"You'll see and hear the most useful ideas on so many subjects that it boggles the mind."

"Full of very inspiring people who got me fired up again and motivated for my next trip!"

"What a fantastic inspirational weekend...we will be back."

"I have picked up so much information... and met some new friends and wonderful people."

"...a new league of awesomeness."

"Great atmosphere and camaraderie, especially at dinner time, and interesting presentations."

"I have learned so much, made some great mates and met some of the best people. I was buzzing by the time I got home. I have a little trip planned and just can't wait to get out there."

For more about HU Events, see some magazine articles here.

Be a Presenter

We're inviting submissions for presentations, so whether you're attending the event or exploring a distant continent, if you've got a story to tell or expertise to share we'd like to hear from you.

We love to hear stories about your travel adventures, especially if you have great pics! Also, practical how-to sessions such as roadside cooking, navigation / GPS, trip prep and planning, adventure motorcycling medicine, packing light, setting your bike up, communications / blogging from the road, self-publishing your story, yoga for bikers, bodging / bike maintenance, self-defense, photography, videography, tire repair, safe riding techniques, how to pick up your bike, off-road riding, all are of interest.

There are 45 minute and 100 minute sessions available for talks, workshops, demos and live web chats.

Click here to submit your ideas

PLEASE NOTE:

Submitting a Presenter registration DOES NOT mean you will automatically be included in the schedule, as we can have more presenters than available presentation slots. We will confirm one way or the other as soon as we can (but not immediately!)

Book your Exhibitor Stand space

Over the course of four days, this Horizons Unlimited event offers a unique opportunity to build awareness of your brand and talk directly to potential customers.

The Adventure Travel Zone occupies a central position at the event site and is exclusive to trade stands representing the overland adventure travel market.

Choose between our Premium and Standard packages, both of which include on-site advertising and can include a presentation about your products and services. Be sure to let us know you want to do a presentation when you register.

Click here to book your trade stand

Canada West Venue Location

Nakusp Arena and Campground
200 8 Ave NW, Nakusp, BC
50.241037, -117.810248



Venue is at Nakusp Arena, 200 8th Ave NW, Nakusp; and the municipal campground is around the corner at 4th Street at 10th Avenue, NW.

Nakusp is located 47 km. (29 miles) north of New Denver on Highway 6. Nakusp Airport is located 3km north of town.

Driving Distance / Time to Nakusp:
From Distance
Vancouver 664 km
Seattle 481 - 533 miles
Calgary 511 km
Edmonton 805 - 920 km
Missoula 448 miles
Denver 1341 miles
San Francisco 1127 miles

NOTE: If you're coming from the USA, some of the more remote, smaller border posts close at 5PM.

Where are we in Nakusp?

Town of Nakusp, BC. Click for larger map.

Departing or Returning?

If you're planning an expedition, why not make the Horizons Unlimited meeting your official start point? Or maybe you're nearing the completion of a journey and would like a very public welcome home? Of course you might just be passing through and fancy marking a key stage of your travels?

We'd love to make you a big part of the meeting, so feel free to get in touch and tell us your plans.

HU Events Refund Policy

Like adventures, life can throw surprises our way. Stuff happens. While we would love for you to join the fun and connect with everyone at our events, we understand that you (and the funds) may be needed elsewhere. We'll catch up later!

On our side, we know you appreciate that we have financial commitments to venues and caterers!

The best way to let us know that you're unable to attend an event is to reply to the Registration Confirmation Email you got from us when you first signed up.

Up to 30 days prior to event start, we will refund all fees in full less a $10 (or €9 or £8) handling fee and PayPal charges. At your request, we can apply your Event Registration and all fees to any subsequent HU event you wish in that year or following year.

Up to 15 days prior to event start, we will refund only the camping/accommodation and food packages in full less a $10 (or €9 or £8) handling fee and PayPal charges. At your request, we can apply your Event Registration fee (with no handling fee) to any subsequent HU Event you wish in that year or following year. If you purchased a t-shirt, we will ship it to the mailing address you provide.

Within 15 days of the event start, there will be no refunds. At your request, we can apply your registration fee (with no handling fee) to any subsequent HU event you wish in that year or following year. If you purchased a t-shirt, we will ship it to the mailing address you provide.

If WE cancel an event:

We are constantly evaluating the situation for every event, and very much err on the side of caution. We will endeavour to announce "Final" decision one month or more before the event, but the situation COULD change closer to time, and we could be required by law to cancel.

If we are forced to cancel for COVID or natural disaster, we will roll your registration over to next year automatically.

If you want to transfer your existing registration to any other HU event in the world, just let us know.

Need a full refund? PLEASE REPLY to your original Registration Confirmation email to make it easier for us to find. If you can't find it, please email a request to: events-c (AT) horizonsunlimited(-)com with the subject line: "Refund event-name event-year"

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

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