HUMM Monashees 2018

Horizons Unlimited Mountain Madness
Monashees, British Columbia - 20-22 July, 2018

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The 3rd Canadian HUMM will be happening in the Monashees of British Columbia. A unique 2-day motorcycle orienteering / navigation challenge, the HUMM has also been described as an off-road motorcycle scavenger hunt. There is no set course, so you make your own adventure! Winning demands strategy, teamwork, riding and navigation skills and pure fun! "The best 48 hours of my life! (apologies to my wife!)"

The Monashees are a 400-km-long range in southern BC. Known to hikers and heli-skiers for some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, the Monashees are relatively unknown as an off-road riding destination. We aim to change that! "Couldn't believe how good the scenery was..."

Nakusp is a friendly village on the shores of the Arrow Lake. Though small, it has all the facilities we need for a fantastic event! There's a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from camping at the Municipal Campground all the way to deluxe chalets at Halcyon Hot Springs, and everything in between. There are lots of restaurants and shops, including a large supermarket for self-catering and a hardware store if you need to fix something.

Obviously, the off-road trails are fantastic (see one of the views above), but there's lots of other things to do! If you'd like to bring your non-riding significant other and family, Nakusp is a great place for rejuvenating body and mind. Possible activities include hiking, golfing, lounging on the beach, swimming, canoeing, boating and volleyball. Naturally occurring mineral hot springs near Nakusp allow you to soak in a spring and indulge in some aromatherapy.

If a picture is worth 1000 words, how much is a video worth?! Check out the official HUMM event trailer, then read on!

Thanks to Molly Stack, our awesome video editor, and to Ken Delathouwer, Ilija Perić, Patrick Trahan, David Hodgson, & Ashley Moule for video clips!

What is it?

Horizons Unlimited Mountain Madness (HUMM) is an off-road, competitive, motorcycle navigation challenge for teams of 2-4 bikes. For 2018, we plan events in the USA Granite Mountain in Arizona, the Canadian Monashees in British Columbia and the Appalachians in West Virginia. Events are 2 full-days of riding, and the most fun you can have on two wheels ;-)

"The best day's riding ever!"
"Ranks among the top ten 'best fun' biking experiences!"
"The best 48 hours of my life! (apologies to wife!)

Choose one of FOUR challenge classes for your team to participate!

1. MAP SINGLES - Single-cylinder bikes navigating with a compass (no GPS);
2. MAP MULTIS: Multi-cylinder bikes navigating with a compass (no GPS);
3. GPS SINGLES: Single-cylinder bikes navigating with a GPS or satnav;
4. GPS MULTIS: Multi-cylinder bikes navigating with a GPS or satnav.

Does your team have a combination of singles and multis? Choose the ONE challenge class your team will ride in and experience the unique pros and cons of each bike type.

Bikes need not be dedicated off-road specials but need to have a vague predilection for the dirt. So GS Adventure yes, Electric Glide in Blue, no. Knobbly tires a plus but by no means essential.

Each team gets the same map and a checkpoint booklet on Day 1. Each checkpoint gets its own page with a clear description of its location and a map reference. Crucially, the booklet is not a roadbook. No two teams ever take the same routes, there is no course as such. So you're never following a string of riders down the same dusty course!

The FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

More detailed answers to your questions that have come in over the years.

HUMM Canadian Monashees Event Schedule

Day Zero - July 20, 2018

• Arrive on site at the Nakusp Arena
• Check in with event HQ. Check-in will be open from 12:00 to 17:00
• Welcome drink before briefing
• 18:00 - Event briefing and questions answered
• 19:30 - Dinner in town

Day 1 and 2 - July 21-22, 2018

• Maps and Booklets with all the check points will be handed out to you at 08:00 on Day 1! You can ride from 08:30-17:30 on Day 1 if you want, or use some time planning your route and preparing your bike. There is loads of room to do your planning.
• Start / Finish Riding Time: 08:30-17:30 every day.
• The score sheets are collected after each day's ride, and the team scores are posted.
• On Day 2 at 18:00 the score sheets are collected for the final time, points totalled and the winners announced and trophies handed out at the HUMM Awards Dinner. A very congenial evening follows!

The HUMM Event Fee includes:

• 2 full days of 100% pure off-road adventure riding in the Canadian Monashees! No stunts, no gimmicks!
• A "HUMM-dinger" of a chance to test your navigation strategies!
• An exclusive HUMM technical t-shirt

• Team Map and HUMM Points Book

• ALL First, Second and Third place Team Members in each class get a keeper Trophy!

Trophies at HUMM Monashees 2017

• One Spot satellite tracker rental for your team

• Access to support and recovery services in case of breakdown or accident out on the trail or on the road. Our support and recovery team can provide first aid and transport to the nearest suitable facility as well as basic field repairs and motorcycle recovery. This service is provided on a 'best efforts' basis. See Registration Terms and Conditions for limitations.
• Sunday evening Awards Dinner

Rules of the HUMM:

1. You must ride in a team of 2, to a maximum of 4 people, (minimum 2 bikes) so be sure to put together your team before registering as we need the names of all team members. If you cannot find someone to team with, go ahead and register for the event, note that you do not have a team partner, and we will match you with someone with a similar bike and riding skill level as best we can. Several past winners were matched up by us!



2. Prizes will be awarded in 4 classes (subject to sufficient entrants):
   • Map Class
     • Singles
     • Multis
   • GPS Class
     • Singles
     • Multis
   
   

   Mixed off-road teams have the good and bad of each class to deal with, so can choose which class to be in.

3. Two-up teams are ok, but there must be another vehicle in your team. We don't want solo bikes out alone.
   
4. Team mates must ride together at all times! If you separate for any reason other than one bike is broken down and stopped or one rider is injured, and the other rider is going for help, you will be disqualified.
5. No GPS allowed in the Map Class! You will be given a set of Event Map(s) and an Event Points Book. You may carry a smartphone, but are NOT allowed to use the GPS function. You may carry a GPS with map data of the area for emergency use only. It will be sealed in a tamper-proof plastic bag before you check out to ride. If the bag is opened for non-emergency purposes before returning to HUMM base, your team is disqualified. No other paper or digital map(s) of the event area other than those provided by HUMM organizers. Except for your GPS device (for emergency only), no laptops, tablets, or other digital devices that are capable of storing other map information.
6. Special Rules for GPS Class! GPS or smart phones with GPS capabilities are allowed in this class, but we aren't supplying GPX co-ordinates, since we don't want it to be too easy. ;-) As with the MAP class, you will be given a set of Event Map(s) and an Event Points Book. No other paper or digital map(s) of the event area other than:
   a) paper maps provided by HUMM organizers, and
   b) electronic maps already loaded onto your GPS or GPS-enabled smartphone. No laptops, tablets, or similar devices.
7. Start / Finish Time: 08:30-17:30 every day. You must check out and check in. Late returns lose points - really late returns lose lots of points! All team members must return together.
8. Each checkpoint has a points value based on how far it is from the hotel combined with the degree of difficulty. The HUMM is all about spending several days navigating your way around the mountains and seeing as much great scenery as possible.
9. Obtaining checkpoint info from another team is grounds for disqualification. In the event of a dispute or challenge, a photo at a checkpoint that matches the photo in the HUMM book will be required to verify the team has been to the checkpoint.

Rules of the HUMM - Canadian Monashees!

Please Note: BEAR SPRAY is MANDATORY for HUMM Canadian Monashees - at least 1 per team!

If you don't have your own, with a valid expiry date, you must purchase it. Price is about CDN$50 there, but can be found cheaper. Amazon Canada lists it for CDN $40 with free shipping in Canada. MEC has it for CDN $33.75, but you have to buy it in store. Canadian Tire has it for CDN $47.99, also in store only, and some useful FAQs on their website.

For USA registrants, be aware that bear spray may not be legally taken across the border.

Facilities for a Fantastic Event

Staging for this event will be at the Nakusp Arena. You will check-in at the Arena on July 20, teams will leave from the Arena on both July 21 and 22, and the Awards dinner will be catered at the Arena on the evening of July 22.

Although Nakusp has a population of under 2,000, it's a tourist destination and thus has a fantastic range of accommodation including camping, restaurants and shopping choices (in the summertime, anyway!)

We've been coming to Nakusp for the Horizons Unlimited Travellers Meeting since 2009, but inexplicably had never explored all the amenities the town has to offer! In 2016, we actually stayed on for a week after the HU meeting, and while Grant and his friend Murray explored the off-road trails in the area, Susan checked out the town itself!

Arrow Lake

Hotels / Motels

CMH K2 Rotor Lodge
Phone: 1-800-663-0100

Centrally located in Nakusp within walking distance to all amenities, public beach, arena and campground. We stayed here while scouting for the HUMM, and we can recommend it.

The hotel has two main accommodation areas, and the room prices differ. The main building has a restaurant (Arrow Lake Tavern), lounge, liquor store and 28 guest rooms, all non-smoking. These rooms have ceiling fans but no air-conditioning, and range from $80-95 per night plus taxes.

The Tenderfoot Annex is newer, has 19 rooms, all non-smoking with air-conditioning. Rates for these rooms are $105 plus taxes for 2 queen beds. If you want the King bed and jacuzzi, it's $125 plus taxes.

Selkirk Inn
Phone: 1-800-661-8007

The Selkirk Inn is centrally located, has 39 rooms, most air-conditioned and many of them include kitchenettes. Rates range from $80-$105. No restaurant on site, but Gabi's Fairytale Cafe does breakfast across the street. We have stayed here, and it is clean and comfortable.

Canyon Court Motel
Phone: 1-888-509-4499

We haven't stayed here, but this motel gets good reviews. Per their website, the rooms all have air-conditioning, cable TV, fridge, microwave and coffee maker and free wi-fi. Larger units have a full kitchen and separate bedroom. Rates range from $69-$89 plus taxes.

 

Leland Hotel
1-250-265-3314

The Leland Hotel is the Oldest Hotel in BC, in operation since 1892. It also has the best location in town, overlooking the lake, and a good restaurant that takes full advantage of the views. All rooms have air-conditioning, wi-fi, fridge and microwave. Rates range from $65 for street view rooms to $109 for family rooms. Some rooms allow pets.

We haven't stayed here, but we have had reports that on weekends the rooms near the bar can be quite noisy, so be forewarned!

Halcyon Hot Springs Village & Spa
1-888-689-4699

Halcyon Hot Springs is 32 km north of Nakusp, and the most expensive accommodation in the area. If your budget allows and you have time after the HUMM, it looks spectacular! We haven't stayed here.

As you might guess from the name, there are hot springs! There is an onsite Spa with various treatments available, a fitness facility and a restaurant. Accommodation options include cottages, cabins and chalets, as well as serviced RV sites. If you have a group, some of the cottages sleep up to 8, which would make the per person rate attractive.

Nakusp Hot Springs, Chalets & Campground
1-866-999-4528
1-250-265-4528

"Nestled deep within the natural beauty of the Kuskanax valley, the Nakusp Hot Springs are community owned and operated and have the cleanest water and a view that is unsurpassed. The Nakusp Hot Springs have the cleanest, clearest soaking mineral pools, with 200,000 litres of fresh, filtered water entering each pool every day."

Available accommodations include a creekside RV and tenting campground, and on-site cedar chalets, priced from $75-$199 per night.

Bed and Breakfasts

The Nakusp Visitor Info Centre is super helpful and can assist with reservations for bed and breakfasts, of which Nakusp has many! Let them know you're here for the Horizons Unlimited event! Toll Free: 1-800-909-8819

Brouse Creek B&B (good reviews on Trip Advisor)
1-250-265-4625

Cozy Cabin Bed and Breakfast (good reviews on Trip Advisor)
1-250-265-1072

Queen Anne Turret (top-rated by Grant and Susan!)
1-250-265-0121

Camping

There are several options for camping in Nakusp, and all of them are significantly better than what we had available at Panorama!

Riders Retreat
1-250-265-8043

Rebecca at Riders Retreat offers motorcycle friendly camping (glamping?), with an outdoor kitchen, all bedding, cooking and camping supplies provided. Rebecca is a super hostess who also runs the bar at HU events! Be sure to tell her you're with the HUMM!

"Riders Retreat is the ideal place for motorcyclists who love to camp. Situated on the Golf Course in Nakusp, BC, we offer camping, and a furnished RV and Bus. One feature that sets us apart from any other campground is our equipped tent sites, which include your tent, bedding, lanterns, chairs, coolers and a picnic table. All set up and ready to go. So feel free to pack nice and light.

There are washrooom and shower facilities available, which include all your towels, soap, shampoo and conditioner, as well as a community cooking area equipped with pots and pans, BBQ's, cookstoves, dishes, silverware, spices and basically anything you would need to feed the weary traveller."

Nakusp Municipal Campground
1-250-265-1061

The Nakusp Municipal Campground is about a block's walk from the Nakusp Arena where we will be staging the HUMM, and 4 blocks from the public beach. The campground has 44 large treed campsites, of which 10 sites have 30 amp service. Tent camping prices range from $22-$27 per site per day, depending on whether power is needed. You can request a campsite directly from the Village of Nakusp's website.

 

The powered spaces have 50 amp sockets for motorhomes, so you WILL NEED an adapter. You may be able to buy one in town, but safest is to bring your own!

Nakusp Municipal Campground Map

Nakusp Municipal Campground Policies

• Dogs are welcome but must be tethered and or on a leash at all times.
• Owners are responsible to pick up feces as per Village Bylaws.
• Firewood is available for purchase from the campground manager.
• Quiet time is 11PM to 7AM
• R/V Generators may only be used from 7AM to 11PM
• Fires are permitted in fire pits only and are subject to fire bans
• Do not burn garbage in your fire pits, and please do not damage the trees.
• Campground speed limit is 5km/hr

Restaurants

Nakusp has heaps of restaurants to suit everyone's budget. We have eaten at many of them over the years, but not all of them! These are just a few of your dining options.

Caffe Lago, Leland Hotel is one of our favourite places to chill, big deck overlooks the lake.

 

Chumley's Restaurant and Three Lions Pub has a nice outdoor seating area. Broadway Deli Bistro does breakfasts and lunches.

 

Nick's Place Italian Restaurant on 5th Ave gets good reviews. Gabi's Fairytale Cafe does great breakfasts, but don't expect speedy service, it's lightly staffed!

 

Shops

There are lots of shops in Nakusp! Just a few of the pics on Broadway Street, which is the main shopping street.

Grocery choices include Overwaitea Foods, which is a good-sized supermarket. There is also an organic food store and a deli, which also serves meals.

 

 

 

The Home Hardware is well-stocked. There are lots of clothing and handicraft shops.

 

CIBC Bank is the only major bank in town, but their ATMs accept other bank cards. There is also a Kootenay Savings Credit Union.