HU Travellers Meeting Australia Snowy Mountains 2016

Jane Arnold and Leanne Jonson Beyond Siberia, riding the Road of Bones

The highs and challenges of riding with 16 other people through 15 countries.

Jane and Leanne rode from London to Magadan with 15 other people, through 15 countries and some challenging road and weather conditions. We will talk about the struggles and the elation of completing the ride in one piece. The life long friendships we made along the way. The different and varying cultures and overwhelming friendliness towards us.

Jane and Leanne are friends who travel on motorbikes. We are in our 50s and our plan is to ride around the world by the time we are 60. We have ridden from London to Magadan, parts of Australia, USA, Canada, Alaska and Vietnam.

Stephen and Sue Frew Aussie Ducatis in Europe - Two shipping two Ducatis from Australia to UK, then touring Europe - twice

We shipped our Ducatis to Europe in 2013 for a 'once in a lifetime' trip, through 17 countries, 22,000 kms and 3 1/2 months. After a miserable 2014 winter at home, we bit the bullet and did it again... this time with experience. 27 countries, 28,000 kms and 4 1/2 months.

Rohit Sharma Indian Himalayas - 4 Lakes, Highest Passes and a Paper map AND Cultural Feast - 3 weeks, 10 states

4 Lakes, Highest Passes and a Paper map

A ride to explore the great lakes of the Indian Himalayas and travel mostly off-road with a paper map on the road least taken.

In year 2013, I planned to travel to the Ladakh and Changthang region of the Indian Himalayas and visit the lakes also called at "Tso" in the local language. - Tso Kar - Kyagar Tso - Tso Moriri - Pangong Tso This spritual journey takes me through some of the rare routes in the region on my Royal Enfield 500cc motorcycle and using only a rough paper map picked up from a local guide at Leh. Most of the days on these road, there wasn't much human contact or communication options with rest of the world. Riding in extreme rains, sub-zero temperature and fighting High Altitude sickness complemented by a few technical problems in the bike. This became one of my favorite rides of all times.

Making it to the top three highest motorable passes, and carrying most of the supplies, I rode to the first lake on the route called Tso-Kar and then an isolated drt track to the next lake on my list named Tso Moriri. Made it to the next lake and pitched the tent thinking I was at Tso Moriri but later I got to know through a Changpa Tribal that I was at some other lake called Kyagar-Tso which wasn't even on my plan and Tso-Moriri was still a couple of hours ahead. Camping at Kyagar Tso that night, I continued my ride to Tso Moriri and later to the last lake on my plan named Pangong Tso.

Cultural Feast - 3 weeks, 10 states

Riding from New Delhi to the Southern most tip on India (Kanyakumari) and travelling through 10 states in three weeks.

A ride which takes me from New Delhi to the Southern most tip of India (Kanyakumari) on Royal Enfield 500cc. Using a road atlas book and travelling only through State Highways most of the times, this journey turned out to be a cultural feast and gave me an opportunity to interact with the locals living in the remote regions of India. Through the first week or so was easy to interact as people could speak understand Hindi (the most common Indian language primarily used in North India) but as I kept riding south, the language changed but the connection with people didn't. We figured out ways to get the points across and still talk and understand each other.

Riding through 9 states in three weeks, I slept under the open sky in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, spent nights at the local Dhabas (Roadside restaurants), Salt Flats of The Great Runn of Kutch in Gujarat, Western Mountains of Maharashtra, Beautiful beaches of Goa, Encounter with Black Bear, King Cobras and Elephants in forests of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and the lush green Kerala (also known as God's own Country) and making it to the Southern Most tip of India (Kanyakumari). Not to forget that the amazing food in each of these states that adds up to the great experience of traveling through India.

During the last 15 years, Rohit has extensively explored most parts India, fair-bit of Australia and UK on his Motorcycles.

Brian Campbell Ho Chi Minh and the Tuning Fork - How to wing it through remote Vietnam on a motorbike with no plan, idea or GPS and get from Saigon to Sapa in three weeks

After my wife and I holidaying in Vietnam and meeting several travellers on motorbikes and reading countless bike mags with stories of the same we thought, Yeah! we could do that surely it's not that hard. The plan was no plan, just arrive in Saigon and get a bike, beg, buy or hire and head off north in search of the real Vietnam with no language skills, idea of how far we'd get each day or where we would stay, equipped with only scary excitement. What we got was far more than we hoped or expected, welcomed with open arms into a wonderful country by the most humbly, hospitable beautiful people that made it hard for us to return home to reality, but left us with the feeling of 'it's the best thing we've ever done' and want to do more of the same.

I'm a mid fifties mini adventure traveller now with two grown children off our hands, along with my wife Mandy we are seeking out trips that take us out of our comfort zone and with the knowledge and experience gained from each one it makes us want to search for more.

Stuart Ball, The Great Australian Ride GAR - An in depth view, how to prepare, how to fundraiser to activate your adventure ticket, how to train for sand riding and bike setup

Welcome to GAR - The Great Australian Ride. Are u ready for a true Australian Adventure? It's one hell of an exciting adventure that pushes the boundaries mentally and physically. Join a fantastic crew and ride from east to west, crossing the vast red centre while helping a great cause SIDS and Kids. Happy travels.

"For some of us, when a huge reality gap opens, it actually helps us to clarify our purpose in life: we get in touch with 'the big picture', we reflect on what life is all about, we connect with our true core values, and we grow and develop. We may even discover a greater cause or create a mission, which ignites our passion and gives us a sense of vitality."

Stuart Ball has completed 6 trans crossing of Australia Byron Bay - Steep Point) raising funds and awareness for SIDS and Kids and other Australian charity. Each year he organises a team of 16 leave Byron Bay to ride 7500km via 4 deserts including the Simpson Desert to reach Steep Point. These rides have raised over $250,000 since 2011.

Linda Bootherstone-Bick Into Africa- With a Smile

In the early 1970's, the days before internet, Lonely Planet, Adventure bikes, GPS and Touratech, Linda rides her 1957 BMW R50 from England to Cape Town. The journey takes 15 months and covers many countries and road conditions. With a powerpoint presentation, using many original photos, Linda, in her usual entertaining way, relates some of the incidents that she includes in her new book about this journey.

Linda Bootherstone-Bick has been riding motorcycles for over 50 years and has toured on all major continents, her last being South America where she celebrated her 70th birthday. She has given presentations at various HU meetings and written three books on her travels.

Paul Knibbs and Maryna Matthew The Muskoka Foundation – Do Good As You Go

Paul and Maryna will travel by motorcycles across the USA, Canada and Alaska before heading to South America. From Cape Town they'll cross Africa to Europe then Asia. No return date allows sufficient time to really experience the people, places and communities they travel to. Discovering DGYG, the "Do Good As You Go Movement!" was exciting because they believe that changing lives (including their own) is achieved through sharing, participating and collaborating with the people and communities they travel to.

Come hear about the Muskoka Foundation and see if you too want to join the DGYG movement on your next adventure!

Horizons Unlimited supports 'Do Good As You Go', Volunteer Programs for Independent Travelers Around the World, which is run by the Muskoka Foundation. In 2016, we raised over US$3,000 for the program at our travellers meetings worldwide.

'Do Good as You Go' is a network that connects individuals that are traveling and volunteering to quality small to mid-sized organizations making significant, positive impact on their local community. The objective is to fulfill the needs of the organizations as well as leverage the unique skill set of the travelers.

Murray and Carmen Evans Round South America - 6 months, 12 countries, 33000 km two-up circumnavigation of South America

Murray and Carmen spent 6 months circumnavigating South America two-up on a motorcycle in 2013. Not knowing quite what they were 'in for' was probably a good thing, as they were well into their dream adventure before it dawned on them just how much they'd 'bitten off'. They crossed high mountain passes, sandy deserts, enormous salt flats, rode though muddy Brazilian rainforests, floated down the Amazon, and travelled to seldom-visited Guyana, Surinam and French Guiana (which are geographically and culturally isolated from the rest of South America).

Through the eyes of two biologists they'll share their stories, giving you an insight into what to expect if you plan to travel in South America (particularly more off-route places). Based on what worked and what didn't, they'll give you their tips on adventure travelling two-up on a motorcycle, starting with how to convince the rest of your family that it's a good idea!

Murray and Carmen Evans are an Australian-Venezuelan couple who share a passion for travel and motorcycles and have had two-up motorcycle adventures in Argentina, Vietnam, Turkey, Morocco and have circumnavigated Australia and South America.

Tex O'Grady Tex and Bundy - Charity Fundraisers

Tex and his Cattle dog Bundy talk about their charity work, the adventures together as they travel the length and breadth of Australia. Also hear about Tex's successful attempt at the Around Aust' Record in 1978, 15,500 klm's in just under 9 days!

Tex & Bundy are a well known Australian motorcycling, charity fundraising duo. An Aussie bloke (Tex) and his stumpy tailed cattle dog (Bundy) who love & live to ride together, Tex & Bundy have ridden over 600,000km together for charity all around Australia supporting countless charities.

Alpha Malinda, Karanga Adventure Tours Africa on Two Wheels - Motorbike Safari In Tanzania

Why take a safari to Tanzania? Alpha Malinda will be there to answer your questions, and also will talk about why you would want to go to Tanzania - nicknamed the Eden Garden!

Wild animals, scenic beauty, people and charity are the main things - expect to meet them in a very close angle. Advantage of riding in wild Africa - it will change your attitude towards conservation to be positive and support more of it to be living for more people to come and enjoy what's is living today. Disadvantage - you will be spoiled and wants to know more and come again every time.

If you're interested in:

• The Majestic Kilimanjaro, the Highest Free Standing Mountain in the world
• The endless plains of Serengeti,
• Ngorongoro, the only crater with living wild animals in it
• The beautiful spice island of Zanzibar.

... you need to see this presentation!

Alpha Malinda was born and raised in Tanzania, a professional Wildlife Ranger in African National Parks, with a vast knowledge enabling him to take clients from hiking Mount Kilimanjaro to wildlife safaris in the many fantastic parks and reserves. He has many qualifications including an Advanced Diploma in Wildlife management as well as Certificate in Basic Trekking and anti-poaching skills from The Norwegian Trekking School.

Safety is our language during all time of exploration on a bike safari, guided tours, full time mechanic and well communicated convoy with a support vehicle is our way to do this right. Expectations are to meet the real Africa, ride in the heart of it.

Ashim Ranadive, 7 days 1 shower Dreaming of 'RTW'

As soon as I had enough money in my pocket during University years, I went backpacking with friends. Once they longer wanted to explore further, I ventured out solo for 2 to 3 months a year. At home, I would spend my weekends riding my sportbike through NSW gorgeous countryside. It wasn't until I was exploring some winding roads in Northern Thailand and parked my bike next to an Australian plated bike that I knew that riding my own bike around to explore the world is what I wanted to do.

Over the next years, I have been exploring both Australia and other parts of the world on various road bikes in the hope that I will one day be able to use the skills and knowledge I have collected to complete my own RTW.

Ashim is a road rider and backpacker whose 2 hobbies merged into overland travel. Riding out smaller trips with a dream of an eventual RTW. Meanwhile, he keeps the travel fires burning on shorter trips. Ashim is a moderator of the HU Motorcycle Adventure Travellers Facebook group.

Jacqui Kennedy, ScooterGal Go small, go slow, go solo (sometimes) - 50,000km in the saddle of a CT110 Postie bike around Oz

Spending two years on the road on an underpowered postie bike, tackling outback dirt tracks is not everyone's idea of adventure. You have to adjust your attitude and approach the journey with a sense of humour and loads of patience.

Who stole Jacqui Kennedy's postie bike??

Completing a full lap and visiting Big Things along the way, Jacqui travelled more than 50,000km without a breakdown or even a flat tyre. Along the way she met Linda Bootherstone and the plan is to take their posties up to the tip of Cape York.

David and Pamela Hyde 2 Aussies Triumph in America & Canada

How did a proposed road trip following the Mississippi and the history of Blues and Jazz from Chicago to New Orleans turn into a 7 month motorcycle adventure? 1 Triumph Tiger 800 and 1 Triumph Bonneville? An adventure bike and a classic road bike. You couldn't get 2 more dis-similar bikes (there supposedly was our first mistake).

From LA to LA. 7 months riding up to Alaska, across Canada and zig-zagging North America. Did we have a great time? Did we follow the Mississippi? You bet. Should you do it? Let's talk Tail of the Dragon, Road to the Sun, Top of the World Highway, Route 66, Pacific 1 Hwy, Blue Ridge Parkway and other 'best of motorcycle rides'. Let's talk running out of fuel as a Grizzly bear comes out of the forest, or eyeballing a Bison in Yellowstone National Park. Let's talk Blues in Memphis and jazz in New Orleans. If you decide to go to North America on a motorbike, it will be an experience you won't forget and we can make the decision for you easier.

David and Pamela Hyde are totally novice (mature) riders who got inspired by Horizons Unlimited and went on the most awesome 7 month motorcycle adventure riding from LA to LA via Alaska, across Canada and zig-zagging across North America.

Brian and Shirley Hardy-Rix, Aussies Overland RTW two-up! and Roads Less Travelled London to Melbourne

Two up around the world

We rode from the bottom of South America to the top of Alaska. A lap of Western Europe and southern Africa before heading home to Australia. 16 months on the road, more than 82,000 ks through 32 countries. We crossed the Andes, deserts, visited Antarctica and Galapagos. It was the ride of our lives!

London to Melbourne on roads less travelled

We left London with a year to get home to Melbourne. We were on the Isle of Man for the TT and rode the circuit on Mad Sunday. We travelled through the European heatwave and down the Dalmatian coast, through Greece and Turkey. Into Iran and then Pakistan where we had to ride under armed guard on some dangerous roads. We rode high into the Karakoram mountains, then through Nepal, India, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and Singapore and home into Darwin.

Shirley and Brian have written 3 books about their travels: Two for the Road, Circle to Circle, and their newest - The long way to Vladivostok. The books will be available at the event - get your copy signed!

Xander Kabat, Overlander Adventure Equipment Fix that Flat! and Packing Light and Carnet Demystified

Fix that flat! Tyre changing

In the style of Grant's tyre changing seminar Xander 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.

Packing Light

'Overweight is underprepared' has become an anthem for overlanders. However, the debate of what to bring, and how much to carry is as enduring as what is the best bike. It is agreed that the 'lighter the better', but what does that mean? What do you need to 'live on the road'? We will explore some of the advances in Camping and Motorcycle gear that is designed to be lighter and more comfortable than ever before. Be it a week end, a week or year the advances in gear may make your travels more enjoyable (or at least easier).

Xander Kabat packing workshop

Carnet Demystified Workshop - Carnet du Passage Mythbusting!

The Carnet du Passage, is one of the most misunderstood and feared aspects of Overland traveling. This round table/workshop will talk though what it is, how much do they cost, what options you have, where to get them, and most importantly how to use them. Bring your carnet and your questions.

Xander has been riding since he was 5 yrs old and has never stopped for long. He started travelling on his bike as soon as he got his license at 16, travelling North America and Canada. He always travelled solo until he was 25 yrs old, when he met his wife Tam. For the last 15 years he and his wife have been touring two-up, including in Australia, Europe, and a 17 month trip from the UK to Australia through Africa and SE Asia.

Jonathan Taylor Extend your trip with a bit on the side - Understanding, riding and servicing sidecar motorcycles.

Motorcycle sidecars can add significant advantages as a means of adventure travel. They offer considerable load carrying capacity along with increased stability, greater security and a stronger presence amongst other road users. Perhaps their greatest attribute is as an icebreaker to meet people, an uncommon vehicle that attracts attention and prompts opportunity to converse with everyday people wherever you travel. Sidecars are a very different character to drive compared to solo motorcycles. They require learning a new set of skills and the process is often not recognised sufficiently leading to incidents during the early learning phase. Jon can explain this from his experience teaching new riders and with a demonstration model he uses. He Will discuss many aspects of using sidecars and conduct a Q & A session.

A long time motorcycle rider who has spent the last 8 years operating a business for the importation, sales and service of the Ural sidecar motorcycles, and educating new sidecar drivers. Jon has travelled sidecars and motorcycles in the Australian outback, in many European countries, Alaska, Canada and the U.S. and Vietnam.

Martin Williams Eating the elephant - a mouthful at a time

A motorcycle tour up the east of Africa from Capetown and on to Nordkapp, Norway. Focus is on info on visas, border crossings, shipping

At the beginning of November 2015 I set off on my 25 year old KLR from Cape Town on a very lightly planned trip up through the east side of Africa to Europe. On the way the trip got extended and ended up going on up to North Cape (Nordkapp) in Norway. In a nice piece of unplanned symmetry the trip started with the HU Meeting in South Africa and finished at the HUBB UK meeting.

Whilst the presentation will cover the whole trip it will focus on the African segment which occupied 6 months, traveling up through all the countries in the eastern half of the continent. I'll address the practicalities of budget, timing, equipment and cover the current situation for getting visas, border crossings and shipping on and off that continent.

A motorcyclist for 40 years, attendance at the Australian HU Meeting in 2010 found me saying "I can do that" and the next year setting off from Vladivostok to cross Russia to the UK. Subsequent trips have taken me to Ireland and Morocco, and now in this last year up through the full length of East Africa and on into Europe.

Brian Rix, Aussies Overland Bike mods and ergonomics!

Brian and Xander 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.

Alain Despatie Bike setup and USA Round Table

Bike setup

Alain will discuss the luggage setup of his XT660Z using soft luggage solutions from Giant Loop and Mosko Moto.

USA round table

Alain will answer questions and provide best advice for traveling in the United States.

After an extended stay in the west coast of America, Alain returns to his Australian roots with a voracious desire to travel the lands he hasn't seen.

Dave Milligan, Get Routed Motorcycle shipping - Containerised bike shipping by sea

Dave will be available to answer questions about bike shipping by sea. Will provide actual loading process as a visual, but with 19 years experience he can offer advice for anyone with bike transport questions.

Get Routed ships bikes around the world, specialising in Australia to NZ, Europe & USA. Dave has 19 years experience shipping motorcycles from and back to Australia. Approaching 70, he is still keen to travel. Mostly he wants to see more of USA/Canada and Europe.