HU Travellers Meeting Canwest 2025

Steve Park From Patagonia to Polar Bears [It's a book!] Self-discovery in foreign lands, delivered by a Yamaha T7 and an open mind.

In late December 2023, three friends gathered in Vancouver, Canada, to crate up their motorcycles, fly them down to Santiago, Chile, and set off on a ride to the ends of the Earth, literally. The goal? To push south to the jagged edges of Tierra del Fuego, then turn those bikes north and ride all the way back to Canada. But, like most good plans, things didn't stick. After a month, the road called them in different directions and Steve found himself riding north, alone, with a new destination: the Canadian Arctic.

What followed was a journey across two continents and 14 countries, captured in this book—a visual diary of motorcycles, broken paths, and the unexpected beauty that comes with getting lost. This story is about more than just a road trip. It's about friendship, adventure, and the deep, sometimes harsh, discoveries that come from crossing borders—geographical and personal.

STEVE PARK has ridden for 40+ years, raced enduro in Japan, Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.. In 2024, he rode 44,000 kms from Santiago to Ushaia to the Canadian Arctic--he self-published a book about it - From Patagonia to Polar Bears.

Scott Dobie, @otbp.moto (IG) Feed Your Dream: How to Eat the Elephant How to make your adventure happen.

The most common question I was asked, after where was I from and where was I going, was how. How? How was I able to do a seven-month trip while having no job or income, married (she didn't come with me, spoiler alert, we are still married), with a house and mortgage, no savings, etc. I wrote How to Eat the Elephant while I was traveling to help fellow riders work out the details of making their adventure happen, whether it's for a week, a month, a year, or longer.

SCOTT DOBIE quit his job in 2023 and travelled for seven months throughout Canada and the western U.S. He rode all BDR routes, rode to Tuktoyaktuk, and more.

Ekke Kok Round the World - One Year at a Time / The Two Sides of Everest / Riding Around New Zealand for Three Months

EKKE KOK is a retired civil servant who, along with his wife Audrey, has travelled the world on his motorcycle. All inspired by Grant and Susan Johnson in 1998.

1) Round the World - One Year at a Time
Audrey and Ekke took four year-long leaves of absence to travel the world

In 1998, Audrey and Ekke attended one of the very first Horizons Unlimited presentations by Grant and Susan Johnson. This inspired them to travel the world and share their experiences through Horizons Unlimited. This presentation describes the four year-long leaves of absence that they took, travelling through 83 countries.

2) The Two Sides of Everest
A trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, followed by a ride to Everest Base Camp in Tibet.

I had signed up for a trek to Everest Base Camp through Spirit West in Calgary in October of 2023. Then, less than two months prior to departure, a post popped up on Facebook advertising a ride with Himalayan Motorbike Tours to Lhasa, Tibet, starting from Kathmandu the day after the trek to Everest Base Camp ended in Kathmandu. It didn't take long to change to return flight by a couple of weeks to accommodate the motorbike tour.

3) Riding Around New Zealand for Three Months
Exploring both the North and South Islands of New Zealand.

Shipping my own motorcycle from Canada to New Zealand was prohibitively expensive and so was renting a bike for three months. So, I bought a bike in Auckland and toured New Zealand for almost three months.

Chris Bragg, Get Lost Find Yourself Get Lost... Find Yourself If you're struggling, know that you're not alone.

I will briefly touch on my own story and how I found HEADS UP GUYS, then continue to explain what I've done to support, not only myself, but Heads Up Guys through my efforts in creating my YouTube presence and social media community, and my non-profit the Get Lost...Find Yourself Foundation.

CHRIS BRAGG is known online as Critter Moto. He is riding and raising funds and awareness towards Men's Mental Health and mental well-being. All of his efforts go to support Heads Up Guys out of The University of British Columbia - the world's largest online resource for men's mental health. He holds annual adventure/dualsport moto-campouts on northern Vancouver Island.

Rene Cormier, Renedian Adventures [EXHIBITOR] The Pros of Solo and Tour Group Travel Why talk cons? We're travelling!!

Let's be honest, if your only decision is to explore the world by yourself or explore the world with a guided tour, you are already doing really well. Stop by to hear some compelling reasons to continue your planning and get going. Rene Cormier is well-versed to offer tips and tricks for both sides, having completed a mostly solo, 4.5-year round-the-world trip before running guided tours with Renedian Adventures around the world for the last 14 years.

RENE CORMIER completed round the world motorcycle trip in 2009, and the same year started Renedian Adventures, a guided motorcycle tour company operating in Mongolia, southern Africa, South America, and Canada. He is the author of The University of Gravel Roads: Global Lessons from a 4 Year Motorcycle Adventure.

Wesley Hannam, Moto Safari [EXHIBITOR] Moto Safari Far from home

Founded in 2015 in Namibia, Moto Safari was built around the key principle of curating unique global adventures. Starting in Africa with what we know best, we eventually grew into other exotic global locations. Moto Safari has an uncompromising and unequivocal approach to providing once-off and bespoke experiences for each journey we offer. Our groups remain small, our experiences remain intimate, and no two Journeys are the same. We place a true emphasis on quality over quantity. Providing only a limited number of tours per year, we ensure that we maintain our high standards and the unique experience our clients have come to expect. Join us as we go Far From Home.

WESLEY HANNAM was born and raised in South Africa. He has spent his entire life exploring and riding motorcycles across the diverse and rugged landscapes of Africa. This deep-rooted connection to the continent shapes every journey he creates, bringing a unique perspective and passion to Moto Safari's adventures.

Holly Ralph Unplanned Touring How a political situation led to touring Europe

A political situation led to me to representing Canada at a rally in Georgia (U.S.). That led to an invitation to attend the FIM rally in Belgium the next year. What could possibly go wrong? Lots, of course. Having survived all the mistakes I made with that one, I continued to go to their annual rallies in Poland, Austria, France, Germany, Sweden, and Finland. Plus, I got hooked on their mototours in Italy, Slovenia, Austria, France, Monaco, and Greece.

Who knew travelling in Europe could be so cheap and so much fun? Instead of being in a bus with a bunch of North American tourists, I was riding with motorcyclists, many of whom are now life-long friends. Their rallies are weird, though. Let me tell you all about it. You won't learn anything about planning, but travel by-the-seat-of-your-pants is fun in its own way.

HOLLY RALPH is the secretary-general of the Canadian Motorcycle Association (CMA), having previously been President, CEO, and Director. She has been riding motorcycles for over 60 years, mostly in Canada and the U.S., but started riding in Europe a couple of decades ago. She is a long-time member and contributor to the Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group and was chief timekeeper at most of the road racing events in Canada in the 1970s.

Craig Luke, I Think We Missed A Turn Digital Navigation for Adventures / Packing Light for Backcountry Travel

1. Digital Navigation for Adventures
Find out about all the ways to plan and navigate with GPS systems and Apps..

Digital navigation can be very intimidating! Come dig in and find out all the phone apps and GPS systems that are available to plan and experience an adventure. And we'll go over maps that are available to download and get planning. Craig Luke is the in-house GPS guru. He publishes routes and maps for all over British Columbia, available for free download!

2. Packing Light for Backcountry Travel
Participate in a hands-on interactive chat about all things gear-related

There is sooooo much moto and camping equipment out there. Does that mean you need to carry all of it? Of course not! Minimalist packing isn't for everyone, but there are lots of ultralight gear available these days that can lighten the load. Strapping it all down is essential and can be a bit of a science of what to put where. We'll go through shelters and sleeping systems, cooking setups, and general camp concepts. We'll also discuss water filtration, keeping all the electronic toys charged and tool kits. I'll be there with my bike and a mountain of gear. Let's have a hands-on chat about the pros and cons of all the options!

CRAIG LUKE has been travelling and thriving in the backcountry since grade school in every mode of travel you can think of. Despite being passably competent on-bike, navigation and equipment systems are his happy place. He's the creator of ithinkwemissedaturn.com, the map guru, and gear geek extraordinaire!

Susan & Grant Johnson, Horizons Unlimited How It All Started The Horizons Unlimited origin story

Technically, "it" all really started with our first date in 1984. It wasn't long before we hit the road, two-up on a 1986 BMW R80GS, a couple of years later, unknowingly ending up doing a RTW (round-the-world) over the span of 11 years. At the time, websites weren't a thing yet. Like many overland travellers at the time, and there weren't that many, travelling and planning were a bit more challenging.

A lot has happened since then and we've learned and experienced a ton! Too much, in fact, to keep to ourselves. There's a world to explore, and people and cultures to befriend... and Horizons Unlimited evolved to what it is now with a global network of HU Communities that connect fellow travellers and emerging adventurers just like you. This is our story.

For those who don't know us yet, we are GRANT and SUSAN JOHNSON. We founded Horizons Unlimited in 1997 while we were on our 11-year, north-to-south around-the-world trip, visiting over 40 countries. Since then, we've been helping folks to achieve their dreams of overland travel to faraway places. Horizons Unlimited has become the global home of motorcycle travel, a worldwide network of travellers helping other travellers.

David Troughton Creating the Ideal Moto ADV Sleep System Factors to consider in constructing an optimal sleep system for motorcycle adventures.

When constructing an optimal sleep system for motorcycle adventures, key factors include size, weight, comfort, and budget. A compact, lightweight setup is essential for easy packing and balancing the bike. Prioritize a high-quality sleeping bag and pad suited to weather conditions, ensuring warmth and support. A durable, easy-to-pitch tent or bivy provides shelter while minimizing bulk.

Budget impacts material quality—invest in lightweight yet sturdy gear for longevity. Consider packability, climate adaptability, and personal sleep preferences to enhance rest and recovery. The right balance of these factors ensures a comfortable, efficient, and adventure-ready sleep system.

DAVID TROUGHTON is a passionate motorcycle adventurer who's always looking forward to the next great ride along winding mountain roads and rugged off-road trails. Fueled by a love for exploration and a good night's rest, he's here to share tips on creating two-wheeled adventures in comfort.

Peter Stace-Smith Packing Tips for Multi-Day Trips WHAT and HOW to pack for a multi-day motorcycle excursion.

So you've bought an Adventure Motorcycle and you want to get away on it... but where to start?? What do you REALLY NEED vs what you think you need?? And how the heck are you going to carry all this gear and where or how does it fit in. I can and will walk you through my checklist (that I still use on every trip) to explain what I take and why, and how do I fit it all in or onto my motorcycle. I'm not saying my way is the only way, but it's the way that has worked well for me in over 100,000 kms of travel and many big adventures including the Continental Divide and 4 completed BDR Routes.

PETER STACE-SMITH's "Happy Place" is rolling along a beautiful FSR gravel road on his fully-loaded adventure bike, on a multi-day trip somewhere. Four completed BDRs (Backcountry Discovery Routes) and the entire Continental Divide have been some of his best trips.

Adam Lund First Aid & Med Planning for Moto Travel A practical approach, including hands-on kit show-and-tell and Q&A.

DR. ADAM LUND is an emergency physician with passion for 'playing outside'. He has planned and provided mobile first aid and medical care in many environments, including: medical moto for triathlons, cycling, and running events; building medical teams for adventure races and music festivals; cruise ship doctor; and a ski and downhill bike park patroller.

First aid and medical planning for motorcycle (or overland) travel begins with a personalized Risk Assessment. This permits you to customize the real needs of you and your travel partners, considering the actual trip you are going to take. We will work through an interactive planning approach and a take-away checklist/conversation guide that you can use and adapt to your next big adventure.

When it comes to first aid kits, there are many options on the market, including the option to build your own. We all know that space and weight are big considerations, particularly on a motorcycle. We will overview, and then take apart, a range of kits from minimalist through to 'pretty big'. Let's open up the packages and see what's actually in there, and chat about how you'd actually use that thing! We'll finish up with open Q&A to share your real-life experiences and concerns.

Richard Newton The ALCAN: An Old Guy's Perspective Riding in northern Mexico to Prudhoe Bay.

I'm a seasoned rider at 73 years old and have ridden from the U.S./Mexico border to Alaska, round-trip, four times. I'll talk about riding in northern Mexico (Copper Canyon), the route to Alaska, and throughout Alaska. I ride small bikes and Harley tourers.

RICHARD NEWTON hails from Anchorage, Alaska, and has written the blog An Old Man Rides South in the Horizons Unlimited Travel Stories web section.

Susan Johnson, Horizons Unlimited Four Easy Steps to Motorcycle Adventure Travel You can do it; we can help!

We know lots of those travellers, people who have done amazing trips to every country in the world, too. We asked these veteran travellers to tell us their stories and share their tips with us. The main message is that you don't have to be rich or famous or young or heroic or super-fit to travel. Anyone can do it, and we're here to tell you how!

Get Ready // Gear Up // Get on the Road // Come home and plan your next trip!

It can be that easy. We will share some stories and tips from other travellers, and also tell you some things that we learned from our travels, in many cases the hard way. It's how we created the Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Adventure Travel Guide video series - available only on Vimeo. There's also lots of great pics from our calendar contest.

Grant Johnson, Horizons Unlimited Bike Mods and Ergonomics! Tire Changing!

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. Maybe you're already feeling knots and kinks in your muscles after a long ride? It may not be you. It could be your bike!

Grant's ever-popular "Bike Ergonomics" demonstration at an HU Travellers Meeting.

Tire Changing Workshop

Grant demystifies the dark art of tires. Considering the fact you really can't rock'n'ROLL without tires on your travels, you don't want to miss this workshop. This session is absolutely perfect if you're newer to riding motorcyles or a bit nervous about travelling because flat tires give you the willies. The only time Grant likes using the word "conquered" for travel is when you deal with tires. :)

By the way, HU's TIRE CHANGING! instructional video can be purchased and streamed anywhere from Vimeo. Keep on practicing along with Grant in the comfort of your own home shop.

Grant's even-more-popular Tire Changing Workshop at an HU Travellers Meeting.

LOTS of presentations to come! As people register to present we'll list them here.

How about you? We're all here to learn, and there's LOTS to learn! We want to do more presentations and seminars - 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 us here to volunteer.