HU Travellers Meeting Perth 2015

Horizons Unlimited 3rd Western Australia Travellers Meeting -
Fairbridge Village (near Pinjarra), WA

Friday Oct 9 - Sunday Oct 11, 2015

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 Perth Event Schedule

The event is taking place from Friday 9th October to Sunday 11th October 2015 at Fairbridge Village. The Village is a nationally heritage-listed town site operated by a major youth charity, and has convenient proximity to Perth.

We are organising an exciting range of inspirational speakers and educational workshops.

Arrive early on the Friday (after 12 pm) and make it a great weekend! There will be presentations and workshops starting Friday afternoon, all day Saturday and Sunday morning.

As well as hearing inspiring stories of overlanding adventures 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.

DRAFT Schedule is available here! PLEASE NOTE: The schedule is subject to change at any time - all the presenters are volunteers and travelling, thus they may be delayed or unable to get there. Some may have anxiety attacks and be unable to perform! ;-) And sometimes travellers show up unexpectedly with great pics and stories, so we try to fit them in! Details of changes to presentation times or other matters of note will be posted at Registration and other locations.

Presenters at HU Perth 2015 so far...

Workshops and Tech Sessions below
Tony Friday.

Tony Friday

Magical Mauritania - w.t.f. is it, and w.t.f would you want to go there?

Come along for an interesting insight into one of the strangest lands on the planet. A country that is not officially recognised as a country; where up to 20% of the population live within the legal definition of slavery; and where big is beautiful and stretch marks are sexy. A place where a six month UN resolution has taken twenty years, seven million landlines lie in wait, and where the international community has forgotten about the plight of the Sawhari people. Despite all of this, Mauritania offers truly stunning landscapes, and has a rich culture that is a blend of Arab Berber and black Africans. It is an opportunity for the adventure motorcyclist to get completely 'off the grid' and outside the reach of any modern conveniences.

Tony Friday and friends in the Sahara.

With more than two decades international riding experience, Tony Friday has taken groups of riders through more than seventy countries; across the Sahara Desert, through war zones, and even up the side of an active volcano. His travel blog reaches in excess of 20,000 readers each year.

Ty Middleton.

Ty Middleton

France to Mauritania on the west coast of Africa!

Ty has just returned from riding the west coast of Africa, France to Mauritania. Lots of stories to tell!

This session is focused on enjoying the Journey not the destination, some tips and tricks to give you the confidence to Get Out There and Just Do It!

Ty Middleton.

Ty Middleton is a retired Air force Maintenance Engineer of 21 years. Ty has a burning passion for adventure riding. His second love is sports bikes and regularly flaunts the rules on his Hayabusa. He has many a story to tell about his military career working on battlefield helicopters and fast jets, to put it in his word, rooted, shooted and electrocuted.

His passion for riding bikes has lasted for nearly 30 yrs and the last 6 years as an international adventure rider. He has ridden in India, Nepal, Central America, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Western Europe.

Ralph Weiss.

Ralph Weiss

Riding through outback Australia

A dash across central Australia on a modern liter class adventure bike with a gentle side track down memory lane to a time when a 250cc 2 stroke served just as well.

My most recent trip and subject of my talk, a 4 week dash across central Australia chasing as much dirt as possible and learning that 200 kg, 100 bhp and sand make for some very interesting riding experiences. Also enjoyed the beautiful expanse and solitude of the Australian outback, fabulous scenery, interesting characters, 1000 kms of dirt roads and tracks and discovered that 0.002 kg saved by not carrying that extra set of underwear, probably wasn't worth it.

Ralph Weiss.

Ralph is an indefatigable dreamer suffering the usual ailments of middle age including suspected but undiagnosed mid-life crisis. Supported by a way too patient wife and three bemused and slightly alarmed daughters, revisiting motorcycles after a long hiatus and learning, repeatedly, how to pick one up. Adventure rider status – enthusiastic amateur grabbing time for the odd trip into the Australian outback between family and work responsibilities.

Steven Kirk.

Steven Kirk

Perth to Perth and Perth to Peru via Alaska and Argentina

Perth Scotland through 19 countries and 28,600 km across Europe, Asia and finishing in Perth WA.

"I'm now at an age where I don't care too much about work as its only there to pay for my adventures and beer... or preferably wine. It was on such a wine tasting excursion to my fridge one night that got to thinking about such things as... how difficult was it for the pioneers who first came to Australia. How hard would it be to go overland and other such nonsense. My third glass of Sauvignon blanc produced a great idea. Why not take a trip from Perth to Perth on a Triumph Tiger of course.

Then I woke up next day and realised it was a plan and everyone knew..."

Steven Kirk at Ace Cafe, London.

At the Ace Cafe in London, UK

Perth to Peru via Alaska and Argentina

Following on from the his UK to Australia trip, Steven recently completed one of the favourite rides in the world, Alaska to Argentina. Starting in Prudhoe Bay at the very far North of USA, Steven zig zags his way down the Americas before ending up in Uruguay. Filming the trip for TV he is currently working on completion of a 90min film of the adventure. Extracts of this and previous TV series "Perth to Perth" shall be some of the topics he will cover at the HUBB meeting.

Steven Kirk in Utah.

John Lizamore.

John Lizamore

Golden moments from the Goldfields - Some of the rides, destinations and features the Goldfields of WA has to offer

The Goldfields of Western Australia makes for excellent touring. Not only does it class as being remote (leave your cell- no reception anyway), but its easy access. Yes, its hot. Yes, there's flies. But there are so much more. From rugged landscapes to cultural heritage- there's always something new to find.

From unique flora on the banded ironstone, to eating sandalwood nuts whilst listening to bellbirds next to gnamma hole, or simply looking for a swimming hole to beat the heat of the day.

Step out- you might even find more than just a golden moment!

Introducing the not so boring Nullarbor!

The treeless plain that spans a distance of over 2000km between the civilization of WA and SA. Most often described in travel blogs as "boring" and "endless". Not so!!!

John Lizamore.

Part of the ancient marine floor, the plain is home to much wildlife, hundreds of karst caves, spectacular vistas, scattered ruins and much stranger things. For the willing traveler that will brave the isolation, the plain is life-changing. Sten Larson from Norway had only one word to describe our 1st night on the plain: "Wow!"

John Lizamore.

Never the same as the last time you visited it, but always spectacular. I'll talk through some of the sites and places (and tracks) the Nullarbor has to offer, including Telegraph road, Kunalda station, Abrakurrie cave, Old coach road, Old Eyre highway, Thampana blowhole, the Bight and more. John has toured Southern parts of Africa, Suisse, North Island of New Zealand and Australia. "We have some of the best riding on our doorstep, but people choose to stay on the ringroad, and miss all the good stuff."

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 Johnson on pipe bridge in Peru.

Grant crossing a river on a pipe bridge in Peru

11+ years later, they finally made it, through 50 countries - Europe, Africa, New Zealand, Australia, North and South America, with a side trip to Antarctica! Hundreds of great pics and some amazing stories!

Educational Sessions

...because Horizons Unlimited meetings are about information, not just inspiration!

 

Nat Crewe.

Nat Crewe

First Aid for Motorcyclists - What to take and how to use it. Some tips on the best preparation for the worst case scenario.

I'll give a little chat on prepping a first aid kit for medium to long trips, but also touch on the weekend bag too. I'll discuss some ideas and tricks that help to maximise the use of certain everyday items that we carry already as well as going over some basic first aid principles that can be used in all types of situations. I'll highlight some products that exist already as well as ways of making your very own kits. If the worst should happen to the solo traveller, I'll highlight some tips that will make their chances of being treated properly and early as high as possible.

I'm a remote area paramedic with metro, industrial and remote experience spanning the last 7 years. Before that I was a bit of a world traveler, some of it by motorcycle. My longest trip was a solo venture from Northern Alaska to Southern Argentina. I currently live in Perth and still have a bike in my garage!

Ivan Smoljko.

Ivan Smoljko, Bikes Abroad

Guide to shipping your bike overseas

This presentation will provide in depth information regarding arranging the shipping of your motorbike overseas and will cover crating/export paperwork and formalities to clearance at destination and best mode of shipping available to suit your budget/time frame & marine insurance options

Ivan Smoljko has seen his passion for motorbikes become his profession. After working 20+ years in the freight forwarding industry he was asked to clear some incoming motorbikes.
Shipping 5 motorbikes soon became 50 within 6 months & Bikes Abroad was established - a shipping company specifically geared up to take care of the growing motorbike shipping market.

Tony Friday.

Tony Friday

Being a Short Break Adventurer

Tony Friday has mastered the art of balancing a professional career with a passion for motorcycle adventure. By day, he serves as a government CEO, and has a portfolio of directorships spanning corporate advisory, property investment, disability services and contemporary theatre.

Once the suit comes off though, he is a dedicated motorcycle adventure traveller and adrenalin junkie. He has raced jet boats, surfed a volcano in Nicaragua, barreled down an Olympic bobsled track in Latvia, stayed as the guest of an African king, and visited more than sixty countries over the past few decades whilst on short-break motorcycle adventures.

Tony Friday.

Tony's HUBB session is all about being a short-break adventurer; balancing 9 to 5 with feeling alive. Using a couple of example adventures that you could book tomorrow, he will talk you through the process of exchanging less than a thousand dollars for an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life (and he's not talking about an Elvis wedding in Vegas to that 'waitress' you met last night).

You will leave this session equipped with the knowledge and tools to efficiently organise your own short break motorcycle adventure any time you choose. He will also provide you with access to his secret squirrel tools for securing cheap flights and accommodation, and for getting someone else to do most of the hard work for you. The most difficult part will be choosing the destination.

Grant Johnson showing tire changing.

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

Grant's tyre changing seminar at HU California meeting.

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

Get Inspired on Horizons Unlimited.

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.

The Adventure Travel Zone

  • Equipment Specialists
  • Manufacturers
  • Tour Operators
  • Adventure Travel Authors and Film-Makers
  • The HU Store

Exhibitors Confirmed

Motorrad Garage.

Motorrad Garage imports, distributes and retails a large selection of bike specific motorcycle accessories for the adventure touring, enduro, sport touring, and track day riding enthusiasts.

Our brands include SW-Motech, Madstad, Omni-Cruise, Pyramid Plastics and TraX.

Bikes Abroad.

Bikes Abroad provides cost effective international shipping solutions. Services include crating and un-crating of bikes, packing containers, booking direct sailing vessels and flights, arranging import permit applications, marine insurance, customs clearance and quarantine inspection.

If you know of any other motorcycle or travel equipment vendors or tour operators who should be there, please suggest it to them! Vendors please contact me for details.

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!

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 Weekend!

The event is taking place at Fairbridge Village, near Pinjarra, 1 hour south of Perth in Western Australia. Fairbridge Village is owned and operated by Fairbridge, a major youth charity in Western Australia. Fairbridge Village is self-contained and surrounded by bushland.

Fairbridge Village bridge into woods.

Facilities on the grounds: Art gallery; Museum; Tennis, basketball and beach volleyball courts; Children's playground (wheelchair accessible); 30m swimming pool (for village guests only); Full sized sporting oval with football, soccer and cricket facilities; Free gas barbecues; Scenic walk trails; Picnic sites; Onsite cafe.

Fairbridge village map - click for larger version.

Presentation Facilities

We have booked the Ruby Fairbridge Centre as our main presentation room and dining room. We have also booked the Lady Kyle room as a second presentation room, so we can run two streams of presentations / workshops concurrently.

Ruby Fairbridge centre at Fairbridge Village, Western Australia.

Ruby Fairbridge Centre

Lady Kyle Meeting Room at Fairbridge Village, Western Australia.

Lady Kyle Meeting Room

Accommodation on site

Camping (Pre-book when you register)

Camping is on the Oval, and there are lots of showers and toilets. Campers will also have the use of kitchen facilities and communal areas of the Lodge (see below).

Weekend (Friday + Saturday night) Camping: $35.00 per tent. (Not included in registration fee).

Scratton Lodge (Pre-book when you register)

For 2015, we have booked the entire Scratton Lodge. This offers a choice of 3 levels of accommodation:

  • Shared rooms - $30 per person per night. Max. 3 persons sharing a room, communal bathroom facilities (boys in one room, girls in another).
  • Private rooms (single bed, communal bathroom facilities) are $100 per person for weekend (cannot be booked for 1 night only). Limited numbers are available, so book early!
  • "Suite" (suitable for family or 2 friendly couples) - 2 rooms with 2 single beds per room, shared bathroom within the suite. $200 for the weekend (cannot be booked for 1 night only). Only one of these is available, first in best dressed!

Scratton Cottage at Fairbridge Village, Western Australia.

Pillows and blankets are supplied. Bring your own sleeping bag, pillowcase and towel.

The Lodge is equipped with oven and gas hotplate, fridge, kettle, cutlery and crockery. There are also several communal areas and verandahs.

Food (Pre-book when you register)

We have arranged to have fully catered dinners for Friday ($25) and Saturday ($25) nights, so you don't have to wander around finding food! Quantities will be limited, and we must give the caterers final numbers 14 days before the event, so don't wait to book!

There will also be breakfasts and lunches available, catered by local community groups, pay on the day.

There is a cafe on site for fast food - meat pies, cold drinks, etc.



 

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