It’s been an incredible month since we posted last; a really buzzy time with lots coming together, and plans for new things coming to the boil.

12 travel writers and film makers have signed up to be with us and some new companies too – just have a look at the HUBB UK page and you’ll see what I mean. The Adventure Travel Zone and HUBB Zone (info coming soon ) are going to be better than they have ever been before.

And the presentations? Just look at what is going on with those!!! The RAC Carnet department are going to be with us. They will be doing a presentation and will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. These are the people you really need to know if you are planning an engine powered trip!

Why the post now? It’s just 80 days until the HUBB UK kicks off and don’t forget, if you've friends who are planning to come but they've not registered yet, they need to crack on - register and pay before the 31st of March to be entered in the Prize draw – just 20 days left for that!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Both Passepartout and I are looking forward to this! Thanks for the work so far, I'm sure it'll be excellent!

NEWS FLASH! If you've never been to race day at Donington Park race track well, arrive at the HUBB UK on Thursday and you are going to get a taste. Highly tuned engines and the scent of the race will be wafting towards us during the day.There's a practice day going on - the session finishes at 5pm so you'll need to arrive early enough
We have asked if your highly tuned overlanding vehicles can join in but for some strange reason they didn't reply...

Thanks to the huge interest in the HUBB UK event, all the spaces in the Adventure Travel Zone for trade stands and authors/film-makers are now taken and we've got all the presenters we can fit into what's going to be a really packed schedule.

The booking forms for trade stands, author/film-makers and presenters have now been switched off on the event page.

There are still a few spaces left for clubs, forums and magazines, and of course the pre-registration form for adventure travellers will remain open until 23rd May.

Don't forget that if you want the chance of winning the 3-day riding holiday in Spain, you need to be pre-registered before the end of the month to get into the prize draw.

If you’ve been on the HUBB UK page recently then you’ll have seen how many companies have signed to be at the event. Frankly we are delighted with the number and quality of the companies.

Over the past years HUers have asked us to invite companies who design, make or provide the kit to make an adventure a better thing, and who can actually help you into an adventure. These traders really know their stuff and you’ll have the chance to get right into the nitty gritty with them – far more than you would be able to at a larger event. They have the time to talk to you, and you have the chance to really look at the kit.

Over the next weeks we are going to be giving you more information about the Travel companies who have booked to be with us. What can you expect from each of them?

The first company to book in for the HUBB UK, are regular attendees Traveldri-Plus. They will be on hand with essentials for that short or long haul trip. Bags, tents, thermal layers and so much more quality kit.

Les & Jane asked us to that you know that an Internet price match will often available, and yes they will have stock!

Look at their link on the HUBB UK page to see more information on Traveldri-Plus

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Next up - Frogs Island 4x4 – Who are they and what do they do?

Frogs Island 4x4 used to be based on an Island in the lovely village of Brightwell, where frogs roamed, quite literally, so the name stuck! Founded 15 years ago, Frogs Island 4x4 started life as a PR2 Allmakes Parts for Land Rovers and grew from a small one ramp workshop on an Island to the premises they are at today on the Milton Park Business Estate in Oxfordshire.

They tell us:
'In the past we have worked on vehicles for Film Crews following Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman and prepared their Nissan Patrols, we have also worked on Rally cars going to the Toureg and Land Rovers travelling around the world.

Our skilled technicians and mechanics work on all makes and models of vehicles, and with our 4 ramps and 1 ‘2’ poster there is nothing too big or too small for our dedicated team. As well as servicing and MOTs we also offer a unique range of services for those with slightly more ambition for their vehicles or 4x4’s.

Our dedicated parts counter is manned by enthusiastic Land Rover owners and can help give advice on all manner of Land Rover and 4x4 parts and accessories from the Terrafirma Range and also Old Man Emu Suspension, Rock Oil, Superwinch, Front Runner Expedition Gear and Roof racks and plenty more quality manufacturers.'

More from Frogs Island soon! But in the meantime don’t forget to click on their logo on the HUBB UK site.

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Who are HUBB UK event supporters Adventure Spec Ltd?

The company was established in September 2007 by Dave Lomax and Chris Colling. Both mad keen adventure motorcyclists, they had little luck in finding a reliable source for the essential kit they required for real independent off-road travel.

The plan was simple; if a suitable product was available locally Adventure-Spec would stock it. If a suitable product was available abroad Adventure-Spec would import it. If a suitable product was not available Adventure-Spec would manufacture it.

Finally, the idea wasn't just about what was sold, it was about the way it was sold and the knowledge base of those who sold it.

Today that plan is well on its way to becoming reality. Adventure-Spec products are tested almost 365 days a year by riders on expeditions, races and trips all over the world. Product development and acquisition continues daily and each newly stocked piece can be bought from one of the most advanced on-line shops in the industry, and if you need advice about products you can call and speak to riders with expert product knowledge and a ridiculous passion for their subject.

Chris and Dave say, ‘If we like it we use it, and only then do we sell it. That way everything we sell can be certified ‘Adventure-Spec’!

Don’t forget to click on the Adventure Spec link on the HUBB UK site for the full gen.

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http://www.sam-manicom.com

Brilliant! This is what its all about isn't it. I asked Grant if he'd mind me posting this email that was sent to him. The email says:

'I keep meaning to drop a note your way.

I just wanted to send a heartfelt "thanks" your way. We've dreamt of a two-wheeled adventure for years and just simply felt that it was so far out of reach that it was impossible. Thanks to the work you and Susan (and others) have put into HU, and for the Achievable Dream series (we bought the set ) we began to realize the greatest roadblock to realizing this dream was ourselves and our ideas of how our lives were supposed to be.

The folks in your movies are everyday people doing extraordinary things and, somehow, that made it all seem incredibly possible. With that realization, Nita and I sold the lot and we're in our eighth month on the road (welovemotogeo.com). I can't emphasize enough how important you and your work have been to us finding a way to do what we feel we were always meant to do.

So for everything you may not have known you've done, thanks! You guys are the best.'

How cool is that! What's the logo say? 'Inspiring, informing and connecting'. See you in 65 days

Now here's some fantastic news!

For 2013 a new ride has been launched to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK. The 'Adventure Bike Riders Against Cancer' ride is a UK wide relay ride starting at the Ace Café Adventure Overland day in London on April 21st and ending at the HUBB UK on Friday 31st May.

During that time over 30 riders will be involved, passing a baton between them as they ride around the UK.

The first rider to carry the baton will actually be on day 1 of his RTW trip, what better way to start his adventure?!

To get involved or just donate check out Adventure Bike Riders Against Cancer.

A quick reminder for anyone that hasn't booked for the HUBB UK event yet....

To be included in the prize draw and be in with the chance of winning the 3-day riding holiday in Spain, courtesy of Adventure-Spec.com, you need to have pre-registered before midnight on Easter Sunday.

Just 49 days to go Lots more news coming out over the next days... Some good stuff too!

Live music at the HUBB UK? To right there is. One of Nottingham’s most in demand singers and entertainers, Steve McGill will be with us on Friday night, playing live by the Fire Drums in the HUBB Zone. Having played many of the most successful venues across the City Centre he has held residencies at Richard Branson’s Roof Gardens, TriBeCa & Bed in Manchester and in its heyday, Tantra Lounge & Bar in Nottingham for almost 10 years.

If you were at the Meet two years ago you’ll know that Steve’s voice ranges from soft to powerful and that he carefully chooses songs to suit the mood and atmosphere of the evening. He sings songs right through from the Bee Gees to Oasis, from Frankie Goes To Hollywood to Snow Patrol.

The songs Steve has covered most famously include ‘What’s Up’ by The Four Non Blondes, ‘Iris’ by The Goo Goo Dolls and ‘Man In The Mirror’ by Michael Jackson. He can easily keep us dancing with upbeat acoustic performances of pop classics.

More about Steve? He’s scored song writing success with a no.2 in the iTunes chart and constantly writes and produces for other people at his dedicated recording facility.

You’ll find a link on the main HUBB UK page to the sort of thing Steve will be playing and singing for us, but here he is singing ‘If you love somebody’ and ‘Mustang Sally’ at the Roy De Weird Memorial Concert:


TWITTER // for the nosey....... www.twitter.com/mcgillmusic
FACE BOOK // for the fans... www.facebook.com/mcgillmusic
STUDIO // PRODUCTION WORK :- BNDMusicCo's sounds on SoundCloud - Hear the world’s sounds
VINTAGE DEMOS // PERSONAL :- stevemcgill's sounds on SoundCloud - Hear the world’s sounds
SPOTIFY // for the poor... Steve McGill on Spotify
iTUNES // for the rich.......https://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/s...ll/id455066478
VIDEOS // Steve McGill - YouTube

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Hi All, I just wanted to let you guys know that Iain is in hospital. He's been operated on for a badly ruptured and infected appendix. Not fun at all.

He'll certainly be on a ward for a few more days at least and then there's going to be a significant recovery period. However, Iain being Iain, he's already doing work from his hospital bed in a limited fashion mind!

Anyway, thoughts with him and Robyn. Get well soon mate.

Some great news. We are delighted that Adventure Trucks are coming over to the HUBB UK and they are bringing something very trick with them. Etricks Electric Mountain bikes! Just have a look at this link to see what the score is.

Etricks Electric Mountain bikes???

And even more good news. The guys from Adventure Trucks are going to let a number of people test ride the bikes! I suggest you check in with them as fast as you can on arrival. See if you'll be eligible for a test ride.

Who are Adventure Trucks?
With more than 20 years of combined experience in building and travelling with trucks Adventure Trucks specializes in no-nonsense overland trucks. They asked us to pass this message on to you:

‘We not only build the living units, we also find a truck that suits your wishes.
Adventure Trucks also does something "more" for our customers, if you buy a truck with us you get a lifetime support when you’re on the move. If needed we try to source the parts you need or try to get you going by giving support.
Before we send you off in your new "home" we give you a course in truck handling on and off road if needed and a course basic technics of the truck.
Adventure Trucks is all about Overland Truck Technology.’

You can find out more about them from the link on the HUBB UK Page.

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Oooo nasty. Get well soon Iain.

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Despite the high cost of living, it remains popular.