New Event in the UK for Adventure Cyclists

[IainHarper]

Hi All,

For those of you that might not be familiar with it, the HU event at Ripley in Derbyshire has been running at the same location for nine years, with the last one a little over five weeks ago. It featured Mathew Quarterman giving a couple of excellent presentations about his cycle journey through South America, which were as well-received by the hardcore motorcycle adventurers as they were by his fellow cyclists.

Sam Manicom and I organised the Ripley gathering on behalf of HU, and since it finished we've been burning the candle at both ends planning things for next year. After lots of discussion with Grant and Susan, taking account of everything we've learned and all the feedback received, we've come to the firm conclusion that it's time for something new.

We're therefore really excited to announce that the UK Summer Travellers' Meeting is being completely re-invented to create a brand new event for all overland adventure travellers at a cracking new venue near Donington Park.

The name for the new event is HUBB UK and it's going to be taking place from Thursday 30th May to Sunday 2nd June 2013. Get the date in your diaries!



The event will have something for everyone, combining all the best bits from the past with lots of new features, and to better reflect the HU community it'll be an event aimed equally at cyclists, motorcyclists and 4x4 drivers.

As far as we know, there isn't another event of it's kind for adventure cyclists - either in the UK or around the world - so we hope it's something you'll be keen to get involved with.

There's still lots to do before we're ready to properly reveal all the details of the event, so please bear with us until early September when the event's web pages will go online and pre-registration will be up and running.

In the meantime, if you've done (or are doing) a big cycling trip, have a think about giving a presentation or cycling-specific demo/workshop at the new event.

Keep an eye on the HUBB or follow the hashtag #HUBBUK on Twitter for further news.


Cheers

Iain Harper
HU Event Organiser

[Pumbaa]

Great idea

We're on a cycling tour at the moment. Not sure if we will be back by then though, but feel free to pm me a reminder closer to the time.

If we are in the area, then we might be able to do something....

So, we might 'seeyouwhenwegetthere.com' (such a cheeseball!!! haha)

[iainnic]

Excellent news Iain & Sam - looking forward to it !

Iain

[IainHarper]

As well as this thread and the #HUBBUK hashtag on Twitter, another way to get updates and notification of when full details go online is to "Join" the HUBB UK event page on Facebook.

[paulc]

good idea! I have done long trips on both motorcycles and bicycles, there is a lot more crossover than you would think, a lot of what I learnt on cycle trips was very relevant to motorcycle travelling and vice versa.

[IainHarper]

I'm pleased to report that the HUBB UK event pages are now online and pre-registration is open.

Event updates will be posted in this thread, where you'll find a quick summary of the main event details.

[mark manley]

Well done Iain and Sam a great idea, I hope to be there on two wheeled transport of one type or the other, if I am not off travelling that is.

[IainHarper]

In case you missed it in the main event thread, I've just been updating the HUBB UK page with more presenters....

They now include Tom Allen, Pete Gostelow and Jon Slade.

[IainHarper]

We're delighted to announce Adventure-Spec.com as the new sponsor of the HUBB UK event in 2013.

As you'll discover on their website, and on their stand at the event itself, Adventure-Spec manufactures, distributes and retails the very best parts and accessories for adventure overlanders. Based in West Yorkshire, the company was co-founded by Dave Lomax who's been a loyal supporter of Horizons Unlimited (and an ever-popular presenter) since our very first UK event over 12 years ago.

Adventure-Spec is providing financial support for HUBB UK, along with extensive event promotion, an adventure cycling clinic, several fantastic presentations, the donation of a £500 Klim voucher to the charity raffle in aid of Prostate Cancer UK, and a 3-day adventure riding holiday in Spain for the winner of our prize draw.

They'll also be screening 'Adventure Motorcycle Morocco' and bringing along their sponsored Enduro rider, Graham Jarvis, to give demonstrations of his incredible bike-handling skills and offer some expert instruction about off-road riding techniques.

As part of our effort to make HUBB UK the most enjoyable and inspiring Horizons Unlimited event ever, a great deal of work has been going on behind-the-scenes over the past couple of months to secure an event sponsor.

We'd therefore like to express our grateful thanks to Dave and his team for their generosity and continuing support.

[IainHarper]

Quick HUBB UK update and an important reminder....

The list of cycling presenters has grown quite a bit since my last update. It now includes Ian MacNab, from our sponsors Adventure-Spec.com, who'll be hosting an adventure cycling clinic and answering all your questions on travelling light. Plus Sarah Nicholson, Mike Carter (Guardian journalist and author of "One Man and His Bike"), Anna McNuff (cycling around the USA next year), and the highly-entertaining Danny Bent who'll be talking about his journey to India.

Don't forget that today is the last opportunity to pre-register at the most-discounted rate of £45 per person. The website will switch-over to £55 at around 11pm tonight (UK time).

All the latest event info is here and the main pre-registration form is here.

[IainHarper]

The HUBB UK schedule is going to include three 90-minute discussion sessions - each one about a different region of the world. The idea is to provide an opportunity for people who've travelled in each region to share their experience and advice with those who are planning trips and have lots of questions.

Each session will have a moderator to help things along, but other than that they'll be completely open and very informal.

We'd like to leave the choice about which regions get covered entirely up to you, so we've set up a simple voting page here.

Just pick the region you're most interested in and click the button. The three regions that get the most votes will be the ones that go in the event schedule.

Thanks.

[Sam Manicom]

Look out!! It's only 140 days to go before the HUBB UK kicks off. If you are planning to come but you've not booked yet, remember that you need to pre-register and pay before the 31st of Jan to snag the £20 discount. This link will take you straight to it!

HUBB UK 2013 Pre-Registration

It's all coming together splendidly - lots of new presenters and trade companies are now registered. Don't forget to sign up to do a presentation yourself. If you have a great story to tell or experience to pass on, get your ideas in.

HUBB UK 2013 Donington Park - 30th May to 2nd June

PS Don't forget to spread the word to your mates - in time for the £20 discount preferably!!!

[IainHarper]

Today marks the 100 day milestone on the way to HUBB UK.

We now have over 50 presenters packing the schedule, 25 trade stands in the Adventure Travel Zone, and another dozen stands and displays for clubs and magazines in the HUBB Zone.

As well as all those from throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the event is hosting visitors from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands, Poland and the USA.

Don't forget that everyone who pre-registers and pays for their event pass before 31st March 2013 is being entered in our prize draw for the chance of winning a 3-day riding holiday at the Adventure Rider Centre in Spain.

Cheers

Iain

[Sam Manicom]

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!!!

Why the post now? It’s just 79 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 to get the discounted booking rate.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

[Sam Manicom]

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.