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Horizons Unlimited Travellers Meeting

"Lost Coast", California,

September 24-27, 2009

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Why Come to a Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Meeting?

You can meet people who don't think you're crazy for wanting to ride your bike to South America or Africa or across Asia, or even around the world! Admit it, all your 'normal' friends and most of your family fears for your sanity! So, this is your opportunity to meet the people who will encourage you in that craziness, share their experiences and advice on how to do it, and maybe you'll meet them again in Mongolia or Timbuktu!


How you can help - put up a few posters! NEW Poster available! 2009 poster available! Please post it everywhere!

The Plan

The plan is simple. Show up on Thursday or at the latest Friday afternoon, meet people and setup. Travel Presentations and Tech clinics are planned throughout the meeting, starting Thursday night. More Detailed Schedule here.

We can always use some help! If you want to assist, please sign up to volunteer to assist on the day or here for advance work or to ask questions. Thanks!

 

2009 Speakers and Tech Clinics (so far, more to come):

  • Jupiters Travels - the start...
    • Ted Simon
      An expanded account of the beginning of the first journey, and more on the second journey, two talks. This is an event not to be missed for Ted Simon fans!
    • Bad news just in from Ted (19 Sept) - he's in the hospital in England, blood clots on the brain as I understand it, and they're not letting him fly, so he won't be able to make it. :( He's going to try to send his CD of his talk, but it won't be the same without him talking!
  • Around the world on a V-strom
    • Erdem Yucel, Turkey/USA
      A first long trip, and it's around the world in 6 months, ending here!
  • Wrong Way Round The World
    • Ian Moor, UK
      Why I'm doing it, how I'm doing it and why I'm thinking of spending the winter in Canada!
  • Where there is no doctor...
    • Molly Martin
      How to prepare for medical emergencies on your RTW motorbike trip.
      Bring a helmet and a foamie!
  • Morocco
  • Somerset to Siberia
    • Gabriel Bolton
      A 6 month solo trip from the UK to Magadan.
  • From the Alps to the Atlas
    • Carla King
      A solo ride from Austria to Morocco's Saraha Desert and back on a new(er) Ural.
  • Women only
    • a very popular session - I'm told it's a must for the ladies, so be sure to plan on being there!
  • Solita through Mexico
    • Cynthia MacKay
      11,000 miles of magnificent Mexico, a woman alone, a very new rider on a very low budget and only barely mechanically inclined. But I did it... and you can too!
  • The Achievable Dream
    • Grant Johnson, Canada
      Learn from Horizons Unlimited's founder and 11 year round-the-world veteran everything you need to know to ride to the next country or the next continent. Sound scary? Get the inspiration and information so YOU can hit the road!
  • BRACUS-Building Relationships and Communication Using Stereotypes
    • Chris Brown, USA
      What people (maybe you) do who are especially good at establishing trusting relationships across cultures. Communicating with - and understanding - people from another culture!
  • How to make a molehill out of a mountain
    • Michael Anderson, UK
      How to pre-empt or react to an emergency
  • Body Mechanics for the Long Haul-- More Control, Less Stress.
    • "Coach" Ramey Stroud
      Ergonomics! Body Mechanics! When you pickup 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.
  • Body mechanics for the long haul

  • Fix that flat! How to change a tire anytime, anywhere
    • Grant Johnson
      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. Hand's on practical and tire changing contest for beginners to experts.
  • Photo Composition for Travellers, and a Critique of YOUR photos
    • Grant Johnson, Canada
      Transform your trip photos from boring to fabulous! Bring 10 photos on a USB key or SD card for discussion - what's missing, or not quite right, or just plain BAD - and how to correct the mistakes we all make. Bring some photos on a flash drive if you'd like a critique.
  • Off-pavement basics.
    • "Coach" Ramey Stroud!
      New to off-road riding, especially on a big trailie? Grant and Coach will talk about where the beginning dirt rider goes wrong and what to do about it. We will also conduct a basic training clinic - sign up on the day!
      • From BMWMOA magazine: "I could go on and on about what we learned, the techniques, the lessons, the close calls and Coach's wealth of knowledge he demonstrates with every breath he takes... I knew there was much more to tackle and I knew I had found my Motorcycle Guru. I highly recommend his instruction for anyone looking to take their on-road or off-road to the next level."
    • Off-Pavement: How Your Sphere of Movement Affects Traction

    There'll be a lecture first for an hour, then a short break followed by one hour of hands-on static practice in a parking area.

    • Balance!

      It's all about getting centered

     

  • 11 Years on the Road, RTW
    • Grant Johnson
      Grant and Susan's show of their RTW trip hasn't been seen since 2000, so due to popular demand - well one or two - it's been resurrected with loads of never seen before pictures. Maybe...if there's time.

 

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

How to change a tire, seminar by Jim Stanley.
How to change a tire, seminar in Colorado by Jim Stanley

Presentations and Tech Clinics

Just for an example, here's what we had in Colorado for 2007:

  • The Ultimate Journey
    • Chris and Erin Ratay, USA, 4 years around the world.
      A multi-media show that's guaranteed to make you want to leave - now!
  • The Achievable Dream
    • Grant Johnson, Canada
      Learn from Horizons Unlimited's founder and 11 year round-the-world veteran everything you need to know to ride to the next country or the next continent. Sound scary? Get the inspiration and information so YOU can hit the road! FRIDAY 9-1 PM.
  • Dusty Days of Freedom
  • Your NEW bike doesn't fit you!
    • Tyler Dollard, USA Northern Colorado BMW / Ducati Motorcycles
      Ergonomics! When you pickup 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.
  • First-Aid for Motorcyclists
    • Leo Lloyd, USA, RN/Paramedic
      What supplies and drugs to carry in your first-aid kit, where to get first-aid training, and a hands-on demonstration on how to deal with a classic problem: a downed bike and a broken leg.
  • Photo Composition for Travellers
    • Grant Johnson, Canada
      The one everyone SHOULD take, but no one does... We all want to take great photos of our trip - so why don't we? This easy clinic will transform your photos from boring to fabulous! There may also be an advanced class if enough interest - bring 10 photos on a USB key or SD card for discussion.
  • Motorcycle Filters, Who Needs 'em?
    • Harry Hill, USA, Basin Motorcycle Works, Durango CO
      Every bike, regardless of make or model, needs a breath of fresh air, a gulp of clean fuel, and a bath of slippery oil. Learn how to choose and properly maintain all of your bike's filters.
    Cold Cranking Power to Spare
    • Mark Stetz, USA
      Batteries are those semi-mystical lead weights that store and deliver electricity when we need it. Learn about the different types of batteries, how to service them, and how to get home when your electrons have all gone south.
  • Take it or leave it, Packing for the road ahead
    • Jeremiah St. Ours, USA
      Everyone's list is different. This clinic will help you decide what really matters to you, so that you'll only carry what's needed and leave the rest behind.
  • Creating an outdoor office, Planning for the road ahead
    • Jeremiah St. Ours, USA
      Getting organized and staying organized are two different things. Everyone needs an information system that's capable of enduring the rigours of the road.
  • Fix that flat! How to change a tire anytime, anywhere
    • Jim Stanley, USA
      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. Hand's on practical and tire changing contest for beginners to experts!
  • Ride Costa Rica
    • Eric Sargent, USA
      How to crash in Costa Rica...Our Central American neighbor has two oceans, scenic vistas, tropical rainforests, exotic wildlife and great roads to ride! Eric lives part-time in New Mexico and part-time in Costa Rica and will give us a primer on saddling up and coming down.
  • Copper Canyon, Mexico
    • Arturo Macias, Mexico
      Arturo's been riding in the famous Copper Canyon for some 30 years, and knows about everything there is to know. He'll tell you why you REALLY want to go, what's there to see and give you some tips on the area.
  • Off-pavement basics.
    • Grant Johnson
      New to off-road riding, especially on a big trailie? Grant will talk about where the beginning dirt rider goes wrong and what to do about it. We will also conduct a basic training clinic - sign up on the day!
  • Riding and Filming the Trans-America Trail
    • Michael Murray
      Riding 5,000-miles across the United States... without touching pavement!

  • How about you? We're all here to learn, and there's LOTS to learn! We want to do more presentations and clinics - 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 me here to volunteer.
There will be slide shows and tech clinics on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, and all day Saturday. Come early and make it a great weekend! We recommend riding on Thursday Friday and Sunday, and participating in the clinics evenings and Saturday.

Rideouts

Rideouts - will be limited to 10 people per ride per group.

 

Off-road ride leaders:

 

Ride leaders and sweep riders wanted!

Do-it-yourself Ride information.

 

More ride info to come. Send in any you have!

Vendors

None so far. If you know of any travel equipment vendors who should be there, please suggest it to them! Vendors please contact me for details.

Food

For breakfast and lunch you can cook or join the rest of us for a great meal. We have excellent meals arranged, Thursday night to Sunday morning, that we highly recommend. It will give you lots of opportunity to meet fellow travellers, and since you're eating right there on site, you won't miss any of the after-dinner slideshows. It's a long way to other food options, so bring your own or eat with us.

Schedule

All times - and everything - approximate!

An up-to-date schedule will be posted at the Meeting.

As presenters may or may not get there on time - or at all - this schedule is seriously subject to change.

Thursday morning

CHECK-IN and sign up! You MUST be registered to go on a ride or for entry to any events, clinics etc.

9:00 Ride - no scheduled guided ride, so be gassed up and ready to ride with whoever wants to go - there's always a group going somewhere. Garmin gdb file with loads of info here.

Evening dinner 6:00, then introduction and presentations.

7:00 pm

  • How to make a molehill out of a mountain
    • Michael Anderson, UK
      How to pre-empt or react to an emergency
  • Somerset to Siberia
    • Gabriel Bolton
      A 6 month solo trip from the UK to Magadan.
  • Photo Composition for Travellers, and a Critique of YOUR photos
    • Grant Johnson, Canada
      Transform your travel photos from boring to fabulous! Bring 10 photos on a USB key or SD card for discussion - what's missing, or not quite right, or just plain BAD - and how to correct the mistakes we all make.

Friday

CHECK-IN and sign up! You MUST be registered to go on a ride or entry to any events, clinics etc.

9:00 Ride briefing. Be gassed up and ready to ride if you're going. details here

  • 10:00 AM Grant Johnson's "The Achievable Dream" - "How to ride around the world, or just to another continent" seminar
    Learn from Horizons Unlimited's founder and 11 year round-the-world veteran everything you need to know to ride to the next country or the next continent. Sound scary? Get the inspiration and information so YOU can hit the road!

MAY also be other clinics - see schedule on the day! 10-12 and 1-4 for the Achievable Dream - yes, it's 4-5 hours!

Friday night

7:00 pm Speakers presentations start, so be sure you've eaten early! Order subject to change.

  • Solita through Mexico
    • Cynthia MacKay
      11,000 miles of magnificent Mexico, a woman alone, a very new rider on a very low budget and only barely mechanically inclined. But I did it... and you can too!
  • From the Alps to the Atlas
    • Carla King
      A solo ride from Austria to Morocco's Saraha Desert and back on a new(er) Ural.
  • BRACUS-Building Relationships and Communication Using Stereotypes
    • Chris Brown, USA
      What people (maybe you) do who are especially good at establishing trusting relationships across cultures. Communicating with people from another culture!

Saturday morning

8:00 - 9:00 - Breakfast

10:00 "Coach" Ramey Stroud and Grant Johnson

  • Off-pavement basics.
    • "Coach" Ramey Stroud!
      New to off-road riding, especially on a big trailie? Coach will talk about where the beginning dirt rider goes wrong and what to do about it. We will also conduct a basic training clinic - sign up on the day!
      • From BMWMOA magazine: "I could go on and on about what we learned, the techniques, the lessons, the close calls and Coach's wealth of knowledge he demonstrates with every breath he takes... I knew there was much more to tackle and I knew I had found my Motorcycle Guru. I highly recommend his instruction for anyone looking to take their on-road or off-road to the next level."
    • Off-Pavement: How Your Sphere of Movement Affects Traction

    There'll be a lecture first for an hour, then a short break followed by one hour of hands-on static practice in a parking area.

Saturday Lunch

12:30 Lunch

Saturday afternoon,

Tech Clinics. We have a number of informative and exciting tech clinics planned, so check the schedule Friday on-site for latest details.

  • 1:00 Fix that flat! How to change a tire anytime, anywhere
    • Grant Johnson
      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. Hand's on practical and tire changing contest for beginners to experts.
  • 2:30 Your bike doesn't fit you!
    • "Coach" Ramey Stroud
      Ergonomics! Body Mechanics! When you pickup 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.
  • 3:30 Where there is no doctor...
    • Molly Martin
      How to prepare for medical emergencies on your RTW motorbike trip.
      Bring a helmet and a foamie!
  • 5:00 Women only - a very popular session - It's a must for the ladies, so be sure to plan on being there!

Saturday evening,

7:00 pm sharp:

Speakers presentations

  • Around the world on a V-strom
    • Erdem Yucel, Turkey/USA
      A first long trip, and it's around the world in 6 months, ending here!
  • Wrong Way Round The World
    • Ian Moor, UK
      Why I'm doing it, how I'm doing it and why I'm thinking of spending the winter in Canada!
  • Morocco

Sunday

Breakfast

Head for home, hang around and chat, or head out for a last ride!

Miscellaneous notes:

Organizers will be there most of Thursday, hopefully Wednesday too, if anyone wishes to arrive early and just hang out or go for a ride in the area. NO camping on-site until Thursday night! There is an RV park a couple of blocks away to camp at if you're early.

Pre-Register and save $10-20!

Admission only pricing (for PAID registration):

  1. Register and PAY before July 1 2009, admission is $35.
  2. Register and PAY before September 15 2009, admission is $45.
  3. At the door, admission is $55

Entry fee includes admission to the slide shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, and other events during the day Friday and Saturday. Important: On-site Camping is NOT INCLUDED with your registration! Camping is $6 per person per night. Meals are optional, book below.

Dinners: $15 each, available Thursday, Friday and Saturday night if included with advance registration. $18 ea. at the door, as available.

Registration online is now closed - there is still plenty of space available, so we'll see you there!

IF you have ALREADY registered and just want to pay, go here!


Membership - Show you're proud to be a Horizons Unlimited Traveller!

Just to clarify the membership situation: Currently there is no requirement to be a member to access the website, the HUBB or to receive the monthly e-zine. For now, what you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive.

We will also upgrade your status in the HUBB to Member. In addition to recognising your contribution through your status, this will allow you to upload a custom profile picture and custom avatar, store up to 50 private messages, upload more pictures (10 MB maximum storage) and create polls.

Another benefit we can provide is if you decide you want a t-shirt, mug, fleece jacket or other Horizons logo product from the Souk, you can purchase Member logo products at the basic price. Just let us know and we can arrange access to the Members Private Store.

T-Shirt Deal

Top quality heavy cotton t-shirts in black, or grey if pre-ordered. We will have a range of sizes available, but quantities will be very limited, so if you wait till the day, there might be none left in your size.

The new Synthetic t-shirts are in a beautifully made wicking material, and make great travel / riding t-shirts as well as all-round wear t-shirts. Available in black or grey at most meetings. MUST be pre-ordered.

Note that we will have a few black cotton t-shirts extra at each meeting, but anything else must be pre-ordered and paid in advance.

[node:245]

2012 Tshirt slogan "The open road is calling, and I have a world to ride!"

Back:

(large, full back)

The open road is calling, and I have a world to ride!

Front:

Front 'Pocket patch' logo on all tshirts

You can help!

If you have a few minutes, please download the posters ( Adobe pdf format) and print off a few and hand them round your club or your local bike shop or anywhere seems like a good place.

Poster in pdf format (900kb) full colour 2009 poster. (You may need to right click and choose "save target as...")

Thanks for the help!

The Meeting Location for 2009

The Mattole Grange, Petrolia, California
36512 Mattole Road, Petrolia, CA 95558

Climate
COOL at night so bring the warm sleeping bag! Ideal riding temperatures! :)

Maps and distances

Distances:

San Francisco- 266 miles, 5 hours 17 mins
Los Angeles- 639 miles, 10:48
Portland OR - 459 miles, 8:29
Bend OR - 403 miles, 8:50
Medford OR - 243 miles, 5:04
Salt Lake City UT - 929 miles, 15:05
Las Vegas NV - 836 miles, 13:56
Seattle WA - 634 miles, 11:11

Google Map

From Petrolia, head west on CA-211/Mattole Rd toward Sherman Ave, the Grange is on the left at 36512 Mattole Road.


View Larger Map

Camping

  • One price, only $18 for the entire three day weekend, no reservations required. (Not included in registration fee, so only campers pay)
    • Pay on the day
    • Grassy field right at the meeting room
    • Toilet facilities
    • Great views etc
  • Showers at one of two nearby RV parks, pay-as-you-go. It's a six block walk or ride. We'd like better, but it's the best we can do at this time.

Other Accommodation

Links to local Hotels and Motels

There is free camping on BLM land, but it's a fair distance - the miles you will need to get there and back will eat up any savings.

A. W. Way Campground, one half mile from the Grange

$18 to camp per night, 30 spaces only. BUT $3 for day use and 1 cold shower!

Information about the area

www.mattole.org
www.mattolenews.com
www.honeydewfire.com
Weather forecast

Any info you have on the area, rides etc, please let me know.


Local Bike Shops

Let us know who is the closest!

From Duncan Thomas Fortuna, Ca., USA:

The closest motorcycle shops to the Meeting are:

  • In Eureka about 1hr to the north:
    • Eureka Motor Sports (KTM, Kawasaki, Suzuki 707-445-3093)
    • Humbold Motorsports (independent repair 707-269-0991)
    • Pacific Motor Sports(Honda, Yamaha )
  • To the south is:
    • Dazey's Supply (Yamaha 707-923-3002) in Redway about 45 min away

Most normal supplies and tires can be found at these shops. There are some additional small independents not listed here.

Local Hosts

Stephan LeBlanc is the local host for this event - we're VERY grateful to him for stepping up and really making it happen with a lot of legwork and effort, there were a lot of complications to make it happen. We could REALLY use some help on the day too - please volunteer to help out for a couple of hours!

 

add comments and discuss getting there etc here

Editors note:
We accept no responsibility for any of the above information in any way whatsoever. You are reminded to do your own research. Any commentary is strictly a personal opinion of the person supplying the information and is not to be construed as an endorsement of any kind.
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All text and photographs are copyright © Grant and Susan Johnson, 1987-, or their respective authors. All Rights Reserved.