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!
California Gulch, one of the many beautiful areas to ride in Silverton, Colorado, site of this year's HU Meeting in western USA
Silverton, Colorado, July 10-13, 2008
See
what people thought of one of last years meetings here. Or get the DVD about
the 2005 HU Colorado Travellers Meeting! Free trailer here.
How you can help - put up a few posters! 2008 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. Detailed Schedule here.
Important!
Richard and Mary Meadors volunteered to be the lead organizers of this event. However Richard now has a severe back / leg / spine / disk problem that's going to keep him completely out of action for at least 6 months. We wish him all the best and a speedy recovery!
But we could sure 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!
Also note we have very reluctantly had to raise the admission prices, as the cost of the venue has QUADRUPLED for 08 - the town decided they weren't making enough money, and we got a super deal last year due to Jeremiah's negotiating skills, but no way this year. I did manage to get a discount, but it's still over triple last years rate. If we have enough people we'll be able to cover the increase, so bring your friends! :) See you there, Grant
2008 Speakers and Tech Clinics (so far, more to come):
- 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.
- Your NEW bike doesn't fit you!
- Grant Johnson
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.
- Women only
- a very popular session - I'm told it's a must for the ladies, so be sure to plan on being there!
- Motorcycle travelling in Latin America.
- Women Adventurers
- From the Desert to the Sea
- Patrick Moriarty, USA
California's Sierra, Mojave Desert, Death Valley, Black Rock Desert, Baja, Moab, Utah.
- Trans-Labrador Adventure
- Bill Hooykaas, Canada
Primordial North America, the way the Vikings found it... and then left.
- Indochina/SE Asia by Motorcycle
- Greg Frazier, USA
The "Long, Hard, and Fun Way Around" on your own in Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan, Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos and Indonesia - traveling without a safety net.
- Fix that flat! How to change a
tire anytime, anywhere
- Grant Johnson or ?
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!
- A lap of South America
- Jim Stanley, USA
A full circuit of SA, Racing, dirt, beer
- 'Round the world we went...
- David Petersen, USA
slow but steady RTW
Newbie goes to Alaska
- Timy Gonzalez, USA
A newbie to bike riding explains how he prepared for his solo trip to Alaska.
- 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.
- Off-pavement basics.
- Grant and various!
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!
- 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
2007 Speakers and Tech Clinics were:
- 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 clinics on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, and all day on Friday and Saturday. Come
early and make it a great weekend! We recommend riding on Thursday and Sunday, and participating in the clinics on Friday and
Saturday.
Rideouts
Rideouts - will be limited to 10 people per ride per group.
Hurricane Pass
Off-road ride leaders:
Dave Gottenborg
Mark Stetz will lead a road ride to some very interesting areas you probably wouldn't find otherwise.
Ride leaders and sweep riders wanted!
Do-it-yourself Ride information and pass information.
The Alpine Loop Mountain Bike Ride is an awesome trip, long, intense, but incredibly scenic. The ridge between Engineer Pass
(12,780 ft.) and Cinnamon Pass (12,620 ft.) is worth the entire trip.The route between the passes follows an exposed ridge above
tree line with views in all directions for miles. The route passes old mining ruins and ghost towns like Capitol homestead. Mill
Creek and Henson Creeks are lovely drainages. The route looks down into Silverton and Ouray and the 14'ers in the area, Redcloud,
Sunshine, Handies, Uncompahgre, and the Wetterhorn, are all visible.
These two are about the same, but from very different perspectives.
Alpine Loop National Back Country Byway.
The Alpine Loop follows back country roads through the Alpine Triangle recreation BLM area. Lake City, Silverton, or just south
of Ouray can be used as starting points for the byway, and visitors can make a loop between these points.
The Alpine Loop Scenic and Historic Byway leaves the pavement and people behind, crossing the remote, rugged, spectacular heart
of the San Juan Mountains. It's demanding: the two 12,000-foot passes (Cinnamon and Engineer) require high-clearance four-wheel-drive
vehicles, but the rewards you will reap are unparalleled: pristine mountain views, hiking and biking trails, spectacular camping
opportunities, and plenty of solitude. Part of the loop is accessible by 2WD vehicle and is well worth the drive.
More ride info to come. Send in any you have!
Vendors
Basin Motorcycle Works of Durango may be able to attend with some of the basics; tubes, oil etc.
Dan Allen, Shango Rider, will be there with a load of goodies;
Gerbings heated clothing, Chill Out Designs cool clothing, Starcom1 communications gear, Barefoot Willies cup holders, Choko overboots, RoadGear products, Clocks4Bikes clocks and thermometers and more.
Ride warm, cool, safe, dry and connected!
Gregg Evans, Full Throttle Camping will be there with a truckload of camping gear, a wide range of Big Agnes gear, Exped matts, Hydroseal AirX sacks, and JetBoil stoves.
We would like more travel equipment vendors. Vendors please contact me for
details.
Food
For breakfast and lunch you can cook or dine at a
local restaurant (5-minute walk). We have a 3 dinner package for $39, (menu to come) Thursday - Saturday nights, that we highly
recommend. It will give you lots of opportunity to meet fellow travellers, and since you're eating right there on site at the
slide show room or outside on the spacious decks, you won't miss any of the after-dinner slideshows.
Schedule
All times - and everything - approximate! 
An up-to-date schedule will be posted at the Meeting.
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 briefing. Be gassed up and ready to ride if you're going
Evening dinner 6:00, then introduction and a presentation or two.
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.
10:00 Tech Clinics. Grant Johnson's "The Achievable Dream" 4 hour "How to ride around the world, or just to another continent" seminar is probably Friday morning! Also other clinics - see schedule on the day! 10-12 and 1-4 for the Achievable Dream - yes, it's 5 hours!
1:00 Lunch
Friday night
7:00 pm
Speakers presentations start, so be sure you've eaten early!
Saturday morning
7:00 - 8:00 - Breakfast
9:00 Ride briefing. Be gassed up and ready to ride if you're going.
Rideouts - off-road runs details here if you're riding on your own.
Saturday Lunch
1:00 Lunch
Saturday afternoon,
Rideouts - details here if you're riding on your
own.
On road runs - we'll post a sheet of paper up for you to add your name to a destination, volunteers to lead appreciated!
2:00 Tech Clinics. We have a number of informative and exciting tech clinics planned, so check the schedule Friday on-site for latest details.
Saturday evening,
7:00 pm sharp:
Speakers presentations
9:00 Door prizes - you have to be there to win!
Sunday
Breakfast in town
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.
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.
2009 Tshirt slogan "They told me to get lost - so I did!"
2009 T-shirt slogan:
2009 Front Pocket:
The front pocket's a lot smaller in relation to the back of course! :)
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 (886kb) full colour 2008 poster. (You may need to right click and choose "save target as...")
Thanks for the help!
The Meeting Location for 2008
Silverton, south of Denver, Colorado.
Silverton Colorado, with the HU Meeting location marked. (click image for bigger image)
Silverton is on US Highway 550, high in Colorado's San Juan Mountains, almost 50 miles north of Durango, and 25 miles south
of Ouray. Silverton is also accessible via the Alpine Loop - 4 x 4 "only" - from Ouray and Lake City, or over Ophir
Pass from Telluride. Detailed directions below the maps.
On site is camping only, other accommodation a short walk away. It's only a 5 minute walk to Main Street.
Pavement only riders - There's tons to see from the pavement, including the world-famous and historic narrow-gauge train which
runs through the mountains to Durango.
Off-pavement riding - The riding around Silverton through the San Juans ranges from beginner to advanced. It is high, wild,
and rugged with great views everywhere. There are also a number of interesting towns nearby, reached via high, off-road passes.
Elevation: 9313 feet (2839 meters)
Climate
Summer: Nights 30-50F degrees Days 50-75 degrees
Winter: Nights - 30 -30 degrees Days 20-60 degrees
Mean temperature: January 17 degrees, July 56 degrees
That means it's COOL at night so bring the warm sleeping bag! It also means ideal riding temperatures! :)
Maps
Distances:
Durango - 50 miles
Montrose - 60 miles
Ouray - 23 miles
Telluride - 75 miles
Google
area Map here, and Google
Town map here (ignore the arrow - it's just the center of town. The building and campground are located right where it says: "Kendall
Mtn Rec Area" at the south-east end of town.)
State Highways to Silverton
Town of Silverton. The building and campground are located at the "Kendall
Mtn Rec Area" at the south-east end of 14th St. Click the map for a much larger map for printing.
Kendall Mountain Building co-ordinates: N 37° 48.680’ W 107° 39.454’
Directions in town:
Driving north on Silverton's Main Street, turn right at 14th street (there is no street sign, turn right at Silverton City Hall, an historic red stone building).
Follow on gravel road straight ahead approximately 1/4 mile, across the Animas River, and dead end at KENDALL MOUNTAIN BUILDING (wood with green metal roof).
The building has no official address, so you cannot use MapBlast or MapQuest to get there.
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.
Links to local Hotels and Motels
Information about the area
Internet Services: Public Library has a T1 connection to the Internet.
Any info you have on the area, rides etc, please let me know.
Basin Motorcycle Works,
29465 Hwy160 East, Durango, CO 970-759-9189. Ask for Harry if you want anything brought to the meeting - like tires! :)
Northern Colorado BMW/Ducati Motorcycles are very generously
supporting the Meeting, and will be there with supplies and goodies for sale! Don't forget to say "thanks for coming"
when you visit them at their shop or at the Meeting! You can also ask them to bring you tires or whatever you need.
Local Hosts
Richard and Mary Meadors volunteered to be the lead organizers of this event. However Richard now has a severe back / leg / spine / disk problem that's going to keep him completely out of action for at least 6 months. We wish him all the best and a speedy recovery!
But we could sure use some help! If you want to assist, please sign up to volunteer to assist on the day or here for advance work.
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