HU Austria Adventure Weekend 2023

Lorraine Spence, Butterflies and Flat Tyres Zurich to Singapore via Siberia BAMtastic and the Vitim Bridge

LORRAINE SPENCE is a South Africa-born, British citizen living in Switzerland who has been riding since age 15, but stopped for 22 years, and started again at age 42. In 2012, she took her first transcontinental bike trip across Asia and has since travelled through North, Central, and South America, New Zealand, and all over Europe.

I'm a passionate traveler, having backpacked through many countries. In 2012, I took my first transcontinental bike trip across Asia. Subsequently travelling through North (2023), Central (2016), and South (2015) America, New Zealand (2019), and all over Europe. I can think of no better way to see the world than by bike. This all started with a great idea, and yet no idea, of where to begin. I'll explain how I got from my couch to the road, and why I love travelling alone, but also spend time travelling with other people.

The highlight, and biggest challenge of the trip was riding the BAM road in Siberia. Sometimes even the best laid plans can lead to disaster, a seized engine, or even an appearance in a Russian court. It's at times like this that the riding community shows its best and worst sides, but I would let nothing stand in the way of me completing my trip.

Tom Possod, Dudes of Dust Alone or in a Group, Old or New Bike A story of the joys and miseries of travelling either alone or in a group, and the comparison between new and older bikes.

TOM POSSOD started to travel at the age of eight with a backpack and was brought home by the police. As soon as he got his driver's license, he started to the Balkans (formally known as Yugoslavia). After several trips to four continents by offroad-car, backpack, and motorcycles, he quit his job in 2015 followed by a life-changing solo trip to Dakar. Now he is organizing adventures on motorcycles and working as a consultant.

On my first trip to Dakar, I was riding solo and soon found out that traveling alone is great, but has some showstoppers, like going offroad. I did a second trip in 2022 / 2023 with one of my best buddies, Enrico from the famous Loose Screw. We started our "Yamaha Tenere 40th Anniversary Trip" to Dakar in October 2022 with Enrico on the first Tenere (XT600Z) and Tom on the newest one (Tenere World Raid). The amazing trip along the old Paris-Dakar had a lot of surprises and adventures. We had good times, we had failures here and there, and both of us are happy with our decision of bikes. We are now able to answer the question: "Solo or group to Dakar?" for ourselves.

Heike Schmidt and Toshi Meier-Brook, A Will and a Way A Will and a Way? A Will and Away! An "impossible" journey: how a wheelchair, a motorcycle, and a fair amount of craziness blend together to make for an epic trip

If you think that needing a wheelchair and long term motorcycle travel do not mix well, you haven't yet met Heike and Toshi. With no muscular power in her legs, and very little in arms and hands, Heike not only needs a wheelchair, but also the aid of a personal assistant for most of her everyday activities. This has never kept her from traveling.

Heike and Toshi discovered motorcycle travel together in 2012. 2018 saw them going on a big trip scheduled for two years. Starting from New York, they traveled down to Buenos Aires, then transferred the bike to Cape Town to travel home from there. Not following a master plan, a lot of unforeseen events shaped the trip on-the-go. And often, the sidecar, the wheelchair, and our open personalities helped to make big memories out of small encounters. Prepare for a very personal, open-hearted report on what happened during the 21 months of their big trip.

HEIKE SCHMIDT has been using a wheelchair and 24/7 personal assistance for more than 40 years. Her advanced basic necessities do not keep her from long distance motorcycle travel.

TOSHI MEIER-BROOK rides the leaner sidecar setup with her wheelchair strapped to the back, and doubles up as her assistant. Together, they have now traveled more than 80,000 km on several trips, including a 21-month trip ended by the covid pandemic.

Israel Gillette and Dandy Tails from the Trails / Tennessee to Tierra del Fuego

1) Tails from the Trails
Adventuring with dogs

The story of how I joined my love of motorcycle adventuring with my love for my travel companion, Daisy; and the development of my new sidekick, Dandy, into the finest Moto Mutt in the history of the world.

2) Tennessee to Tierra del Fuego
A fledgling adventurer leaves Tennessee in search of a new way of life

In June 2011, while on break from university, and out of jail on $30,000 bond, I left Tennessee heading south for the Texas-Mexican border aboard a nine-year-old R1150GS with 75,000 miles on it, and a goal of reaching Argentina. I didn't have much money, a smart phone, or any real idea how I'd make it.

ISRAEL GILLETTE has ridden fast throgh 60+ countries on five continents, often accompanied by his furry companion (currently, Dan, and formerly, Daisy). His life has been nothing but trouble. It's been one Hell of an adventure. See more of Israel and Dan's adventures on Instagram: @moto_mutt_international

Jakob Weinknecht, Der.Weinknecht Android-Based GPS Navigation Including TET Europe, TET Austria Status, Development, Topics, and Outlook!! Android is providing a rich portfolio of navigation apps: sharing and best practices

I have done and am doing training for GPS navigation for motorbike riders for more than ten years. In the beginning, it was strongly focused on Garmin devices, software, and applications. Meanwhile, alternatives based on Android outrun the possibilities provided by Garmin and, at the same time, various devices prepared for outdoor used are available on the market. Concept for the proposal is to provide a condensed workshop of using Android as basis for route and track planning as well GPS navigation on the bike, including state-of-the-art solutions for controlling the device directly from the handlebar.

No, I am neither a seller nor influencer for any of the products, applications, or services. I have been much more into this field for many years, including supporting others in developing solutions for rally notebook navigation and more.

JAKOB WEINKNECT is a 46-year-old traveling by motorcycle since 2002. Always searching for the roads and tracks less traveled, and even participating from time to time in amateur Rally. His focus is on navigation and travel through remote areas and wonderful landscapes, so it's no surprise that he has built up three travel and two rally bikes throughout these years on his own.

Hermine Obermann From Dream to Reality (Presented in German) How to convert the inner call into reality. From pillion to solorider to North Cape in three years.

Have you heard? Excitement and fear at the same time? Once you listen to this deep inner call and do the things, you can make your dreams come true like I did. From pillion to solo rider to North Cape. Hast du es gehört? Die innere Begeisterung und Angst zur gleichen Zeit?

Wenn du einmal auf diesen inneren Ruf gehört hast, die nötigen Dinge tust, können deine Träume real werden. Von Sozia zur Solobikerin zum Nordkap, in 3 Jahren. Anhand meiner eigenen Geschichte mเธฃเธ–chte ich dir die Schritte mitgeben, wie du den Mut und die Begeisterung aufbringen kannst, Unmögliches möglich zu machen. Presentation ist auf deutsch.

HERMINE OBERMANN's life changed in 2019. She discovered the world of motorcycling and traveling. First as pillion, then she got her license and was inspired by a presentation about motorcycle traveling. Boom! It hit her! Since then, she pursued her dream and made it into reality.

Martin Litschauer, world_spins_as_fast_as_we_ride Photography During Motorbike Travels Tips and tricks on how to make great travel pictures

From novice to advanced, from using the smartphone to the big DSLR with tripods, I will show you my equipement and what is possible on such travels. It is not always about the pictures, you also have to present it in the right way on social media, this is also a part of my journeys. I will show you my pictures from my recent six-week trip to Iceland, where I stayed most of the time at campsites and saw some amazing sights on one of the most beautiful places on earth.

MARTIN LITSCHAUER's passion is travelling the world with his motorcycle and camera, seeing the people and cultures, living the highs and lows. From Iceland to the Sahara, from volcanoes to deserts, over 10,000 km later, he is richer by many experiences and looks forward to many more adventures.

Simon Watson DIY Electrics How to fault-find on the road and an overview of a bike's electrical system

In this workshop, Simon demonstrates basic fault-finding techniques that can be used whilst on the road. He will specifically explain simple methods using only basic equipment (light bulb and wire). Additionally, a basic description of wiring in auxiliary components in both standard 12-volt and can-bus systems,

SIMON WATSON spent many years competing in local and national Land Rover Trials in the United Kingdom. He returned to motorcycles after a 20-year break when he moved to Austria. He currently rides a Triumph Tiger 800 and a Triumph Sprint RS, and has ridden around Europe and into the Balkans.

Arjan Busscher Off-Grid Living (Workshop) Learn how to cook and live outdoors, even in bad conditions

This workshop will focus on how to live a semi-nomadic lifestyle; how to choose the right gear; how to cook powerful food and be happy even in bad conditions in a tent. I will explain my wood-burning stove system in my teepee and show you how to quickly and easily cook up some powerful meals with minimal fuel and effort.

ARJAN BUSSCHER traveled for up to six months a year for 15 years, all around Europe and beyond. In recent years, the TET has been my focus. I prefer to ride short days and then set up a decent campsite, getting in touch with nature as much as I can.

How about you?

We're all here to learn, and there's LOTS to learn! We want to do more presentations and seminars - 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 sign up here.