HU Travellers Meeting Germany Summer 2024
Horizons Unlimited 28th Germany Travellers Meeting
Thursday May 9 - Sunday May 12, 2024
Naturresort Waldglück (formerly Campingplatz Pfrimmtal), Deutschland
It's All About Overland Adventure
Whether you're a seasoned veteran with wisdom to share or a complete novice hungry for ideas and guidance, it doesn't matter if you ride a motorcycle, a bicycle, or drive an expedition vehicle...Horizons Unlimited meetings are for everyone who dreams of adventure along the road less travelled.
Inspiring, Informing & Connecting
Some people value Horizons Unlimited events for what they learn from the unique line-up of presenters. Some people value the chance to discover new products and services at the trade stands. Some people value just kicking back with a beer among old friends and new.
Most people enjoy a little bit of everything, and everyone goes home fired-up for adventure with a smile on their face.
The event will include a packed schedule of presentations and activities. All within the relaxed and friendly atmosphere that Horizons Unlimited is known for.
Online registration is now closed,
but we have plenty of room,
so come and join in!
Horizons Unlimited Germany Summer Event Schedule
The event is taking place from Thursday May 9 - Sunday May 12, 2024. Presentations will start Thursday night. Rideouts will start Friday morning. Organizers will be there most of Wednesday, if anyone wishes to arrive early and just hang out or go for a ride in the area. Please LET US KNOW you will be arriving early.
The schedule is subject to change - stuff happens! Check the latest schedule to be posted at the meeting on the day.
Andreas BorstStaying Fit and Healthy While On the Road |
[Treat your body to a 30-minute workout to prevent back and joint injuries. Katja Albreit will lead.]
As motorcycle travellers, we all understand the joy of the ride, but not so much if you are sick or in pain. You can do a lot in advance of your trip to prevent very unpleasant situations with little effort. By prioritizing our health and fitness, we can not only amplify our trips, but also ensure that we're able to enjoy it for years to come.
Working in the the fitness industry for more than 20 years and having given more than a hundred presentations for gym members, the police, authorities, and cooperations to keep them fit and healthy, I will share practical solutions and expert tips for integrating health and fitness into your motorcycle lifestyle. From simple exercises to improve strength and flexibility to smart nutrition choices for sustained energy on the road, you'll learn actionable strategies that can make a real difference in your riding experience.
ANDREAS BORST's two favorite hobbies for more than 20 years: motorcycle travel and fitness! He owned a gym and helped over 2000 people to staying fit and healthy so they can enjoy their life and hobbies for as long as possible.
Joshua Steinberg, Wetzlos WeltwärtsMein Eigener Weg |
At the age of 24, medical student Joshua Steinberg from East Hesse starts the engine of his faithful travel companion. Before him lie the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas, the sandy expanses of the Sahara, the great tropical forests of Central Africa, the animal-rich river deltas of Botswana, and the mountainous coasts of South Africa. Far away from the tourist routes, he helps injured and sick people as a freelance DRK helper, builds bridges between cultures, and makes new friends. The residents' often limited possessions, the admirable joie de vivre and the extraordinary hospitality of the Africans left an impressive and lasting mark on his eventful, seven-month, 32,800-kilometer journey to Cape Town. His adventure not only gives hope for greater tolerance and understanding, but also gives courage to overcome prejudices.
At four months old, JOSHUA STEINBERG travelled in the sidecar of his family's Moto Guzzi for the first time to see his grandma a few towns away. At eight, he sat solo on a motorcycle. Ever since, he has been riding extensively in spite of being chronically ill with cystic fibrosis and Type 1 diabetes. None of that stopped him from traveling and he shares this fact to motivate others to overcome their fears and to follow their dreams, even when the odds are against them. Joshua is committed to the German Red Cross with his father and they run the local DRK association to provide voluntary medical services and refugee assistance.
Frank HahnMehr Hubraum als Langeweile (More Displacement Than Boredom) [presented in German] / |
My best friend and I traveled from Germany to Australia. During these travels, we had beautiful encounters, tough terrain to cover, and some bureaucracy to conquer. A buddy trip that's the best that can happen, with all the highs and lows. Sometimes it was super beautiful and sometimes the travels tested men and machine. It was traveling outside the comfort zone, but it showed how beautiful this world is and how helpful and nice the people everywhere are. We started together, crossing Europe, Türkiye, Iran, Pakistan, India, and Nepal. Then it was South East Asia, seeing the nature of Vietnam, the old culture in Cambodia, old ruins in Thailand, and the modern cities and old colonial towns in Malaysia. Finally, there will be some stories about how Australia is one of the best countries to travel.
FRANK HAHN's first contact with traveling and camping was when he was a small boy and joined the Boy Scouts. Then in his 20s, he got to know his buddy and travel partner, Fabiano, who infected me with the idea to travel the world with a motorcycle. Soon after that, I got my license and a motorbike. Even COVID didn't stop us and, in 2022, we started our adventure.
Anne-Marie Wefing and Peter GiertzuchRiding Up and Down and East |
We set off on our motorbike journey from Switzerland in spring 2023 to follow the Silk Road and go as far east until we'd hit the Ocean. Our plan was: go light, go slow, enjoy. Our reality was: go light, rush, stress about everything, bury your bike in the mud, camp in a hailstorm, burn in the desert sun, run out of gas, join a rally race, freeze above 5000 m, make tons of friends, and drink coconuts at the beach. We went from Europe through the Caucasus, the Stans, along the Pamir and the Karakoram Highways, through Nepal and across Tibet, and made it down to Southeast Asia. All the way, by land. And most of the time we had a fantastic time!
[Remember to check out Anne-Marie and Peter's workshop on PACKING LIGHT: LESS IS MORE! Workshop details in the Workshop and Educational Sessions section below.]
When ANNE-MARIE WEFING (Annmi) and PETER GIERTZUCH became a couple, Peter had to learn how to ride a motorbike and Annmi had to learn how to camp in the wild. Some years later, they embarked on their first long-term motorbike trip from Europe to Southeast Asia on two Honda CRF250L.
Workshops and Educational Sessions
...because Horizons Unlimited meetings are about information, not just inspiration!
Katja AlbreitHealthy Ways to Prevent Back and Joint Injuries |
Perfect for adventure travellers! Katja leads a 30-minute workout to prevent back and joint injuries. Your travels can't continue if you're in pain or injured. Get ahead of it and incorporate some easy fitness into your travels.
Anne-Marie Wefing and Peter GiertzuchWorkshop on Packing Light: Less is More! |
After all, packing light comes down to the question: What do we need to take with us?, but that's hard to answer without a packing philosophy as a guideline. While going through the setup we chose for our trip from Europe to Southeast Asia on two CRF250L and showing some of the tweaks and tricks we used, I want to focus this workshop on our general thoughts and philosophy regarding packing to discuss with the group, share experiences, and enable everyone to develop their own philosophy.
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 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.
Panel discussions at most HU events include...
Border crossings - How to get through borders with minimal stress and cost!
Packing light - Tips and techniques from experienced travellers to reduce weight and bulk.
Regional discussions - e.g. travelling in South America or Asia.
For Women Only - A must for the ladies, so be sure to plan on being there! A chance to talk to experienced travelling women without the men around!
Experienced Travellers Panel - ask the experts anything you want!
Walk arounds / Show and tell!
Tool Kits - Show us your favorite tools. Toolkit discussion.
Tents and Bedding discussion (in the camping area) - What works, cheap vs dear and which ones keep you dry, warm and comfy!
Farkle Walk - Take a stroll and talk about your best bike mods - homemade saddle bags, toolbox mounts, GPS mounts, seats, side stands, tank panniers, cup holders, etc.
The Adventure Travel Zone
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Exhibitors So Far
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If you know of any other motorcycle or travel equipment vendors or tour operators who should be there, please suggest it to them!
Exhibitors, more details and registration here. Please contact us if you have more questions.
If you'd like to secure your place in the Adventure Travel Zone, there's a pre-registration form for Authors & Film-Makers and a booking form for Trade Stands.
Horizons Unlimited Germany Ride-outs
Some folks will be going on ride-outs in this awesome riding area. You are welcome to join them! Note: These are NOT organised by Horizons Unlimited.
Ride-outs are limited to 6 or 10 people per ride, no exceptions.
All rides will be back on site at or before 5.00pm
- Road Rides - two planned, details to come.
- Off-road - we could use some help - any ideas, locations, routes, off-road tracks?
All rides are "register on the day." There will be signup sheets for each ride posted the evening before. First in best dressed.
Online registration is now closed,
but we have plenty of room,
so come and join in!
Facilities for a Fantastic Four Days
The event will be held at:
Naturresort Waldglück (formerly Campingplatz Pfrimmtal)
Pfrimmerhof 3
67729 Sippersfeld
Telefon (06357) 9753 -80
Jens has found a great venue! Official Campground in beautiful surroundings features:
- Separate Camping Area for Groups
- Fireplace
- Great toilets and real showers – finally!
- German/Greek Restaurant on the spot (lunch, dinners and breakfast)
- Swimming in several lakes possible (depends on the weather!)
- Good for hiking
- Fishing possible
- Absolutely quiet – no traffic around!
- Great Barn for slide shows
- Cabins/mobilhomes and apartments are also available
Great riding in one of the best riding areas of Germany – the Pfälzer Wald! The famous Motorcycle Meeting Point "Johanniskreuz" is just around the corner... Endless turns with nearly no traffic! Plenty of attractions in the area - see list!
Camping
Camping is €15 per person per night, which is our cost, no markup, and a super bargain. There is lots of room for camping!
Cabins/Mobilhomes and Apartments
NOT included in your registration fee. You must book soon if you want a cabin or other accommodation, as they WILL FILL UP!
Please book directly through the campground - Telefon (06357) 9753-80 and pay them for your cabin.
PLEASE NOTE: Booking a cabin DOES NOT register you for the meeting, you will still have to register as usual and pay the full registration fee.
Food
NOT included in your registration price. There is a Greek/German restaurant serving breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
I've already registered - I just want to pay!
PRE-REGISTRATION PRICING FOR FULL PASSESIncludes admission to all slide shows, workshops and demos on Friday and Saturday. Camping is NOT included. Meals are NOT included. |
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Pre-Register & Pay before: |
Event Price |
1 March 2024 |
€35 (saves €20) |
1 April 2024 |
€39 (saves €16) |
2 May 2024 |
€49 (saves €6) |
AT THE EVENT PRICING (APPLIES AFTER 1 MAY)Pay Cash on Arrival |
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Full Pass |
€55 |
Online registration is now closed,
but we have plenty of room,
so come and join in!
days to go!
Join the discussion:
On the HUBB!
On Facebook!
HU Germany
- by Motorradreise.TV
What happens at HU events?
Comments about HU Events
"So many trips, tips, subjects, discussions, questions, answers, experiences, insights... I could go on and on. I will be back, and back, and back."
"It was like being with family... a friendly group with shared love of adventure."
"Everyone was humble, genuine, and encouraging, and I really needed that kind of 'we're all just people' kind of atmosphere."
"You'll see and hear the most useful ideas on so many subjects that it boggles the mind."
"Full of very inspiring people who got me fired up again and motivated for my next trip!"
"What a fantastic inspirational weekend...we will be back."
"I have picked up so much information... and met some new friends and wonderful people."
"...a new league of awesomeness."
"Great atmosphere and camaraderie, especially at dinner time, and interesting presentations."
"I have learned so much, made some great mates and met some of the best people. I was buzzing by the time I got home. I have a little trip planned and just can't wait to get out there."
For more about HU Events, see some magazine articles here.
You can help!
If you have a few minutes, please download the poster (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.
Deutsche
Poster in pdf format, Deutsche (1.5 MB) full colour Event poster:
Postcard in pdf format, Deutsche (354kb) full colour Event postcard, can be printed
4 to a page:
English
Poster in pdf format, English (1.5 MB) full colour Event poster:
Postcard in pdf format, English (349kb) full colour Event postcard, can be printed
4 to a page:
You may need to right click and choose "save target as..."
Thanks!
Join the Volunteer Crew
From welcoming travellers at the gate, to taking care of the campsite and making sure all the presentations run smoothly, the success of every HU event relies on the enthusiasm of its volunteer crew.
"What a wonderful bunch of people. I had no idea how much fun I'd have by helping out!"
"It was my absolute pleasure to be able to give something back to the HU community and working with such great folks really made the event special."
Volunteering is a great way to make new friends, get more involved with Horizons Unlimited and have loads of fun! You can sign up to volunteer when you register for the meeting, OR click here if you have already registered and want to add volunteering.
Be a Presenter
We're inviting submissions for presentations, so whether you're attending the event or exploring a distant continent, if you've got a story to tell or expertise to share we'd like to hear from you.
We love to hear stories about your travel adventures, especially if you have great pics! Also, practical how-to sessions such as roadside cooking, navigation / GPS, trip prep and planning, adventure motorcycling medicine, packing light, setting your bike up, communications / blogging from the road, self-publishing your story, yoga for bikers, bodging / bike maintenance, self-defense, photography, videography, tire repair, safe riding techniques, how to pick up your bike, off-road riding, all are of interest.
There are 45 minute and 100 minute sessions available for talks, workshops, demos and live web chats.
Click here to submit your ideas
PLEASE NOTE:
Submitting a Presenter registration DOES NOT mean you will automatically be included in the schedule, as we can have more presenters than available presentation slots. We will confirm one way or the other as soon as we can (but not immediately!)
Departing or Returning?
If you're planning an expedition, why not make the Horizons Unlimited meeting your official start point? Or maybe you're nearing the completion of a journey and would like a very public welcome home? Of course you might just be passing through and fancy marking a key stage of your travels?
We'd love to make you a big part of the meeting, so feel free to get in touch and tell us your plans.
Information about the area
Located 35 km west of the City of 67549 Worms Rhein, just at the entrance of one of the best riding areas of Germany – the Pfälzer Wald!
The famous Motorcycle Meeting Point "Johanniskreuz" is just around the corner... Endless turns with nearly no traffic!
If you have any links or details for the area please let us know.
Local Host
Jens Ruprecht is the lead organizer of this event. Thanks go to Jens for volunteering to bring Horizons Unlimited Travellers Meetings to Germany, and all his hard work!
If you have a problem contact Jens here.
We can always use help on the day - please volunteer to help out for a couple of hours when you register!
HU Events Refund Policy
Like adventures, life can throw surprises our way. Stuff happens. While we would love for you to join the fun and connect with everyone at our events, we understand that you (and the funds) may be needed elsewhere. We'll catch up later!
On our side, we know you appreciate that we have financial commitments to venues and caterers!
The best way to let us know that you're unable to attend an event is to reply to the Registration Confirmation Email you got from us when you first signed up.
Up to 30 days prior to event start, we will refund all fees in full less a $10 (or €9 or £8) handling fee and PayPal charges. At your request, we can apply your Event Registration and all fees to any subsequent HU event you wish in that year or following year.
Up to 15 days prior to event start, we will refund only the camping/accommodation and food packages in full less a $10 (or €9 or £8) handling fee and PayPal charges. At your request, we can apply your Event Registration fee (with no handling fee) to any subsequent HU Event you wish in that year or following year. If you purchased a t-shirt, we will ship it to the mailing address you provide.
Within 15 days of the event start, there will be no refunds. At your request, we can apply your registration fee (with no handling fee) to any subsequent HU event you wish in that year or following year. If you purchased a t-shirt, we will ship it to the mailing address you provide.
If WE cancel an event:
We are constantly evaluating the situation for every event, and very much err on the side of caution. We will endeavour to announce "Final" decision one month or more before the event, but the situation COULD change closer to time, and we could be required by law to cancel.
If we are forced to cancel for COVID or natural disaster, we will roll your registration over to next year automatically.
If you want to transfer your existing registration to any other HU event in the world, just let us know.
Need a full refund? PLEASE REPLY to your original Registration Confirmation email to make it easier for us to find. If you can't find it, please email a request to: events-c (AT) horizonsunlimited(-)com with the subject line: "Refund event-name event-year"
Next HU Events
HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.
2024:
- California: April 18-21
- Virginia: April 25-28
- Germany Summer: May 9-12
- Québec: May 17-19
- Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
- CanWest: July 11-14
- Switzerland: August 15-18
- Romania: August 30-Sept 1
- Ecuador: August 24-25
- Austria: September 12-15
- France: September 20-22
- Queensland is back! Date TBC
- Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov.3
- South Africa: November
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
New to Horizons Unlimited?
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80 G/S motorcycle. The website, HUBB forum and regular events across the globe have inspired thousands of people to follow their dreams and take the road less travelled.
Membership - Show you're proud to be a Horizons Unlimited Traveller!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love overland adventure travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events such as this one (18 this year!); we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, the HUBB or to receive the e-zine. 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. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
You can join at a reduced rate as part of your meeting registration. Note that new Memberships with your Meeting Registration are applied as of the Meeting date or as soon as possible thereafter, not earlier, unless you make a special request in the Comments box when you register.