HU Travellers Meeting Germany-Summer 2014 Archive
Horizons Unlimited 12th Deutschland Travellers Meeting
Thursday May 29 - Sunday June 1, 2014
Ober-Liebersbach, Deutschland
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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.
Horizons Unlimited Germany Summer Event Schedule
The event is taking place from Thursday, May 29 to Sunday, June 1, 2014. Organizers will be there most of Wednesday, hopefully Wednesday evening, if anyone wishes to arrive early and just hang out or go for a ride in the area. There is no problem arriving even a couple of days early, our hosts will be happy to see you and feed you, and camping is free. Please LET US KNOW you will be arriving early.
Schedule will be posted here, with a print version as well, when it's ready...
...so check back and plan what you want to see. The schedule is subject to change, so don't hold our feet to the fire - stuff happens! But we will try very hard to ensure that it goes off as planned. Check the latest schedule to be posted at the meeting on the day.
All times - and everything - approximate!
An up-to-date schedule will be posted at the Meeting.
Thursday afternoon (May 29)
CHECK-IN and sign up! You MUST be registered to go on a ride or entry to any events, seminars etc.
Thursday night
21:00 Speakers presentations start sharp at 2100, so be sure you've eaten early!
Friday morning (May 30)
8:00 - Breakfast, all morning, €5
8:30 - 9:00 Late Check-in.
9:00 Ride briefing. Be fueled up and ready to ride if you're going.
Friday Lunch
From 11:30, served all day. Payable to the venue on the day. Range of specials from the blackboard served all day, various excellent prices. Vegetarian meals available.
Friday afternoon,
Ride-outs - 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!
Tech Seminar, details to come. If you want to volunteer to lead a seminar or breakout session, on any appropriate topic, please contact us. We have had lots of interest in seminars, ranging from 30 minutes to several hours, on subjects from GPS to packing lists to tire changing.
Friday, dinner
See Friday lunch above.
19:00 sharp:
Speakers presentations
21:00 (not sharp) - Door prizes - you have to be there to win!
Saturday morning (May 31)
8:00 - Breakfast, all morning, €5
8:30 - 9:00 Late Check-in.
9:00 Ride briefing. Be fueled up and ready to ride if you're going.
Saturday Lunch
From 11:30, served all day. Payable to the venue on the day. Range of specials from the blackboard served all day, various excellent prices. Vegetarian meals available.
Saturday afternoon,
Ride-outs - 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!
Tech Seminar, details to come. If you want to volunteer to lead a seminar or breakout session, on any appropriate topic, please contact us. We have had lots of interest in seminars, ranging from 30 minutes to several hours, on subjects from GPS to packing lists to tire changing.
Saturday, dinner
See Saturday lunch above.
19:00 sharp:
Speakers presentations
21:00 (not sharp) - Door prizes - you have to be there to win!
Sunday (June 1)
Breakfast served from 8:00, €5
Clean up and head home, or for more interesting places!
Presenters at HU Germany Summer 2014 so far...
Grant and Susan Johnson, Horizons UnlimitedHow it all began. The story of Grant and Susan's 11-year trip around the world, without a plan or a clue! |
Way back in 1987, before the Internet, two young and naive Canadians set out from Vancouver to ride around the world on a motorcycle. The plan (and budget) was for 3 years, but it didn't quite work out that way!
Heike Fania, 2 Live the DreamFrom Europe to the Himalayas and beyond! |
Three faces of the Himalaya
Exploring the Himalaya in three very different countries: Pakistan, India and Nepal - During our world trip we had the chance to see three different faces of the Himalaya in three different countries. We explored the roads and stunning landscapes between the highest mountains of the world in Pakistan, India and Nepal. Different religions, different cultures, different people, different countries - but all were fascinating... In this presentation we will take you on a trip through those three countries, we will ride up onto some of the highest passes of the world in India, we will take you over the Karakorum Highway, and we will show you that Nepal consists not only of mountains!
Big Bikes Back in Burma
Burma is opening up - together with 3 friends we were the first that were allowed in with our bikes. While we were in Thailand we got the chance to enter Burma overland with our motorbikes. Together with 3 friends we formed the first group that was officiall allowed in. We spent only 7 days in this country, but we retuned with fantastic pictures and wonderful stories...
In May 2012 Filippo and I left Europe to travel around the world... and after 2 years on the road, we will be back in Germany in May 2014!Werner ZwickGuatemala, Belize and Southern Mexico - Volcanoes, indigenous markets, ancient ruins, great landscapes and dense jungles combined with great roads and rough dirt tracks. |
Werner travelled in January 2014 from Guatemala City to Mexico City. His presentation covers: Central Guatemala with its impressive Volcanoes, curvy roads, fascinating Atitlan Lake and the charming old city of Antigua. Colourful indigenous markets, the tranquil cascades of Semuc Champey and the impressive old Maya city of Tikal in the jungle. Belize wth its Caribbean air stands in stark contrast to the more reserved highland people further west.
Motorcyclewise, the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico is not really worthwhile. But the cultural treasures of old Maya cities like Chichen Itza, Uxmal and Paleque make up for missing curves and oppressive humidity. Riding on curvy roads into the highlands of Chiapas is pure fun. Crossing the isthmus of Teuhantepec is hard work. Fighting winds of up to 100km/h on an elevated Highway with heavy traffic took full concentration. The empty mountain roads in the Mexican highlands offered some more fun on the way to Oaxaca and Mexico City.
Werner has travelled by motorcycle in the Americas, parts of Africa, New Zealand and many parts of Europe so far.
Markus & Ellen Kirchgeßner - two with desire of freedom!Karibuni! - Welcome to Africa |
45.000 kilometers through 23 countries - A multivison-show about two nomads, embarking on a Transafrica journey.
Frank Panthöfer and Simone Dorner, Krad-VagabundenGetting into contact with locals |
The 'Krad-Vagabunden' (Simon and Panny) travelled around the world on two Honda Transalps from 05/2010 to 10/2013: North to South america, New Zealand and Australia, Southeast Asia, the Himalayas, back home through Iran, Iraq, Turkey, etc.
Following their successful presentation in Australia on this topic, Simon and Panny will give some highlights from their around the world trip, then describe the online 'channels' which proved to be of outstanding efficiency for us to get into contact with locals / local motorcycle travellers. They will also give some tips/tricks + examples for real live contact.
Premkumar Govindarajulu, SwitzerlandA Mixed Ride India, East Africa & Europe |
Before starting this trip, I had a detailed plan. But the day I got geared up I threw all my plans in a Dustbin and decided to travel as a clean slate. Absolutely no plans. But I knew the direction from Switzerland. (as I live near Zürich). My direction was only south & East of Europe. With only direction in my mind I started my travel.
Premkumar rode Across India and East Africa in 2010 and after a break, started again to travel in Europe.
Educational Sessions
Because Horizons Unlimited events are about informing, not just inspiring, we also have a great lineup of educational sessions for you...
Filippo Fania, 2 Live the DreamSafe off-road riding fully loaded |
Tips on how to handle your fully loaded bike in tricky off-road conditions
Tips and tricks for travellers that want to go off-road with a fully-loaded motorcycle, and don't want to risk a crash. E.g. how to turn around on a very steep and slippery slope with a fully loaded BMW - going downhill save and slow - handling of heavy bikes in difficult situations - turning on a narrow track - etc.
Bike modifications and technical tips
Bring your bike, bring your questions... Bring your bike and show us your modifications, fixes, etc. Bring your questions and problems, and we will try to find a solution. Filippo will also present some modifications that have proven very helpful during his world-trip.
I have travelled on two wheels for more than 30 years. In May 2012 I left Germany together with Heike to travel around the world, and after 2 years on the road we return in May 2014.
Grant and Susan Johnson, Horizons Unlimited4 Easy Steps to Overland Travel! You can do it - we can help! Finding your way around Horizons Unlimited, other resources. Lots of great pics and video clips. |
"Grant and Susan Johnson are icons in the round-the-world (RTW) motorcycling community. The Johnsons host - or more appropriately write, edit, produce, manage and coordinate Horizons Unlimited - a global network of motorcycle travelers... and a bona fide adventure motorcycling phenomenon." Dan Hilton, Rider Magazine
This seminar will be an overview of 'How To' travel overland topics. Includes content from the Achievable Dream series and great pics from HU Photo Contest winners!
Grant Johnson, Horizons UnlimitedFix that flat! How to change a tyre anytime, anywhere! |
Grant's tyre changing seminars are always well attended and appreciated. This seminar covers: 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; hands-on practical for beginners to experts, optional tyre changing contest.
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.
NEW! HU Germany 2014 Off Road Training for Travelers
A lot of travelers just play around on the main streets around planet earth – be brave enough to leave those to explore the hidden trails! Jens has organised with "Stehlin Off-Road Training" for you to learn the basics to face those tracks – so what are you waiting for?
When? 27.-29. 05.2014 (just before the HU Germany event!)
Where? Close to the town of Kenzingen in the Black Forest.
How much? € 195.- Euro
What's included?
- 1 Full Day Off Road Training on your own bike
- Professional Off Road Instructors – 1 Instructor per 8-10 participants
- Max 25 participants, then 3 Instructors
- 2 Overnights at a typical Gasthaus in the area
- 2 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners, 1 Lunch (at Off Road Terrain)
Please note:
--- Sign up till end of March 2014 (31.03.2014)
--- Minimum number of participants 10 riders
All the details 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!
Tents and Bedding discussion (in the camping area) - What works, cheap vs dear and which ones keep you dry, warm and comfy!
Bike mods - Show off your best bike mods - homemade saddle bags, toolbox mounts, GPS mounts, seats, side stands, tank panniers, cup holders, etc.
Horizons Unlimited Germany 2014 Ride-outs
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?
The cost of going on any ride is included in the registration fee.
All rides are "register on the day." There will be signup sheets for each ride posted the evening before. First in best dressed.
Facilities for a Fantastic Four Days
The event will be held at:
Gasthaus „Zur Schneeburg“
69509 Ober-Liebersbach
(30 min. north of Heidelberg)
Camping
Camping IS included in your registration. There is lots of room for camping!
Food
Is NOT included in your registration price.
Served all day, breakfast €5 from 08.00 every day, then hot meals from 11:30 till 22.00, a wide and varied menu - typical dishes of the area (Odenwald), including vegetarian, at reasonable prices. Try the Odenwald Äppelwoi! (applewine).
Next HU Events
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
- Ecuador: August 23-25
- Romania: August 30-Sept 1
- Austria: September 12-15
- France: September 20-22
- Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3
2025:
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025!
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- France: September 19-21 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here