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It's where they take you that counts!
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Plan your next adventure...
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Come to an HU event and meet your tribe!
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Horizons Unlimited Canada (Maritimes) Travellers Meeting
Friday Jul 4 to Sunday Jul 6, 2014 - Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia
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.
Horizons Unlimited Maritimes Event Schedule
The event is taking place from Friday, Jul 4 to Sunday, Jul 6, 2014. The Registration Tent will open for check-ins at 1 pm on Thursday, Jul 3, with the first presentations beginning on Friday, Jul 4 at 6 pm. The event will draw to a close at Noon on Sunday, Jul 6.
There will be a choice of two ride-outs (dual sport or pavement) after breakfast on Jul 4. GPS Tracks will be provided for those who prefer to ride solo.
Over the course of the event there'll be talks, demonstrations, workshops, Q&A's, challenges and competitions, with many presentations being repeated so you won't miss out. As well as hearing inspiring stories of overlanding adventure from around the world, you'll get the low-down on preparing for your journey, navigation, first-aid, photography, filming and a host of other essential topics.
Whatever your past experience or future plans may be, there's something for everyone.
A draft Overview Event Schedule is here. A draft schedule of presentations will be posted here a week before the event. It is subject to change!
Presenters at HU Maritimes 2014 so far...
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Riding The Himalayas to Leh - Riding the Enfield Bullet over some of India's highest pass roads |
"In 2000 I took an escorted tour with 7 Germans from the Kullu valley to Leh. We crossed 6 mountain passes up to 17,300 ft and rode the old style Enfield Bullet 500 bikes. The 21 day return trip to New Delhi was an amazing excursion on very interesting bikes in an area of India/Kashmir that has changed little. It is called Little Tibet and has wonderful people and some of the best unpaved high road scenery you will see anywhere."
Paul has been riding since 1968, NS to Alaska trip 1998, Trans Lab hwy 1999, India Himalayas ( Enfield Bullet) 2000, Colorado 2003, James Bay by route du nord 2005, Perth to Queensland 2011. Cameraman and grip on various films. Rode a BMW R11RS on most trips above, now own a DR650.
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Willem (Bill) Hooykaas,
Finding Colorado Ghost Towns - Some of the best off road riding in the Americas can be found in the US. |
"Come see why I take a few weeks nearly every year to explore the back roads and trails of the Colorado high country. It can be a gruelling ride, so be prepared, mechanically, physically, mentally and of course have the KSAs to come out in one piece!"
Bill Hooykaas has logged well over 1 million kilometers on BMWs, riding the length and breadth of the Americas, all over Europe, parts of Africa and Asia. His next adventure will be riding from Japan to Europe through Russia and the Stans in 2015!
A condensed version of Bigland Adventure Films "Two Wheels Through the Big Land" a five part web series on riding through Newfoundland and across the now famous Trans Labrador Highway. Join Terry Burt and Peter Oxley, two middle-aged family guys trading their normal lives for one of adventure on a ten day kitchen pass, covering 4200km through Newfoundland and Labrador by motorcycle.
Terry: "I am a 45 year family guy with a craving for motorcycle adventure. My ten day trip over the Trans Labrador Highway was my first adventure which was filmed and edited by myself and Peter Oxley for the "Two Wheels Through the Big Land" web series on Youtube and Vimeo."
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The Roads Less Traveled: My Latin America Sampler |
After deciding to head down to South America, Peter thought it would be a great idea to go against the flow and head south down the east side of South America. On the way home, he was also struck by the excellent idea of riding the Stalhratte to Jamaica and Cuba which was an adventure by itself.
Oyapock River from Saint-Georges, French Guiana to Oiapoque, Brazil.
Yungas Road (the Death Road) Bolivia
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Philip White
My most excellent adventure! Nova Scotia to Ushuaia, emphasis on South America |
A trip from Nova Scotia, Canada to Fin Del Mundo, end of the world in Ushuaia with more of an emphasis on the South American section
Phil says: "I'm a 66 year old would be world traveller who has managed a start on my dreams. In 2012/2013 I travelled from Nova Scotia to Ushuaia and back up to Brazil where my ride ended. Waiting to see what the future will bring!"
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Highlights of a RTW and the Trans Canada Adventure Trail |
Highlights (and lowlights) of a RTW
Having being medically discharged from the Royal Navy in 2005, David watched the Long Way Round Series and decided that he would like to do something similar. In 2009 he left London, UK to ride around the world on a Yamaha XT660 and whilst in the USA decided to include South America in the journey. After 36 countries and a year later he returned home.
A quick year in the UK was followed by 8 months in Buenos Aires and then by a 'bovine' shortening whilst part way through a circumnavigation of South America.
The Trans Canada Adventure Trail
In 2013, David was studying in Halifax and needed a way of venting the frustrations associated with being a mature student. He recruited an experienced off road rider from the UK and they departed from St Johns, heading west into the vast and beautiful expanse of Canada. "The route and weather at times made the journey challenging and the aim of the presentation is to convey the highs and lows that were experienced. Actually there weren't any lows. Just a conveyor belt of great enjoyment."
Educational Sessions
Because Horizons Unlimited meetings are also about informing, not just inspiring!
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Willem (Bill) Hooykaas,
A-Z of Overlanding |
All you need is money, time, skill, and a sense of adventure!
"I had several years of riding under my belt when I set out on my first adventure way back in 1974 on my second BMW, a 1974 750/6 that I bought new in Rotterdam after finishing school. This was a road bike, but my touring 750cc choices back then were either a BMW, a Moto Guzzi, a Norton or a Royal Enfield Interceptor (remember those?). Then there were only two tour companies conducting bike tours in Europe: Von Thielmann and Bob Beach. I couldn't afford either one so decided to simply head out on my own until my money ran out and see what happened. I had no plans, experience or itinerary.
Bill Hooykaas then and now
Today, I have well over 1 million kilometers on BMWs. I have ridden the length and breadth of the Americas, all over Europe, parts of Africa and Asia. But there is still more to see, so my 2015 overland adventure is riding west from Japan, through Russia, Mongolia, the 'Stans, Moscow, Poland and back to Europe with 4 other riders. Hopefully this talk will not only feed your desire to explore those roads less travelled but also assist you in preparing and avoid some of the pitfalls I have encountered.
This multi-part series of talks will not be definitive or maybe not even how others would do it, but it will be my small contribution to encourage you to realize your dreams. I hope you come, enjoy and bring your questions."
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Fears, overcome them, how? |
Are the jitters holding you back from venturing out alone for a long motorcycle ride? Learn what it takes to overcome that fear.
Many ask, "aren't you scared?" Learn what it takes to find the courage to venture out alone on your motorcycle and ride thousands of miles without support. Learn how to overcome the fear of being alone on the road with your best friend, "your motorcycle". I will also share some of the ups and downs of a ride through Central America, is it better to ride alone or with a group? A female solo rider in the United States riding from the cold island of Newfoundland to the Florida Keys. I'll share the experience and reaction of people when they see me with my bike fully loaded so far away from home alone.
My first major ride was from Boston to the Panama Canal round trip. Everyone kept telling me not to go because of the dangers to a female solo rider. I did not listen and completed my 15,000 mile round trip motorcycle ride in 60 days. This ride created a deeper thirst for extreme riding. What will quench MissRIDER's thirst? Perhaps a RTW tour scheduled for 2017!!
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Craig Cairns
First on Scene Medical Care |
What do you do when you're the first on the scene of a wreck when you're far out in the boonies and there's no doctor for miles around? A presentation on the best approaches to provide care for injured riders, including proper helmet removal. This clinic will also focus on injuries that can be expected and how to mitigate risks to ensure that the patient makes the best recovery.
Craig Cairns - Photo by Kelsow - RideAtlantic.ca
Craig is a Nova Scotia Intermediate Care Paramedic with 18 years experience providing Emergency Medical Care and First Response.
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Craig Cairns
What's in your First Aid Kit? |
What should you be carrying in your First Aid kit? This discussion will include what the basic necessities are to care for yourself day to day and what you might need to help yourself and others who may need your assistance on the road. How to build a fully functional kit to maximize space, and dollars!
LOTS of presentations to come! As people register to present we'll list them here.
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 contact us here to volunteer.
It's time to regain your riding legs - maybe you've been brushing up on your skills, or maybe it's long past time you did? Got a new Adventure bike, and finding it a little intimidating? Your first experience on gravel or dirt was terrifying, or disastrous?
Get an extra confidence boost by taking off-road and slow speed skills training at the HU New York event!
Sign up for a full day of off-road training with Tom Asher at a special low price of $195! Training takes place on Friday and Saturday of the event. Openings are limited to maintain a good student-to-instructor ratio. This ensures a better training experience for all! Registration closes when we're full.
PLEASE NOTE: You MUST be registered for HU New York in order to take this training!
The class will run if there are at least 7 students.
Note:
The focus for all training is on Slow-Speed maneuvers. Key fundamentals for newer off-road riders and excellent tips for more experienced riders, especially those coming from an all street background. Slow speed maneuvers are THE KEY to successful off-road riding.
Tom Asher Adventure Rider Academy
"Expanding limits is what we do.
Learn what limits we've been expanding lately, come join us and expand yours!"
TAARA, Tom Asher Adventure Rider Academy, is an adventure motorcycle riding school that teaches real-world techniques that can be applied to real-world adventures.
A member of Team USA in the 2016 GS Trophy, Tom Asher has over 15 years' experience developing skills designed specifically for large adventure bikes in off-road conditions, and also has extensive experience in off-road motorcycle racing. The expertise he has acquired has earned him a reputation for being able to take a motorcycle anywhere on any terrain, which he recently demonstrated as the first rider to enter an extreme hard enduro on a BMW R1200GSA at the 2016 Tennessee KnockOut. Tom has over 15 years' experience training individuals and groups, and is a professional mechanic.
Our mission at TAARA is to equip the adventure rider with the skills necessary to successfully complete their journey, whether near home or on an epic adventure. Our individual and group classes teach techniques that help riders use body position, clutch, throttle, and brakes to tackle surfaces and obstacles including gravel, rocks, sand, switchbacks, water crossings, mud, logs, and ascents/descents. These techniques are designed to conserve rider energy and keep the motorcycle intact, increasing the rider's confidence in safely navigating a variety of real-world conditions. By training with TAARA, you can accomplish great things riding off-road, more than you ever thought possible!
Training takes place at HU New York from 09:00 – 17:00, with a break for lunch.
Friday and Saturday: Slow-speed maneuvers. Key fundamentals for newer off-road riders and excellent tips for more experienced riders, and prepares all riders for the more advanced skills in a Level 2 course you might take at TAARA.
- Adventure bike set up and ergonomics
- Standing: How, why, when and where
- Throttle and brake control on dirt and gravel
- Emergency braking
- Steering by weight transfer
- Slow speed maneuvers, the base of EVERYTHING going forward.
- The afternoon is spent on the trail, putting what you learned in the morning into practice!
Class size is very limited to provide a high level of attention to each rider. This ensures a better training experience for all! Registration closes when we're full. For changes, please reply to your confirmation email. These classes do sell out quickly, so please reserve your spot early.
All classes: MANDATORY RIDING GEAR IS REQUIRED FOR PARTICIPATION. Assume good protective gear, and the bike must be road-legal and insured. For changes, please reply to your confirmation email.
Tires - what do I need?
We always recommend good dual purpose tires for the best results and safest experience.
Tom Asher, your trainer, says: "Any tire is going to be fine. Keep in mind if it's wet it may be a little more difficult with a street oriented tire. But we will get everyone through just fine."
PLEASE NOTE: You MUST be registered for HU New York in order to take this training!
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.
Facilities for a Fantastic Weekend
We are pleased to announce we will be camping at the 74th Crusaders Club House for HU Maritimes 2014, situated on the banks of the Annapolis River, with open fields and Clubhouse Facilities. Not only is there excellent riding on back roads in the area, but Annapolis Royal is the birthplace of Canada and features many historical landmarks.
Campsites and Parking
There are camping spaces available for up to 300 people and a nice motel nearby that offers clean, well appointed rooms. Parking is available next to your site for your 2 wheeled vehicle and 4 wheeled vehicles can park next to the clubhouse. There is also limited space available for RVs, but no services. Please indicate whether you will be bringing an RV. The club house canteen sells cold drinks and light snacks, and if you need more than this Annapolis Royal is only 5 minutes away.
No Fires
There is a community fire pit available for nightly fires. Camping stoves are allowed. Please be aware that we will be obliged by the venue to enforce these rules very strictly.
Showers and Toilets
There are shared facilities including some flush toilets and hot showers (most of the time) for all attendees next to the Clubhouse building.
Children and Dogs
Horizons Unlimited is naturally keen to inspire the next generation of adventure travelers so you're welcome to bring your children along if you wish, but do bear in mind that the event is for adults (with adult themes and language) and we won't have any specific kid's activities. Children under 14 years old get in for free. Please note that the health and safety of your children is your responsibility and they must be supervised by you at all times. Children will not be allowed in any of the presentations from 8pm onwards each evening.
If you'd like to bring your dog along to the event, we'll have a special area set aside for you to camp in. You'll need to ensure that your pet remains on a lead at all times and doesn't damage or foul the site. Owners of noisy or aggressive dogs may be asked to leave. With the exception of Service Dogs, no dogs will be allowed in the main presentation room.
Food
Please PRE-BOOK dinners with your registration. There will be limited amounts available for late-comers. There MAY be some individual meals available at a higher price. You can, of course, cook for yourself, or go to restaurants in Annapolis Royal.
Dinners (pre-book pricing)
Friday ($15) - BBQ Dinner.
Saturday ($20) - Pulled Pork Dinner, including Rolls, Cole Slaw, Potato Salad and Pie
Breakfasts and lunches
Breakfasts will be provided on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings by the Crusaders Motorcycle Club. A Continental Breakfast (Cold Cereal, Toast, Muffins, Juice, Milk, Coffee, Tea) will be available for $7 or Hot Breakfast (Eggs, Bacon, Hashbrowns, Toast, Juice, Milk, Coffee, Tea) for $10.
Lunch will be provided on Saturday, menu TBC.
Meal Package
Meal Package - 6 meals including Friday, Saturday and Sunday hot breakfasts, Friday and Saturday dinners and Saturday lunch - if purchased individually would be $77. Pre-book as a package for $70.
Vegetarian and special diets
There will be a vegetarian option offered at each meal - we will need numbers for these, so please indicate when you register if you wish a vegetarian meal.
Special diets can be accommodated with advanced notice within reason.
PRE-REGISTRATION PRICING FOR FULL PASSES
Includes admission to all slide shows, Tech Clinics and demonstrations
Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Meals and camping are priced separately below.
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Pre-Register & Pay between: |
Event Price
(all presentations and workshops) |
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January 1st & March 31, 2014
April 1st & June 27, 2014
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$35 (saves $20)
$45 (saves $10) |
AT THE EVENT PRICING (APPLIES AFTER JUNE 27)
Pay Cash or PayPal on Arrival
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Full Weekend Pass
Saturday only |
$55
$30 |
MEALS
We recommend pre-booking meals. There MAY be individual meals available at a higher price at the event. We may be able to accommodate vegetarians, so let us know your preferences when you register. |
Friday Continental Breakfast
Friday BBQ Supper provided by Crusaders Motorcycle Club
Saturday Hot Breakfast OR
Saturday Continental Breakfast
Saturday Lunch - TBC
Saturday Pulled Pork Supper
Sunday Hot Breakfast OR
Sunday Continental Breakfast
Meal Package - 6 meals including:
Friday, Saturday and Sunday hot breakfasts,
Friday and Saturday dinners and Saturday lunch
- if purchased individually would be $77!
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$ 7
$ 15
$ 10
$ 7
$ 15
$ 20
$ 10
$ 7
$ 70 |
CAMPING
Camping is not included in your registration. There is lots of room for camping!
Camping is $15 PER TENT PER NIGHT, paid in advance.
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SELECT YOUR PRE-REGISTRATION OPTION
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