HU Travellers Meeting Virginia 2023

Horizons Unlimited 6th Virginia Travellers Meeting - April 27 - 30, 2023
Holiday Lake 4-H Center and Camp, near Appomattox


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.

Group photo at HU Virginia

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 Virginia Event Schedule

This event is taking place from Thursday, April 27 to Sunday, April 30, 2023.

On-site registration/check-in will open on Thursday, at 12:00 noon. Do not arrive before Thursday unless you are a volunteer who has been cleared to do so. We can not accommodate early arrivals, so please plan accordingly. Also we must be off the grounds by NOON Sunday as there are other groups coming in.

There will be presentations and tech clinics on Thursday afternoon and evening and Friday and Saturday mornings, afternoons, and evenings. We will offer self-guided ride-outs for you to take at your leisure. Come early and make it a great weekend! We recommend riding in on Thursday and leaving on Sunday, and participating fully in the activities in between to make the most of your HU experience.

HU Virginia.

Throughout the meeting, we'll offer talks, demonstrations, and other fun sessions, including interesting ride-out opportunities. In addition to hearing inspiring stories of overland adventure from around the world, you'll learn how to prepare for your journey, navigation tips, first-aid basics, photography, and a host of other essential topics.

HU Virginia skills challenge.

Whatever your past experience has been or your future plans may be, there will something for everyone.

The schedule here is only APPROXIMATE as we have had to make changes and it's not finalized - but it's close.

PLEASE NOTE: The schedule is subject to change at any time - all the presenters are volunteers and travelling, thus they may be delayed or unable to get there. Some may have anxiety attacks and be unable to perform! ;-) And sometimes travellers show up unexpectedly with great pics and stories, so we try to fit them in! The up-to-date schedule will be posted at the event.

Presenters at HU Virginia 2023 to come!...

Workshops and Tech Sessions below
Elspeth Beard

Elspeth Beard

One of the Early Globetrotters
A two-and-a-half-year solo journey around the world by motorcycle in the early 1980s

Slideshow/Presentation about a two and a half year, 35,000-mile solo adventure around the world by motorcycle. In 1982, at the age of just twenty-three, Elspeth set off on her 1974 BMW R60/6 and describes the challenges faced as a solo woman on the road. Four decades after her journey, she published her book Lone Rider which finds new meaning within today's contemporary context recounting the journey in a different era before technology. Her journey saw her survive life-threatening illnesses and numerous accidents. She witnessed riots and civil uprisings that forced her to fake documents, and she fended off physical threats, sexual attacks, biker gangs, and corrupt police who were convinced that she was trafficking drugs. Returning home in 1984, Elspeth finished her architecture degree and now runs her own architectural practice and still enjoys riding her collection of motorcycles.

Elspeth Beard, Return home

Elspeth Beard, Tower and motorcycle

ELSPETH BEARD is a motorcyclist and award-winning architect. In 1982, at the age of just twenty-three, Elspeth set off on a 35,000-mile solo adventure around the world on her 1974 BMW R60/6 with no sponsorship or support, in an age before email, cell phones, and satnavs.

Michelle Solaro

Michelle Solaro

Himalayan Hospitality
A love story involving a husband, a Royal Enfield, and the people of Nepal

MICHELLE SOLARO took up motorcycling 25 years ago and has never looked back. It has brought all the best things in life: fun, adventure... and her husband.

A "Plenty of Fish" promise turns into a Christmas gift of plane tickets to Kathmandu where, in 2016, Michelle falls in love with exotic, intoxicating Nepal. Upon acquiring her leaky, rattle-can 350 Enfield, she dodges the butt-clenching madness of Kathmandu traffic for the serenity of the Kali Gandaki Gorge before heading west to the earthquake-ravaged Jiri region. From the snow capped Annapurna mountains to the steam of Sauraha's jungles, she clatters her way around a country where neither she nor her mate can read the signs or speak the language. A one-month vacation leaves a peremament mark on her heart.

Michelle Solaro

Michelle Solaro on a cliff-side dirt road.

Michelle Solaro

Oliver Solaro

Ice Dog
A BMW 850GSA... on the sea ice?

OLIVER "BROKENTOOTH" SOLARO at your service. My nutty little shtick is to incessantly force the spirit in my machine to cry uncle while being tasked to go places and do things it was never designed for. Feel free to point and mock at will.

For decades, my cranial "voices" have whispered many a scheme to facilitate my ongoing teenage rebellion against societal expectations of what travel on a motorcycle should be. This past winter has taken this philosophy and cranked it up to 11 with a little sojourn that I guarantee will leave you scratching your head. With any luck, this may be just an engineering exercise for something even more, um...frosty coming down the pipe.

[Don't miss Oliver's GERTRUDE walk-around, the BMW850GSA that broke the mold for Arctic explorations. See more info in the Workshops and Tech Sessions section below.]

Oliver Solaro, rusted ship abandoned on the snow. Gertrude snow bike in foreground.

Oliver Solaro, frozen close-up

Moto Photo Adventures logo

Chris Smith, Jason Bennett, and Steve Roos
Moto Photo Adventures

Conquering the Trans-America Trail
How three goofy guys conquered the TAT during the height of the pandemic

Finding themselves with very little work during the height of the pandemic, Chris, Jason, and Steve set out to fill the void by checking-off one of their dream adventures from the proverbial bucket list! Dipping their toes in the Atlantic Ocean, they headed west along the famous Trans-America Trail.

The "Trail" is a patchwork of dirt trails, fire roads, and back-country lanes that allows travelers to bisect this great continent of ours in the most remote way possible. From the curvy mountain roads of the Blue Ridge, to the lush valleys of Tennessee...from the rolling hills of the Ozarks to the great plains of Oklahoma...from the treacherous mountain passes of the Rocky Mountains...to the deadly deserts of Nevada...this trail is an adventure rider's dream! Join us as we tell our tale and share tips for those looking to conquer the TAT.

[Don't miss Chris, Jason, and Steve's Cameras, Phones, and Drones... Oh My! Q&A round-table discussion. See more info in the Workshops and Tech Sessions section below.]

Chris Smith, Utah canyons and three motorcyclists

Chris Smith, Alabama plains and cabing with motorcyclist

MOTO PHOTO ADVENTURES bring together three friends who share a common passion for motorcycling, photography, and adventure. Whether you're looking to take your bike on a weekend camping trip or planning your big Round the World (RTW) adventure, we're here to help. If you're not sure you can do it, yes, you can! If you're struggling with how to get started, we can help. Maybe you want tips on how to capture your trip with your new GoPro? Maybe you're looking for photography advice on how to create dramatic images of the marvelous sights you'll encounter? Hopefully our adventure videos will give you inspiration, our tutorial videos will give you knowledge, and our product videos will give you guidance. We LOVE what we do...and love inspiring others to follow their dreams too!

Stuart Holding

Stuart Holding

UK to Morocco: Take Two Tours
The same trip carried out 52 years apart: 1970 and 2022

STUART HOLDING has been travelling by motorcycle on various trips for over 50 years now.

Back in 1970, two friends rode from London to Tangier in Morocco on a 250 Yamaha two-stroke - a cutting-edge bike back then. Last year, somewhat older and hopefully wiser, we repeated the trip on the same model bike - one each this time, though. We followed the same route as far as possible and stayed in the same campsite in Tangier.

What can you learn from a lifetime of travel? That's what we wanted to find out.

Stuart Holding and long-time friend camping, 1970.

Stuart Holding and two 250-cc Yamaha motorcycles.

Bill Hooykaas

Bill Hooykaas

50+ RTW Years with the Riding Dutchman
"You can do it, too... if you are very lucky and start young enough!"

Long-time HU presenter Bill bought his first bike in 1969, and since then has stuck with BMW adventure riding nearly his entire riding life, other than combining his professional life with his passion for a number of years travelling Canada with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Golden Helmets Precision Team on Harley Davidsons.

He has ridden from the Arctic to Antarctic, and from Alaska round the world to China and back, including many side-trips in-between. He now has over two million kilometres of seat time and invites you to come see his half-century adventure. Bring your questions on how to equip your bike, yourself, and most of all, preparing physically for the long road ahead.

The Road goes ever on and on, down from the door where it began. Now far ahead the Road has gone, and I must follow, if I can. ~ J.R.R. Tolkien

BILL HOOYKAAS is a life-long BMW rider, former BMW MOA Director, and one of the original GS Giants. He has ridden through more than 50 countries over the past 54 years, yet never published a book or charity-washed his adventures for fund-raising, only occasionally sharing his stories at Horizons Unlimited events and BMW rallies.

Bill Hooykaas

Bill Hooykaas

Bill Hooykaas

Bill Hooykaas

Bill Hooykaas

Andrew Pain

Andrew Pain, The Minimal Motorcyclist

Building and Following a Travel Budget /
Medical and Trauma Preparedness on the Road

[Don't miss Andrew's workshop: MINIMALIST PACKING. Scroll down to the Workshops and Tech Sessions section below.]

1) Building and Following a Travel Budget
How much does it really cost to travel long-term?

It's one of the most common questions asked of overlanders - how to pay for it? Andrew breaks down what needs to be planned for to build an overlanding budget, how to find the money, and how much you actually need for an overland journey.

Andrew Pain, welcome to Alaska.

2) Medical and Trauma Preparedness on the Road
How to prep for and deal with emergencies while travelling

No one wants it to happen, but injuries and illness happen while on the road. Packing all the gear and medications to face every possible scenario is impractical at best and impossible at worst. Andrew has worked as a paramedic in Milwaukee for 17 years, and traveled around North, Central, and South America on a small motorcycle. He explains what you don't need, what you should have, and where you should get it, as well as a few simple tips for dealing with the things that go wrong.

For ANDREW PAIN, it all started in the rain in 1992. Since then, he has ridden more than 300,000 miles. In 2011, he took his $65, 250cc bike to South America (stopping in Alaska, which is clearly on the way, if you hold the map right) along with a stuffed bear named Blue.

Emy and David Woodburn

Emy and David Woodburn

Sydney to Guadalcanal /
Uganda to South Africa

1) Sydney to Guadalcanal
A journey up Australia's east coast to the northern tip, then up into the island.

Arriving in Australia from the Philippines, we needed to purchase a bike. We then headed north, searching out what work we could along the way. Our destination was Somerset, at the tip of Cape York, where four generations of my family had lived. Emy's visa was running out. We caught a light plane across the Torres Strait to Daru, an Island off the coast of mainland Papua New Guinea. A coastal freighter then carried us to Port Moresby. Unable to obtain a visa there, we flew to Guadalcanal. The kindly Australian Consul in Honiara accommodated us. Once back on Cape York, we retrieved our bike from the Aboriginal settlement and headed south to Cairns, where work was found. This gave us funds to reach Sydney.

Emy Woodburn, Weipa road sign and motorcycle

David Woodburn, Somerset Homestead

2) Uganda to South Africa
A journey through Kenya and then southward to Johannesburg.

After the jungles of Central Africa, we needed a rest, but also funds. I was offered a job, roofing some structures on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi. With the small moneys earnt, we travelled into northern Kenya, then south through Tanzania to Malawi to Zambia. Unable to afford entry to one of the game parks, we camped at a lodge, just outside the boundary of South Luangwa National Park. Our hope was that our daughter would still be able to view some of the animals. However, within a couple of days, we were camped well into that park. I was employed, building up an old safari lease. As well as the experience of living alongside lions and leopards, elephants and hippos, crocodiles and hyena, giraffe, zebra and antelope, this gave us the funds to reach South Africa.

David Woodburn, Thatched hut in background

Lions in the shade of scrubby brush and tree

EMY was born in a country town in the Philippines. She grew up in circumstances vastly different than what most Westerners can imagine. DAVID was born in a country town in Queensland. With the loss of his father at a young age he had some 'freedom' to plot his own path through life.

Mike Muldoon

Mike Muldoon

A Stroke of Luck /
The Real Mexico

1. A Stroke of Luck
Life to be lived, to be loved

Events happen in our life that change the direction of our life cycle. How we handle these events goes a long way in our healing during the recovery process. We all have a support team to get us back up and going, but to many of us, we need that extra push or desire to take our recovery to a higher level. I always tell people that the bike saved my life, and it did.

My recovery trip took me to amazing places and allowed me to meet some of the most amazing people. With the help of great friends, they taught me how to get out there and discover the real world. How to get past fear and the unknown. How we handle healing is our own decision because we have to live with the results, but if you have that special friend to take you to a higher level, accept his offer and go for it.

Mike Muldoon with his bike.

2. The Real Mexico
Getting off the main roads

There comes a time when things change and decisions have to be made. Do we sit back and over-analyze the new moment in time or just take a ride into the unknown? Heading to Mexico with a special friend made the decision a lot easier. I was greener than green with this type of travel. My riding partner was going south to Mexico, so do I stay north or head south and discover the real me?

My friend Katia was a well-travelled traveler and had the passion for the unknown. She taught me about getting out there to these out-of-the-way places to be discovered. Life is all about learning and my life has done a 180-degree turn. I learned that new lands, the people, and the lifestyle are truly amazing as long as you are able to accept the new life. Yes, anxiety and fear are there, but a lot of that has to do with not being out there. Let me paint you a picture of discovery.

Six years ago, MIKE MULDOON had a stroke that changed his life, mostly for the better. He considers himself a late bloomer and, with the help of friends and a motorcycle, he discovered travel at a higher level. Getting past fear and the unknown are big challenges on the road to finding beauty of discovery and travel.

Patty Wong, Ky Yeh, and Keiki

Patty Wong and Ky Yeh (and Keiki)

2 Wheels, 3-Up, 4 Paws
Determined to make sure that our dog lives her best life, Keiki and Co. motorcamped across Canada from London ON to Vancouver BC, and back

2020 meant canceled trips, opportunities, employment and a closed border. Ky and Patty took a gamble on the adventure of a lifetime. With their cute Shiba Inu puppy, Keiki, in tow on a heavily overloaded bike wholly unsuited for long distance touring, they set out for Vancouver, 7500 miles, while motocamping there and back again. Adventure begins when things start going wrong and, for them, it began early and often, but they never anticipated things like sleeping in a trailer in a race paddock, or a sandstorm at the top of a cliff.

Their steed was a "modified" 2014 Yamaha Bolt. With 2.6 gallons of fuel, there were MANY gas stops that were full of laughs, questions and photo-ops. All 3 inches of plush suspension travel meant that these stops were often welcomed breaks. Come see them as they answer questions like, Where does the dog go?, and yes, Keiki will be present for photos and/or kisses.

Patty, Ky, and Keiki on the motorcycle.

PATTY WONG and KY YEH have been motorcycling together for over 10 years, but the last three years have been with Keiki, a three-year-old Shiba Inu. Keiki has been riding on the motorcycle and loving it ever since Patty and Ky picked her up when she was two months old!

Tom Medema

Tom Medema, Rally For Rangers

A Rally for Rangers
This new award-winning documentary follows volunteer riders as they bring new motorcycles to park rangers in Mongolia, Nepal, and Patagonia.

Since 2014 more than 80 volunteer adventure riders have travel tens of thousands of rugged kilometers across Mongolia, Nepal, Peru, Patagonia, and Bhutan in order to provide park rangers new motorcycles to combat poaching and protect natural and cultural world heritage. More than 160 new bikes have been donated to-date through this effort. A Rally for Rangers is the culmination of four years of filming and brings vivid detail to the challenges and dangers faced by the worlds park rangers every day, as well as the commitment and passion of the men and women riders who journey to support them.

Rally For Rangers, Gateway in Mongolia

Rally For Rangers, riding dirt roads.

TOM MEDEMA is co-founder of the Rally for Rangers project, a non-profit organization with the mission of "protecting the world's special places one motorcycle at a time." He is a career park ranger with nearly 30 years' experience protecting special places in the United States such as Yosemite, Mount Rainier, and Rocky Mountain National Parks. His ADV riding began less than a decade ago with a last-minute trip to Mongolia for a ten day rally.

David Smith

David Smith

Is Fly-and-Ride Right For You?
My experiences on a fly-and-ride from Anchorage, AK, to Portland, OR.

Have you ever thought of riding to someplace far away. Very far away? There is another option and it may cost less than you think. In my case, it was a lot less. Learn what you should consider before you go.

DAVID SMITH has been into motorcycles for over 50 years. He was very fortunate to have parents who made it a family activity from trail riding in the 1970s in the west and Baja to supporting my racing motocross and Enduro across the country.

David Smith

David Smith, Alaska sign

Amy and Kevin Edwards

Amy & Kevin Edwards, A to Blog

Electric Motorcycle Travel
Pros and Cons of riding the first electric motorcycle to complete the Trans America Trail

They say you can't go adventure riding on an electric motorcycle. How far can it go? What if it gets wet? Is it even fun to ride? The ranks of electric motorcycle travelers are small but growing, with a handful of epic electric overlanding trips already on the books. We'll discuss journeys across Africa and South America, our pioneering ride coast to coast across the entire Trans America Trail with a Zero DSR in 2021, and touch on our 8600-mile trip across Newfoundland and Labrador with the Zero in 2022.

This presentation looks at some of the electric motorcycles available now, the current advantages and disadvantages compared to gas bikes, the practicalities of charging and route planning, and discusses some lessons learned. Despite our enduring love of gas bikes, it turns out that traveling on an electric motorcycle has a charm all of its own.

Kevin Edwards overlooking a twisty mountain road and valley.

Amy and Kevin Edwards with motorcycles parked on the beach

AMY and KEVIN EDWARDS are based in North Carolina, and have traveled North America together on motorcycles for 20 years. Lately, their riding has skewed more off-pavement, following routes such as BDRs and the TAT, with sights set on future international adventures.

Tammy Perry

Tammy Perry

Holiday in Cambodia
Four strangers, four Hondas, four weeks... what could go wrong?

It's all about connection. That's not the first thing that comes to mind when I think about motorcycling. In fact, as an introvert, I think of solitude and soaking up the scenery on my own time and schedule. A funny thing happened though when four strangers from three countries hooked up in Cambodia on a mission to deliver laptops to a remote village in the Cardomom mountains. [Note: this presentation includes video.]

Tammy Perry, Laptop Sherpas.

Tammy Perry, Four moto friends riding in Cambodia

TAMMY PERRY's father taught her to ride a street bike as a teen - they planned to ride across the country someday. Someday never came as the cancer got him just after his 50th birthday. Tammy got away from motorcycling while the kids were young, and went back to it on a dual sport in time to make it from St. John's to Vancouver before her 50th birthday. Well, then it was impossible to stop and since then she's been to almost every U.S. state, from St. John's to Guatemala and all over Mexico, Cambodia and, of course, lots of roads all over Canada.

Steve Madden

Steve Madden

Somewhat Prepared; Totally Successful
A frank discussion of what I did well and what I did poorly on my RTW in 2018.

In 2018, I embarked on my Honda Africa Twin to travel Round the World. I flew my bike to South Korea, ferried it to Russia, and headed west. In spite of a year long preparation, I was unprepared in many ways. Yet, I still accomplished my goal. In fact, I have followed up this adventure by returning to Europe twice, which included a trip to the Arctic Circle and an eight-day trip to Tunisia. And I just returned from a 4+ month long trip through Central and South America, culminating in Ushuaia at the bottom of the world.

The traveller I have become is much improved from the novice who left in June, 2018. I would like to present a frank discussion of what I did well and what I did poorly, both in preparation for and during the trip. My ultimate goal is to make a convincing case that you, too, can accomplish this. Truly, if I can do it, you can do it.

Steve Madden in Ushuaia

Steve Madden on his RTW motorcycle trip, standing surrounded by rocky trails and mountains.

STEVE MADDEN is a recovering lawyer from Cincinnati who rode his Honda Africa Twin RTW solo in 2018 at age 64. The bike remains in Europe for future adventures which included Tunisia in 2019. He began riding at 54 and has logged 300,000 miles in 29 countries on four continents.

John Clarke

John Clarke

A Challenge, Experience, or Obsession? /
Know Thyself and Know Your Body

1) A Challenge, Experience, or Obsession?
With 56 years of motorcycling and 61 years of camping under my belt, I have plenty to share. Travelled every year since age 19.

The title describes different ways of looking at a trip - some conscious and some subconscious. I am not saying that any of them are wrong. It's up to you. I describe the evolution of my travels at age 19 from Morocco on a new 250 Yamaha in 1970 to Morocco on a 52-year-old Yamaha 250 at age 71. I have traveled every year mostly by motorcycle since then. I moved to Canada, then the USA from England when I was 32.

I cover countries visited, equipment, experiences, and lessons learned, including a couple of photos from each trip. I have been on four Elephant Rallies, 2 x 10,000-mile trips around the USA, and more than a dozen 3000-4000 mile rides in both Europe and the USA. My business travels have had me visiting Australia, South Africa, China, the Caribbean and Mexico. My personal travels have or will include Thailand, Cambodia and Japan.

John Clarke beside his motorcycle

2) Know Thyself and Know Your Body
Everyone is different. It pays well to know your own self before planning a trip.

Everyone is different. Some feel the cold, some can't stand the heat. Some people are neat freaks, others slobs. Know about exhaustion, hypothermia, dehydration, ketosis. Your body can change as you get older and also during the course of a trip. Know what your companions are like as well. I will also talk about clothing, cooking and equipment if there is time. As well as having been traveling for more than 50 years, I have backpacked, cross country skied and camped, attended survival courses and have a 2nd degree black belt in karate.

JOHN CLARKE is 72 years old with a lifelong love of camping since age 12, motorcycling since age 16 and motorcycle touring since age 19. Since then he has completed a 3000 - 4000 mile trip almost every year. He is a martial artist, backpacker, excellent cook, inventor, and possibly one of the most interesting people you have never heard of.

Rakesh Sridhar

Rakesh Sridhar

Small Bikes, Big Dreams
Travelling around the world on 125cc motorcycles!

I grew up in India, and didn't go abroad till the age of 19. I had several fears about traveling abroad, solo, especially in remote parts of the world. When I was 25, I flew to London, bought a motorcycle and started riding east through eastern Europe, Türkiye, the five Stans, before reaching Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia). I broke down in the 120F/50C heat of Turkmenistan, narrowly escaped deportation, improvised a fuel pump, and kept going.

This trip changed my life! Two years later, after graduating from MIT, I bought a one-way ticket to Medellin (Colombia) and started traveling again. I bought a motorcycle in Cali and went 10,000 miles south to Punta Arenas, and sold my bike at the Free Trade Zone there. After that, I flew to Cape Town, bought another motorcycle and went north till Ethiopia before the Sudanese civil war stopped me from going further.

Rakesh Sridhar beside his motorcycle

RAKESH SRIDHAR says: Under the philosophy of "Small Bikes, Big Dreams", I traveled from London to Mongolia, Colombia to Chile, South Africa to Ethiopia on 125cc motorcycles at ages of 25 and 27. Having grown up in India, but having spent my adulthood in Japan and the US, I had several unique perspectives in my travels about the way of life in different parts of the world.

Workshops and Tech Sessions

Andrew Pain

Andrew Pain, The Minimal Motorcyclist

Minimalist Packing
Look, everone wants to carry less, but what do you really need to have?

Do you ever wonder why, no matter how large your luggage is, you never seem to have enough room? It's easy to become overloaded, but not having the correct gear and supplies while traveling only increases costs, adds stress, and makes it hard to relax while traveling. Andrew reviews not just the things he packs while traveling on his 250, but how to establish a packing plan and make your own good packing decisions.

Andrew Pain teaching workshop about how to pack a bike.

For ANDREW PAIN, it all started in the rain in 1992. Since then, he has ridden more than 300,000 miles. In 2011, he took his $65, 250cc bike to South America (stopping in Alaska, which is clearly on the way, if you hold the map right) along with a stuffed bear named Blue.

Alex Reponen

Alex Reponen

Motobaking: A Delicious Art & Science
An introduction to understanding and mastering proper baking while traveling

"Motobaker" Alex will share his dual passions of baking and motorcycle travel to introduce fellow travelers to the joy, satisfaction and delicious possibilities of baking while traveling. Covering a range of equipment options, basic theory of successful "motobaking"; and practical tips and tricks to ensure consistently delectable results while on the road. Whether you have the desire to bake everyday or just once in a while, these are game changing skills to add to your arsenal and require less dedicated equipment than you might think! A practical demonstration of various setups from the "field expedient" to the more elaborate, with tasty freshly baked treats to sample, this presentation will definitely leave you wanting more! There are even a few giveaways for this interested in elevating their camp cooking repertoire!

Alex Reponen

ALEX REPONEN is a relative newcomer to motorcycling (approx. 10 years), but is a professional baker and seasoned international traveler. Having swerved from his previous career as a CIA officer overseas, he now satisfies both his passions by "motobaking" whenever possible; baking off the back of his motorcycle!

Annette Stout

Farkle Walk of Fun with Annette
Seek out and explore the various ways people add to or modify their bike

Ladies of Adventure ~ Facilitated by Annette
Adventure ladies gather!

Annette Stout and her smile returns to host the annual Farkle Walk of Fun. FARKLE = accessory. The word is generally accepted to mean a combination of "function" and "sparkle"; hence, farkle. We'll go on a walk-about to interview riders and examine their bikes for a detailed breakdown of their farkles and kit. How did they decide which farkle to add and which ones to subtract? and why? Check out different storage solutions, protective gear, navigation options, and comfort customizations. We'll also look at sidecars and trailers if they catch our eye or any interesting conveyance at the campground. If you've ever wondered, "What IS that?!?" when looking at a traveler's bike, this is your chance to find out!

Annette will also be there with the annual gathering of the ADVENTURE LADIES OF HU VIRGINIA 2023 to share experiences, strength, hope, and all that fun. Gather together to share a bit of your story. No matter how you explore the world, we want to get to know a bit more about you.

Annette and her Honda, ready to play in the dirt.

Always the explorer, ANNETTE STOUT faces the world with humor, an open mind, and intense interest in all things involved with travel. Her experience with motorcycle camping combines her lifelong connection with the outdoors, powersports, gadgets, and the people whom she meets along the way.

Annette Stout and Andrew Pain

Moto Photo Adventures logo

Chris Smith, Jason Bennett, and Steve Roos
Moto Photo Adventures

Cameras, Phones, and Drones... Oh My! (Q&A Round-Table Style Discussion)
How to harness today's technology to capture your next big adventure!

Your friends think you are NUTS for traveling around the globe on a motorcycle. You try to describe these destinations to them, only for it to fall short. Why is that? The human brain is highly driven by visual stimulation. In order to truly convey the EXPERIENCE of being there, you need great visuals...whether it's through photos or videos!

Chris, Jason, and Steve harnessed their backgrounds in the professional photography/videography fields to create story-telling videos of their adventures, and launch a successful YouTube channel. In this round-table Q&A style discussion, you can check out what gear they use, hear them explain their visual process, and ask questions that will help YOU successfully capture your next big adventure!

Chris Smith, Aerial shot of three men on a bridge

Chris Smith, Riding with friends, GoPro shot.

Chris Smith

Oliver Solaro

Oliver Solaro

Gertrude
A walk around and summary of 850GSA for Arctic expeditions

OLIVER "BROKENTOOTH" SOLARO at your service. My nutty little shtick is to incessantly force the spirit in my machine to cry uncle while being tasked to go places and do things it was never designed for. Feel free to point and mock at will.

Join me for a chat under the tent with Gertrude, my 2023 BMW F850GSA, where I'll explain the how's and why's of building an expedition bike meant to exist and perhaps even thrive under conditions not seen anywhere else on the planet. See why the ubiquitous "snowbikes" we see brapping up and down the Rockies could never pull off what I need to maintain forward motion up here.

Oliver Solaro's Gertrude. The snow bike with modifications.

Oliver Solaro pulling a snow sled with Gertrude, the snow bike.

Outback Motortek USA East logo, square

Outback Motortek USA East [Exhibitor]

Adventure Bike Hard Part Protection
Exploring the why and how to protect adventure motos!

The team of Outback Motortek USA East will provide expert insights, funny stories, and explore the unusually interesting and sometimes controversial world of hard-parts protection for adventure and dual sport motorcycles. Our presentation is based on personal fails and accomplishments from six years of product development, use, and abuse. There will be a display bikes to sit on, products to touch, and free OM-USA-East goodies (SWAG!) for all participants.

Stop by the Outback Motortek USA East booth for even more information.

Mark Carrera before.

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 30-60 minutes, would be great. Please contact us here to volunteer.

We'll also need volunteers to help us run the meeting. Areas of need include: pre-meeting setup; registration/check-in area; audio/video setup; computer/IT issues; general "go-fer" assistance; post-meeting packing and cleaning up.

 

Liz Jansen and Sam Manicom at HU Virginia 2019.

Liz Jansen and Sam Manicom at HU Virginia 2019

Oliver Solaro demonstrates riding with kilt, HU Virginia 2019.

Oliver Solaro demonstrates the fine art of riding in a kilt at HU Virginia 2019

Workshop at HU Virginia 2019.

Mark Carrera and Annette Stout on the farkle walk at HU Virginia 2019

Online registration is now closed,
but we have plenty of room,
so come and join in!

I'M READY TO REGISTER NOW!

SELECT YOUR PRE-REGISTRATION OPTION BELOW


Training for Travel

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 Virginia event!

Rider training at HU Virginia

Sign Up when you register for the event

OR If you've already signed up for the event:
Sign Up for Training here!

Sign up for 1- day of off-road training with Tom Asher at a special low price of $150! 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 Virginia in order to take this training!

PRE-Registration is strongly recommended. There MAY be spaces available on the day, there may not!

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

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!

"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 Virginia 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."

Sign Up when you register for the event

OR If you've already signed up for the event:
Sign Up for Training here!

PLEASE NOTE: You MUST be registered for HU Virginia in order to take this training!

Sorry, you're too late - this training sells out early!

The Adventure Travel Zone

  • Equipment Specialists
  • Manufacturers
  • Tour Operators
  • Adventure Travel Authors and Film-Makers
  • The HU Store

Outback Motortek USA East

Outback Motortek USA East, logo

Outback Motortek USA East is a long-time supporter of Horizons Unlimited events, providing hard parts for moto protection and adventure travel! Come speak with Mark Carrera, Luisa Carrera, and Stephen Marotta about shoring up your ADV kit.

Don't miss Mark's presentation: Adventure Bike Hard Part Protection.

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.

 

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.

Online registration is now closed,
but we have plenty of room,
so come and join in!

I'M READY TO REGISTER NOW!

SELECT YOUR PRE-REGISTRATION OPTION BELOW


Horizons Unlimited Virginia Self-Guided Ride-outs

Ride to historic Appomattox Courthouse and tour the site of the surrender that, for all intents and purposes, ended the American Civil War. Or journey a bit south of the town of Appomattox to visit Red Hill, the estate of Patrick Henry, one of the inspiring figures of the American Revolution.

McLean House reproduction.

McLean House (reproduction), where the actual surrender of the Southern forces took place in the front parlor. This is in the preserved village of Appomattox Courthouse, a national historical park.

Explore Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest via paved, gravel, and dirt roads. Try out your adventure riding skills!

Holiday Lake State Park.

Holiday Lake State Park

Facilities for a Fantastic Weekend!

We are excited to come back to the Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center and Camp. The camp is located in the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest in central Virginia, about ten miles from Appomattox Courthouse National Historical Park. The camp is about 85 road miles west of Richmond, VA; 85 miles east of Roanoke, VA; 170 miles southwest of Washington, DC; and about 130 miles north of Raleigh, NC. It's an easy and scenic ride from almost anywhere in the mid-Atlantic or central U.S.

The HU Virginia venue from above!

This part of Virginia is characterized by rolling farmland and countryside, lush forests, and scenic, two lane roads with minimal traffic. While easy to reach via major highways, the Appomattox area is a mostly rural landscape, dotted with small towns, and shaped by history. When you're not participating in HU seminars and presentations, you'll enjoy great riding and plenty to see and do.

Accommodation on site

Holiday Lake 4-H camp offers plenty of flat and grassy areas for tent camping with bathhouses nearby; rustic and historic cabins for basic accommodations with bathhouses nearby; bunkhouses with bath/shower rooms incorporated; a limited number of spaces for RVs; and a very small number of upgraded rooms (PODS) for more private lodging. You are responsible for providing linens – sheets, pillows, sleeping bags, towels, etc. – for all accommodations.

HU Virginia 2015 camping area.

Tent Camping

Tent space is divided into two areas. One area is on the lake side of the dining hall complex. There is a terraced, grassy area set aside for tents between the dining hall and the large fire ring. Campers here will use the large bathhouse near the dining hall building. This is the more social area, and will likely see more late night activity and foot traffic.

Tents and bikes at HU Virginia 2015.

The second camping area is near the entrance to the camp and across from the swimming pool. This is a flat, grassy, athletic field, and is the Quiet Camping Area. These campers can use the bathhouse at the swimming pool just across the road OR the bathhouses near the cabins and presentations building. The swimming pool itself will be closed during our event. There is a large parking area on the far side of the athletic field. To avoid damaging the athletic field, you will not be allowed to ride your motorcycle up to your tent.


Please adhere to QUIET CAMPING practices in this area — no loud parties, late night gab sessions, or bright lights. If you want to party, please camp in the area near the lake and let others enjoy the peace and quiet of the athletic field camping area.

Camping Area 1.

All campers are advised to use best practices regarding the storage and disposal of food near their tents and cabins. We are staying in a state forest with the corresponding possibility of animals looking for food.

Fires are allowed only in the camp fire ring. Camping stoves are permitted at your tent site but not inside any buildings.

Bunkhouses

There are two bunkhouses plus a lodge. These buildings will be segregated by gender, and each contains a bathroom and shower. They include bunk beds, but we will only use the lower bunks, so the upper bunk is available for your gear.

Bunkhouse.

Double bunkhouse

Bunkhouse interior.

Bunkhouse interior - we will not use the upper bunks, so you have lots of room to store your gear!

Cabins

There are two rows of cabins flanking a lawn with a volleyball court and grassy areas. There are 15 of these, each with four bunks (eight beds). We will use four beds (lower bunks) per cabin so there will be enough room for four adults plus plenty of gear. Beds are 72"x30", slightly narrower than a twin mattress.

Note: One row of cabins is reserved for women only and couples, the other for men only.

Cabins at 4-H Holiday Camp. Cabins at 4-H Holiday Camp.

Exterior of cabin

Interior of cabin - bring your own sleeping bags!

Bunks will have mattresses, but bring your own sleeping bags or linens and pillows.

PODS - Limited Numbers!

There are five of these with two bedrooms with one bed in each, plus a bathroom and a living room. Heated and A/C.

The PODS.

The PODS. Yes, that's grass on the roof! They're planting vegetation on the roof of each POD to increase insulation and be greener -- no pun intended.

View from the deck of one POD towards the rest. Living room area of a POD.

RV Parking

There are 4 spaces available with electric hookup, but no water hookup or waste disposal is available.

Showers & Toilets

There are bathhouses for those camping in tents or staying in the cabins. Bunkhouses and upgraded rooms have their own washroom facilities, including private showers, toilets, and sinks.

Bath house.


Meals

Meals are NOT included with your registration fee. You have choices regarding meals. Complete meal packages are either 8 meals (if coming for Thursday afternoon – Sunday morning) or 5 meals (if coming for Friday afternoon – Sunday morning only). Partial meal packages leave lunch up to you, and may make sense if you’re planning on a ride-out on Friday and Saturday. You can also sign up for the complete meal package and choose a box lunch for your ride-out.

"The food was amazing and there was so much of it, it was comfort food as well, I did not hear one complaint and the ladies in the kitchen were very accommodating."

 

HU Virginia 2016 meal time!

Meal time at HU Virginia

"The food is very good. Well worth the cost, and certainly worth the time you'll save."


Meal Package A - 8 meals, $130

- Thursday dinner;
- Friday breakfast, lunch, and dinner;
- Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner;
- Sunday breakfast.

Meal Package B - 6 meals, $95

- Thursday dinner;
- Friday breakfast and dinner;
- Saturday breakfast and dinner;
- Sunday breakfast.

Meal Package C - 5 meals, $82

- Friday dinner;
- Saturday breakfast, lunch, and dinner;
- Sunday breakfast.

Meal Package D - 4 meals, $65

- Friday dinner;
- Saturday breakfast and dinner;
- Sunday breakfast.

If you desire a box lunch for either Friday or Saturday, please check the appropriate box.

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 dietary needs within reason can be accommodated with advanced notice.

 

Meals at HU Virginia.

HU Virginia 2019 mealtime!

HU Virginia 2016 cake.

HU Virginia 2016 - they baked us another cake!

Sample meal plan below (to be updated when finalized):

  Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Breakfast  

Eggs, oatmeal, sausage or bacon,
cereal, yogurt, fresh fruit.

Eggs, oatmeal, sausage or bacon, cereal, yogurt, fresh fruit
Eggs, oatmeal, pancakes, French toast, sausage or bacon, cereal, yogurt, fresh fruit
Lunch   Pulled pork BBQ OR fried chicken, cole slaw, tossed salad, cookies Hamburgers OR baked chicken, potato salad, baked beans, tossed salad, brownies  
Dinner Fajita bar – Make your own fajitas and enjoy them with a tossed salad and cobbler! Lasagna (meat OR vegetarian), roasted broccoli, green beans, tossed salad, pie Roast beef OR baked fish, whipped potatoes, green beans, tossed salad, cake  
There will be a vegetarian option at each meal. We'll need numbers for these, so please indicate when you register if you wish vegetarian meals, gluten-free etc. The camp staff will try to accommodate special dietary needs, but you may want to make your own provision in that circumstance, just in case. Also, when you arrive at each meal be sure to tell the staff what special meal you requested.

Presentation Facilities

Alex Chacon of Modern Motorcycle Diaries shares his stories at HU Virginia 2015.

Alex Chacon of Modern Motorcycle Diaries in the main presentation room

Susan Johnson presents '4 Easy Steps to Overland Adventure Travel' at HU Virginia 2015.

Susan Johnson presents '4 Easy Steps to Overland Adventure Travel'

 Ladies session at HU Virginia 2019.

A few of the women at HU Virginia 2019

Chats on the back porch at HU Virginia 2015.

There are numerous areas where people can just gather for a chat.

Exterior of large pavilion with lake in the background.

Exterior of large pavilion with lake in the background.

Cellular Service and Internet

Holiday Lake Camp sits in a "bowl" in the middle of a state forest, and thus has practically no cellular service available. Cell service is available a mile or two up the road from the camp. There is a landline phone we can use for emergencies or to let loved ones know we've arrived safely. Ask at registration if you need to make a landline call. Incoming calls from your friends or family can be made to the camp office (434-248-5444) and messages can be relayed through the HU registration area.

The camp has decent cable internet available but it is not designed to host 100+ people on Facebook at the same time. Internet will be available for you all, but please understand this is not a resort with unlimited amenities. Be patient when necessary and relax and enjoy your time with us.

Please don't forget the reason we're all here -- to interact with each other, to learn from each other, and to grow as a community. We encourage posting of photos, videos, and blog accounts of your experiences at HU meetings, but make sure you don't retreat into a digital cocoon while you're here.

Children & Pets

Horizons Unlimited wants to inspire the next generation of adventure travelers, so you're welcome to bring your children along if you wish. Bear in mind this event is for adults, with adult themes and language, and we won't have any specific activities for children. Those under 16 years old get in for free. Participants under 18 years old must, in accordance with 4-H regulations, be under the supervision of an adult. 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 8 pm onwards each evening.

What exactly did they say!

What exactly did they say!

Pets, Dogs

Pets and other animals are not allowed, as per 4-H regulations, except for LICENSED AND REGISTERED companion / support dogs.

Holliday Lake State Park is just across the lake from the 4-H camp and does accept pets, but you cannot bring them on site at any time.

Smoking & Drinking

Smoking is prohibited inside any of the camp buildings. Smoking is allowed on the decks of the dining hall. If you are smoking anywhere on the property, you must dispose of the butts properly in the butt cans.

Alcohol is permitted at the camp, but we reserve the right to expel without reimbursement any attendee who becomes intoxicated and/or causes a disturbance. Beer or wine can be purchased at almost any grocery or convenience store in Virginia; liquor is available at the state-run Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) stores. The closest one to the camp is in the nearby town of Appomattox and is open Monday-Thursday from 10am-7pm and Friday-Saturday from 10am-9pm.

Firearms

Please note: Firearms are not permitted at the camp.

I've already registered - I just want to pay!

ONLINE REGISTRATION PRICING

Includes admission to all presentations, tech sessions and discussion groups.
Meals and Accommodation are NOT included in the registration price and are priced separately below.

Register & Pay before February 1, 2023:

$79

Register & Pay before March 1, 2023:

$89

Register & Pay online before April 19, 2023:

$99

At the Event Pricing (applies after April 18, 2023):

$109

MEALS

Pre-order only - please order when you register so you don't go hungry!

Thurs dinner – Sun breakfast inclusive: 8 meals

Thurs dinner – Sun breakfast, no lunches: 6 meals

Fri dinner – Sun breakfast inclusive: 5 meals

Fri dinner – Sun breakfast, no lunch: 4 meals

$130

$95

$82

$65

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is NOT included with your registration fee. Camping or Lodge accommodation is available. See descriptions above. You are responsible for providing linens – sheets, pillows, sleeping bags, towels, etc. – for all accommodations.

 

3 nts

2 nts

Tent camping, per person

Cabin, per person, maximum four per cabin

Bunkhouses with bathroom, per person

POD (ONE LEFT with two bedrooms with one bed in each, plus living room and bathroom. Heated and A/C. Per person.

RV Parking (4 spaces available with electric hookup, but no water hookup or waste disposal is available). Price is per vehicle, uip to two people, extra person is $25 per person pay on the day.

$50

$90

$90


$135


$75

$35

$60

$60


N/A


$50

All beds are sized for one person. All cabin, bunkhouse, RV parking and POD space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Register early to ensure your accommodations! We DO sell out of some accommodations every year !



I'M READY TO REGISTER NOW!

SELECT YOUR PRE-REGISTRATION OPTION BELOW




 

days to go!

Join the discussion:

On the HUBB!
On Facebook!

What happens at HU events?


HU South Africa


Comments about HU Virginia

"Super weekend! Thanks! And Kudos to Steve for keeping everything running smoothly! Hope to see you all on the road!"

"I had an AMAZING time at my first HU Event. It was great meeting you all!"

"Had a fantastic time, learned so much from the presenters and attendees and made new friends that I will stay in contact with and, hopefully, ride with sooner than later."

"HU Virginia 2015 is where the seed was planted and a year later, off I go! I could never describe fully the gratitude I have for what you and Susan do. I think it's very important for encouraging and empowering people to 'just do it,' including me. Again, many thanks to you!" Brent Carroll embarked on his long distance adventure from HU Virginia 2016

"Thank you to everyone that made this event such a great time!"

"We had a great time. It was my third HU meeting, the previous 2 having been in Mexico. Learnt a lot of things and met amazing people. Thanks Grant and Susan"

"You'll see & hear the most useful ideas on so many subjects that it boggles the mind. Presenters are attenders, so eating with the crowd does allow you to follow up and discuss the various topics...that helps as well."

"What a great event HU-Virginia was. Met lots of new friends. Learned a bit about RTW travel as well as local. Was inspired by many of the presenters. It's just a great community."

"Be ready to take notes and pictures. The speakers always have a lot of great info to share and you'll see plenty of innovative ways to prepare for travelling. You'll want to remember the tips when you get ready for your next ride."

"Susan, had a great time at my first HU event. Really appreciate all the work you and Grant put in to this. Met some great people and I'm looking forward to the tire-changing video after the real-life demo."

"Everything was great, but I loved the off road training."

"It was very well organized, had an excellent agenda, and as I hoped, the other attendees were very friendly, and were there to make new friends."

"I enjoyed all of the sessions I attended."

"I love meeting new people who view motorcycling as an adventure. HU provides access to a high concentration of those people. As I approach my 70s, these folks inspire me not just to keep riding but to be BETTER at riding, despite the handicaps of what non-riders might think of as 'old age'."

"All the presentations were helpful and entertaining."

"The venue was amazing! I love how we did not have cell service and wifi wasn't working. That forced people to have real conversations with one another, instead of staring away at their cell phones."

"Loved the venue, speakers, subjects and the overall good experience."

"Great event, learned a bunch."


Support Horizons Unlimited and protect your freedom to ride. Join the AMA.


AMA Sanctioned Event

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.

Poster in pdf format (1472kb) full colour Event poster:

HU Virginia 2023 meeting poster.

 

POSTCARD

Postcard in pdf format (450kb) full colour Event postcard, can be printed 4 to a page:

Horizons Unlimited Virginia 2023 postcard.

Postcard - 4 UP!

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.

Book your Exhibitor Stand space

Over the course of four days, this Horizons Unlimited event offers a unique opportunity to build awareness of your brand and talk directly to potential customers.

The Adventure Travel Zone occupies a central position at the event site and is exclusive to trade stands representing the overland adventure travel market.

Choose between our Premium and Standard packages, both of which include on-site advertising and can include a presentation about your products and services. Be sure to let us know you want to do a presentation when you register.

Click here to book your trade stand

Advertise at HU Virginia

Run a business that serves the overland adventure travel market? Want to spread the word at HU Virginia but can't take a Trade Stand? Send us a vinyl or roller banner and we'll display it in a prominent position.

Click here to arrange advertising

Virginia Venue Location

Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center
1267 4-H Camp Road
Appomattox, Virginia 24522

434-248-5444
N37 23.408 W78 38.445

Driving Directions

From Washington, DC area
From Raleigh, NC
From Pittsburgh, PA
From Louisville, KY

Other Accommodation

Other accommodations, should you not want to stay at the camp, can be found in Appomattox, approx 14 miles away.

Appomattox Inn & Suites
447 Old Courthouse Rd,
Appomattox, VA 24522
+1 434-664-2018

Appomattox Inn & Suites, Virginia.


Super 8 Appomattox
7571 Richmond Hwy,
Appomattox, VA 24522
+1 434-352-2339

Budget Inn Appomattox
1924 Confederate Blvd,
Appomattox, VA 24522
+1 434-352-7451

For those travelling with pets,
Holliday Lake State Park
is just across the lake from the 4-H camp.

2759 State Park Rd.,
Appomattox, VA 24522
+1 434-248-6308

Information about the area

Beautiful and historic Appomattox County is located in the rolling Piedmont area of Central Virginia, nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west and the Tidewater region to the east. The scenic James River forms the County's northern boundary. The Blue Ridge Parkway, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, Historic Richmond, Smith Mountain and Buggs Island Lakes and numerous Civil War battlefields are within an easy drive of Appomattox.

Appomattox is most famous for the events of April 1865, when Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant to effectively end the American Civil War. The scene of that historic event has been preserved as Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, located just north of the Town of Appomattox.

Located near the geographic center of Virginia, Appomattox County offers a temperate climate, an excellent transportation network, and proximity to world-renowned attractions.

Local Bike Shops

BMW

Approx 97 miles

Morton's BMW Motorcycles
10766 Patriot Highway
Fredericksburg VA 22408
540-891-9844

Mortons BMW have been a long-time Horizons Unlimited supporter, so a special thanks to them!



BMW / DUCATI / TRIUMPH

Approx 69 miles

Frontline Eurosports
1003 Electric Road
Salem VA 24153
540-387-9780

HONDA

Approx 35 miles

Honda of Lynchburg
2210 12th St
Lynchburg, VA 24501
434-847-1276

KAWASAKI / YAMAHA / CAN-AM / KYMCO

Approx 35 miles

Lynchburg Kawasaki/Yamaha
1101 Kemper Street
Lynchburg, VA 24501
434-846-4906

KTM

Approx 88 miles

Star City Power Sports
5120 Peters Creek Road
Roanoke, VA 24019
540-366-8500

HARLEY-DAVIDSON

Approx 40 miles

Harley-Davidson of Lynchburg
20452 Timberlake Rd
Lynchburg, VA 24502
434-237-2381

Local Hosts

Steve Anderson, Mortons BMW. Jim Truesdell at HU Virginia 2016. Linda Pearce, HU Virginia organizing team.

Steve Anderson is the local host for this event, supported by Jim Truesdell, Linda Pearce, Sharon Truesdell, Robert Stransky, Lloyd Messner, Charlie Pearce and Annette Stout - we're VERY grateful to them for stepping up and really making it happen with a lot of legwork and effort.

We can always use help on the day - please volunteer to help out for a couple of hours when you register (above)!

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 Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2023:

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August
  • Romania: August
  • Ecuador: September
  • France: September
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • Queensland: Oct 4-7
  • Germany Autumn: Nov.

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson
Read more about Grant & Susan's story

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.