First HU NSW Meeting Oct 31-Nov 2 2014
 

We're very pleased to announce that our 1st HU NSW Travellers Meeting will be at Riverwood Downs near Barrington Tops National Park from October 31-November 2. Mark your calendar - registration is open now! :clap:

This all started with a post in late January - below:

NSW meeting for late October 2014 - your views requested!

We're trying to organise the first HU Travellers Meeting in New South Wales at the end of October.

We already have events scheduled for Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia, so it seems logical that we'd have an event in NSW!

As you might imagine, finding an appropriate venue is the first and hardest task in putting on an event. We always face challenges with respect to our requirements - since HU events are about Inspiration and Information as well as Connecting, getting good presentation facilities is often the stumbling block, even for venues that are accustomed to other motorcycle events.

A venue (the Station, Jindabyne) was suggested to us that ticks most of the boxes in terms of presentation spaces, food and accommodation (shared or private rooms). However, they are unable to offer camping. :(

We are aware that the weather is a bit chilly in late October in the Snowy Mountains, so camping may not be as attractive as it is in Queensland. Before we respond to the venue yea or nay, the questions we are posing to you are:

1. Have you been to a previous HU event?
2. Would you be interested in attending an HU event in New South Wales?
3. Would you attend an HU event where camping wasn't an option?
4. Are you interested in helping to organise an HU event in New South Wales?
5. Do you know of any venues that would tick all the boxes - presentation rooms (at least 2, largest holding 150), food service and good camping on site, and ideally other accommodation on site?

We'll be in Australia in October, and we hope to see you at an HU event! :D

Cheers,
Grant & Susan

Horizons Unlimited
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting Travellers since 1997

Methinks you should talk to the folk at The Station again. They just had the Snowy Mountains Muster there for the second year where all the horsey types were camping, and that was followed by the showjumping championships where everyone was camping. They have heaps of area for camping, and if toilet facilities are needed, they can open one or two of the units like they do for the horseriders. Talk to the station again and put it on them, I suspect you may have talked to the wrong people. In my opinion, it is an ideal venue for such an event. The Harley and Indian boys are there this weekend for their Great Race. It's my local watering hole, if you would like me to follow it up, gizza yell.

1. Have you been to a previous HU event? Yes
2. Would you be interested in attending an HU event in New South Wales? Yes
3. Would you attend an HU event where camping wasn't an option?No - but if it's going to be Jindabyne in Oct then I'll opt for a cabin... it's still bloody cold ... I was there the year they had 1m of SNOW on the second week in Nov!
4. Are you interested in helping to organise an HU event in New South Wales?Yes

The Snowy Ride is on the first weekend in November. It attracts 3000 bikers and is a HUGE event for the region.

Yes, please follow up!
 

Thanks Colin, have forwarded the correspondence with The Station. We were and are very enthused about the venue, but the absence of a camping option is a real issue for us. As Jacqui says, depending on the weather it may be many people will prefer a room, but others will prefer to camp.

Good luck!
Susan

Also - follow up with the National Scooter Rally people ... they are holding a rally there in March and might be able to give you some good feedback on positive and negative features of the venue for a motorcycling crowd.

1. Have you been to a previous HU event? Yes
2. Would you be interested in attending an HU event in New South Wales? Yes
3. Would you attend an HU event where camping wasn't an option? Yes
4. Are you interested in helping to organise an HU event in New South Wales? Yes
5. Do you know of any venues that would tick all the boxes - presentation rooms (at least 2, largest holding 150), food service and good camping on site, and ideally other accommodation on site? Of the above options, the Snowy region would be ideal in terms of riding roads, surroundings

As a location, I second Kyogle.

A couple of other options would include Goulbourn and Murrumbateman (20 minutes outside of Canberra). Here's the website for Murrumbateman showgrounds: Murrumbateman Recreation Reserve Grounds - Home

Thoughts?

Regards,

Shane

NSW Meeting - update and help wanted!
 

Thanks for all the feedback, and we also heard from a number of folks in the HU NSW Communities - much appreciated!

I think we've ruled out Jindabyne for a couple of reasons - after several kind folks (woody2627 and others) contacted the Station management directly, it appears our numbers are not sufficiently of interest (150-250) for them to jump through local shire hoops to allow camping. Though the absence of camping isn't a show-stopper, it's definitely a negative.

Second reason is that mentioned by Jacqui - "I was there the year they had 1m of SNOW on the second week in Nov!" Since it's such a long distance from Sydney (6 hours riding time), we think the weather will be a deterrent in late Oct/early Nov.

The complicating factor is that we are coming to Australia end of September for events in QLD, WA and VIC, and we're not making two trips, so we can't get to a NSW event if it's later in the year. Thus the last weekend of October or first weekend in November are the only possible dates for us.

So, we're looking for a venue with the following criteria:

• Max 250k from Sydney, i.e. 2-3 hour ride with good riding on the way
• Camping plus other accom on site
• Presentation facilities - at least 2 rooms
• Room for 150-250
• Bike friendly
• Available 31 Oct-2 Nov or 7-9 Nov latest

If you can think of any venue that ticks those boxes, please check it out and let us know - we'd really like to make this happen! We have a 3-page document we can send to the venue once we've made contact, but it's always best to have someone who can actually go and see the place (and be a local ambassador for HU).

Youth camps or scout camps could be good, we've used those in Ontario and California. It depends on availability - in North America we're in their 'shoulder season'.

Campgrounds do not usually have the presentation facilities we need, and showgrounds don't usually have accommodation on site, but if it's in town and within a short walking distance would be okay.

Locations that seem to have potential thus far are: Goulburn, Murrumbateman, Bulli, Corrimal and Nyngan (possibly too far at 6-7 hours from Sydney, but weather might be better).

Muchas gracias,
Susan & Grant

P.S. Mezo and Shane - Kyogle is too close to the Beaudesert QLD venue and too far from Sydney for our purposes, but appreciate the thought!

I'll check out Murrumbateman within a fortnight as I'll be spending a few nights there. Anyone from HU in the area, Canberra or Yass want to join me? 11 or 12 Feb is a rough guess.

I understand with Grant and Susan doing a single trip, it makes sense to schedule the meetings close to each other date-wise.

But it'd be nice if some of there meeting dates were spread over the year- that way potential travelers could try and include one in one of the other states. Or I would anyway.

There's a Girl Guide camp and a Boy Scout camp on Mt Keira in the Wollongong area. It would tick all the boxes and is close to some of the most spectacular riding (Royal National Park, Macquarie Pass, Kangaroo Valley).

It's about 1.5 hours from Syd on the south coast.

https://www.girlguides-nswact.org.au...s/kumbayah.pdf

or

Bookings | Mt Keira Scout Camp

Mt Keira sounds good, thanks!
 

Hi Jacqui, the Boy Scout camp does sound very good, and I've sent off an e-mail inquiry to them. IF they have availability for one of our preferred weekends, I'll try to chat with them soon and will keep you posted!

Cheers
Susan

Thanks Shane!

I don't know when Jacqui was here, but we have never had a metre of snow in Jindabyne any time of the year, and certainly not in November. They did have about half a metre on the mountains last November, but that was at an altitude twice that of Jindabyne. October November is great riding weather down here, ask the hundreds who pass this way to Phillip Island for the Motogp every year. I can see the no camping is a show stopper though.

Mt Keira has ruled themselves out!
 

Just in from Mt Keira (I had asked them about availability and capacity for 100-150 people:

"Hello Susan,

Thank you for your enquiry. I am sorry to say that we don't have any availability for the dates that you require. I don't think that our venue will be big enough for your Group. We can only have 100 people in the Lodge due to fire regulations and we wouldn't fit 150 people camping if you needed space to run any activities. Sorry we can't help you at this time.

Kindest Regards

Suzanne Plumb
Booking Officer
Mt Keira Scout Camp

Two more locations of interest
 

Tony Pollard has suggested a couple of additional towns:

"After more thought I reckon Dungog or Gloucester is worth considering. There is awesome riding to say the least (both road and adv) and they are in the foothills of Barrington Tops Nat Park. Nice scenery and towns. And the National Motorcycle Museum is at nearby Nabiac."

Both look of interest. Is there anybody local to the area who might be able to give us feedback on one or both of them?

Cheers,
Susan

You couldn't of picked a better place :)
This area is heaven for bike riders, there is so much to see. I don't live in either of these 2 towns but I rode through Gloucester.

It's picturesque town and gets a lot of tourists. As you also mentioned Barrington Tops is not very far from Gloucester.
Never been to Dungog but looks very attractive too.

Check my ride report from Barrington Tops.

Barrington Tops, NSW - ChinaRiders Forums

Try Riverwood Downs resort, may suit your needs. :thumbup:

Sent from my HTC_PO582 using Tapatalk

Riverwood Downs
 

Thanks Woody, I've fired off an e-mail to their Functions Co-ordinator with our requirements, will follow up tomorrow.

Just to note, we do have Jindabyne penciled in for Nov 7-9, so they are our 'bird in the hand' at this point, if the other venues don't come through on dates etc.

We are determined to have an event in NSW this year, even if it's not the perfect venue we'll at least make a start!

Cheers,

NSW meeting
 

I have not been to a meeting before but close to Sydney is a bit problematic, Either the Hunter Valley or Mudgee is very central for most NSW, both are wine growing areas and well catered for with venues. Both are 3-4 hours from most of NSW and 3 hours of Sydney. Mudgee Small Farms Field Day Site if available, would be ideal.

Anywhere near mines could prove problematic for accommodation.

Hi Susan,
just joined HU and will be heading to the Canwest meeting this year.

I've been to a Ducati owners rally at Murramarang on the south coast of NSW. It's right on the beach and has pretty good facilities.

Here's a link:Murramarang Beachfront Nature Resort | Family Accommodation NSW South Coast | NRMA |

Matt

NSW Meeting update 2
 

Dear all, we're getting very close! Riverwood Downs has all the facilities we need for the event, and can accommodate growth of the event. There are a few niggles, which we are discussing!

Matt, I've sent off an inquiry to Murramarang, thanks. The facility does sound great, possibly too small but might be okay for 2014. How many Ducati owners were at the event you attended?

As I said in an earlier post, we are determined to have an event in NSW this year, even if it's not the perfect venue we'll at least make a start!

Cheers,
Susan

Hi Susan,
I think there was at least 150 Ducati folk - a lot of them used the cabins and on site vans. I couldn't see from the site how much camping they had?

Matt

Some late thoughts .. The has been at least one HU meeting in NSW... somewheres around Grafton ... ? Arr there it is Ulmarra.

the HU meeting requirements ..
camping (and rooms for those that want shelter?)
presentation rooms (2?) for movies, talks, power point?
and preferably a pub.

A small community is probably better than a large one. Makes more of an impact (financial) with the local community ... Rydal, Taralga, Rlystone .. one/two pub towns with a 'showground' that can be used for camping, the rooms .. in the pub, local community hall ..

Mixed reviews of Riverwood Downs on http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotel_...uth_Wales.html .. so I think it depends on your attitude.

Comments about Riverwood Down
 

I also saw those reviews, and wrote to Riverwood about them. Here's the verbatim response from Kathleen Turner, the Events Coordinator:

"In regard to the Trip Advisor comments, I myself am disappointed on a number of levels, as well as that fact that we don’t defend ourselves as I feel that a large percentage of the negative reviews are unfair or not true.

I do think there are a couple of points we should take into consideration:

1. Statistically, people are ten times more likely to tell someone about a negative experience than they are to tell someone about a positive experience.

2. Speaking to other accommodation operators, it seems to be a growing trend for guests to threaten to write a negative review if their (sometimes unreasonable) requests are not met

3. Most of the guests that submitted negative reviews didn’t bring the issues to our attention while we still had the opportunity to fix the problem.

4. We can only do so much to ensure guests come to us with reasonable expectations

If there are any particular reviews that concern you more than others I’m more than happy to go through them with you in person.

Furthermore, I think that as the old saying goes, ‘you’ll never be able to please all of the people all of the time’. We are a rural, family operated business in a reasonably remote location, and as such I think we have challenges to face that our guests from more metropolitan areas don’t necessarily understand. Riverwood Downs was established over thirty years ago by Chris and Val Hall, and where similar venues have closed or passed through several sets of hands, for all that time Riverwood Downs has been owned by the same family. We have many repeat guests (the Scottish Dancers being a good example) that have been coming to stay with us year after year, so I tend to think we are doing something right.

We may not get it right all of the time. We may not be the newest venue. But I can guarantee that you will find us to be a unique venue in a gorgeous country setting, staffed by an accommodating and friendly team. And for the duration of their stay your guests will be welcomed as guests of our family."

As you say, a lot depends on your attitude. Luckily, our folks are overland travellers or would-be travellers, often to places well off the beaten paths, so they don't expect everything to be the same as home, or if they do they are quickly disabused of the notion!

Almost there, thanks for all the help!
 

I am happy to advise that we're in final discussions and should be making an announcement within the week on the NSW venue and confirmed dates! :D

Greatly appreciate all the suggestions and we expect a good turnout!

Cheers,
Susan & Grant

Murramarang is not quite big enough!
 

Hi Matt,

Spoke to Alison at Murramarang today. Although camping and accommodation aren't constrained, their largest presentation room is about 120-150, and no outdoor ampitheatre.

Whilst it might work for this year, we'd be constrained for growth in years to come. She did mention a marquee rental as a possibility, but that's in the range of $10k for a tent to accommodate 200 people - way out of our budget!

Since it takes a lot of work to find a venue, we don't want to change every year, so although the venue looks gorgeous we've reluctantly ruled it out!

Cheers,
Susan

Great Work, Susan

I am delighted that you are holding an HU meeting in NSW! I live in Sydney, and I toyed with going to either the QLD or VIC events last year, but I just couldn't manage the 10-12 hour trips to and from the venues over a weekend - disappointed. I think the Barrington Tops location sounds ideal, certainly in terms of proximity to Sydney. So long as the Riverwood Resort doesn't turn out to be the basis of a future horror movie, I'm sure it will be fine for us rough, tough adventure riders! As Gerald Vince suggests, the only 3 essentials are Petrol, Food and Beer. I will, of course, bring a tent for a bit of shelter too.

As I said, I am delighted!

Best wishes

Trevor

Call for Volunteers for the First HU NSW Meeting!
 

We're just nailing down the last details with Riverwood Downs on meals and camping prices, and inshallah will be opening registrations within the next week! Mark your calendars for Oct 31-Nov 2! :clap:

We couldn't have found the venue without your help, and as Trevor says, the only 3 essentials are Petrol, Food and Beer! Since we're all 'adventure travellers', we'll rise to whatever challenges we encounter and keep smiling! ;)

We wish to especially thank Tony Pollard for his invaluable assistance in checking out several possible venues, and of course must also mention Shane Kuhl, our uber-organiser from sunny Queensland, who has made many treks south to help get this and the Victoria event off the ground.

But any HU event needs a team if it's to grow and thrive, so we're hoping you'll consider volunteering when you register and helping to make it succeed! For a list of the types of volunteers we need, see here.

Stay tuned!

Great news! Riverwood Downs is a good venue and as others have said, the area is a motorcyclists dream.
I'll be in for some sort of volunteering and may even be persuaded to present if I can come up with a suitable topic.
Bring on October I say. :clap:

Looking forward to this. Hopefully my bike will be back in the country by this date :)

Ashim, I hope you are up for doing a presentation ...:mchappy:

Registration is open!
 

We're very pleased to announce that our 1st HU NSW Travellers Meeting will be at Riverwood Downs near Barrington Tops National Park from October 31-November 2. Mark your calendar - registration is open now!

Remember, 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.

We'll be there, and we hope to see you too! :D
Grant & Susan

Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

Bah! Thats we weekend of Snowy Ride this year! Count me out, sorry.

I am keen to come along one day so I'll keep an ear out...


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List of presentations?
 

Not long to go now but there still isn't the promised list of presentations. Will we be seeing it soon?

Presenters for HU NSW
 

So far we have:

Brian and Shirley Hardy-Rix, Aussies Overland - RTW Two-Up

Ian Gregory and Michael Jones - Half the world in one summer - 20,000 kls in 3 months accross Russia and Mongolia

Several unconfirmed presenters...

and Grant and Susan!

See the event page for descriptions of all the presentations:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/events/nsw-2014

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! Remember, presenters get free entry and a free t-shirt! :)

Any topic you can contribute having to do with motorcycle travel, maintenance, planning etc, lasting 20 minutes or more, would be great. Sign up here:

Online Registration for Adventure Travel Presenters

We're really hoping that with all the motorcycle adventure travellers from NSW, you'll be able to field as good a roster as Perth or Queensland! ;-)

Hope to see you there!

I've been told that I can talk underwater with a mouthful of marbles, 20min easy
BUT, I've got no topic to offer this crowd though :laugh:
I am looking forward to our 1st HU meeting. See yas there :D

Susan,

I was unable to make the North Carolina event earlier this year at which I had put my hand up to present

I have never really done a presentation and its not much compared to RTW trips but I could do something short on riding the Himalayas or a recent 6 weeks in the US South West if you are short on content :)

Great stuff!
 

Either or both of Himalayas or the US South West would be great! We promise to be gentle since it's your first time... ;-)

Please sign up here:

Online Registration for Adventure Travel Presenters

See you at Riverwood!

Technical workshop topics
 

Bucket 1960,

We love to hear stories about your travel adventures, especially if you have great pics!

But just as important are 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.

So I'm sure you've got a topic to offer!

See you there,
Susan & Grant

Update! HU NSW meeting this weekend!
 

Although we've closed online registration for this meeting, you can still come along and join us! We have well over 100 pre-registered, so there'll be lots of folks to share experiences with!

There's a great mix of travel tales and practical advice sessions that will inspire you and get you ready for your (next) trip. If you haven't already, download the Draft Event Schedule to find out what's happening:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/eve...t-Schedule.pdf

Featuring...
Christophe Barriere-Varju - self funded Dakar Rally entrant
Brian Rix and Shirley Hardy-Rix - seasoned RTW travellers
Tex and Bundy - the dog on the bike
Martin Williams, Evangeline Kannis, Ian Gregory, Michael Jones, Mal Cremer and Charlie Brown.

Practical sessions include first aid for travellers (Matt Laxton), motorcycle ergonomics, bike mods, tool kits, riding techniques, tire changing and heaps of other informative workshops and discussions.

This year is a do not miss to get your adventure dreams kick started! See all the details here: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/events/nsw-2014

We're looking forward to seeing you there!
Susan & Grant

Anybody driving up from Sydney?

Leaving from Windsor tomorrow morning sometime.
Sadly, just doing the tarred road :thumbdown:
Looking forward to our 1st HU shindig bier

Of 130 people that turned up, I am the only one to bother a comment ???:nono:

A great informative weekend at an awesome location.
HUGE thanks to all the presenters, with a special shout out to Grant & Susan, Brian & Shirley :clap:
We (I) rode in the WRONG way(Mrs just suffered on the back):rofl:, but it certainly made for a more adventurous trip, through the deep gravel in the never ending roadworks.
Took the wrong turn off & ended up viewing some stunning scenery & great roads.
The venue at Riverwood Downs was perfect !
Food was good, beers cold & the company excellent bier

Hi All
I think many who attended the NSW meeting of HU are still finding their way home and back to their communication systems to provide feedback.

I have just arrived back in Queensland and so responding.

I expect there will be a feedback mechanism so the event can be further improved (if necessary) for future events.

What a great meeting for the first NSW HU meeting. It was definitely worth the ride from SE Queensland.

The venue was really suitable for adventure riders; the food was very good; a kiosk was available for snacks/breakfast/lunch; showers/toilets numbers were good and the facilities were cleaned each day. Loved the camping area and if you desired, you could take a cabin!

Some days were hot and the Woolshed Room could be a little noisy with the fans at full speed - but for me (and I presented in the Woolshed room) not a big problem as the audio equipment was very good.

I met some interesting people and learned some more on overseas travel. I am now sending information to attendees who asked for a bit more information from my presentation.

Thankyou to Grant and Susan for your work on the weekend and happy to help out with some of the administration in the morning and presenting. Thankyou to Steve (he flew from NZ, hired a DR 650 to attend) who worked with me on the administration on Friday morning.

A great weekend. Hope there is a repeat next year.

Mal_C


Thankyou.

It's not a wrong turn if ya' end up at your destination!!

Concur with your comments about the venue & organisers', volunteers & the terrific, friendly people which made for a great weekend to exchange valuable info' to feed dreams of travelling near & far!

Happy travels!!
Evangeline

So glad to hear it came off okay...
I might be back in time for 2015 - just make it any other weekend than the Snowy Ride.

Who were the presenters?

Oi SG, shouldn't you be tearing up the dirt somewhere :scooter:bier

Horizons Unlimited 2015 Australia meetings are open for registration!
 

Dear all,

You may have wondered why there's been no announcements about a HU NSW 2015 meeting! Unfortunately, we have some bad news. Riverwood Downs advised us soon after the event that they had no dates available for us for 2015, as weddings have booked out all weekends from August through December!

The truth is that we're not as profitable as weddings (we mostly camped and didn't drink as much!) for them, so they weren't keen to turn down wedding bookings for us. :( They did suggest if we were to book in May their revenue requirements would be lower, so we'll look at possible dates in May 2016 and see whether we can make it work.

For 2015, we did look at other venues, including Gloucester. At the same time, we've been searching for a new venue for Victoria as we've outgrown Cavendish. We considered a joint VIC/NSW event in Tintaldra, and several folks checked it out, but all the possible venues had limitations. So after much deliberation, we've decided to go with Camp Marysville for Vic.

This means there will be 3 HU Australia meetings this year - in QLD, WA and VIC. All are now open for registration, details here:

Boonah in QLD Sep 24-27
www.horizonsunlimited.com/events/queensland-2015

Pinjarra in WA Oct 9-11
www.horizonsunlimited.com/events/perth-2015

Marysville in VIC Oct 23-25
www.horizonsunlimited.com/events/victoria-2015

We hope we'll see you at one of these meetings (or on some other continent if you're travelling!) and we'll keep you posted on our discussions with Riverwood Downs. In the meantime, if you happen upon another brilliant venue, let us know!

Many thanks,
Susan & Grant