Lumb Farm 2006 Feedback
 

Thought I'd start a thread to say thanks and well done for all the hard work that went into this years meeting.

From what I saw - quality performaces all round with the presentations.
Good catching up with a few familiar faces and finding out some new ones. Great just to chill out with like minded people.
Raffle prizes very generous (thankyou Metal Mule). Followed by a grand finale to cap it off last night with a passionate Austin Vince on the mike.

cheers
simon

ps. thanks to the person who handed in my Camcorder (that I'd left on Grants pannier).

Yes, agreed, top weekend. Thanks def. due to all those organisers involved etc.
I have already tried to sponge my brothers old vid. camera off him after Austins speech! And the devil on my left has already started whispering "Oh, South America wouldn't cost THAT much!"
You are a bloody bad influence, you lot!
Matt

Excellent weekend, found even more info i didn't know, best wishes to all the organisers, presenters, vendors and participants, cheers again.

Bob.
Now where did i put the passport.....?

Just to add a comment: Cracking weekend was had by me and all of those that I spoke to. Even the bogs weren't too scary ( as they can be on this type of event). The presentations alone were well worth the trip and a spacial hats off to Grant and Susan for their 'How to...' marathon.

Couldn't agree more.. and look at us, all scurrying to the HUBB as soon as we get home. Clearly we don't want the weekend to end!

--Mike

Hats off to Grant and Susan and everyone else for organising a such a top weekend. Excellent presentations and the opportunity to meet loads of great people.

I reckon a petition is in order to ensure Austin, Lois and Charlie's film gets the broadcast it rightfully deserves- that was the funniest thing I'd seen in a long time. In fact, the only downside to the weekend was having several cable ties, half a roll of duck tape and a thermatest attached to my leg by the Medic guy- I'd like to say I didn't wince when he got his cable cutters out when he tried to take it all off...well ok, well maybe just a little.

Thought i would'nt be the only one who had a cracking weekend! Thanks very much to Grant,Susan,Glyn and everyone else who worked so hard over the (must be) months to organise such a great do.Even the clerk of the weather was in a good mood for us all.Highlights for me personally have to be Austin Vincent's stand-up slot,David Lomax's presentations(especially the one about the Finnish enduro....gutted when he said it wasn't running ever again!),and Tiffany Coates with the Ecuador "caravanna" adventure.I'm now trying to squeeze the Portugal HU meet onto the end of my Moroccain trip in August/September!

I would just like to echo all the comments above. We had a great weekend listening to as many of the presentations we could manage and meeting many of you. Thanks again to all involved in organizing the event, the presenters and the on-site traders.
Paul and Vanessa

Cheers
 

Great weekend, great people. I just hope the road kill mob managed to burn all those chairs before they headed off.

Thanks again.

Yup - hats off to all of you organising it - what an event - a 4 hour "how to" marathon by Grant and Susan - thankyou! Plus Austin Vince - what a legend! And yes, look at us all now on the Hubb (me obviously at work!) trying to carry on the sprit and me wondering how much I can save in 5 months before our trip! Can't wait... I hope Irish Paul's cold is getting better - ALL those hot toddies didn't work?????!
thanks guys!

Imogen and James (the Africa Twins!)

Yes - ditto again

Well done Grant, Susan, Glynn and everybody elas involved in the organisation, a fantastic weekend.

I thought the abilty of each of the presenters to communicate their ideas and thoughts was outstanding, even the breakout sessions were very well presented.

....and Austin...a legend in his own boiler-suit

See you all next year

Echo all the posts above, most entertaining and informative. Big thanks to all the organisers and helpers, and wasn't the Lumb Farm food good!
Bill:thumbup1:

Excellent
 

Great w/e, most fixed smile I've had since our return. Ta to all. tempted by Belgium now. Only negative would be food prices could be a quid or two less, adds up to a lot over a w/e. Great event. Fritz (yBev)

This was my first big HUBB meeting and i thoroughly enjoyed myself and already looking forward to next year. Well done to everyone who helped organise a great do.

Some great stories of peoples travels, but my personal favourite was the young guy who only passed his bike test last year, then bought a Ducati engined Cagiva Elephant and rode it to Siberia. I love my Ducati's and have used a 996 for extensive European touring, but wouldn't fancy taking an old Ducati to Siberia, hats off to you sir. I think fellow Ducati fan Whele may also feel the same.

Can anyone put me in touch with Austin Vince please, i bought his Mondo Enduro book, but want another 2 copies for presents. Late on Saturday night after his very entertaining talk i said to him "You're a real hero"
He replied to me "You're pissed" We were both right.

I also picked up lots of usefull info on routes, advice on bike prep for the KTM, meet loads of chilled and interesting people and generally had a superb time.

Must remember to put my tent up before it gets dark and i've been in the pub for hours next time. Apologies to anyone within a 10 metre radius who had to listen to me snore!

Thanks folks.

I think you mean Henry on the Cagiva, I agree, his trip sounded excellent and had real 'adventure' spirit. My favourite story of the weekend was Iains, who carved a passport stamp out of a potato.
Matt

Fear and Loathing at Lumb Farm....
 

Here are some wrong things which went down on the Farm.

*Glynn's Sunday T-Shirt was simply unacceptable, with its inscription "KMONSUKME". It seems that he had one offer, but Glynn turned the bloke down flat, with barely a minute's hesitation. But that T-shirt was just plain wrong, Glynn.

*Ian (GPS Guru)Bradshaw's tent was outrageous, like Chartres cathedral in Ripley. It totally blocked the view and even obscured the sun; there was talk of "Neighbours from Hell" and "get an ASBO out on him".. That tent was just plain wrong, Ian.

* There was the gang of 5 who wandered the site at will, giving trouble to all. 'ampshire accents oi think they 'ad. They had the gall to build a Beercan Stonehenge on my table and threatened to burst my festive balloons. I saw them bully one of their number, clearly the weakest of the pack, into making all of them a 6 item breakfast in 1 pan and 1 pot, while they lounged around. That was just wrong, pals.

* There was "Shock and Awe" at the number of blokes who simply let their appearance go... I refer to the grey, white, and "pepper and salt" beards on site. Gentlemen, there is a product available at good chemists everywhere, called "Just For Men". No, it's not a sex toy, but a beard dye which you simply brush on -you can remove those ugly grey hairs in minutes. C'mon chaps, you might "pull" if you smarten yourselves up a bit! If you've already scared off the women you know, then you might get more than a passing glance from UberTrailie Tiffany, the RTW traveller's pin-up girl. You'll find her picture inside their panniers, under the lid. But those grey beards are just plain wrong, chaps.......

* Then there was Austin Vince.... I bought a copy of his book, only to be subject to a torrent of abuse and had scorn poured on my accent as he trousered my dosh! Strewth, guv'nor! Austin of course delivered his diatribe in his inimitable Estuary English, not a whisker away from Ken Livingstone's dulcet tones. Talk abaat 'is accent! I larfed and larfed! And then the penny dropped about Austin's tetchiness - I had, in my nervous excitement at being so close to an Overland Overlord, addressed him as Vince Austin- well, it's not my fault he has a reversible name, like some kind of poncho! Why is reversible, anyway? I think we should be told.... ...At his excellent talk, Austen seemed very butch and in good form, as he harangued the audience, ticked off some innocent chaps in the doorway, and bellowed at some of those who timidly offered a question. And he used some "well naughty" words, as he would say. Austen redeemed himself by his first-class film on Morocco, fank Gawd!
But the scorn was wrong, pal, just plain wrong...

*Then there were Grant and Susan... it's now clear that "celebrity status" has infected Horizons. Grant and Susan rolled up and pitched their tent among the hoi-polloi - this was heartening, to see these Traveller Gods among us. But just hold on, pal, the next day the tent was gone, and G+S were installed in a luxury caravan - no, a chrome-plated Winnebago trailer, being waited on hand and foot, nails done by manicurists, breakfast in bed, room service, the works. If it were not for the universal affection in which they are rightly held, you could say -that's all wrong, pal, just plain wrong.

*and KTM bikes - I like them a lot (apart from the vomitive colour scheme), but why do so many people say they just break all the time? That's just wrong, pal...

Despite all the above, this was another top weekend - a 5 star weekend! See you in Belgium, chaps and chapesses! Thanks G+S and Glynn -this was another winner at Lumb Farm!!!!

My first meeting very enjoyable top talks good info
top people good company

when is the meet in Belgium ????? and location

Cracking do!!
 

Oh Dear! I see Denis has been at the bolshie pills again! I think perhaps his Bring and Buy sale didn't do too well. But I think the Clydeside Drama Queen enjoyed it as did I! In fact, coming goatee to goatee with the man himself was one of my personal highlights! (and my beard is not grey Denis:- its distinguished!!:tt2:
Seriously though thanks for a cracking weekend and well done to Grant,Susan and Glynn not to mention the staff at Lumb Farm.
Cheers Derek.

Like a few others this was a 1st HU meeting for my wife and I. It differed greatly from the bike rallies we normally go to :-)

The road kill eating in the evening was particularly enjoyable, so much that I collected a hare with my front wheel on the way home.

The talks I attended were all of a high quality, and the "men only" defence session was interesting (and maybe should be held Saturday as it is a good way to interact with new people :-) )

We will probably not make it next year, as we will be in North America putting lessons into action, but may make a US meet.

Top weekend!
 

Thoroughly enjoyed meeting like minded people, having a few beers and generally talking bikes...

Cheers to Glynn, Susan and Grant for the usual high standard organisation...

The hangover is just subsiding...

jasper

Here's what you want.

Regards, Mick

great weekend
 

Ditto to everyone else. I had a great weekend and so full of encounters, talks, catching up with friends... that in the end it felt like I've been away for a full week! Marathon session with G&S was very good, if a bit long, and I took plenty of notes! :-)

It felt so good to meet with like minded people, checking the bikes, picking up tips and ideas...

Now I'm back to work, feeling miserable and depressed, counting how many months (8), weeks (36) to go before I can quit my job and make my way to my dream journey!

GAAAAHHHHH! Can't wait!!!

Maria

Duct tape..................

Thanks to all the organisers for an excellent weekend. Had a great time amongst friends. Too much beer..........or should that be not enough beer!?

Loved Vince's, sorry, Austin's presentation. The TV companies are fooooooooools if they don't commission you to produce a benylin fuelled A-Z frenzy from around the world.

Cheers,
Trev

http://www.towsure.com/default.asp?b=Duck

How about a compromise- 'Duckt' tape? Quack quack... ;~)

Mike/Denis,
You are, of course, both right. Duct tape is what the stuff is called, but the major brand is 'Duck' tape.
It was great to learn yet another use for the stuff. Up till now I've only ever used it for fixing bikes and kidnapping.
Matt

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Sorry, no compromises with the facts are possible. I am right, "Duct" it is.

You mean as in, "I duckt when the bloke threw a stone at me?"
Or
He went to the ducktors when he fell off his bike?


And now some useful info for the traveller;

Did you know that in French you don't say "quack quack" as Mike so skilfully demonstrates, but "coin, coin"? If you press your ear to a French duck then you'll hear it quite clearly.

Rite or rong?
 

No - "duct" is the only correct answer.....

another use is in the bedroom........

Hiya everyone

I thought it was another good HU meeting. For some reason it didn't seem as busy as last years. I think this is because the camping was more spaced out.

Thanks to all the presenters and organisers.

B

Neighbourhood watch...
 

Yes, a lot of those in the new field maybe were "spaced out " as you say. It'll have to stop - it's just wrong.

Grant
 

I can't PM you back as i've only made 10 posts and haven't reached the magic figure, but yes please if you could forward my details to Austin Vince i would be very greatfull thanks.

Thanks Maria, glad you liked it! Question - should we shorten the presentation? What should we cut out? Or leave it long and toughen you guys up for the road? ;)

Hi Grant,

Difficult to say what could go out of your presentation. The bit on how to behave/dress/interact with others abroad, I thought was too long and not really necessary.
However, I've travelled enough to know that for some people it might be worth insisting on it. I still vividly remember that young woman, many years ago, dressed in a mini-itsi micro lycra dress, wandering around a soukh in a small southern town in Egypt. I was so chocked! I couldn't stop staring, you could see everything, and she could not possibly have had any underwear under THAT dress! So, yes, maybe that bit on behaviour was a bit too long, in another hand it's worth reminding people that dressing and behaving like the locals, can be a good idea if you want respect!
Anyway overall very informative presentation. And I will certainly remember that it's worth pretending to be Australian! :biggrin3:

Many thanks for a great weekend to everyone there who made it so!

Thanks also to those who sat patiently through my presentations and for the kind words of support (all appreciated to massage the ego y'know ;-)) I've already duplicated one of my talks for a Barnsley based bike club and had at least four people announce imminent departures for Scandinavia, Turkey, Guatemala and the Trans am Trail!

I think this year more than any other the presentations have pushed a few people a bit closer to heading off into the wild blue yonder, and thats got to be a good thing!

Also, many thanks to my two TT-R compardres for that bizzare but excellent days ride out on Fri....There cant be many folks who had a days ride involving fallen trees, football stars, crashed £50000 BMW's, a rocky green lane descent, a broken tractor, and a Paris-Dakar racing truck manufacturer to name but a few... (I'm heading back to see Trevor this Fri with a friend of mine who is going to prepare a whole set of calculation and drawings for him to homologate the vehicle for Paris-Dakar use...!) ... it was a good 'un!!!

Finally my highlight of the weekend and undoubtably the unsung hero's were Danny and Phil at the roadkill cookout. What a duo. The perfect blend of friendly banter, great music, and sublime food. I couldnt believe it when I was still up eating hunks of juicy fire cooked venision and pheasant as dawn broke over the farm! I've not wanted to be up that late for years.

Cheers guys!!!!!

See you all next year (trips permitting).

Dave

fear and loathing at the Farm - retraction
 

It has come to my attention that Grant and Susan were not in a Winnebago luxury trailer at the weekend. It has been suggested that I was hallucinating. This is not true, but I did have drink taken. What I meant was that IF there was a Winnebago then they MIGHT have been in it with the manicurists, which Grant needs anyway after working on his beloved Beemer. But when Susan showed the pic of their lonely tent in the field, I choked a little - and so should you, you heartless lot!

*What I want to know is - WHY were G & S NOT in a silver luxury trailer? It could have been pulled into the field by sweating BMW owners...G&S deserve a bit of luxury ....that's what I say anyway.......


Good roads!

See y'all in a big castle on the German border in Sept! BE THERE!

Err might be better off as a New Zealander... less well known again and less aligned with others ...

I've no idea how long the presentations are .. but after an hour most people need a short break. The key is to break about the middle of a really interesting bit so they are keen to come back! And to get any boring bits out of the way in the first half an hour so their attention can be retained by good stuff in the second half hour. After 3 hours they need at least 30 minutes to talk to themselves... more like 45 minutes.

Touts and how to get rid of them!
 

Frank, I was not talking politics here! One of the discussions was about touts and someone suggested that a way to get less hassle from them was to pretend to be... Australian!
Apparently in some countries (India?) Aussies have reputation of being in tight budget and touts won't bother as they know they won't get any cash out of them :)
No offence I hope!

Althought it will be difficult for me to pretend to be from Oz considering my thick french accent! ;)

Humm On that score are we taking over from the Scotts? :) Ah well it all goes in cycles. Would think the New Zealanders would have a similar reputation as us in that regard.

Wherever I've been it's the Isrealis who have a reputation for parsimony, but pretending to be Isreali might not help you in some places!
M

Mondo Enduro Books
 

BDG:

The Mondo Enduro books are on widespread release (unlike the DVDs which are only available by mail order). You can get them from Waterstones - alternatively if you don't fancy walking into a bookstore, try Amazon or the RippingYarns.com website.

Hope this is useful.

Thanks for that, have subsequently found that out since i originally posted the question, but cheers anyway.