New Event in the UK for Adventure Cyclists
 

Hi All,

For those of you that might not be familiar with it, the HU event at Ripley in Derbyshire has been running at the same location for nine years, with the last one a little over five weeks ago. It featured Mathew Quarterman giving a couple of excellent presentations about his cycle journey through South America, which were as well-received by the hardcore motorcycle adventurers as they were by his fellow cyclists.

Sam Manicom and I organised the Ripley gathering on behalf of HU, and since it finished we've been burning the candle at both ends planning things for next year. After lots of discussion with Grant and Susan, taking account of everything we've learned and all the feedback received, we've come to the firm conclusion that it's time for something new.

We're therefore really excited to announce that the UK Summer Travellers' Meeting is being completely re-invented to create a brand new event for all overland adventure travellers at a cracking new venue near Donington Park.

The name for the new event is HUBB UK and it's going to be taking place from Thursday 30th May to Sunday 2nd June 2013. Get the date in your diaries! :)

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/eve...ubbuk-logo.jpg

The event will have something for everyone, combining all the best bits from the past with lots of new features, and to better reflect the HU community it'll be an event aimed equally at cyclists, motorcyclists and 4x4 drivers.

As far as we know, there isn't another event of it's kind for adventure cyclists - either in the UK or around the world - so we hope it's something you'll be keen to get involved with.

There's still lots to do before we're ready to properly reveal all the details of the event, so please bear with us until early September when the event's web pages will go online and pre-registration will be up and running.

In the meantime, if you've done (or are doing) a big cycling trip, have a think about giving a presentation or cycling-specific demo/workshop at the new event.

Keep an eye on the HUBB or follow the hashtag #HUBBUK on Twitter for further news.


Cheers

Iain Harper
HU Event Organiser

Great idea

We're on a cycling tour at the moment. Not sure if we will be back by then though, but feel free to pm me a reminder closer to the time.

If we are in the area, then we might be able to do something....

So, we might 'seeyouwhenwegetthere.com' (such a cheeseball!!! haha)

Excellent news Iain & Sam - looking forward to it !

Iain

Facebook Event Page
 

As well as this thread and the #HUBBUK hashtag on Twitter, another way to get updates and notification of when full details go online is to "Join" the HUBB UK event page on Facebook.

Pre-registration is now open!
 

I'm pleased to report that the HUBB UK event pages are now online and pre-registration is open.

Event updates will be posted in this thread, where you'll find a quick summary of the main event details.

Well done Iain and Sam a great idea, I hope to be there on two wheeled transport of one type or the other, if I am not off travelling that is.:thumbup1:

Cycling Presenters
 

In case you missed it in the main event thread, I've just been updating the HUBB UK page with more presenters....

They now include Tom Allen, Pete Gostelow and Jon Slade.

Adventure-Spec.com Sponsors HUBB UK
 

We're delighted to announce Adventure-Spec.com as the new sponsor of the HUBB UK event in 2013.

As you'll discover on their website, and on their stand at the event itself, Adventure-Spec manufactures, distributes and retails the very best parts and accessories for adventure overlanders. Based in West Yorkshire, the company was co-founded by Dave Lomax who's been a loyal supporter of Horizons Unlimited (and an ever-popular presenter) since our very first UK event over 12 years ago.

Adventure-Spec is providing financial support for HUBB UK, along with extensive event promotion, an adventure cycling clinic, several fantastic presentations, the donation of a £500 Klim voucher to the charity raffle in aid of Prostate Cancer UK, and a 3-day adventure riding holiday in Spain for the winner of our prize draw.

They'll also be screening 'Adventure Motorcycle Morocco' and bringing along their sponsored Enduro rider, Graham Jarvis, to give demonstrations of his incredible bike-handling skills and offer some expert instruction about off-road riding techniques.

As part of our effort to make HUBB UK the most enjoyable and inspiring Horizons Unlimited event ever, a great deal of work has been going on behind-the-scenes over the past couple of months to secure an event sponsor.

We'd therefore like to express our grateful thanks to Dave and his team for their generosity and continuing support.

Last Chance to Pre-Register at £45
 

Quick HUBB UK update and an important reminder....

The list of cycling presenters has grown quite a bit since my last update. It now includes Ian MacNab, from our sponsors Adventure-Spec.com, who'll be hosting an adventure cycling clinic and answering all your questions on travelling light. Plus Sarah Nicholson, Mike Carter (Guardian journalist and author of "One Man and His Bike"), Anna McNuff (cycling around the USA next year), and the highly-entertaining Danny Bent who'll be talking about his journey to India.

Don't forget that today is the last opportunity to pre-register at the most-discounted rate of £45 per person. The website will switch-over to £55 at around 11pm tonight (UK time).

All the latest event info is here and the main pre-registration form is here.

Vote for your preferred Region
 

The HUBB UK schedule is going to include three 90-minute discussion sessions - each one about a different region of the world. The idea is to provide an opportunity for people who've travelled in each region to share their experience and advice with those who are planning trips and have lots of questions.

Each session will have a moderator to help things along, but other than that they'll be completely open and very informal.

We'd like to leave the choice about which regions get covered entirely up to you, so we've set up a simple voting page here.

Just pick the region you're most interested in and click the button. The three regions that get the most votes will be the ones that go in the event schedule.

Thanks.

Look out!! :eek3: It's only 140 days to go before the HUBB UK kicks off. If you are planning to come but you've not booked yet, remember that you need to pre-register and pay before the 31st of Jan to snag the £20 discount. This link will take you straight to it!

HUBB UK 2013 Pre-Registration :thumbup1:

It's all coming together splendidly - lots of new presenters and trade companies are now registered. Don't forget to sign up to do a presentation yourself. If you have a great story to tell or experience to pass on, get your ideas in.

HUBB UK 2013 Donington Park - 30th May to 2nd June

PS Don't forget to spread the word to your mates - in time for the £20 discount preferably!!!

100 Days To Go!
 

Today marks the 100 day milestone on the way to HUBB UK.

We now have over 50 presenters packing the schedule, 25 trade stands in the Adventure Travel Zone, and another dozen stands and displays for clubs and magazines in the HUBB Zone.

As well as all those from throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the event is hosting visitors from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands, Poland and the USA.

Don't forget that everyone who pre-registers and pays for their event pass before 31st March 2013 is being entered in our prize draw for the chance of winning a 3-day riding holiday at the Adventure Rider Centre in Spain.

Cheers

Iain

79 days to go!
 

It’s been an incredible month since we posted last; a really buzzy time with lots coming together, and plans for new things coming to the boil.

12 travel writers and film makers have signed up to be with us and some new companies too – just have a look at the HUBB UK page and you’ll see what I mean. The Adventure Travel Zone and HUBB Zone (info coming soon ) are going to be better than they have ever been before.

And the presentations? Just look at what is going on with those!!!

Why the post now? It’s just 79 days until the HUBB UK kicks off and don’t forget, if you've friends who are planning to come but they've not registered yet, they need to crack on - register and pay to get the discounted booking rate.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Hi All, I just wanted to let you guys know that Iain is in hospital. He's been operated on for a badly ruptured and infected appendix. Not fun at all.

He'll certainly be on a ward for a few more days at least and then there's going to be a significant recovery period. However, Iain being Iain, doh he's already doing work from his hospital bed doh in a limited fashion mind!

Anyway, thoughts with him and Robyn. Get well soon mate.

Something of cycle interest but if you are purely into non powered two wheels, then don’t read on. Unless you have a curiosity for all things bicycle that is.

Adventure Trucks are coming over to the HUBB UK from Holland and they are bringing something very trick with them. Etricks Electric Mountain bikes! Just have a look at this link to see what the score is.

Etricks Electric Mountain Bikes???

And even more good news. The guys from Adventure Trucks are going to let a number of people test ride the bikes!
I suggest you check in with them as fast as you can on arrival. See if you'll be eligible for a test ride.

Who are Adventure Trucks? Plenty more info from their link on the main HUBB UK page.

Great news! Iain is out of hospital! The road to recovery begins but he's sure he'll be sorted in time for the HUBB UK

And while here, thought I'd mention. Just 37 days to go :D

That also means you've just 30 days left if you haven't booked and want to snag the last discounted rate. HUBB UK

So, what sort of things are happening at the HUBB UK this year, besides all the very excellent companies who have agreed to turn up with their kit. Well, we have some pretty special people presenting over the 4 days and over the next weeks I’d like to tell you a little more about some of them.

Let’s start off with Tom Allen. Tom is going to be showing his magical film Janapar. But what’s the film about?

In 2007, Tom set off on his bicycle planning to cycle a lap of the world. 12,000 miles , three and a half years and 32 countries later he made it home. :thumbup1:

He’d travelled, Europe and West Asia to Armenia and then Iran, heading back to the Middle East, then continuing to the Horn of Africa and Moscow and Mongolia. Unexpected adventures filled the journey and they have made fascinating material for the film and his book. If you've a moment, you can have a very interesting time checking out this link to Tom and Janapar.

Today, let’s talk fur, fire and fun! It's Danny and Fil with the Roadkill Cookout! If you've been to Horizons before then you'll know what a fascinating event this is. :thumbup1:

New? You'll be learning how to hunt and gather food on the road, and how to prepare and eat it.

First things first - catch your critters. Learn how to make a snare and set it
Next up, skinning, gutting and plucking. Then cooking in the campfire and smoking with smokey Fil

Making a special guest appearance this year is their 2013 mystery animal - any guesses?

Then the 'Rabbit skinning competition' (book your places with Danny and Fil early). Look out for the Schedule to find out what time this is happening.

Knives and rabbits supplied.

And get this - Fastest from 'Fur to Pot' wins a free weekend for 2 in the autumn at the Haggs Bank Bunk House in Cumbria. A cracking prize in a brand new venue. You’ll be one of the first to stay there!!!

Tonight’s highlighted HUBB UK presenter is Simon Ward-Hastelow. Simon is the editor of Land Rover World magazine and he’s going to be hitting up a hot topic with his presentations.

Got children? Want to go travelling? Wrong to do isn’t it and anyway, how would you make it work. :helpsmilie:

Travelling with children is pure madness isn't it? But it can be a life changing experience and it’s one of those presentations where regardless of how you chose to travel, there are tops tips to share. :thumbup1:

Though most motorcycle and expedition vehicle overlanders will probably not have heard of Danny Bent, I suspect that most cycle overlanders will have. If not, prepare yourself to meet one of the characters of the world of overlanding. :thumbup1:

Let me give you just a taste of this decidedly witty traveller, presenter and author is about. When Danny cycled 15,000 kilometres from the UK to India to raise money for Action Aid, it was a decision that took twenty years and one minute! The one minute was when he was put on the spot by his pupils at school, and declared that the means was by bike, and he was going to India.

What he had signed up for was slogging along roads with trucks bearing down on him, unable to see and choking in the smog; shooting down treacherous descents with 100 foot drops, shaking with cold and too numb to brake; muscle burn and saddle sores; delirium and food poisoning; thirst and malnutrition; foul and insanitary conditions; life-threatening crises; obstructive border guards, crazed dogs and inquisitive passers-by...

A passionate, and at times decidedly outrageous presenter, Danny is completely inspirational. You can check out more on this Danny Bent link. What’s he going to be talking about at the HUBB UK? You have to be there to find out :innocent:

30 DAYS TO GO!!! :D And don't forget, if you've not pre registered and paid by the 23rd of May then you lose out on the £10 discount. That'd suck!

It’s brilliant to have Morocco and GPS guru Tim Cullis back with us again. Tim’s past presentations have always gone down a storm and that’s no surprise. Tim’s first trip to this amazing land was way back in 1972 and you could say (with full British reserve) that he’s a repeat offender! :whistling: Tim is hugely knowledgeable and if you plan a trip to Morocco then you really ought to ignore the bar or any other presentations.

And as for GPS, how many of us have actually done a long road trip outside of Europe using one? This session of Tim’s gives you the chance to be on the road, in control. You’ll know what you need to do to set your kit up and how to take advantage of all the opportunities it offers you. Excellent! :thumbup:

For more on Tim, just click on his link on the HUBB UK Page.

Excellent news last night! bier Iain and I were talking things HUBB UK through with Grant and Susan - Grant's health is good; they'll both be with us all at Donington!!!! :thumbup:

Volunteering? We still need some :helpsmilie:

If any of you guys are booked but haven’t signed up to volunteer, could I ask you to have a think about it. If you’ve been before then you’ll know how important people volunteering a few hours is with making the event happen with a friendly relaxed atmosphere.

And those hours are also a brilliant way of getting to know people if you’ve never been before.

If you’ve still to book, you’ll see the place to sign up to volunteer when you are booking in. Pre-Registration for Adventure Travellers - HUBB UK 2013 Donington Park

We are looking for a total of 150 volunteers – many hands make light work. :thumbup1: Thanks VERY much to everyone who has given a thumbs up so far.

All we need is for just 20 more people to say yes to helping for a couple of 2 hour slots and the roles are all covered. That’ll be a ‘Phew’ moment. :smile2:

The Crews we are short of people on are:

The Gate Crew – You’ll be the first point of contact that people arriving will have. As we are at a new venue and as so many people haven’t been before, this crew will make the difference between people being instantly welcome and knowing what they have to do next – or feeling like a square peg in a round hole.

Campsite Crew – This is a new Crew and its happening as a result of the move to Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel. It’s a much bigger site for us to play with and on and there needs to be a centre of information and a base for heading people out in the right direction. HUBB Zone? Presentation Rooms? Vehicle parking? Quiet camping area? And so on… The Real Ale bar too of course!

Raffle Tickets sellers – We have some absolutely brilliant prizes lined up for the raffle – many thanks to everyone who is contributing a prize and I need to say that most are coming from the Adventure Travel companies that are going to be with us and to the ABRAC riders. Thanks all! But the money we collect in aid of Prostate cancer will be down to two other things – How easy it is for people to snag tickets, and how deep we are all prepared to dig! : ) Fancy flogging some tickets? Your help makes all the difference, and because people that come to an HU event are the sort of people they are, it’s not a hard task.

Presentation Crew – Last but not least. If you have really good IT skills and are used to setting up powerpoint presentations and the like then we could do with a few more people on this crew. The one thing is that you’ll be doing a fair number more hours on this crew but the bonus is that you are right there in the presentation rooms when it’s all happening. Many of the presenters are first timers and your job in part will be to help them get set up and make sure things run smoothly so they can concentrate on their presentation.

Fancy a go? Brilliant! Thanks very much! Here’s the Join the Volunteer Crew - HUBB UK 2013 Donington Park bier

This presentation from John May is going to get you thinking hard.

John’s presentation is on a vital subject that too often doesn’t get thought about in anything like enough depth by travellers in the trip planning stage.

As John says, ‘Before doing a big trip we tend to spend loads of time and energy planning the route, thinking about what bike to take, picking the ideal tent and so on. But what scuppers most trips is the people stuff. We tend not to really consider the questions about why we are doing it in the first place and who to go with. Picking the right travelling companions is much more important than picking the right stove!’

This presentation is designed to join a lot of hugely important travel dots! Planning to travel with other people? Don’t miss this! :thumbup1:

Check the main event thread for updates
 

We're mainly now posting HUBB UK updates and information in the main 'Events' thread. To make sure you don't miss anything, here's a link to a good starting point....