Last week I went to my favorite annual motorcycle event, Horizons Unlimited Travelers Meeting in Cambria, CA. It's truly one of the most special group of riders you'll ever meet.
It's the only place that people who have traveled all over the world come together and talk about you guessed it, motorcycle travel.
Although this was only my second year, I had a fantastic time and a great seminar. I was able to help a few women out and let more women know that there are gear options out there for us. There are always options and men's gear should be a last resort (after you've talked to me!).
What HU really is, is an opportunity to gather with a bunch of likeminded motorcycle people and hear amazing, inspiring stories about riding motorcycles everywhere / anywhere they want to go. Alaska, China, Latin America, solo, with families, with significant others, via motorcycle tours. Basically every method possible to accomplish their dreams.
I wish I had enough courage to get up and just travel solo for a month or two in difficult terrain, unfamiliar cultures, camping, breaking down on the side of the road, in extreme weather conditions and more. I really think adventure travel like this is a lot like people who run marathons. They're a part of a very small group of people who've accomplished something incredible.
And that's the best part about HU. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things. HU takes place all over the world, including the Eastern US, Western US, Canada the United Kingdom and Latin America and more.
If you're even thinking about taking a trip on two wheels, I highly recommend finding one near you and planning an excursion to a meeting soon.
If you didn't make it, here's a list of all the vendors/speakers you missed: www.horizonsunlimited.com/meetings/California2012.php