Horizon HUBB For those not familiar with Horizons Unlimited, it is a worldwide organisation for those with an interest in, or who are active in, the area of adventure travel, both on two wheels and four. There were many visitors to the show, mostly motorcyclists and mostly on large capacity motorcycles – BMW GS models proliferated in the camping area, a bit like KTMs do at off- road events. The TRF, for which I was a volunteer, was there in two capacities. Firstly, to provide guides for Green Road excursions into the surrounding area for those attending the event and to promote the opportunities offered by the TRF to big bike users in the UK. Members from Hereford TRF had volunteered to guide groups of six to eight out into the countryside of Mid Wales. Those visitors taking part in these mini runs (four hours approx.) were of mixed ability but the experience of the run organisers was evident, as no one was lost and all returned unscathed. Secondly, the TRF was there to provide information to anyone who was interested in the organisation and the experiences it offers to motorcyclists in the UK. One demonstration showed how you could do adventure biking without spending £10’s of thousands on bikes or equipment – an XR400 was kitted out with panniers and saddle bags suitable for such activities. It was interesting to see that some TRF members had ridden to the HUBB on their own trail bikes and had brought their camping equipment with them. Two of the current directors also attended the event to show that they do not just manage our organisation, they also take an active part in promoting the TRF to others.
The Game Fair The next show I volunteered at was the Game Fair. Initially I was a little apprehensive as this show – as its name suggests – was targeting the outdoor pursuits of more affluent countryside users. The event provided a showcase for a wide variety of outdoor activities, including hunting, shooting and fishing, and all the supporting activities necessary to ensure that such sporting pursuits can take place. Many visitors expressed an interest in what we had on display and to my surprise there was no evidence of the dissenting voices and objections to motorcycles in the countryside highlighted by the media. We had more people wanting to know how they could get involved than I would have expected. It was also interesting to find that amongst the other volunteers on the TRF stand there was one gentleman who runs a stable and competed in horse trials, another volunteer who took part in clay pigeon shooting, and two like myself who came from a farming background. All in all it was a very successful show for the TRF and the contacts we made with land owners and others with an interest in the countryside were well worth the effort of being there.
Countryfile Live The set-up for Countryfile Live took place on a wet Wednesday in August – just what you’d expect of the UK summer. I hadn’t expected the TRF to have a presence at an event like this, and the 10 x 9 metre stand, on the main avenue, was an even bigger surprise. As with many events like this, the same faces pitched in to do the work. When we arrived, Mario Costa-Sa and son Josh were already there, sheltering from the persistent rain, but at last it abated and we started to erect the stand in earnest. With the stand up, bikes in and TV fitted, all was now ready for those visitors who would be arriving the next day. A short
Spring 2018 Trail 53