Basics: This is the 3rd Annual Horizons Unlimited Mountain Madness (HUMM) event. A two-day, no GPS, orienteering event in the eastern Pyrenees of Catalunya, Spain and Andorra. Test
your map reading and navigation skills, find hidden secrets and enjoy
the fabulous riding. The roads are amazing, the scenery is
breath-taking, and the people are wonderful - so why not come on down
with us in 2009?!
For 2009 Austin (Terra Circa) Vince and Lois (Red Tape and White Knuckles) Pryce have outdone themselves and laid out even more markers for the off-road HUMM in an all new area! Austin was heard to mutter something like "No way is anyone finishing this course early!" Note - there was concern that the trails were more technical than the previous year - a FEW are - but are noted as such, and you will not be able hit all the points anyway!
Susan and I laid out the HUMM on-road course, two up on our ancient R80 G/S, riding the many well-paved, twisty and fantastic paved roads in the area for over two weeks, loving every minute. Awesome twisty roads, from first gear slip the clutch hairpins to high speed sweepers, with amazing views, minimal traffic, some roads you'll see one car in 10 minutes or more - and some less than that - roads you dream of...
OFF or ON road, it's the most fun you can have on two wheels ;-)
And for those of you who would like to bring along your non-riding spouse / significant other, the 4 star hotel we are staying at in La Molina offers a pool and spa, plus massage and beauty treatments, and there's lots more to do in the area: archery, tennis, squash, football, basketball, badminton, volleyball, a choice of 2 swimming pools, quads and boats. The Tosa lift also accommodates Mountain Bikes which can be hired in the resort, opening up a network of trails of differing difficulty to explore back down to La Molina.
We want to thank Austin Vince and Lois Pryce for their amazing effort in setting up the off-road course and for partnering with us to put on this event.
For 2009, there will be THREE classes (based on your feedback and discussions):
1 - Dual-sport off-road, all bikes over 645cc with off-road pretensions
2 - Dual-sport off-road, all bikes under 645cc with off-road pretensions
3 - Pavement only, anything will do
A three day event was discussed but it was decided to keep it at two days of competition, but we highly recommend planning on at least one day after the event to ride the trails you missed! Stay on at the hotel, ride with others, and meet in the bar after :)
2008 Event Report
...a two-day dual-sport off-road motorcycle orienteering event in the Pyrenees.
The second annual HU Mountain Madness event is over, and once again met with rave reviews!
On-Road HUMM results:
David Pointer, Gary Smith and Matt Pope
cleaned up on the road, hitting every checkpoint and bonus mark, missing a perfect score because they came in late on Day One.
The cruiser riding team of Paul Myers and Vanessa and Rowanna Greenhough were a strong second with good scores.
Off-road HUMM results: (max possible score 5350)
Kevin Priest (R1200GS) and Alistair Lindop (F650GS) topped the charts off-road with a score of 3,118, after also leading on Day One with a score of 2,091.
Peter Baird (KTM 950), James deVille (KTM640) and Trent Whitta were a very close second with 3,079 points.
The "Two Ians" Ian Chappel; (R1200 GSA) and Iain Woolley (Africa Twin), last years champions, met with trouble on Day One, and were behind in points, but vowed to make it up on Day Two - and almost did, finishing a very close third with 3036 points. If they hadn't been late in on Day one, incurring a 100 point penalty, they would have won again! They're plotting a return to mastery in 09!
Jon Balderson (F650GS) and Mark Bell (XRV750) finished a very close fourth, with 3027 points, coming from way behind on Day One to end up with the highest Day Two score.
The top 4 teams were separated by a mere 91 points out of 3000 - 3% - so an incredibly close finish!
The top riders all had well-prepared maps, with many ingenious solutions to make it easy and clear to read their route.
Gold scores (within 15% of the winners score):
Kevin Priest, Alistair Lindop, Peter Baird, James deVille, Trent Whitta, Iain Woolley, Ian Chappel, Jon Balderson, Mark Bell, Cheyne Bunnett, Tony Johnston, Michael McGee, Richard Colquhoun, Neil Smith, Nigel Jeffery
Silver (within 30% of the winners score):
Brian Turner, John Loader, Mark Bart, Jane Keats, Bernard McKevitt, Robert Quinlan, Simon Jarvis, Simon Titterton
Bronze (within 50% of the winners score):
John and Graham Bird, Barry Nash John Lidbetter, Ashley Moule Adrian Sant, Jon Homfray Wayne Darcy, Mike Condliffe Philip Jones, Phillip Ellis-Jones Michael Austin, Colin Campbell
Finishers:
Lionel Cox, Grace Hagan, Paul Cordle, Mat Wilkinson, Tony and Theresa Hemmings, Geoff Harvey, Sarah O'Connor, Matt and Anne Anderson, Simon Jordan, Andy Oakes, Steve Summers, Dave Austen, Linda Hughes, Bill Sterry, Tim Cullis, Martin Clark, Nick Smith, Steve Brazier, Paul and Annie Clayton, Conrad and Mandy Witan and Suzie in the sidecar, John Nowell, Arnaud Stephenson, Murray Briggs, Paul McCluskey, Michael Pocock, Paul Atherton, Russell Francis, Martyn Brett, Matthew Hough.
And for various reasons, mostly mechanical, there were a number of DNF's and even a few DNS's too!
...a two-day dual-sport off-road motorcycle orienteering event in the Pyrenees.
The first annual HU Mountain Madness event is now over - and if you weren't there, you'd better plan on being there next year!
Why? Because it was fantastic!
Comments ranged from "Best riding day ever" to "Awesome" and "Absolutely amazing!"
Twenty-three hours of riding in the beautiful mountain trails of the Pyrenees, hunting for elusive marker points and bagging mile after mile of fun trails, with fantastic mountain views, left some of the riders in such awe of the place that they spent more time looking at the scenery than they did bagging points!
The "Two Ians" Ian Chappel;R 1200 GSA, and Iain Woolley;Africa Twin had never even met before the event, and live a hundred miles apart. They were teamed up by the organisers, and proved a killer combination - one Ian planned the route for the East half of the map, the other for the west half, and swapped navigation duties on the second day.
Coming in two and a half hours early (!) on Sunday, with Ian on a flat rear tire for the last ten miles, they were asked by Susan if they had a problem, "No, we've done it."
"What do you mean?" questioned Susan.
"We got them all, every point," said Iain.
And so they had - they hit every checkpoint, which layout man Austin Vince swore before the event was impossible - and they came in early for a beer at the bar to show their absolute domination of the event. They also proved the lie in Austin's words that a "proper trailbike" was the best way to ride the event, both riding big bikes to crush the opposition under their wheels.
Second place and the 'machismo (or is it spelled masochism?) award' went to Team Lamsdale, Gary Lamsdale;DR350, and Roger Lamsdale;XT350. Gary rode the whole weekend with a massive toothache that required a trip to the hospital after the finish Sunday night, and a trip to the dentist on Monday morning for emergency work. He said: "It got bad at altitude, so coming down to where it just hurt felt good". They also packed their two bikes into a Kangoo van - absolutely chockers, with both wheels off the whole lot fit just nicely! At 994 points, they thought they were in with a chance for the win, but Team 'Two Ians' shocked everyone.
Third place went to Team BJ, Brian Turner;Yamaha XT660R and John Loader;BMW F650GS. Early and very strong leaders at the end of Day One, they demoralised the opposition with a massive points score, well ahead of second place team. However, it seems they cracked under the pressure on day two, navigation skills suffered, and they came in with 970 points.
In fourth, Team Marsden, Rupert Marsden;R1100GS, Jeremy Jameson;F650GS, and Mario Agius, on an XT600, with 807 points. Their score may have been higher had Rupert not been riding one handed at speed while filming with his left hand. Next year he's coming back with a helmet cam!
In 5th place was Team Priest, Kevin Priest;CCM, Sabina Shread (on her brand new Yamaha TT250 AND on her FIRST day of off-road riding - she did VERY well - and was very proud of only falling off twice on the second day, bettering the four times on the first day) and Lee Bolding;KTM 525MXC. Extra prayers didn't help them to a win, but they did end up with a strong 767 points. They also rode down a particularly gnarly trail that another team struggled to get up - and swore that you'd have to be crazy to go down!
Next up was Team Mitchell, Gary Mitchell;R1200GS, Tony Jeffery;KTM950, Ashley and Deborah Simpkin both on KLE500's, with 539 points. At the end of the second day Debbie was the only one that came up smelling like a rose - she hit the showers while the rest of her team chose to hit the bar.
One team that prioritised scenery over points was Team Avery. Kevin Avery;R1150GS, James Dee;R1200GSA, (who got some quick off-road tips for his first off-road riding ever on the Friday!) and Gordon Sargeant;KTM640 Adventure came in last place with a total of 272 points out of a possible 1085. They were last off the mark both days too, but they were also the "most improved Team" from Saturday to Sunday! There's talk of an Avery award for next year's last place team ;-)
The Lamsdale's second on 350's also showed that it really didn't matter what you rode - preparation, planning and determination were all key. The top riders all had well-prepared maps, with many ingenious solutions to make it easy and clear to read their route.
When the competitors were asked what they thought of the event, the general sentiment was; "We'll be back! I can't believe all the trails and how good they are - it's just amazing! WELL worth the trip down!"
Bikes need not be dedicated off-road specials but need to have a vague predilection for the dirt. So GS Adventure yes, Electric Glide in Blue, no. Knobbly tyres a plus but by no means essential.
Remember, two classes, under 645 and over 645cc!
The mountain trails have been heavily reconnoitred and small metal plaques have been affixed in stunning locations. Each plaque bears a random string of six letters. Just like orienteering each team gets the same map (one month in advance!) and a checkpoint booklet ON THE DAY BEFORE the START. Each checkpoint gets its own page upon which its location is clearly described. Teams must record certain letters from each plaque. Crucially, the booklet is not a roadbook. No two teams ever take the same routes, there is no course as such.
Austin Vince pointing out how easy to find the checkpoint markers are - they are NOT hidden.
Austin Vince and Lois Pryce laid the course.
On the next day, some folks dash back home whilst others sedately spend a few more days visiting the checkpoints they didn’t get to over the weekend. In this way the HUMM is both an enjoyable competition and a ready-to-go trail riding package.
ON-road HUMM: for all road bikes
Any road bike will do the ride, though Gold Wings and similar will need a good rider on a few of the roads due to extremely tight hairpins. Sports bikes will be fine too, with the same caveat.
Just like orienteering each team gets the same map and a checkpoint booklet (one month in advance!). Crucially, the booklet is not a roadbook. No two teams ever take the same routes, there is no course as such.
We (Grant and Susan) have ridden just about every paved-ish road in the Spanish Pyrenees and Andorra, and selected the best for you. There are about 30 checkpoints, and we have affixed a random letter somewhere around the checkpoint. Unlike the off-road version, the letters are NOT out in the open to reduce the risk that they will be removed between now and the event, but there is a picture in the book to clearly show where it is.
Each checkpoint has its own page upon which its location is clearly described. Teams must record the letter at each checkpoint, and occasionally answer a question which can only be answered from information at the checkpoint. There are bonus points in case of a tie.
Payment, prices etc
The HUMM event registration fee is £120, payable in full by April 30. Maps and event book is included, and special HUMM synthetic riding t-shirt. See accommodation below for Hotel pricing.
Refunds
If you must cancel, please notify us before April 30, 2009, and we will refund your deposit less a £20 fee for administration and to cover PayPal charges. AFTER April 30, 2009, there will be no refunds. Substitutions will be allowed, but the substitute must register online, and comment that they are substituting for you, and you need to confirm it.
2009 HUMM Accommodation:
For 2009 we have negotiated a great rate for the entire 4 star "HG La Molina" in La Molina. The rate in Euros is €160 per person for 3 days, including room, and 3 breakfasts. Dinners can be purchased at €20 each. You will be responsible for your own bar bill and packed lunches, additional meals plus massages and other incidentals ;-)
There is a 25% deposit required of €40 (approx. £32, which MAY CHANGE depending on currency fluctuations) on the hotel, which we will pay directly to the hotel. Thus, when you check out you are responsible for paying the hotel the 75% balance plus your lunches, dinners, bar bill and any other charges, e.g. massage services.
Rooms available are two, three, four or 6 beds, but some of the beds are more children sized. Effectively there are 53 two-bed rooms, and 12 four-bed rooms. ALL beds will be filled so you will be sharing. If you want to share a 2 bed room with a partner let us know (in the comments field) early! Teams will be bunked together as possible, so reserve early.
Full use of the parking garage is included in the deal. And it's huge, ample room for all the bikes!
The hotel will provide a full 'English' breakfast, and also vegetarian options at dinner.
We have decided to 'unbundle' the dinners from the package, as there are other good restaurants in town you may wish to check out.
Use of the Spa IS included in your room price as part of our special deal, so enjoy!
Wireless internet access is available throughout the entire hotel.
Restaurant; Bar; TV lounge; Board games room and pool table; Childrens playground; TV lounge; Conference room; Gardens; Terrace; Spa & Wellness centre; Sauna; Turkish bath; Massage service (NOT included in your room rate!); Outdoor swimming-pool; Luggage storage; Fax/Photocopying services; Internet connection; 24-hour reception; Modern décor.
Room facilities include en suite bathroom; central heating; air conditioning in all rooms; satellite TV; direct dial telephone; mini bar; hairdryer, internet connection and 24-hour room service.
No pets
Excellent views from the hotel.
Girona airport is 82.9 Km. away.
Check out: Noon.
Hotel Address and contact details:
Remember you do NOT book with the hotel for the event, we do all that for you with a special package price that is much lower than booking on your own.
We also book any extra days you want.
Keep the details below with you on the way there in case anything goes wrong and you need to contact us or the hotel.
HG La Molina,
Cami Pista Llarga 1,
17537 Alp, Spain
The Hotel Super Molina was recommended as a good economy choice, so we also stayed there to check it out. It's a decent 3 star, rooms are nice but small, and the food is definitely not great. It IS cheaper than the HG La Molina, but a 5 minute/2km ride away or a long steep uphill walk.
You can ride, or drive down in a van/whatever carrying your bikes, or fly to Toulouse or Barcelona or Girona and rent a car - or the real slow way, take a bus, but it's not recommended. Ferries run from UK to Santander and Bilbao, then it's an easy day's ride to La Molina. Bikes are available for rent from Toulouse. Details to come.
You must ride in a team of 2 to a maximum of 6 people, (minimum two bikes) so be sure to put together your team before registering as we need the names of all team members. If you cannot find someone to team with, go ahead and register for the event, note that you do not have a team partner, and we will match you with someone with a similar bike and riding skill level as best we can. (First year winners were matched up by us!)
Three classes:
Under 645cc off-road
Over 645cc off-road
Road, all sizes
Mixed off-road teams have the good and bad of each class to deal with, so can choose which class to be in.
Two-up teams are ok, but there must be another bike in your team. We don't want solo bikes out alone. If we have enough two-up registrations we will have a two-up class. Sidecars, quads - two vehicles in a team!
No GPS allowed!
Start / Finish Time: 8AM to 6PM (0800-1800)
Team mates must ride together at all times! If you separate for any reason other than one bike is broken down and stopped or one rider is injured, and the other rider is going for help, you will be disqualified.
Obtaining checkpoint info from another team is grounds for disqualification. In the event of a dispute or challenge, a digital photo of all team members at a checkpoint will be required to verify the team has been to the checkpoint.
Each checkpoint has a points value in direct proportion to how far it is from the hotel, with a few points values tweaked for difficulty. The HUMM is all about spending two days navigating your way around the mountains visiting plaques and seeing as much great scenery as possible.
For 2009, there will be a change in procedures!
Booklets with all the check points will be handed out to you at 11AM the day before the start, on the 20th, at the event! You and your team mates will then have until the start time in the morning to plan your route. There is a huge bar room with tables etc to do your planning. We expect this will put everyone on an equal footing technology wise and get it back to the original idea of a planning and mapping exercise - but most importantly, a fun ride!
The booklets are collected after the first days ride, and the half time scores of points collected thus far are published. On the last morning plenty of teams are more motivated than ever to have a fruitful day and get that map-reading spot on! On the final evening the booklets are collected for the final time, points totalled and the winners announced and trophies handed out at the HUMM Awards Dinner.
Closing date for registration is April 30, 2009 or when we fill up.
Check out the Books pages for Travel books and videos. Remember if you go to Amazon from our books page, we get a small percentage of every purchase.
Thanks!
Grant and Susan
Editors note:
We accept no responsibility for any of the above information in any way whatsoever. You are reminded to do your own research. Any commentary is strictly a personal opinion of the person supplying the information and is not to be construed as an endorsement of any kind.
