HUMM Appalachians 2017

Horizons Unlimited Mountain Madness
Appalachians - Aug 11-13, 2017

The HUMM is a unique 2-day, off-road motorcycle orienteering/geo-caching event in and around Green Ridge State Forest in the Appalachian Mountains of Maryland. Test your map reading and navigation skills, find hidden secrets and enjoy the fabulous riding. The trails and roads are amazing, the scenery is breath-taking, and the people are wonderful - so gather your team and join us!

For those of you who would like to bring along your non-riding spouse / significant other, Rocky Gap Casino Resort offers a casino, evening entertainment, spa, multiple restaurants, golf and much more! The surrounding area boasts numerous activities including hiking, white water rafting, UTV trips and more!

If a picture is worth 1000 words, how much is a video worth?! Check out the official HUMM event trailer, then read on!

Thanks to Trent Schumann, Daan Stehouwer, Patrick Trahan, David Hodgson, & Ashley Moule for video clips!

What is it?

"The best day's riding ever!"
"Ranks among the top ten 'best fun' biking experiences!"

Horizons Unlimited Mountain Madness (HUMM) is a 2-or 3-day off-road, motorcycle navigation challenge for teams of 2-4 bikes. For 2017, we have events in in Aragón, Spain, in the Monashees of British Columbia, and this event in the Appalachians in Maryland. It's the most fun you can have on two wheels ;-)

In each location, the HUMM is presented with a Horizons Unlimited Event Partner who lays out the checkpoints. Alain Kaldewaay of XPLOR-INT is our Event Partner for HUMM Appalachians.

HUMM Appalachians river view. This picture was taken during initial location scouting.
Photo by Alain Kaldewaay.

Choose one of FOUR challenge classes for your team to participate!

1. MAP SINGLES - Single-cylinder bikes navigating with a compass (no GPS);
2. MAP MULTIS: Multi-cylinder bikes navigating with a compass (no GPS);
3. GPS SINGLES: Single-cylinder bikes navigating with a GPS or satnav;
4. GPS MULTIS: Multi-cylinder bikes navigating with a GPS or satnav.

Does your team have a combination of singles and multis? Choose the ONE challenge class your team will ride in and experience the unique pros and cons of each bike type.

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 tires a plus but by no means essential.

All teams get the same maps (Reference Map and Topographic map(s) of the riding area), and a HUMM Points Book on Day 1. Each checkpoint gets its own page with key info about its location - your team figures out how to get there. Every team has a different strategy, so there is no set course. You're never following a string of riders down the same dusty road!

Great views from overlook at HUMM Appalachians

Riders at overlook

River crossings add to the interest!

Do they mean it?

Undeterred by a missing road!

The FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

More detailed answers to your questions that have come in over the years.

HUMM Appalachians 2017 Event Schedule

Day Zero - August 11, 2017

• Arrive on site at the Rocky Gap Resort Hotel
• Check in with event HQ. Room assignment. Check-in will be open from 12:00 to 18:00
• Enjoy dinner at one of Rocky Gap's four restaurants (not included)
• 19:00 - Check in reopens for late arrivals
• 20:00 - Event briefing and questions answered

Day 1 and 2 - August 12-13, 2017

• Maps and Booklets with all the check points will be handed out to you at 08:00 on Day 1! You can ride from 08:30-17:30 on Day 1 if you want, or use some time planning your route and preparing your bike. There is loads of room to do your planning.
• Start / Finish Riding Time: 08:30-17:30 every day.
• The score sheets are collected after each day's ride, and the team scores are posted.
• On Day 2 at 18:00 the score sheets are collected for the final time, points totalled and the winners announced and trophies handed out at the HUMM Awards Dinner. A very congenial evening follows!

The HUMM Event Fee includes:

• 2 full days of 100% pure off-road adventure riding in the Appalachians! No stunts, no gimmicks!
• A "HUMM-dinger" of a chance to test your navigation strategies!
• An exclusive HUMM technical t-shirt

• Team Map and HUMM Points Book

• ALL First, Second and Third place Team Members in each class get a keeper Trophy!

Trophies at HUMM Spain 2016

• Certificate of completion for all finishers suitable for framing and mucho bragging rights!
• One Spot satellite tracker rental for your team

• Access to support and recovery services in case of breakdown or accident out on the trail or on the road. Our support and recovery team can provide first aid and transport to the nearest suitable facility as well as basic field repairs and motorcycle recovery. This service is provided on a 'best efforts' basis. See Registration Terms and Conditions for limitations.
• Sunday evening Awards Dinner

Rules of the HUMM:

1. You must ride in a team of 2, to a maximum of 4 people, (minimum 2 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. Several past winners were matched up by us!



2. Prizes will be awarded in 4 classes (subject to sufficient entrants):
   • Map Class
     • Singles
     • Multis
   • GPS Class
     • Singles
     • Multis
   
   

   Mixed off-road teams have the good and bad of each class to deal with, so can choose which class to be in.

3. Two-up teams are ok, but there must be another vehicle in your team. We don't want solo bikes out alone.
   
4. 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.
5. No GPS allowed in the Map Class! You will be given a set of Event Map(s) and an Event Points Book. You may carry a smartphone, but are NOT allowed to use the GPS function. You may carry a GPS with map data of the area for emergency use only. It will be sealed in a tamper-proof plastic bag before you check out to ride. If the bag is opened for non-emergency purposes before returning to HUMM base, your team is disqualified. No other paper or digital map(s) of the event area other than those provided by HUMM organizers. Except for your GPS device (for emergency only), no laptops, tablets, or other digital devices that are capable of storing other map information.
6. Special Rules for GPS Class! GPS or smart phones with GPS capabilities are allowed in this class, but we aren't supplying GPX co-ordinates, since we don't want it to be too easy. ;-) As with the MAP class, you will be given a set of Event Map(s) and an Event Points Book. No other paper or digital map(s) of the event area other than:
   a) paper maps provided by HUMM organizers, and
   b) electronic maps already loaded onto your GPS or GPS-enabled smartphone. No laptops, tablets, or similar devices.
7. Start / Finish Time: 08:30-17:30 every day. You must check out and check in. Late returns lose points - really late returns lose lots of points! All team members must return together.
8. Each checkpoint has a points value based on how far it is from the hotel combined with the degree of difficulty. The HUMM is all about spending several days navigating your way around the mountains and seeing as much great scenery as possible.
9. Obtaining checkpoint info from another team is grounds for disqualification. In the event of a dispute or challenge, a photo at a checkpoint that matches the photo in the HUMM book will be required to verify the team has been to the checkpoint.

Facilities for a Fantastic Event

HUMM Appalachians 2017 will be based at the Rocky Gap Casino Resort. We will be using the Event Center to stage the HUMM. We have negotiated a discounted rate for accommodation at the resort, or camping and cabins are available at nearby Rocky Gap State Park.

Rocky Gap Casino Resort is surrounded by mountains inside Rocky Gap State Park, overlooking Lake Habeeb.

Featuring mountain or golf course views, the elegantly simple rooms come with minifridges, microwaves and cable TV, plus free Wi-Fi and coffeemakers. Airy 1-bedroom suites add sofabeds, kitchenettes and/or dining tables; 1 has lake views and a whirlpool tub.

Amenities include complimentary parking, an indoor pool and a hot tub, as well as 3 restaurants and 2 bars. The casino offers slots and table games. There's also a spa, a gym, a pro shop and an 18-hole golf course.

We have negotiated a discounted rate of $139 plus tax for the HUMM. Limited numbers of rooms are available at this rate, so book directly with Rocky Gap Casino Resort online or on their Reservations Number 1.800.724.0828 as soon as possible. Please use Group Name / Promo Code Horizons Unlimited when booking to get the discounted rate. NOTE: You must call the Reservations Number for the $139 rate, you cannot book online!

Hotel/Resort Amenities:

•Complimentary wireless Internet access
•Indoor swimming pool and whirlpool
•Fitness center
•Five onsite restaurants and lounges
•24-hour casino
•Room service
•Pro Shop
•ATM/banking
•24-hour front desk
•Safe deposit box
•Complimentary self-parking and valet parking
•Smoke-free property

Accommodation at Rocky Gap Casino Resort

Rocky Gap Casino Resort offers a variety of accommodation choices to suit your budget. We have negotiated a discounted rate of $139 plus tax for the HUMM.

We highly recommend taking a room - after riding hard all day, you will really appreciate a nice comfy bed at night! If you're sharing with a team mate, it's even more of a bargain!

Bookings

Limited numbers of rooms are available at this rate, so book directly with Rocky Gap Casino Resort online or on their Reservations Number 1.800.724.0828 as soon as possible. Please use Group Name / Promo Code Horizons Unlimited when booking to get the discounted rate. NOTE: You must call the Reservations Number for the $139 rate, you cannot book online!

Hotel Room Amenities:

•Complimentary wireless Internet access
•Premium cable television
•Flat-screen televisions
•User-friendly clock radio
•Complimentary USA TodayTM newspaper
•Work desk and phone equipped with voicemail
•Iron and ironing board
•In-room safe for valuables
•Hairdryer and toiletries
•Deluxe coffee maker with complimentary coffee
•Microwave
•Refrigerator

Newly Renovated Spa

Treat your body and mind to a rejuvenating session at The Spa at Rocky Gap Casino Resort. Pamper yourself with a wide variety of services specific to women and men of all ages.

Services - The Spa at Rocky Gap Casino Resort

•Massages
•Soothing Skin Care Facials
•Waxing
•Body Treatments
•Manicures and Pedicures
•Salon Services
•Spa Day Packages
•Spa Specials

Restaurants

Rocky Gap has 4 onsite restaurants to suit all budgets.

Lakeside Restaurant

Lakeside Restaurant offers you affordable and stylish buffet dining with a breathtaking view. From bountiful breakfast buffets at sunrise to delectable rotisserie chicken, smoked brisket. A full wine list to compliment your dining experience.

Every Friday and Saturday enjoy our Dinner Buffet from 5pm until 10pm featuring Roasted Turkey, Ham and smoked specialties, peel and eat shrimp, and much much more.

Signatures Bar & Grill

The place locals prefer. Dine outside and enjoy the view or dine inside and enjoy the game. Catch live entertainment on the weekends.

At Signatures Bar and Grill, we've got it all!
•Live entertainment
•Great views
•Relaxing atmostphere after a round of golf
•Premium sports viewing on our multi-screen TV wall

Grab a chair and get comfortable because fresh food, high spirits and a fun atmosphere is on the way!

LB's - Steaks, Burgers and More

With fantastic Salad Bowls, Flat Breads, Signature Burgers & delicious Maryland Crab Cakes, LB's is Western Maryland's best Casual Dining Restaurant! Enjoy a full bar including a meticulously chosen wine list at an exceptional value. During the warmer months, enjoy outside seating with a beautiful lakeside view. Soon to be a local favorite, LB's is the best stop at your favorite Casino!

A Little Munch

Hungry? We have you covered at A Little Munch. Enjoy specialty coffee and a pastry, grab a sandwich and a beer or have a cocktail while playing at our video poker bar.

A Little Munch offers tasty baked goods, a variety of sandwiches and a full service bar. Stop by the lobby and grab a bite...your stomach will thank you.

On the Rocks

Raise your glass to a good time at On the Rocks at Rocky Gap Casino Resort. Conveniently located on the casino floor, our full service bar offers specialty cocktails and eight beers on tap. Sip your cocktail or enjoy a beer at the bar while you try your hand at video poker.

Entertainment & Casino

Rocky Gap Casino Resort is the place to go for free entertainment. Enjoy live music and live bands right on the casino floor or in Signatures Bar & Grill.

Table Games in the Casino

If you crave Table Games, then let Rocky Gap Casino Resort deal you a winning hand. Step right up and try your luck on Blackjack, Roulette, Mississippi Stud and Three Card Poker. Our friendly staff is ready to deal you in whether you're a beginner or an experienced player.

Current Games Include:
•Lucky Ladies Blackjack
•Roulette
•Bonus Craps
•Mississippi Stud
•Three Card Poker
•Double Deck Pitch Blackjack

Activities on site

Golf

Enjoy exclusive access to Maryland's only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the scenic vistas and shimmering mountain lake offer the perfect backdrop for a round of golf with friends. Club rentals, memberships and lessons are available at the Pro Shop.

Course Details:
• 7,000-yard, 18-hole, par 72
• 50-spot driving range
• Two large putting greens
• Two chipping areas
• Practice bunker
• Pro Shop

Outdoor activities

Make your stay at Rocky Gap a true adventure by taking part in an onsite activity. We offer a variety of unique experiences well suited for any age. Many activities are available on a first-come first-served basis or can be booked in advance. While on site, visit our activities desk in the Pro Shop or call 301-784-8503 for details.

Yolo Board Rental - $20 per hour

"You Only Live Once" is the idea behind Yolo Boards. The stable, high quality stand up paddleboards are available for rent for use on site.

Canoe Rental - $15 per hour, Maximum two adults. Life jacket rentals are required and included.

Kayak Rental - $15 per hour/Single, $25 per hour/Double. Single and double kayaks available. Life jacket rentals are required and included.

Pedal Pontoon Boats - $30 per hour. Maximum two adults. Life jacket rentals are required and included.

Fishing Gear Rental - $15 for 2 hrs., $5 each additional hour. Rental fee includes pole & live bait.

Adjacent Mountain Lake has a large number of largemouth bass with some weighing in at over 10 pounds. The lake also supports smallmouth bass, sunfish, channel catfish and trout. We offer a wide variety of fishing poles, bait and tackle. A Maryland fishing license is required and is available for purchase at the DNR office located within the Rocky Gap State Park.

Bocce Ball - Free

The sport is played with one small ball (Pallino) and eight larger balls (Bocce) - four for each team. The Pallino is thrown first and becomes the target. Then each Bocce is thrown with the goal of placing it as close to the Pallino as possible.

Rocky Gap Casino Resort Map (2 MB)

We have negotiated a discounted rate of $139 plus tax for the HUMM. Limited numbers of rooms are available at this rate, so book directly with Rocky Gap Casino Resort online or on their Reservations Number 1.800.724.0828 as soon as possible. Please use Group Name / Promo Code Horizons Unlimited when booking to get the discounted rate. NOTE: You must call the Reservations Number for the $139 rate, you cannot book online!

Camping (including RVs) and Cabins at Rocky Gap State Park

Campsites

Rocky Gap Campground offers 278 individual campsites (including 30 equipped with 30 amp electric hook-ups), a family group site and two youth group camping areas. The campground also features a dump station, bathhouses with hot water in each loop, a boat ramp, canoe and kayak rentals (Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day), a nature center, a private swimming beach and a camp store. Pets are allowed in Camp Loops Ash, Birch, Chestnut, Dogwood and Elm (Sites 1- 143).

Make reservations online or call the reservation center at 1-888-432-2267. TTY users call 1-866-804-7846.

Cabins

There are 14 Mini Cabins located throughout the Exterior of the Easter Hill Chaletcampground. They sleep either four or six people. Each has electricity (no water) and beds. Users must provide their own linens.

Easter Hill Chalet

The Easter Hill Chalet accommodates up to eight people. A completely furnished kitchen, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, wrap-around deck, gas fireplaces, outdoor campfire area and grill make this an enjoyable vacation spot. Chalet guests must provide their own linens, towels, bedding, pillows, and soaps. The chalet is located in a forested, private area of the park, overlooking the lake. Chalet requires a 2-night minimum stay. The address for the Chalet is 13300 Pleasant Valley Road, Flintstone MD 21530.

Reservations are available April-December.Make reservations online or call the reservation center at 1-888-432-2267. TTY users call 1-866-804-7846.

Information from Maryland state parks for campers

Full payment is required when completing reservation both Online, Call Center and walk-in at the Park.

Recreational Vehicles

Make it a road trip and park your RV at the Rocky Gap State Park Campground. Enjoy all the excitement the adjacent Rocky Gap Casino Resort has to offer by day and stay in the comfort of your own RV by night. The campground is approximately two miles from the casino. Make your next getaway the best of both worlds. The Resort does offer off site RV parking for guests who wish to visit for the day.

For more information on Rocky Gap State Park, visit their website.

Rocky Gap State Park Map (2 MB)

HUMM Refund Policy