China Motorcycle Tour

China Silk Road BMW Motorcycle Tour
offered by supplier M16245 (view this supplier profile)
Click here for a free brochure

Key Information:
Tour Duration: 7 - 14 day(s)
Group Size: 2 - 10 people
Destination(s): China
Specialty Categories: Motorcycle Tours
Season: April - October
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: Yes
Minimum Per Person Price: 2499 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 6199 US Dollar (USD)

China's vast western region is accessible to travelers along the classic Silk Road, although historically, the trade route was never called such until a German geographer gave it that romantic name in the late 1800s. In AD 200, this transcontinental route linked the Roman Empire in the west with the imperial court of China. Trade along the route was carried on by foreign traders who belonged to neither of the two old empires.

Before the discovery of the sea route to India, the Silk Road was the most important connection between the East and West. It experienced its last great era during the time of the Mongol Empire. This ancient trade route starts in the old capitals of Luoyang and Xian (then called Chang'an), reaches the Yellow River at Lanzhou, then skirts westward along deserts and mountains before dividing into three routes at the oasis of Dunhuang. The great part of the Silk Road threads its way through Xinjiang. Ancient travelers left behind many historical records and invaluable relics.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Xian. Pick up at the airport and check in to hotel

Day 2: Xian (local tour) visit. Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses, Huaqing Pool and Big Goose Pagoda

Day 3: Xian to Pingliang (340 km). Visit Kongtongshan

Day 4: Pingliang to Lanzhou (340 km). Visit Watermill Park

Day 5: Lanzhou to Wuwei (280 km). Visit Han Tomb of Leitai, Bronze Galloping Horse

Day 6: Wuwei to Zhangye (250 km). Visit Giant Buddha Temple

Day 7: Zhangye to Jiuquan (235 km). Visit Luminous Cup Factory

Day 8: Jiuquan to Dunhuang (420 km). Visit Jiayuguan (Old-aged Gate Tower)

Day 9: Dunhuang (local tour). Visit Mogao Caves and Echoing Sand Mountain

Day 10: Dunhuang to Hami (440 km)

Day 11: Hami to Turpan (470 km). Visit Flaming Mountain, Grape Valley

Day 12: Turpan to Urumqi (220 km). Visit Karez System and Ancient City of Gaochang

Day 13: Urumqi (local tour). Visit Heavenly Lake

Day 14: Back Home from Urumqi

Total Distance: 3500 km

This is the route for the tour that starts in Xian. The next tour runs the opposite way starting in Urumqi. Book your flight accordingly!
 

Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.

Included:
- Accommodation in Hotels 4 star or above
- Meal, breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the tour
- A non-alcoholic drink comes with all meals
- BMW motorcycle: 650GS, 650 Dakar, 1150GS of your choice with unlimited mileage
- Including 3rd party insurance with $0 deductible
- Gasoline
- Road Toll
- Support vehicle, luggage transport
- Bus rides during the tour
- Admission to attractions
- Airport transfers (Arrival/Departure)
- Driver license in China (international driver license is not valid)
 

Not Included:
- International flights
- Visa fees and airport taxes
- Insurance for travel, accident and luggage
- Alcoholic drinks
- Personal equipment (i.e. helmet, protective gear)

ASIA––Continent of mystery. Exotic and mesmerizing. Home to mankind's most ancient and unique civilizations.
ASIA––Continent of beauty. Profuse in greenery, shrouded by the world's oldest rainforests. Shorelines sprinkled with coral lagoons and jungle-encrusted isles offer the finest in holiday amenities.
ASIA––Continent of contrasts. Its dark interior sheltering indigenous cultures scant steps removed from the Stone Age. While not far away, modern cities, frenetic with energy, manic with development, soar above the surrounding paddy fields.

It is hard to make generalizations about an area so vast and brimming with humanity as Asia, but here are a couple:
* Asia has some of the best motorcycle roads in the world.
* Motorcycle touring in Asia encompasses the most fascinating biking that exists on our planet.

Offroad Vietnam offers many off-road information, specialty tours and adventures in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand in Southeast (SE) Asia and China on motorbike, moped scooter, motorcycle, bike, bicycle, car, junk, train and 4x4 vehicles with activities as motorcycling, motorbiking, riding, venturing, kayaking and trekking... Our site features a tour library of detailed itineraries and photos from the road. Some of the most useful resources you can find on the web about travelling off-road in Vietnam. Let's do a lifetime adventure! For independent travellers, we rent out Honda road and dirt bikes (125-160cc), Honda Dream moped 100cc, Honda Wave moped 100cc, Minsk motorcycle mmvz-113 125cc and accessories. Bike upgrade (250cc) is available

Yunnan Province is without doubt one of the most alluring destinations in China. It's the most varied of all of China's provinces, with terrain ranging from tropical rainforest to snow-capped Tibetan peaks. It's also the sixth-largest province and home to a third of all China's ethnic minorities(nearly 50% of the province is non-Han) and half of all China's plant and animal species. There are 25 different ethnic minorities in Yunnan, making it the most culturally diverse province in China. This multiplicity of cultures has endowed the province with a rich heritage that it shares with all who come to visit. There is always something wonderful to see and do here.
The natural beauty of Yunnan Province defies description. It has mountain ranges and glaciers that are snow-capped all year round, deep virgin forests, lakes and hot springs, alpine landscapes, precipitous valleys, beautiful farmlands, mountain rivers and valley streams, floral splendor that blooms throughout the year, and vast skies with amazing clouds.
Yunnan is also well known for its mild climate year-round-its name means' South of the Clouds'. The provincial capital, Kunming is similarly referred to as the 'Spring City'. Thus if you could only go to one province, this might well be it.
Until recent times most of Yunnan was not easily reachable as it was cut off from communication with the outside world by precipitous mountains. Many believe that the Shangri-la referred to in James Milton's Lost Horizons, was here in Yunnan. It now may be the last virgin land where one can observe cultures whose layers go back for thousands of years into the past. Visit Yunnan and be prepared to be enchanted.
It was not possible for us to just dream about motorcycling into this magic land until now. The dream has come true, we have made it true. Come and ride, make your adventures of a life time. If you are dreaming about an adventure on a motorcycle by reading stories, listening to friends...it will never come true. But if you have really enough courage, this trip make it truely. Be pride on doing this trip, it is more than a trip because it is THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFE TIME

Riding in the most beautiful route in the Northwest of Vietnam, crossing China border to Yunnan, Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Dali, wheeling on windy mountain passes, exploring the richest mountain hill-tribe cultures of Asia. Rolling onward to Tibet, Burma border then cross Laos border to Luang Prabang during 21 days. There are many large High-way in China but we prefer the back-road through countryside and mountainous.
Day 1 : Dec 1^st 2007: Hanoi – Mai Chau, 170km ~4h; B, L, D
Transfer out of the City by car, we choose the longer road to Mai Chau but with more beautiful scenery and less traffic. Enjoy traditional dancing in local Thai ethnic family. Overnight with family.
Thai family
Day 2: Dec 2^nd 2007: Mai Chau – Phu Yen, 130km ~4h; B, L, D
Begin the rocky riding for an hour to the region of H’Mong hill-tribe, Explore the Moc Chau highlands with green tea fields then crossing Black River by ferry to Phu Yen.
Hoang Gia Hotel
Day 3: Dec 3^rd 2007: Phu Yen – Mu Cang Chai, 160km ~4h; B, L, D
Ride along 2kms of dirt road through the mountain passes of Lung Lo through forest, begin to follow Hoang Lien Son mountain ranges heading up North through high mountain passes.
People Communist Guesthouse
Day 4: Dec 4^th 2007: Mu Cang Chai – Sapa, 170km ~4h; B, L, D
Explore the most beautiful landscape in the Northwest of Vietnam, Tram Ton passes, walking around Sapa.
Hoang Long Hotel
Day 5: Dec 5^th 2007: Sapa – Lao Cai – Hakou – Kaiyuan, 240km ~5h; B, L, D
Checking the border into China. Heading up stream on the Red River bank, visit the old French town Mengzi and the old colonial train station near the Lake Nanhu.
Diannan hotel 3*.
Day 6: Dec 6^th 2007: Kaiyuan – Stone Forest – Kunming, 210km ~4h; B, L,
Beautiful scenery - paddy fields with crops. On the way, stop at Shilin to visit the Stone Forest (110 km). Stone forest is the number one natural wonder in China, 270 million years ago it was underwater but shifts in the earth's crust caused the sea to recede making a new tableland, while its limestone bed rose up, to create the stone pillars.
Camellia hotel 2*.
Day 7: Dec 7^th 2007: Kunming City tour; B
1896 m, the capital of Yunnan Province, the gate of China to South East Asia, the trade to Burma, Thailand and Vietnam is very flourishing. As its climate is good all year round, Kunming is also famous for its wide variety of flowers. City tour: visit the Bamboo Buddhist Temple (18 km) with 500 Arhat statues which were built in the Qing Dynasty (280 years ago).
Camellia hotel 2*.
Day 8: Dec 8^th 2007: Kunming – Yuanmou, 207km ~5h; B, L, D
Upon arrival, visit the Earth Mound Forest, a
mysterious and magnificent wonderland. Visitors wandering around the earth mounds are just like people touring in a wonderland. The main spectacles include views of castles of ancient Greece; cathedrals of ancient Rome and temples of ancient China.
Yuanmou hotel 2*.
Day 9: Dec 9^th 2007: Yuanmou – Huaping, 214km ~5h; B, L, D
Today the ride to Huaping is along a paved road, via Yongren, Renhe (Sichuan province, 123 km), Pangzhihua (Sichuan), then to Huaping (Yunnan). Ride along the Yangtze River valley about 30 km, through natural forest.
Local hotel 2*.
Day 10: Dec 10^th 2007: Huanping – Lijiang, 203km ~4h; B, L
Lijiang is located at an altitude of almost 8,000ft and is a UN World Heritage Site. The old part of the town has wonderful old cobbled streets, meandering streams and views that will take your breath away. The ancient town of Lijiang is a lovely Chinese traditional town. Naxi classical concert in the evening.
Sanhe Guest Inn3* in the old town of Lijiang.
Day 11: Dec 11^st 2007: Lijang City tour; B
Visit a traditional Naxi Village Baisha, where life has gone relatively unchanged for hundreds of years. Black Dragon Pool, where the snow-capped mountains seem to shimmer as they are reflected in the waters of the lake. A visit to a Tibetan lamasery Yufeng is also an option.
Sanhe Guest Inn3*.

Day 12: Dec 12^nd 2007: Lijiang - Tiger Leaping Gorge, 106+23km ~3h; B, L, D
Enjoy riding along the Yangtze River to Qiaotou. Tiger Leaping Gorge is in the countryside north of Lijiang and the scenery is stunning. The Yangtze River, still in its infancy here, passes through the Gorge with cliffs of almost 4,000m on either side.
Woody House (there are only 6 rooms with the bathroom for 12 people; the others have to go the public for the shower)..
Day 13: Dec 13^rd 2007: Tiger Leaping Gorge – Dali, 223km ~5h; B, L
Riding on the old road to Dali, via Jianchuan (110 km). Dali, located beside the beautiful Erhai Lake, used to be the capital of Nanzhao and Dali kingdom, two strong and independent dynasties lasting from 725 till 1360 AD. We enjoy mountain passes, villages and forest. On the way, visit the one of oldest Bai village Zhouchen to see the traditional Bai method of tie-dying cloth.
Landscape hotel 3* in Dali Old Town.

Day 14: Dec 14^th 2007: Dali City tour; B
Sightseeing in Dali: visit 3-pagodas, the symbol of Dali, etablished a thousand years ago in Nanzhao Kingdom. We visit Xizhou Bai village market and see the unique house of a Bai family. Cruise Erhai Lake and islands, at 250 sq kms, the second largest freshwater lake in Yunnan.
Landscape hotel 3*.
Day 15: Dec 15^th 2007: Dali – Zhernyuan, 223km ~5h; B, L, D
Today we will drive along the Tea & Horse Road in the Wulian Mountain area. It was started in the Han dynasty (nearly 2 thousand years ago), flourished in the Tang Dynasty (a thousand years ago) and was completed after the Second World War when the highway was built. The road starts from Puer in Simao and ends in India via Tibet. People exchanged the tea from Yunnan with horses and herbs from Tibet. It can be compared with the Silk Road since it was the only road in South-west China.
Zhenyuan hotel 2*.


Day 16: Dec 16^th 2007: Zhenyuan - Jinggu – Shuangjiang, 236km ~5h; B, L, D
Riding along a narrow mountain road to Shuangjiang (125 km), the district of the Lahu people (Kucong in Jinping), via Jinggu (121km). Cross the Mekong river at Dahai. Visit a village Jiefang.
Roadside views: crops on the high mountains, especially at the bridge on the Mekong River, Lahu people
Shuangjiang hotel 2*.
Day 17: Dec 17^th 2007: Shuangjiang – Ximen, 154km ~4h; B, L, D
Rocky, bumpy and narrow road through spectacular scenery to Ximen. In the Wa area (154 km). Drive along a branch of the Mekong -Xiao Heijiang (Black river). Head towards the Burmese border at Yuesong Wa village (16 km from the old town) on an unpaved road to see the real life of the Wa people up near the Armed Police Frontier Station. Return to Ximen.
Local guest house.
Day 18: Dec 18^th 2007: Ximen – Menghai, 235km ~5h; B, L, D
Continue on the narrow bumpy road to Lancang (110 km). Drive along the river Nanlanhe Road to Menghai (125 km). The town of Xishuangbanna bordering Burma and Laos is a sub-tropical area. The main people here are Dai, Hani, Bulang and Yao. It is rich in primitive forest and world-renowned as a rich kingdom of animals and plants. Visit the Dai Octagonal Pavilion, the symbol for Buddhism. Visit Aini village (the branch of Hani) to discover the marriage custom of testing for pregnancy before marriage!
Menghai hotel 2*.
Day 19: Dec 19^th 2007: Menghai – Jinghong – Menglun, 127km ~4h; B, L, D
Continue riding along the Mekong River to Ganlanba (38 km) through the forest and Dai villages, enjoy paddy fields dotted with traditional Dai villages, and explore the simple life of these pristine and hospitable farmers. Visit Dai Custom Garden with Dai performances and water splashing. Transfer to Menglun Botanic garden (34 km.) to enjoy this garden full of tropical plants.
Menglun hotel 2*.
Day 20: Dec 20^th 2007: Menglun – Boten – Udomxay, 200km ~5h; B, L, D
Ride along a quite busy road currently under construction to the border of Laos.Exit China and enter Laos at Boten.Take a winding mountain road, passing through ethnic villages.
Udomxay Hotel 2*
Day 21: Dec 21^st 2007: Udomxay – Luang Prabang, 180km ~4h; B, L, D
Easy riding along a good winding mountain road, visiting ethnic villages along the way. Visit Pak Ou cave situated on the banks of the Mekong River and containing thousands of Buddha images.
Phu Sy Villa 3*
 

Included:
 

Permission to enter and exist China, Laos on motorcycle

Transport your bike from Luang Prabang back to Hanoi (250USD/bike already added)

2 Group Leaders from Voyage Vietnam through the trip
 

1 mechanic
 

1 local guide through the ride in China
 

1 support car followed the group in China
 

All entrance fees during the tour;

All Accommodation; Hotel 2-3 star in China;

All food as mention in the program above

Motorcycle, gasoline needed for the tour.

 

Not included:

Drinks and 8 meals as mention in the tour program;

Visa and taxes for enter and exist those countries

Tipping or gratuities to guides and drivers;

Mandatory international travel insurance;

Excursions other than those specified in trips;

Extra cost if itinerary is delayed or changed due to unexpected reasons beyond control.

 FOR THE OPTION TO RIDE YOUR MOTORCYCLE BACK TO HANOI

 1 day relax in Luang Prabang + 4 days ride back to Hanoi
Day 22: Dec 22^nd 2007: Luang Prabang, Relax; B, L, D
Full day relax in Luang Prabang to discover this World Heritage site.
Day 23: Dec 23^rd 2007: Luang Prabang - Plan of Jars, 180km ~4h; B, L, D
Ride a gain your motorcycle on high mountain passes, through beautiful villages of H’Mong and Thai Dam people. When arrive in Phonsavan, park you staffs in the Hotel then ride to the Plan of Jars for the sunset,
Day 24: Dec 24^th 2007: Plan of Jars - Sam Nua, 230km ~5h; B, L, D
Ride in phonsavan plateau on ward to Muong Kham with a stop to visit Tham Piew cave - where about 400 people were killed during the second Indochina War by a rocket from American Jet on 24 Nov 1968.

Enjoy some dirt ride on the way to Nam Neun before heading again on sealed road No6. We will come to a winding road alongside beautiful green forest. Picnic lunch in Suan Hin Stone Garden before ending the day ride in Sam Nua.
Day 25: Dec 25^th 2007: Sam Nua - Nam Xoi - Na Meo - Cam Thuy, 220km ~5h; B, L, D
Explore Vieng Xay on your motorbike, the former Pathet Lao Revolutionary head-quarters with its famous hundred limestone cliffs, caves and Phathet Lao stories from the second Indochina War. After lunch, we ride to Nam Xoi, cross the last border to return to Vietnam.
Day 26: Dec 26^th 2007: Cam Thuy - Hanoi, 160km ~4h; B, L, D
Easy riding on good road through limestone mountain karts, surrounded local villages return to Hanoi. End trip.

Motorcycle tour across China

Hi,
I'm currently arranging a motorcycle tour travelling from Europe to China and considering options for
travelling with a group of motorclists in China. We're planning to be including a fairly large group, possibly 10+
bikes - all over 250cc - (probably mainly 1150 / 1200 GS Adventures.

I would love to hear from anyone with suggestions for routes, along with any advice for bringing a large group of
motorbikes into China. We plan to ship the bikes back from the east coast.
The two options that we are looking at;
1. To enter China at the Kazakhstan border and spend aprox 30 days riding across China to Beijing, ideally arriving ahead of the World olympics - around 5th August 2008.
or
2. Enter via Mongolia and spend aprox 14 days riding in China.
Tour dates are ideally to be in Beijing during the games. If this looks impossible to arrange, then we will consider travelling either just before or after the games.
Also, to do a similar tour around June 2009.
Details for the tour are online at; http:www.adventurebiketours.co.uk If anyone is interested in helping with the tour,
getting involved, (or wants to come along!) please contact me.

Also, would love to hear any suggestions and advice for travelling in China.
ie, Locations, possible entry points from Mongolia.
I'm aware of the vehicle regulations for China and am discussing guide facilities with Chinese tour guides for assisting with the formalities and guide requirements.

ThanX
GlobeRider,
Steve

Me and a couple of guys from Singapore would be going to Beijing on Honda ST1100 during the same period. We would be travelling from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos then Beijing. On the way back vie Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia. We were told that China had recently closed all the borders for motorcycle above 175cc. Don't know how true it is. Any comments

GENERAL RULES

*

Bookings received later than 2 weeks prior to departure may not be processed!
*

The client must be over 21 years of age (some locations require 25 years of age minimum) and in possession of a valid motorbike license, issued at least a year in advance with adequate riding experience.
*

Some rental stations (especially Austria, Africa, Spain and South America) require an international driver license. This "translation" can easily be obtained at your Automobile Club. Call AAA for detailed info, 800-222-4357 USA.
http://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpapplc.html
or National Auto Club
http://www.thenac.com/international_driving_permit.pdf

*

At pick-up of the rental bike you are required to leave a credit card damage deposit with the rental station.
*

You must wear a helmet and proper riding gear.
*

All rentals of 13 days or less are subject to a US$ 35 booking fee per bike.

NO Refunds if you show up without a valid Motorcycle license or Valid Passport!
IT'S CONSIDERED A NO SHOW!

*

Insurance

"LITTLE TIBET" - TOUR
1


Flight to Delhi. Airport pick-up and transfer to Hotel.
2


Express Train to Chandigarh. After a Briefing on Bikes and traffic and a few rounds at the parking lot, we move towards the Himalayas, to Kalka.
3
A ride up to Shimla, former summer residence of the British Raj to an altitude of 2200 m.
4


An endless up and down and round and round... curves, curves, curves and most memorable scenery on the road to Mandi.
5


A relaxing ride brings us to Manali.
6


We relax in Manali or explore the Kullu valley.
7


We cross 3.890 m high Rothang Pass on route to Keylong.
8
A scenery that makes you feel as if you´re on the moon. And a great camp at Sarchu.
9
Another remarkable day with two times above 5000m!! We camp at Rumtse.
10
On the way to Leh, the capitol of Ladakh, we visit the monasteries of Hemis and Tikse.
11


We explore Leh and its vicinity with the Stok palace.
12


A highlight of the tour! We cross Kardung La, with its 5.603 m the world's highest motorable road.
13
We explore the dunes and hot springs of Nubra Valley.
14
Back out of Nubra Valley an across Kardung La again we ride along the Indus Valley to Alchi.
15


We leave Alchi in the morning for Kargil. On the way, we visit Lamayuru Monastery in the "Moon Valley".
16


Via the most memorable Zoji-La pass, we reach Srinagar, where we spent two nights on a luxury houseboat.
17


A day to relax, to visit the floating gardens and the market with a Chikara boot taxi.
18
We leave the Kashmir valley and the House Boats behind and wind southwards to Jammu.
19
Going up the in hills again, to Dharamsala.
20
A day at the Dalai Lamas Exile.
21


Trough the Himalayan foothills to LeCorbusiers Chandigarh!
22


Train ride to Delhi and time for a last shopping spree.
23


Farewell! Flight back home.


ATTENTION!!!
Participants of our 16 days tour ride all the way to Lamayuru before heading back to Leh. The following day they will fly out of Leh to Delhi!



Himalaya motorcycle tour
bike tour Ladakh - Tikse
Asia Bike Tours
Motorcycle travel Himalayas
Monastery Ladakh bike touring India

Description: Although most of the roads are paved, stretches remain which are not. You should be confident enough to ride on unpaved roads. Traffic is not as hefty as it is in the plains.
Covered distance (on bike): approx. 2700 km
Longest day ride: 340 km

Can be handled with a pillion rider.
There is space for luggage and pillion rider(s) in the back-up car.
Participants: Min. 4 and max. 10 Bikers, up to three people in the back-up car.

ENFIELD BULLET - still stomping after 50 years
The origins of the Enfield Bullet go back to 1948, when manufacture of the 350cc G2 Bullet started in Redditch.
Royal Enfield Motorcycles then in 1955 built a factory in Madras, South India. At the very beginning the bikes where basically used by the Indian Army and Police. The Indian borders, formed by Deserts, Tropical Rain Forests and passes in the Himalayas, as high as 5600 m where the bikes challenge.
Before you get to see a Bullet , you hear it. With it's significant sound the bike from Madras is a potential "head twister.???"
".. how easy the Enfield is do ride. Who can ride a motorcycle at all will have fun with the Bullet from the very beginning." *
" ..easy to handle. Exact and without effort to manoeuvre, sovereign in keeping track" *
* Motorrad 16/1992
"No motorcycle in today's marketplace more authentically
captures the sight, sound and overall spirit of the
golden age of Britbiking 40 years ago than the
Indian-built Royal Enfield Bullet."
(Alan Cathcart in Motorcycle News, 12/ 2000)



We generally use the more powerful 500cc Bullets on our tours. (Mainly) 2001 models are in use now!!!











If you crave for more information about the Enfield's- check out our Link-Page!!








Enfield Bullet motorcycles
Bike cruising in India
Enfield Bikes on the road
Motorcyclists and kids
Enfiled motorcycles
BASICS ABOUT THE ENFIELD BULLET:
22HP with 500cc,
4-gears, 4-stroke kick-start,
footbrake left side, gear lever right side,
saddle height 750mm

Theoretical high speed about 110kmh (more than 80kmph on Indian roads are suicidal)
Basics about our GUESTS: So far Bullet riders from 159cm / 49kg to 190cm/100kg had their fun with the Enfield's.

China represents a fresh frontier in the world of moto travel. MotoDiscovery sees China as an exciting riding destination at a pivotal time in history. Emerging from relative obscurity and isolationism, China now aggressively embraces the ideals of capitalism but with one hand firmly gripping the revolutionary teachings of Mao. Today is the time to experience China.

We at MotoDiscovery have tapped into some exceptional resources to create a touring experience that is genuine. In China this means less government. We are stepping outside the rigid and certainly biased programs that can easily be secured through Chinese tourism agencies. Instead we are at the leading edge of a movement that will be testing "the establishment" as we seek truth through travel.

Daily we can read about Chinas' role on the world stage of economy and trade. But it is its ancient past and at times mysterious culture that most intrigues the Western mind. The Great Wall Fly-n-Ride Tour is about convenience, value and the most desirable and rewarding way to spend two weeks riding in China.

This tour is an exceptional riding experience with a journey into the autonomous region known as Inner Mongolia. Vast grass plains, cool temperatures and eternal blue skies make this land of Genghis Khan a unique part of an already exceptional ride. Some unpaved surfaces can be expected however easily negotiated by any experienced motorcyclist. The real adventure will be the certain interaction with the people of China, their hunger for all that is Western and the gracious Asian demeanor will enchant tour participants. With native staff joining the MotoDiscovery team, you can be assured of a complete China experience that will go beyond exciting motorcycling. Just check out the highlights!

Attention clubs and riding groups: If you are seeking a truly exciting and memorable international touring experience just for you and your friends or family, MotoDiscovery can design a China tour date and itinerary customized to meet you specific needs. We specialize in custom group tours for two to twenty people. Call us.


Highlights

* Your staff will greet you at the airport in Beijing on arrival. MotoDiscovery will have already provided you with comprehensive preparation materials in advance to enlighten you on China and the highlights of your journey.
* Small and intimate groups size will make this a high service event.
* Tiananmen Square, the worlds largest plaza at over 28 acres is the center of Beijing, with the Mao Mausoleum, ancient Gates to the Forbidden City and Chinese Revolution Museum. The world remembers Tiananmen as the sight of bold pro-democracy demonstrations in 1989.
* Your journey will of course include numerous views and excursions to the Great Wall. Its construction began as early as the 7th Century BC and extends for an incredible distance of nearly 4,000 miles, intimidating invaders for thousands of years and lending to the isolation of China from the outside world.
* Yungang Caves west of Datong, Shanxi Province. Fifty three caves, most of which were made during the Northern Wei Dynasty between 460 and 494 AD, and over 51,000 stone sculptures.
* The ride. Each day a fascinating discovery. From the bustling city of Beijing to the plains of inner Mongolia and the shores of the Yellow Sea. Just riding across the seamless carpet of Mongolias' grasslands is an experience one is not likely to find anywhere else on earth.


Tour Includes

* Rental of BMW 650cc motorcycle (upgrade to BMW 1200GS available for additional fee), unlimited miles, insurance
* 13 nights accommodations
* All meals
* Entrances to numerous parks and cultural/historical highlights; multilingual guided tours
* Riding staff
* Luggage/support vehicle with multilingual staff
* Maps, road log and tour preparation literature
* All travel and vehicle permits
* Chines drivers liscence
* Beijing Airport greet and transfer
* MotoDiscovery apparel gift


Itinerary - 14 Days

Fly into Beijing
Beijing
Mutanyu Great Wall
Samatai Great Wall
Chengde
Fengning Mongolian Grasslands
Zhangjiaxou Great Wall
Jining, Inner Mongolia
Hohhot, Inner Mongolia
Honhot, Inner Mongolia
Datung
Datung
Beijing
Fly-out

Mileage (approx)

Longest day: 240
Shortest day: 65
Total miles: 1,500

2006 Dates

September 11-24

Special Extension Offer...the Terracotta Warriors of Xian

Unfortunately one of China's greatest attractions is too far distant from Beijing and our routing to include in this particular journey. While in China we strongly urge you to consider a flying extension to the incredible Terracotta Warriors near Xian. Eight thousand life size figures...and counting, individually hand crafted and signed by the artist..over two thousand years ago! The warriors are but a part of the immense tomb of Emperor Quin which has yet to actually be located in the sprawling complex. Please contact our office for a turnkey extension that will have you flying to Xian from Beijing at the end of your two wheeling adventure.

Price

$4,895 US per rider (double occupancy)
If you prefer not to share a room, the single occupancy supplement is $695
$4,495 US per passenger (double occupancy)
For a post tour extension to the Terracotta Warriors of Xian, please contact the MotoDiscovery Office.

* Motorcycles reserved on first come basis.
* Motorcycle security deposit is $2,000 per motorcycle. This is a credit card function processed only at time of damages to the motorcycle.
* Non riding guests may participate at the price of passenger, traveling in the support vehicle on space available basis.


Deposit

$400 US per person deposit.

WHAT TO TAKE ON MOTORCYCLE
TOURING HOLIDAYS?



TWO KEY THINGS:

1. AN OPEN MIND
2. LESS THAN HALF YOU'VE PLANNED ON BRINGING

WINNING PHOTOGRAPHER WINS A NICE QUALITY WATCH FROM THE TOUR

"we are a collection of our lives experiences"

CHINA

We are back in Jinghong from the remote Yunnan minority villages. We

had a wonderful 3 days on small motorcycles through some of the most

remote areas of Xishuabanna with borders on Burma and Laos.

We saw so many small groups of different minority tribes in these

remote areas. The mountain scenery was beautiful and even though we

could not speak the minorities (they don't speak Chinese) we were with

a motorcycle driving minority women who could communicate with them.

It was a wonderful experience. I took Mom on the back of my 150 cc

Chinese made bike and the minority women guide drove here own 125 cc

Honda.

We slept native in a small bamboo hut with a lot of animals of all

kinds doing gymnastics on the walls and roof all night long. It was

beside a river in the middle of the forest, because our guide

miscalculated the distances between villages. We were riding the

small motorcycles on small foot paths which could not have even taken

a big bike (like my Thai bike) to say nothing about a car. The only

other vehicles we saw for a good part of the trip were bicycles and

small 125cc hondas which are too expensive for most village people.

We saw two markets which were nothing to write home about, so I won't

write about them.

We have really enjoyed this part of China for 6 days now and plan to

leave tomorrow on a bus to the city where we hopefully can get a boat

(20 hours overnight down the Mekong river to the Thai border town of

Chaen Seng) where we will hopefully get off. It sure beats trying to

get buses to the Lao border then through Laos and then to the border

with Thailand. We both really enjoy these small towns and beautiful

mountain rice paddies and tea plantations areas more than the big

cities.

The climate has been in the 70's all the time.

This is definitely the part of China to be at this time of the year

when there are subzero temperatures everywhere else.

"Meet the people, that is the real reason for traveling. 
Learn the language, if you can. They will be grateful 
that you took the trouble, even a few words help. 
Carry a phrase book, because it avoids the intricasies 
of grammar. Get good at pantomine, it works too 
and can be memorable fun.
A motorcycle has always brought me into contact 
with other people, cars  lock them away." 
Dennis Gwynn

Single travellers have a hard time bringing their 
motorcycle into China. Groups are about the only
way to see and meet the people. That is the reason
for Ridetour.

When it is easy to get a motorcycle into China, it will
be a different place.

Why Go Now?

China is rapidly changing from an isolated and traditionally inward-focused society to one that's beginning to look and act a lot like the United States and many other major industrialized nations in Europe and Asia.

Facilitating this social and economic conversion is China's political transformation where once-hard-line Communists are adopting some aspects of entrepreneurial neo-Capitalism.

China, with over 1.3 billion people, was granted "favored nation" status by the United States in 1999. This important diplomatic action opened new trade and tourism opportunities between the two countries and helped accelerate the Chinese government's modernization of this enormous, yet generally untapped market.

Ridetour travelers will get to see firsthand how these changes are being implemented by the Chinese government and learn how the Chinese people are adapting to the changes.

Acrobats - Beijing

Artists - Beijing

Plumber - Shanghai

Jade Store - (Amex, Visa, MC, ect)

The Do NOT list for a park

Motorcycles over 250cc are not used in China unless you have a special permit. Foreigners do not often get motorcycle licenses.

Ridetour travelers will experience China in much the same way as those who trekked The Silk Route a thousand years ago. You'll have the chance to walk the streets of small villages and meet the relatives of Genghis Khan.

You'll taste the same tea that the caravan drivers steeped on their three thousand mile trek across the great deserts of Asia. You'll feel the sands of time as they run through your fingers and collect in your boots.

And, on "Ridetour - The Silk Route" you'll have a little time to stop and smell the roses too.

Terra-cotta Warriors, Xian

Dyed Dog, Xian

"Ridetour - The Silk Route" travelers will personally play an important role in the new Chinese cultural and economic revolution.

Politically, this new-Millennium revolution can be compared to the powerful upheaval that shook the Soviet Union in 1989, tearing down decades-old walls and leveling dictatorial institutions.
Economically, it's equal in importance to the changes that rocked Japan after World War II, when Sony, Honda and Toyota were just start-ups.

"Ridetour - The Silk Route" travelers will get a unique opportunity to gain a special perspective of China; a huge country in the middle of major change. Ridetour has made arrangements to take travelers to many places that most Western tourists never get to see. Places they might not even know exist. We will meet the warm, friendly people who live in these far-flung regions and enjoy their hospitality, their generosity and their friendship while learning more about their fascinating culture.

"Ridetour - The Silk Route" is unique. We'll be a small group of adventurous motorcycle riders (and passengers) traversing thousands of miles of
bad roads through towns and villages where inhabitants will crowd around us, being
respectfully curious and inquisitive.

"Ridetour - The Silk Route" travelers will meet new-Millennium Chinese entrepreneurs who sleep on straw mats in crowded single-room huts while along with their families live their dream of building their small businesses into large, prosperous enterprises.

We'll meet school children and their teachers, bubbling-over with enthusiasm, and with the excitement of meeting us, the first Westerners they've ever encountered- outside of an old black and white movie or perhaps the internet.

We'll meet young government bureaucrats, proud in their mission to protect and build their country. And, we'll meet workers, toiling, digging and sweating because in many places people are more available than machines.

There's a lot happening in China, although its remained protected from the outside by
the Great Wall and the People's revolution, the isolation is a thing of the past.

"Ridetour - The Silk Route" may be your last opportunity to see the unchanged parts of China before it becomes more Westernized. And, you will
meet many wonderful people who will likely become life-long friends. The change is happening rapidly. Time is precious. The longer you wait to see China, the more it will look like the US.

7-19-02.. A new Wal-Mart in Harbin was featured on CNN. Asian goods - American marketing. Disney is coming to Shanghai.

10-26-02.. Starbucks is in Shanghai and Beijing.

11-13-02 .. Western USA Beef available in
Urumuqi's best hotels.

By the way.. dial up - internet access is free in Beijing
and China. Some sites are restricted .. but it is free.

What kind of riding will we get?
Mountains, Desert, Plains - Dirt/Mud
or asphalt, two lane roads. In China most bikes are 250cc or less and not permitted
on the expressway. Although ours are larger they will probably not be permitted
on the expressways either. We will share the road with farm animals and trailer
/ semi trucks, motorcycle families and others.

Competent, responsible riding is important.

What will we see each day?
You'll know what sites we're going to see each day, at least by the night before. On
the days where you have free time in a city, we'll try to have city guide material
ahead of time.

What about hotel quality?

We have selected the best hotels that offer protected motorcycle parking
and the amenities we'd all like after days of riding. John and Anne Stapsy of ridetour.com
have visited all of the hotels and verified their quality. However, in
some cases best is the only choice available. Keep in mind that we are visiting a country that is very slowly loosening their rules about tourism, especially with private motor vehicles.

Who are the Tour Guides?

The national tour guide we are using is experienced in leading motorcycle groups, a personal
friend and very familiar with the cultural and economic history of China. The local guides are motorcycle riders, mountain climbers and historians - each brings their own viewpoint to their province.

What food can we expect?

Look at this as an intense culinary adventure, an opportunity to experience a range
of ethnic Chinese dishes, prepared with local products. Nowhere in the US including
the Chinatowns of NewYork, San Francisco or Los Angeles will you experience closer
to the real thing. Most US restaurants do not offer food from the provinces where
we'll be. Vegetarians should have no worries. When available, we will treat your palate to a taste from home.

Will we have internet access everywhere?

Most of the hotels have access. Often the connection is slow but the rates are low.

Is drinking water available?

Bottled water is a must. It's available everywhere.

You need vaccinations to protect from diseases.

Please check with your physician. You may also want to check with your
county health department. Vaccinations are often much less expensive from the
county health department than from your physician. Also, the health department
may stock them while the physician must order them. You can also check with the
CDC (Center For Disease Control) for their recommendation.

Cameras (General)   

There should be adequate time to take photographs or shoot video of the Ridetour.
Bring enough film, tape, digital media!!, and spare or rechargable batteries for the entire tour.
Assume that you will be unable to buy film and batteries outside of the main cities.
When available they may be  expensive and old. 
Please keep in mind that cameras and equipment will add to your 
total weight load and volume for packing you bike. 
Before leaving on the Ridetour, make sure you really know how to 
work all of the equipment you are bringing. 

Don't take a camera or accessory that is untested.

You don't want to return home from your once-in-a-lifetime trip with only words.

Pack each piece of equipment to survive vibration, rain and a fall.
You WILL experience vibration,  it WILL rain and you may drop something.

Digital Still Cameras 

Digital - If you bring a digital camera you must be able to 'unload' 
your chips/images or have enough chips for the entire trip. 

Unless you are shooting digital ONLY for the web, you should plan to 
shoot at the highest resolution so you can make the best quality prints.

High resolution images use the most memory in your digital camera.
You can buy portable hard drives onto which you may unload your chips.

Here is the story of my trip across China, perhaps foolishly taken alone, illegally, and on a Chinese motorcycle. I was the first free tourist to take a journey such as this, with her own wheels and free to wander at whim -- that is, as long as I was successful at dodging the traffic police.

My route took me from Beijing to Inner Mongolia, along the banks of the Yellow River, through the Gansu corridor, across the silk route and deep into the central mountains. I stayed in trucker hotels, businessman's hotels, and in people's homes. China had just eliminated the two-price policy (regular price/tourist price), the requirement that tourists stay in designated tourist hotels, and the requirement that tourists register with the police every day.

The vehicle was a Chang Jiang sidecar motorcycle, probably the best individual transportation available for traveling these roads. Cutting through the mountainous middle of the country on my way back to Beijing, I found a shakey infrastructure of dirt roads that deteriorated into riverbeds. The bike got a bit cranky at that, and I got really stuck a few times in tiny villages. But as Ted Simon says, "the interruptions ARE the journey," and indeed these moments hold my most cherished memories of the trip.

The journey was an experiment in travel and technology, a spiritual, and a physical adventure amongst the Buddhas and the communists, the Han, the Hui, the Mongolians and the Tibetans... there is much to see, more to learn. I am continuing to learn, through conscious research and from many readers of these pages, who contribute their own experiences in this mysterious country and culture.
A book based on the dispatches from this trip is in progress... good news for those of you who don't fancy curling up by the fireplace with your computer.

THE IDEA

The original idea was to travel by land on a motorcycle from Lisbon,

Portugal to Hong Kong. I had no other reason for choosing these two

places other than on the map it looked like the longest distance one

could travel across the huge Eurasian landmass and at the same time

manage to pass through a great variety of different cultures. I later

on changed my mind and decided to reverse the direction and try to go

from Hong Kong to Lisbon for two reasons: first, I was told by my

cousin who has lived in Hong Kong for over 20 years that it wouldn't be

difficult to cross from HK into China, and second, I thought that I

would attempt to put what I thought would be the difficult part of the

trip behind me at the beginning while both myself and the bike were in

top shape. I would later on come to regret this decision and now I

know I will continue to regret it for a long time to come.

HONG KONG

I arrived in Hong Kong on March 16, 1998 having shipped my bike by sea

four weeks previously. I did not know what to expect from Hong Kong

and upon arrival found it very much New-York-city like with the

exception that most neon signs were in Chinese and laundry was hanging

from washing lines at just about every window of all the tall apartment

complexes. It was crowded and driving is on the wrong side of the

road.

Next morning I went to pick up my bike. Here is how it works:

1. You go to the office of the agency that is responsible for handling

your cargo: storage, customs, etc. Your shipping company at home will

have given you their name, address and telephone number. There you give

them your paperwork and they charge you all the fees for cargo handling,

paperwork, customs clearance, late storage fees, etc. In my case the

fees amounted to about $150. Now, welcome to Hong Kong. If you thought

that in the US money is God, Hong Kong will change your mind. In HK

money is God, the ONLY God and you will pay through the nose while

relearning this lesson. HK is extraordinarily expensive and if you have

no friends or relatives to provide you with accommodations and guidance,

prepare to be spending a minimum of $150 per day. Also, you will need a

24-hour access to a telephone, so bring your cellular phone with you -

in HK everybody has at least one!

2 Next, you go to the warehouse where your crate is. It will be

somewhere around the harbor where you, no doubt, will get completely

lost. I had my cousin's driver with me who had been born and raised in

HK and it took HIM an hour to find the place after we had already

arrived at the harbor! Be sure to tell the clearing agency that you

want to uncrate your bike at the warehouse and ride it off or else they

will expect you to pick up the crate in a truck and you definitely do

not want to do that. Of course, the agency will very politely tell you

that this will cost an additional $50 for clearing the debris from your

crate. I had made my crate myself with the thought in mind that I will

have to uncrate it using only a screwdriver. As I was doing the work,

dozens of Chinese gathered around me smoking and watching me in total

disbelief and later exploded in loud exclamations as they saw the bike

come out of the crate. Three police cars came over and one of the

officers politely asked me what I intended to do with this motorcycle

and I politely told them that I intended to ride it all the way to

Lisbon, Portugal. They just stepped aside and joined the crowd of

onlookers. As I got on the bike and started it, they told me to follow

them which I did and they escorted me all the way to the main road

where they left me - I could see from the expressions on their faces

that they thought I wouldn't last a minute on the busy roads of HK.

3. As soon as you pick up your bike, you should go to an office of

the Hong Kong Transportation Dept. (The Hong Kong DMV) to get what they

call "an international circulation permit" which is a small piece of

paper allowing you to drive your personal vehicle in Hong Kong for up

to one month. I got mine at

Hong Kong Transportation Dept.

United Center

95 Queensway

3rd Floor, counter #6

tel: 2804-2633

There was no charge for the permit and that was the one and only time I

did not have to pay for something I needed. You basically fill out an

application and ten minutes later they give you the permit. Documents

they wanted to see were: passport, title of ownership, registration

papers and the bill of lading which is a piece of paper your shipper

will have given you. You could probably be OK riding in HK without one

but you will, for sure, need it at the border where it is the first

thing HK immigration is going to ask you for. More on that later.

4. At this point you can pretty much just enjoy HK for a day or two or

head straight for the border. There are three land crossings into

China and a good map of HK will show all three. The most popular and

seemingly busiest is the Lok Ma Chau which is the one I tried first.

Now, the China - Hong Kong border situation seem to be quite

complicated. It appears that that part of the world is separated into

three zones : the special administrative zone of Hong Kong, a

restricted zone (a heavily guarded no-man's land between HK and China

mainland) and a special economic zone on the mainland. All have

borders (barriers and armed guards) and all have to be crossed before

you find yourself in China proper. I arrived at the first crossing

(Hong Kong immigration) and was asked for my papers. I produced my

passport, valid Chinese visa, International Driver's License and my HK

circulation permit. I was then told in a rather strict tone of voice

that this was a closed area and was asked if I had a "closed road

permit". I did not have one and as a result was detained. When about

an hour later the senior officer came to see me I was ordered to turn

around and go back to HK which I, of course, refused to do and insisted

that I had a valid Chinese visa and could I please continue on my way.

I was then told that I was in violation of HK law and was given the

choice of leaving immediately or be arrested. After another five

minutes of questions and answers I was given the information on who can

issue a "closed road permit" in HK and was promptly escorted by armed

guards out of the restricted zone.

Note that you could cross from there by foot or by bus into China but

not on your "fancy foreign machine". When I asked if I could cross on

foot and have my bike transported across the restricted zone by truck

they said that was OK with them. However, they would not allow you to

ride in the truck since the truck drivers are not allowed to carry

foreigners. I was not very happy with the idea of loading my bike into

a Chinese truck and seeing it disappear into China while I was arguing

with Chinese officials.

Note also that all vehicles crossing into China had dual license

plates: one for HK and another one for China. Some are red (they are

good only in the special economic zone) and some are black (they are

good, supposedly, anywhere in China).

So, back I went to HK and spent the next two days trying to find the

office which had the authority to issue a "closed road permit" (CRP).

Of course, the idiots at the border had given me the wrong address. I

eventually found it. It was at the same place where I had got my

circulation permit. The person in charge is a young and attractive

Chinese lady by the name of Flora Lee (everyone in HK has two names,

one is their "English" name, the other is the Chinese.)

She very politely told me that she would inquire on my behalf and would

let me know as soon as possible. Three days later, I received a fax

telling me ever so politely that the HK Transportation Department would

be happy to issue a CRP provided that assurance could be obtained that

Chinese Customs on the other end of the "closed area" would allow the

bike through. I was told it was up to me to deal with Chinese Customs

and was sent to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs which told me

to go to the Huanggang check point on the Chinese side of the Lok Ma

Chau border crossing. Well, that required going into China so I

thought I would put myself and the bike on the train and try to cross

that way. At the train station I was told it would be no problem, was

quoted a price of about $50 for the bike and was told to come the next

morning at 7 a.m. I did and at first everything looked good but as I

proceeded to put the bike on the train a customs officer showed up and

told me that I needed a permit from Chinese Customs to import the bike

into China. I told him the other guy told me I didn't need anything

but by that time the other guy had quietly disappeared.

Going into China to try to get licenses and other permits had begun to

look unavoidable so with the bike safely parked in my cousin's garage in

HK I boarded the train and went to the mainland. After three days and

having visited at least ten offices where all I heard is "We have no

power, you must go somewhere else" I finally found myself in Guangzhou,

the capital of the Guangdong Province, in front of the chief of the

Public Security Bureau. I had lost patience at this point and after

about two hours of asking who could issue the permits I needed, I was

told to go back to the Vehicle Section of the Huanggang check point

where I could get what I needed. He even wrote the address on a piece

of paper for me. For all I was concerned that piece of paper could have

read "Go jump in a lake". Of course all this meant going back to the

border which now was some 200 miles southeast. I had a few beers and

promised myself this would be the last time I would follow the advice of

a Chinese official. A new day and a new hope, the next morning I took

the train to the border and spent hours looking for the place to which I

was finally taken by a Chinese guy on his 100cc 10-year old Honda which

he rode against the incoming traffic. I remember thinking to myself

"This is it. All this preparation, all this effort, and now I am going

to end up under the wheels of a f------ Chinese truck."

I walked into the Vehicle Section at the check point and there right in

front of me were 12 windows. #4 read "Driver Licenses" and #5 read

"License Plates" in perfect English. At least twenty Chinese officials

in white uniforms gathered when I approached window #4. The guy who was

in charge finally understood what I wanted. He ordered another guy to

give me tea and got on the phone. An hour later he brings the phone to

me. I pick up - it's the chief of the Public Security Bureau in

Guangzhou. "They have no authority to issue you a driver's license" he

says. Now I lose it completely. I call this guy every name in the book

in a tirade that must have lasted a couple of minutes, finally screaming

at the top of my lungs "Why the f---, did you send me here then when you

knew perfectly well that they were going to call YOU to ask YOU what to

do with me?!" Western logic has no effect on the Chinese. The guy

tells me he has good news for me. I must go to Beijing, he says, there

I could get what I need. Oh, sure, I said and gave the phone back to

the officer. All twenty or so of them were completely silent, staring

at me, grinning. I was going to let them have it, but then remembered

that the Chinese actually smile when they are deeply embarrassed. I

left.

The guy with the 100cc Honda was waiting for me outside - he must have

known I was eventually going to need a ride. I rode on the back of his

bike the 5 or 6 miles to the train station. I was furious at first,

then began to feel sorry for myself - I had been stonewalled by the

Chinese and had lost all hope for riding from Hong Kong to Lisbon. The

wind was blowing in my face and a few minutes later I relaxed and

looked at the whole thing at a different angle - I was riding on a

motorcycle in China. Not my bike, and not the 4,000 miles I was hoping

to cover, but still I was in China on a motorbike. There was not

enough beer in Hong Kong that night to drawn my sorrow.

I tried the other two border crossings from HK to China with no luck.

Another possibility was going through Macao. It turned out the ferries

are only for passengers, so I had to charter a boat. Guess what? They

did not allow the importation of used motorcycles in Macao!

Yet another approach: Businesses who are headqurtered in HK are

allowed dual license plates if they do some of their business in China.

Since my cousin runs such a business, I had the bright idea of

registering my bike as a company vehicle, declaring myself a company

employee and securing my licenses that way. It turns out that a

provision in the law specifically excludes "vehicles on two wheels".

When I heard that I thought I was going to go completely crazy. I

started laughing in total awe and admiration for the power of the

Chinese bureaucratic machine.

Another possibility was to take the ferry to Shanhai and to try to

enter from there. Unfortunately, the Hong Kong - Shanhai ferry no

longer sails.

Eventually, a fax came from the American consulate in Guangzhou telling

me that there was a company in Hong Kong which was authorized by the

Vehicle Management Station of the Guangdong Public Security Bureau to

issue Chinese driver's licenses. Here is the info:

Luen Tung Co.

The Star House

10th floor

Tsimshatsui

Hong Kong

Tel:2735-5397, 2735-5412, 2735-5413

Well, if that information had been given to me by the Chinese, I would

not have bothered to check it out but since it came from the American

Consulate in Guangzhou (and I had called them at least a dozen times

asking for help) I decided I would check it out. It turned out it's

true, they could issue driver's licenses. The procedure normally takes

2-4 weeks (I am not kidding!) and here is what they require:

1. Chinese resident permit (something like a Chinese green card) or at

least a 6-month multiple entry visa which you could get in HK for the

small price of $100, $300 for express handling, and you must have been

to China at least once before.

2. Copy of your passport

3. Copy of your driver's license

4. A one time payment of $HK 1,250 which is about $200.

I did not explore this venue because I had already spent three weeks in

HK getting nowhere, had no time to wait another 2-4 weeks, and had no

idea if getting the driver's license would make it easier to get

license plates or any of the other permits.

So, determined to make the best out of a bad situation, I decided to

get out of Hong Kong and to try going in the direction I had originally

chosen: Lisbon to Hong Kong. This, of course, required airlifting the

bike and myself all the way to the Atlantic Coast. It was already a

week into April, my three-month window of opportunity was closing on me

and I could not afford the four weeks it was going to take to get the

bike to Lisbon by sea. After several days on the phone to all shipping

agents in HK, I learned that no airline other than Lufthansa would

agree to take the bike. So, Frankfurt it was. You can imagine how I

felt when I was given the price for this privilege - $3,500 for the

bike alone! Yes, I paid dearly for the mistake of going to Hong Kong.

Other than that, Hong Kong is great. Best dim-sum I have ever had. My

cousin took me to all the exclusive clubs and restaurants and if I had

not been kicking myself in the foot every five minutes for being the

idiot that I was, I would have enjoyed it twice as much. The clock was

running against me, I had ridden about 250 miles in three weeks instead

of the planned 2,500, I was still in Hong Kong having not advanced even

one degree westward, I had blown already more than half my budget, I had

a pregnant wife waiting for me in California and had to be back before

her due date of June 5th.

If you have money to burn and do not mind having a guide, an

interpreter, and having to breath the dust from the vehicle you will

have to follow on your trip across China then you can have everything

organized for you by:

Guahgdong International Sports Tours

Dong Jiao Chang

Guangzhou 510056

Tel: 8755-0670

Fax: 8755-4052

         Main Feature:

        ZW50QT-9A
        Overall Dimension(L*W*Hmm): 1935*660*1160
        Wheelbase(mm) :1365
        Dry mass(kgs) :114
        Speed max(km/h): 50
        Maximum load(kgs): 150
        Fuel catacity: 6.5
        Ignition type : C.D.I
        Starting system : electric & kick
        Displacement/power: 49/2.2
        Braking mode(front/rear): disk/drum
        Front tire size :130/70-12
        Rear tire size  :120/70-12
        Qty/20FT/40HQ: 24/74

http://www.zhiweimoto.com/english/En_Product.asp?EnBigClassName=Motorcycle

FEATURE:

Overall Dimension(L*W*Hmm): 2120*770*1050
Wheelbase(mm): 1305
Ground clearance(mm):145
Dry mass(kgs): 121
Max Speed (km/h): 85
Maximum load(kgs) 150
Engine model 162FMJ
Ignition type C.D.I
Starting system electric & kick
Braking mode(front/rear) disk/drum
Front tire size 3.00-18
Rear tire size 110/90-16
Qty/20FT/40HQ: 30/105

Passion for Riding

Enjoy