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21 Oct 2017
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Then it was across the road to spend several hours in the Forbidden City Palace Museum. There are hordes of people here, but it is all orderly, except where you have to push and force your way to the front to see the throne rooms. This is where the guides would have made their next mistake if we had not changed our plans. The itinerary said we would visit the Forbidden City yesterday and do the bikes today. The Forbidden City is closed one day a week and that was yesterday!
 Forbidden City-2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Forbidden City-3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Forbidden City-5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Forbidden City-7 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Forbidden City-8 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Forbidden City-10 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Forbidden City-11 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Forbidden City-12 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Forbidden City-14 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Forbidden City-15 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 IMG_9866 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 IMG_9858 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Forbidden City-16 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Forbidden City-17 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing_-2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing_-3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing_-4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing_-5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing_-6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing_-7 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing_-8 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing_-9 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing_-10 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing_-11 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing_-13 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing_-14 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing_-15 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing_-16 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing_-25 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
Last edited by saralou; 21 Oct 2017 at 13:02.
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21 Oct 2017
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Contributing Member
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Join Date: Jan 2011
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Then it was thru Beihai Park and along the lake district. This public park is the former Imperial garden built in the 11 th century and open to the public since 1925.
 IMG_9841 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing 2-9 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing_-23 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing_-35 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing_-36 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing_-37 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing_-38 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing_-39 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing_-40 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing 2-2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing 2-3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing 2-4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing 2-5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing 2-7 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing 2-8 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing 2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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21 Oct 2017
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We stopped for a  beside the Signet bridge and then did a small tour in the Hutong district towards the Bell and Drum towers. These were used to chime the time of day with bells in the morning and drums in the afternoon.
 Beijing 2-6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing 2-12 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing 2-13 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing 2-10 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing 2-11 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing 2-17 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing 2-15 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Beijing 2-16 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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22 Oct 2017
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It is also strange in a country we think of as crowded with 1.4 billion that there is so little urbanization. Between the high density cities there is nothing. The highway exits can be 50 km apart. We stopped for some breakfast at 9, gassed up as we are in the same county still we can use the pumps, and then hit the road again.
They are such concrete rule followers here and it can be very frustrating. For example you can ride you bike to the pump, but once you have the gas you must push it past all the pumps and out of the gas up area. So that could be 5 or 20 meters…. we backed up 3 and rode away.
We had to run the gauntlet of 4 toll stations as well today, which to be honest is quite stressful. In Beijing Big bikes are allowed on the highway and it it 1 RNB per 2 km (6 RNB/USD) and so very expensive. The driver paid 1700 RNB to get to us at the border and this is one reason why booking a tour here is so expensive. As our guide says everything in China costs. It is the best when there are a few big trucks waiting on the far right as we can sneak up beside them and get by easily. There is a wide lane and they pull over far left to reach the toll taker and thus we have lots of room to get by. Occasionally if they see us coming the run out or wave us to stop, but we must keep going. Dan and I don't feel that great about this, but this is the way it is here. The law says no motorcycles (scooters, 3 wheel jobs with large….. by the millions here that can only go 50 km/h) and they can not just their thinking to the big bike that can keep pace with the traffic or more.
https://youtu.be/rxDn535ARhE
 FILE1159 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE1180 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
Last edited by saralou; 25 Oct 2017 at 00:53.
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22 Oct 2017
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What is amazing in a country with this population is the vast tracts of nothing outside the cities. Here there is little urbanization. There is also little farming because of the short season. The landscape gets more and more industrial closer to Datong and the air is a dense fog of pollution.
 FILE1155 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE1185 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
It was another 150 km to have a break on the side of the road and then 80 more to the Grottoes. The approach to Datong is a sight from Mad Max. Our eyes were burning and the massive cloud of solution over the city is insane. They burn coal to make electricity to sell to the south of China. It seems a high price to pay if you love here. Driving around the outskirts of the city it looks post apocalyptic. On the west side of the city the sky is clear and the air quality much better.
 Screen Shot 2017-09-22 at 21.48.30 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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22 Oct 2017
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The Yungang Grottoes are rock-cut architecture and one of the three most famous ancient Buddhist sculpture sites in China. The stone carvings are from the 5 th and 6 th century. The grottoes are excavated in a sandstone cliff 2600 ft long and 30-60 feet high.
 FILE1130 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
They are such sticklers about the parking every where here too. Motorcycles must park in motorcycle spots. It does not matter that we have 4 huge bikes and the spot is for 4 mopeds. There is no way they will let you put any number of bikes in one car spot even if the lot is empty. “They are for cars”.
 China Datong Grottos-2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 China Datong Grottos by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 IMG_9880 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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22 Oct 2017
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The first section is where you visit the Buddhist temple that is modern and about 30 years old. It is on an island in a man made lake.
 IMG_9884 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 IMG_9888 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 China Datong Grottos-3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 China Datong Grottos-5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 IMG_9890 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 China Datong Grottos-6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 China Datong Grottos-7 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 China Datong Grottos-9 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 China Datong Grottos-8 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 China Datong Grottos-10 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 China Datong Grottos-11 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 China Datong Grottos-12 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 China Datong Grottos-13 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 China Datong Grottos-14 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 China Datong Grottos-25 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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23 Oct 2017
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The grottoes are on the cliff side. The most ancient and most elaborate are spectacular. There is an ancient wooden facade and the excavated cave is inside. The carving are very detailed and the size of the Buddhas inside are huge. Some of the painting has been restored up to 12 times.
 China Datong Grottos-16 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 China Datong Grottos-17 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 IMG_9914 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 IMG_9918 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 IMG_9908 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 IMG_9911 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 IMG_9919 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 China Datong Grottos-19 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 China Datong Grottos-21 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 China Datong Grottos-20 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 China Datong Grottos-22 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 China Datong Grottos-23 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 China Datong Grottos-24 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 IMG_9930 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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23 Oct 2017
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24 Oct 2017
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We stopped after 125 km to take a break and make a coffee in the parking lot. This drew quite a crowd. The scenery today more green with some terracing of the hill sides. We had a few set backs today as it rained on and off and even before it rained on us the road was wet and filthy and we were covered in dirt. Almost too late we put on the over suits. About 30 min later the sun's out, but we were trapped in a massive 10 km long traffic jam. We pulled over to un-suit as is was now 27 degrees and then we had to drive backwards on the highway thru the trucks to get over 2 lanes to lane split thru the “parked” 3 lanes of cars and trucks. The cause was a semitrailer on its side and they had all lanes merging into 1. It was smooth sailing after this and we arrived to Pingyao at 2 pm.
 FILE1276 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE1281 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
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