 1Likes
 |
|
9 Jan 2012
|
|
Gold Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 55
|
|
Thanks Franki, some interesting informations and advice in your post.
I appreciate Eric's plan in case of bike related problems; wouldn't like mine to end up the same way as the Bmw Tiffany saw. 
An Abandoned Bike at Chinese Customs
I thought this might be one for the HU Bar Crowd
In the Customs area on the Chinese side of the Irkeshtam Pass, there is a dusty mound hidden away in the corner of the compound. Being a bit on the nosy side I pulled away some of the coverings and underneath there is...
A BMW F650GS
The number plate has been removed, it was impossible to see the engine number and it's so securely wrapped in canvas that I couldn't get to the speedo to see if it's in miles or kms.
It's pretty dusty and looks like it's been there a while.
Any idea who it might belong to?
|
10 Jan 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Mukdahan
Posts: 117
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Franki
Hi Eric,
FYI:
1. all military postings do offer emergency oxygen supply and sometimes temporary accomodation.
2. There are airports every 500km along 219 but some may not be opened to public. There is one in Pulan (near Zichuanhe) which has a regular flight to Lhasa once every Tuesday.
3. I always carry Dymox with me when I travel through high altitude area. I have not used it myself but have given to many who has suffered or wants to prevent from high altitude sickness. It helps.
Franki
|
Franki thanks for the Diamox tip, just been to town 100 250mg tablets 400 baht, about 8 quid. Bought two boxes just in case.
When did you ride the 219???
Eric
|
10 Jan 2012
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Aus. Qld. Mackay
Posts: 474
|
|
|
China
I am so envious of you guys doing this trip !!!!!! 
I fly into Beijing on the 10th of Feb. but instead of riding to Lhasa we are going by train, then 4x4 to Kathmandu where a 500cc Enfield awaits us, to continue on thru Nepal & India for 3 mths. But really really really would of loved to ride across China.
Have a great ride ! 
Cheers
Paul
|
10 Jan 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Mukdahan
Posts: 117
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulD
I am so envious of you guys doing this trip !!!!!!
I fly into Beijing on the 10th of Feb. but instead of riding to Lhasa we are going by train, then 4x4 to Kathmandu where a 500cc Enfield awaits us, to continue on thru Nepal & India for 3 mths. But really really really would of loved to ride across China.
Have a great ride !
Cheers
Paul |
Hi Paul
Dont worry there is always another day, might do the trip in reverse in 2013 if i dont move to Auz next year, but head upto Mongolia and Russia then UK.
Its such a shame we cannot get across Myanmar for me its only 600km away and Bangladesh 850km as the bird flys.
Your trip sounds awesome, maybe to cold for me that time of year!
Feel i do need to get a job soon and explore the parts i havnt seen.
Eric
|
10 Jan 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 121
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Revenue
Franki thanks for the Diamox tip, just been to town 100 250mg tablets 400 baht, about 8 quid. Bought two boxes just in case.
When did you ride the 219???
Eric
|
Eric,
My doctor friend advised me 250mg tablets dosage one each time, 3 time per day, 3 days before the climb will help with high altitude symtoms. One thing to remember though, stay close to a WC during that period. 
This is the RR I posted of my last ride in 2010, part of it is 219.
China, Tibet - The closest place to heaven & closer to God - ADVrider
Franki
|
10 Jan 2012
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Aus. Qld. Mackay
Posts: 474
|
|
|
Nepal
Eric,
I actually get to do the trip in reverse, as our bikes are presently in Kenya after riding down from Egypt. We have spent a total of 8 months doing this and feel we need a break from Africa, so decided on this as a side trip. But after continuing to Cape Town in Aug, then to Sth. America after Xmas, which we have allocated a year for then of course there is America, Alaska etc then Europe then overland to Nepal again it will be bloody 2016 before I get back !!!!, so by that time with a wee aid of a bit of dementia it should be all new again LOL.
Cheers
Paul
|
10 Jan 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Mukdahan
Posts: 117
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Franki
Eric,
My doctor friend advised me 250mg tablets dosage one each time, 3 time per day, 3 days before the climb will help with high altitude symtoms. One thing to remember though, stay close to a WC during that period.
This is the RR I posted of my last ride in 2010, part of it is 219.
China, Tibet - The closest place to heaven & closer to God - ADVrider
Franki |
Hi Franki
I have just been reading your thread, words cannot describe the pictures, i am in awe! Some good reading for tonight.
What month did you ride the 219?
Road works will be a problem, its difficult to get accurate information, as the road is closed during the winter months.
Just been reading the label on the Diamox may have to rig up a pipe system to get rid of the excess water, bad enough in cold weather for me.
Eric 
|
11 Jan 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Mukdahan
Posts: 117
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by vicreuter
Thanks Franki, some interesting informations and advice in your post.
I appreciate Eric's plan in case of bike related problems; wouldn't like mine to end up the same way as the Bmw Tiffany saw.
An Abandoned Bike at Chinese Customs
I thought this might be one for the HU Bar Crowd
In the Customs area on the Chinese side of the Irkeshtam Pass, there is a dusty mound hidden away in the corner of the compound. Being a bit on the nosy side I pulled away some of the coverings and underneath there is...
A BMW F650GS
The number plate has been removed, it was impossible to see the engine number and it's so securely wrapped in canvas that I couldn't get to the speedo to see if it's in miles or kms.
It's pretty dusty and looks like it's been there a while.
Any idea who it might belong to? |
Hi Vic
Sorry for the late reply, the wife/girlfriend is in Laos probably twice a month with her business, so no problem to meet us at the border just a ride upto Nong Khai cross the Friendship Bridge, then route 13 goes all the way to Mohan, she does not need any excuse to head off to do a bit off shopping.
Once the bike is in Thailand no problems can be stored securely here.
Just a backup plan and would hope we didnt need it, but there just in case.
Eric
Last edited by Revenue; 11 Jan 2012 at 07:58.
Reason: cant spell
|
11 Jan 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Mukdahan
Posts: 117
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Revenue
Hi Franki
I have just been reading your thread, words cannot describe the pictures, i am in awe! Some good reading for tonight.
What month did you ride the 219?
Road works will be a problem, its difficult to get accurate information, as the road is closed during the winter months.
Just been reading the label on the Diamox may have to rig up a pipe system to get rid of the excess water, bad enough in cold weather for me.
Eric |
Frankie one amazing ride, i hope ours is the same, read all 22 pages
Need to get the instruction manual out for the camera.
Ride safe
Eric
|
12 Jan 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 121
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Revenue
Hi Franki
I have just been reading your thread, words cannot describe the pictures, i am in awe! Some good reading for tonight.
What month did you ride the 219?
Road works will be a problem, its difficult to get accurate information, as the road is closed during the winter months.
Just been reading the label on the Diamox may have to rig up a pipe system to get rid of the excess water, bad enough in cold weather for me.
Eric |
Eric,
I am glad that you have enjoyed my thread. I did that trip from May and ended in Aug., 2010 It crossed the rainy season but I was extremely lucky to have good weather. Riders who was 2 weeks before or after my trip had to abandon their trip due to impassable 'road'.
I should have less worry as the 219 section from Lazi to Zichuanhe has already been paved in 2011. I went through there when they are working on it and I have to ride mostly in the field along side the road works.
Your trip will be in Sep. so out side the rainy season. You will have hail storm, snow and strong wind instead. Enjoy.
Franki
|
12 Jan 2012
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: USA
Posts: 22
|
|
|
Hi Franki,
I also read your RR, one
of the best ones that I've ever read. I loved the pictures, the landscapes and the strong spirit that you guys show in the difficult situations.
One question,
If May-June is the rainy season and in September there is snow and hail, when yo think is the best time of the year for route 219?
Thanks,
Martin
|
13 Jan 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Mukdahan
Posts: 117
|
|
|
Your trip will be in Sep. so out side the rainy season. You will have hail storm, snow and strong wind instead. Enjoy.
Franki
Hi Franki
Like Martin when is there a good time to go?? Feel i prefer wind and snow to rain. I have tried to leave it late to cross as i really dont want to arrive in Laos /Thailand untill the rainy season has ended, for the last 4 years it has been the end Sept/ Oct, and some of the roads in Laos are dirt roads we will be taking, so better dry!!
Eric
|
13 Jan 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 121
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Martincito
Hi Franki,
I also read your RR, one
of the best ones that I've ever read. I loved the pictures, the landscapes and the strong spirit that you guys show in the difficult situations.
One question,
If May-June is the rainy season and in September there is snow and hail, when yo think is the best time of the year for route 219?
Thanks,
Martin
|
Hi Martin,
I am sorry that I have not made it clear. I planned to start in May and finish the trip by early July but things happened as you have read and the trip has been prolonged into early Aug. The rainy season is July Aug. where the ground will turn into a big mud pond. A friend of mine on a 125cc spent 7 hours digging his bike out of the mud....
It is better to do the trip in drier season if you want to do the whole length of 219. May, June and Sep is best months but still you will get the elements thrown at you at such altitude. That is why you saw us carrying a tent with us even though we have always managed to find a roof over our head. The tent is our survival kit.
Franki
|
16 Jan 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Mukdahan
Posts: 117
|
|
|
That is why you saw us carrying a tent with us even though we have always managed to find a roof over our head. The tent is our survival kit.
Franki[/QUOTE]
Good idea, think the tent and a good sleeping bag just incase, would not have thought there was much accomadation along the way, the tourist towns like Lhasa i guess there will be no problems??
E
|
16 Jan 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 121
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Revenue
That is why you saw us carrying a tent with us even though we have always managed to find a roof over our head. The tent is our survival kit.
Franki
|
Good idea, think the tent and a good sleeping bag just incase, would not have thought there was much accomadation along the way, the tourist towns like Lhasa i guess there will be no problems??
E[/QUOTE]
Hotel or Hostel can be found a long 219 small towns. I can find a place to stay relatively easy. But as a foreigner, there is a law saying that only certain hotels are allowed to put up foreigners. Having said that, laws are not streightly enforced there. It all depends how good your guide is We carry the tent mainly for emergency in the Northern Route where there is a no-man's-land.
Franki
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
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.
Linear Mode
