Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Transport
Motorbiking the world - Help needed Motorbiking the world - Help needed
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Trip Transport Shipping the vehicle and yourself.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 8 Aug 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 5
Motorbiking the world - Help needed
I am motorbiking around the world from February starting in the UK heading west around the world. I'm a British Citzen from the Isle of Man.

First port of call is
London to Washington DC (Feb20th) then
Vancouver to Brisbane/Sydney (Apr10th) and finally
Perth to Shanghai (May08th)

I am having trouble finding anyone who flies Perth to Shanghai, so would appreciate any help.

If anyone has contacts / suggestions regarding the other routes mentioned it would help greatly.

Time is of the essence as I'm attempting to keep up with my son who is bicycling the world (bicycles are no trouble to ship, hence attempting to keep up with, otherwise I'd blast him away!!) at the same time

Adrian
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 9 Aug 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
Sorry, I´ve no info on freight routes (I once shipped to Perth, though, but from Indonesia...)

But just out of interest: you´ve got the China bit sorted..? Meaning you are aware of their special requirements for foreign motor vehicles, travel agencies, guides, costs involved, etc?

Never heard of anyone (like a regular "tourist", I mean), shipping their vehicle into Shanghai, or anywhere else inside China for that matter. Doesn´t mean it never happened... but could be easier for those, who work there. From what I´ve read, it seems hard enough to enter through their land borders. Sending in as freight could be yet another ballgame.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Aug 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 5
No, haven't got the China bit sorted, extremely limited amount of info out there regarding the special requirements for motorcycling into and through China. This is the bit that I'm getting stuck at, so any help would be greatly appreciated
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 Aug 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
ok, here´s a tip: spend a few days browsing this website´s Route Planning & Southern Asia-sections (and possibly Northern Asia, too), and you will become much wiser about the requirements. Many have run into this very same problem before.

(...as a test, I just typed "entering china" into the websites search function, located on the upper right corner of the page next to the Touratech ad, and got many, many threads, that I could check out – doing for example that same search should get you well started)
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12 Aug 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
As far as I'm aware (I'm hoping it will change sometime!) foreign tourists are only allowed to use their own vehicles if they are escorted by an official state-approved guide. These are not cheap - to do the short route through Kashgar into the Torugart Pass you're looking at around 1500 - 2000 from memory.

Vietnam is also a stumbling block when it comes to tourists on bikes along with Myanmar (Burma). This means the route to the East would be shipping (probably easier from Malaysia than Singapore) to either Japan or Russia.

To the West Afghanistan might not be a wise idea maning you are left with India - Pakistan - Iran, then you could head up through central asia.

I've just finished reading a load of Walter Colebatch's ride reports (on advrider) and if I was heading out there (which I will be when my house gets sold and my Africa project done, so a fair while after you!) I wouldn't want to miss the 'Road of Bones', and the Pamirs in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan - amazing looking roads and places.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12 Aug 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
You're riding from Washington DC to Vancouver from February to April??

I presume you realize that is in the dead of winter. I guess you can do it if you head south, but many of the national parks etc. will be buried in meters of snow, I really can't think of a worse time to go. I crossed the US in mid-march a few years ago, had a blizzard in Ohio, cold weather/rain throughout the midwest, and then snow where I rode through the mountains in southern Arizona. Once you get to southern california you should be OK as long as you stay out of the mountains (more snow).
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12 Aug 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 5
The route I'm planning through China is Shanghai up to the Kazakhstan border, 3000miles in 24days, traveling along the Highway 312 (I think it's 312) via Xi'an, Lanzhou and Urumqi. It does look most likely that a guide is required, although I would like to avoid that.

I'm trying to stay further north avoiding India, Pakistan, Iran etc. I'll take a read of Walter Colebatch's ride.

Thanks Pecha72 for the advice, I'll continue my internet research.

Motoreiter, the route through America is a U through the country heading down to Miami through Texas over to LA then up to Vancouver, attempting to avoid the worst of the weather in the North
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12 Aug 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
Quote:
Originally Posted by adebikesworld View Post
Motoreiter, the route through America is a U through the country heading down to Miami through Texas over to LA then up to Vancouver, attempting to avoid the worst of the weather in the North
OK, but you should build in spare days in case you have to wait out bad weather. I lived in DC for many years, and the weather in February can vary from warm and sunny to blizzard-like (although generally it is quite cold). Same for other areas, and you'll probably need to stay out of even the lower mountains (Shenandoahs, etc.). As you get out west, probably best to plan the route through Las Cruces NM and Tucson AZ; when I was there in mid-march, Flagstaff AZ was getting several inches of snow.

You should also get on the regional forums on ADVRider for up-to-date info about road conditions, this was helpful to me.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12 Aug 2011
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,982
Here's a different sort of advice from what you asked for:

Do your research first, then ask questions. Otherwise, by the time you get to the point where you've got some blank places in your plans which you really can't fill without asking here, the folks with the answers will be feeling burned out on answering you. You don't want to use up your cred asking stuff which can be easily answered in a couple of searches, e.g., about permitting for riding in China (or going east-to-west in North America during winter, which you're planning to do at a bad time of year in a fair hurry).

Hope that's helpful. If not, please ignore.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 14 Aug 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 5
Quote:
Originally Posted by markharf View Post
Here's a different sort of advice from what you asked for:

Do your research first, then ask questions. Otherwise, by the time you get to the point where you've got some blank places in your plans which you really can't fill without asking here, the folks with the answers will be feeling burned out on answering you. You don't want to use up your cred asking stuff which can be easily answered in a couple of searches, e.g., about permitting for riding in China (or going east-to-west in North America during winter, which you're planning to do at a bad time of year in a fair hurry).

Hope that's helpful. If not, please ignore.

Mark
Thanks Mark,
I understand not throwing out questions that can be answered with searches. The thread was mainly looking for air-shipping advice from Perth to Shanghai (I've since been in contact with Ship My Bike Australia) and thought I'd throw in the other shipping routes that I'm looking at, see if anyone had advice and it all went from there...

Ade
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
shipping

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Walking not motorbiking paul_r Make a Difference 0 29 Sep 2006 01:38
motorbiking thru Chile & Argentina glasswave South America 5 13 Sep 2005 02:05
anyone motorbiking Ethiopia in Jan/Feb? globalkoster Travellers Seeking Travellers 1 11 Jan 2005 18:02
motorbiking in Myanmar....who has done it? globalkoster Route Planning 7 9 Nov 2003 16:19
motorbiking laos siobhan mcinerney Route Planning 0 29 Feb 2000 19:31

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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.

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:22.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top