China
The good, bad and the ugly of China riding on motorcycle is what I experienced the last few weeks. Although I would not hesitate to do it again, I would like share some of my thoughts. The drivers are very aggressive and dangerous. They will pass on blind corners, honk horns constantly, expect motorcycles to give them the right of way and the diesel trucks and buses have a thick black exhaust that at least 1/2 pound is in my lungs. The roads are overall good but road construction is on going with dirt and gravel sections for miles (mostly fun to ride).
Most large city hotels have impressive lobbies but need much improvements in housekeeping, carpet cleaning and plumbing. Small city hotels need double of the above. Bedding was clean and never got bitten by any bugs. Food was generally good but got many of the same dishes each day. Tomato egg and morning glory greens were typical. I never left the table hungry or got sick.
Entering into China went smoothly and quickly with Gavin our guide leading us through. We had our motorcycles tested by an official for working brakes, lectured on safety and given our Chinese drivers license. Somehow we were given VIP priority and moved to the front of the lines.
It is difficult for me to describe what I saw and felt while motorcycling through China. The historical sites, rugged mountains, river valleys and farms on steep hillsides were all impressive. Most favorites were Three Pagoda Temple, Ancient City of Lijiang and Leaping Tiger Gorge. Most thrilling and scary was the mountain pass to Deqin. It was late afternoon and had 120 miles ride to the hotel. We started to climb up the 11,000 feet high pass daylight was fading, it was very cold and the road was twenty miles dirt and gravel. I was worried it would rain or snow and we would be stranded. All turn out fine and the reward was seeing beautiful snow capped mountain peaks with 6,740 meter high Prince Snow Mountain towering above the rest. Got to hotel in the dark - cold and tired.
Motorcycling On
David Ow
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