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9 Jan 2012
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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?
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10 Jan 2012
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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
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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
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10 Jan 2012
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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
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10 Jan 2012
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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
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10 Jan 2012
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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
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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
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10 Jan 2012
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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
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10 Jan 2012
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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 
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11 Jan 2012
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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 06:58.
Reason: cant spell
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11 Jan 2012
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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
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12 Jan 2012
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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
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12 Jan 2012
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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
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13 Jan 2012
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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
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13 Jan 2012
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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
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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
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16 Jan 2012
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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
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16 Jan 2012
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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
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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
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