Daft Old Man

[simongandolfi]

Hi, has anyone ridden or tried riding from Nepal into China?
Buying a bike in India - can I get a carnet there to get me home via the 'Stans?
Greatful for advice, simon

[Nigel Marx]

Hi Simon. I don't know all you are asking but I do know it's much easier on paper work hassles to buy in Nepal. You can go over the India border without restriction on a Nepalese registered bike.
Does this mean you are planning new adventures? I'm looking forward to them already!

Regards

Nigel in NZ

[simongandolfi]

Hi, Nigel, good to hear from you. What are you up to? I am hoping not to have a new adventure. Adventure implies danger! In the planning stage is a gentle leisurely ride round India this coming UK winter. The Honda Unicorn built in India is the updated version of the Brazilian-built CG I rode on the American journey. The CG did me proud - 50000 trouble-free Ks and a maximum altitude of 4700 meters. Nothing to replace the whole way other than chain and drive sprockets and tires - and, of course, the rebuild of the rear end after the truck got me!
I've had a great many enthusiastic messages from Indian bikers who would enjoy (or say they would) riding a short way with me which sounds fun and I haven't toured India in nearly fifty years - great to see the changes. AND MEDITATE ON VAST PLATES OF CHILI PRAWNS! Once there, it seems sensible to ride home into the late Spring/early summer. I would prefer to avoid Pakistan. Hence thinking of Nepal, China, the 'Stans, Iran, Turkey. Of course I may snuff first - or on the journey. However one can't plan for everything.
For UK riders - I'll be at the Adventure meet at the Ace Cafe, Feb 8. Good to meet anyone with experience of the India, 'Stans. I'm giving a SHORT presentation at 3.30 and will be signing copies of OLD MAN ON A BIKE.
Have fun, ride safely,.
simon

[Alexlebrit]

Simon, apparently it's now illegal for non-Indian nationals to register a bike in India, and of course if you don't have a registration document getting annoying things like carnets etc. will be nigh on impossible., so as mentioned above the current thinking seems to be buy in Nepal and then ride into India from there.

As for China, the party line is that to tour you need a government guide, and they don't like to ride so they use a car, and they don't like to camp so you end up paying a fortune for their hotels; I contacted one and the quote came back with the words "4 or 5 star hotels" in it, when I sent back a mail with "tent?" they went suspiciously quiet. However, that's just the party line it appears people on here have managed it (well some have).

[simongandolfi]

Thanks - good helpful information . Out of interest, you need residence in Mexico to register a bike in Mexico. I asked the boss registrar what I should do. He gave me his electricity bill as evidence of my residence and warned me to ride carefully!!!
The joy of traveling is in such incidents of almost ludicrous kindness.
Cheers,
simon