Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Chat Forum > Welcome to HU
Sydney to Wales (UK)-Licence over 60 in China Sydney to Wales (UK)-Licence over 60 in China
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Welcome to HU New to the HUBB and Horizons Unlimited? Introduce yourself here! Get to know the denizens.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

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


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By PanEuropean

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 Jun 2023
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2023
Posts: 3
Sydney to Wales (UK)-Licence over 60 in China
Hi All, we are 3 couples travelling from Sydney back home to Wales (UK) next year - we have allocated 6 months for this trip. We have just found out that we can't get driving licences to ride a bike in China as we are over 60 (just!). Apparently guiding companies could work around this in the past but not anymore. Has anyone any ideas for a route that doesn't involve China and that is physically and politically feesible?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 Jun 2023
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Belper, uk, EUROPE
Posts: 539
The blocks that I can think of off the top of my head are Myanmar (no entry for foreign vehicles) and Iran (no entry for independent travel if travelling on UK, Australia and American passports so can be done but with a guide - ££££££). The skip around Myanmar also misses Bangladesh unfortunately. That puts a possible route as:

Australia
Malaysia
Thailand
Fly around Myanmar to India
Pakistan
The Stans
Georgia
Turkey
Europe - too many options to list
__________________
You will have to do without pocket handkerchiefs, and a great many other things, before we reach our journey's end, Bilbo Baggins. You were born to the rolling hills and little rivers of the Shire, but home is now behind you. The world is ahead.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5 Jun 2023
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2023
Posts: 3
Thanks for that Jay. I am currently looking at what can be done with Myanmar. We had signed up with a company to guide us (and others) across China but the licence rule has put paid to that. Another option is to stick with this part of the trip but to 'van' the bikes across China and to use a car for ourselves as we can get car licences over 60 years of age! At least with that option, we wouldn't need to crate and fly the bikes anywhere.
Our route to China is: Sydney to Perth, fly bikes to Bali, ride up to Bangkok to meet 3rd couple. Possibly Cambodia, Laos and meet our guide at Boten before heading in to China.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Jun 2023
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Belper, uk, EUROPE
Posts: 539
There is a documentary about the journey from Singapore to London by Land Rover featuring the first Land Rover to do the journey from London to Singapore where the Land Rover was driven through Myanmar - now that section was done with a British citizen that was also a Myanmar resident driving the vehicle - I don't know if that makes any difference.


Here is a bit more about the documentary.
__________________
You will have to do without pocket handkerchiefs, and a great many other things, before we reach our journey's end, Bilbo Baggins. You were born to the rolling hills and little rivers of the Shire, but home is now behind you. The world is ahead.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 Jun 2023
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,125
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay_Benson View Post
...that section was done with a British citizen that was also a Myanmar resident driving the vehicle - I don't know if that makes any difference.
I suspect that made all the difference in the world (being a resident of Burma).
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 8 Jun 2023
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: UK
Posts: 410
Sounds like a great trip, good luck
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 9 Jun 2023
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Tartu, Estonia
Posts: 1,045
Quote:
Originally Posted by LoboLee View Post
Another option is to stick with this part of the trip but to 'van' the bikes across China and to use a car for ourselves as we can get car licences over 60 years of age! At least with that option, we wouldn't need to crate and fly the bikes anywhere.
I suspect this will be your best option - not least because a lot of the driving in western China will be dreary straight highway sections in the desert, and even at my current age I would give serious consideration to four wheels, a roof and aircon for that stretch.

Do try to give Laos some time - it was the highlight of my (public transport based) trip. Luang Prabang was absolutely lovely, except for the very crap bus ride to Kunming - but I think they've paved the road by now.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 9 Jun 2023
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 131
Lobolee I have sent you a PM
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10 Jun 2023
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 131
Quote:
Originally Posted by LoboLee View Post
Hi All, we are 3 couples travelling from Sydney back home to Wales (UK) next year - we have allocated 6 months for this trip. We have just found out that we can't get driving licences to ride a bike in China as we are over 60 (just!). Apparently guiding companies could work around this in the past but not anymore. Has anyone any ideas for a route that doesn't involve China and that is physically and politically feesible?
Hi Lobolee. Can I ask which agency told you that over 60s was "Impossible"? The agent I am using later this year is able to get the permits (I have 2 over 60s in my group). Also, the same agent is currently guiding a tour with several over 60s in it (on bikes). I don't think all agents are equal in this respect, some have more experience and "connections" than others.
If you need more info, please contact me.
Cheers
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 15 Jun 2023
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 15
Quote:
Originally Posted by LoboLee View Post
Hi All, we are 3 couples travelling from Sydney back home to Wales (UK) next year - we have allocated 6 months for this trip. We have just found out that we can't get driving licences to ride a bike in China as we are over 60 (just!). Apparently guiding companies could work around this in the past but not anymore. Has anyone any ideas for a route that doesn't involve China and that is physically and politically feesible?


you can whatts up him at + 86 135 0830 6754

he can do it for driver over 60 years young
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 15 Jun 2023
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 15
Quote:
Originally Posted by LoboLee View Post
Thanks for that Jay. I am currently looking at what can be done with Myanmar. We had signed up with a company to guide us (and others) across China but the licence rule has put paid to that. Another option is to stick with this part of the trip but to 'van' the bikes across China and to use a car for ourselves as we can get car licences over 60 years of age! At least with that option, we wouldn't need to crate and fly the bikes anywhere.
Our route to China is: Sydney to Perth, fly bikes to Bali, ride up to Bangkok to meet 3rd couple. Possibly Cambodia, Laos and meet our guide at Boten before heading in to China.
from bali TAKE RORO TO banyuwangi ( east jawa island ) ONLY 90 minute, then straight to semarang ( tanjung mas port ) ( middle jawa ) about 625 km, from semarang take roro to pontianak ( kalimantan island ) voyage about 24 hours then go to aruk indonesia / malaysia border ) ship the bike to port klang.
AZIZAN FORWARDER HIS W A # 60 18 978 8087 about 1500 RM (377 usd )
shipmen every tuesday then you flew to KL take your bike or car in port klang from here you decided where to go,,, laos to china or thailand to myanmar, china now is open for overlander
Reply With Quote
Reply

« 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
Riding through China. I did it my way, without a guide. Mika Kuhn June 2015 mika Ride Tales 44 13 Apr 2020 18:41
CHINA 2016 "THE LAST GREAT FRONTIER" 6 MONTHS 24,000 KMS. on a chinese 125cc PART 1 single-handed Ride Tales 39 11 Mar 2017 23:31
2015 - Heading east from Europe, add your itinerary / plans kim Travellers Seeking Travellers 190 5 Mar 2016 07:38
Provisions for driving in China. - facts. uk_vette West and South Asia 2 24 Jul 2014 07:58
China Bike Tour & Rental TBR-China Bike Swap or Rent 0 11 Jul 2013 07:09

 
 

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

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

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...

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 13:49.

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