Beijing (G109)-->Lingshan-->Hebei (S241)-->Beijing(G108) 2010 (Draft)

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I little ways into G108 (coming back from Hebei)
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The back of Ling shan
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The approach to Ling Shan
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Temple "retreat" where we stayed overnight for a discounted 60RMB/night.

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Proof of autumn in Beijing.

Nice mountains! What were you riding?

Haha, that red 150cc bad-boy "R8" I bought new for 3,500 RMB. I've put 4k km on it since late April when I bought it. It breaks "something" just about once every two weeks but it was the simplest way for a Newb like me to have gotten started. Also, I justify that if the police take it away, at least I've already got my money's worth. I just came back from the States where I took a MSF Course and got my US moto license. [Highly recommend it!!!]Took two trips out with my dad's 1100 cc Honda Shadow, he had graduated to a 1200 cc BMW. While I enjoy the power plenty, 150 cc's seems like enough for me here in China. I go 85-90 km/hr on flat surface. This scooter is a staple of the student population around 五道口- mostly Krazerians. I want to graduate to a motorcycle but I don't like anything I see on the market for the price. Any tough reliable bikes for less than 10k RMB out there?

Bry, sticking with the 150 is a good choice and I'm sure the MSF course made you a 100% safer rider!

There are a couple decent bikes out there for less than 10k but depends on what's in your area. Get with some local MCM Beijingers and go check out the local shops.

CC

hello bryphoto! welcome to the forum, and great to see your first ride report. I don't remember his name, but there's another scooter rider in Beijing who rides extensively in the West Hills and north of Beijing, often two-up with his GF. Take your time, but you'll be missing a lot if you don't venture into the mountains. Looks like you've gotten close in this ride!

I did MSF in California and rode about 5,000 miles before buying my bike here, and it was an excellent preparation (though it didn't prevent me coming off in Kunming). Would be great if we could organize MSF-style training in China.

Take your time selecting a bike. As you'll have seen in MCM, there are a lot of new models in the pipeline, some of which might even actually reach production.

You plan to ride through the winter?

cheers!