Kunming to Beijing - catching a 5.30am flight out of China, Sep-14th

[slabo]

Ni hao MCMer's,
I only have one long trip under my belt, Kunming -> Chengdu -> Kunming [2010] so I thought it fitting asking advice this time and planning way ahead before instead of doing what I did last time; I left home at 2pm and 3 hours later I was still getting lost in the north suburbs. No map, my Androird gps app proved useless(my fault not enough testing before hand). What I'm trying to say is I made it, but only because I was very very lucky, I'm trying to get things right this time.

Right, onto planning, err, hoping at this stage.

1. Primary goal is to go to Beijing to Catch my flight. I'll have to send my luggage by train. Also, I have to find a safe place to leave the bike for about 9 months. So I should be in Beijing a day or two before.
2. I have to cross some border on August 27th or before(visa issue). I would like it to be somewhere near Nujiang, but seems there's no border crossing there. So Ruili it is. Anyone know of a nearer border? I'm not planning on traveling, just getting that exit stamp.

I'm still far from being a China expert, so not sure if I'm picking good spots to pass through, but here's a rough sketch so far. >> Gmap link


noob questions:

1) google maps says if I avoid highways this whole trip is 5031 km .. is this all doable if I leave KM on Aug 23rd?

2) can you suggest a better route, points of interest?

3) Anyone know of good printed maps of the area?

I'll update this when things are clearer in my head..

p.s. this is totally inspired by Pat's trip..

Any advice appreciated,
Thanks.