Xiamen to Qinghai, Summer 2017

[stevenade]

Me; 2012 CFMoto 650 TR, Buddy: 2017 CF 650MT. In my book, Qinghai is some of the best riding anywhere in China. Technical stuff in the mountains, Tibetan/Mongol/Muslim cultures, endless plains and roads that go for miles, incredible visibility so you see any danger coming, and very low population so there's not a lot to worry about in terms of cars anyway. People forget half the Tibetan plateau is in Qinghai, and much less government restrictions etc. Although, the police did tell us in some small Tibetan towns that we should leave, as it was restricted to foreigners. Wonderful, life changing trip, I recommend to anyone.

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[stevenade]

I can't stop raving about the diversity of landscapes in Qinghai. Also, just want to say, one of the best parts of this trip was the people. I think it's a big mistake to go on a moto tour through China and not talk to people, or take advantage of their curiousity. It helps the both myself and my riding buddy speak Mandarin. But we met so many amazing people along the way and would have missed out if we assumed that since they were asking the same old questions (how much is your bike worth? where are you from?) that means they were just the same person. Just my two cents.

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[stevenade]

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[ShuBen]

Oh man, what wonderful pictures!
How did you and the bikes get back?

Sent from my GN8003 using Tapatalk

[modron]

Great ride! thanks for posting.
Pictures bring up memories.
All good around Qinghai lake? I had a couple of experiences there that left bitter taste, mostly people trying to rip me off

[stevenade]

@ShuBen, my buddy left his bike with a ladyfriend in Chengdu and flew back to Taiwan Province (haha) and I shipped it back to Xiamen for - get this - 900 rmb. I didn't buy a wooden box and my bike was unharmed. @modron we didn't hang around Qinghai lake long. We tried to get off the beaten path. @Metalmonkey amazing place!