Yes. Thanks for updates bigdamo, Chinabiker and TB-Racing!
I've been doing a bit of offline research with the potential riding mates and we've all come up dry on how to make this happen (for now) with the exception of one option: Official Guide, Permits and $6,000 USD

Since that option isn't happening any time soon, we're now planning an alternate route that will take us thru some very good sections of Yunnan and Sichuan. No need to close this thread, but for now - no longer pursuing.

Cheers!