Shenzhen - Chongching - Yangshuo - Shenzhen

[futianshenzhen]

Sat 2nd

Still waiting for doors to open to get the bike. Stored in flour warehouse behind hotel. No GPS today, my sim won't connect to the internet. Spent hours in a shop last night but still couldn't get it working. Frustratingly it worked with the boss's sim but not a new local sim. All the roads in Chongqing are in great condition and through beautiful scenery, got some good video of one through a gorge. Good fast road, was doing 100/110 most of it. Due to lack of GPS ended up coming into Chongqing on two sections of twisties, added an hour but well worth it. Hit Chongqing at 6.30 and called Raymond, waiting for him to find me then follow him to factory. So far today 590 kms, will easily hit 600 after reaching factory, everything hurts. 500 is enough for one day! Raymonds driver finally found me and we met for dinner - hot pot. Apparently you haven't eaten Chongqing food until you've had brain, two kinds of intestine, liver etc etc. Over dinner raymond explained that my bike is about to be sold in on the Chinese market and up to now has been mainly export only. It's the most popular 250 in Argentina and also sells well in Russia. Yingang have decided that the frame is not strong enough for Chinese conditions (though mine is still in one piece despite being ridden into huge pot holes at 100 clicks) so I'll be getting a brand new improved frame and swing arm with improved shock with longer stroke and needle roller bearings to replace the current metal sleaves. Tomorrow we are going to strip the bike down to nothing and install the new frame and rear end. Sixth gear is not what it used to be so that and the engine as a whole will be seen to on Monday. Hope to be able to start the return journey Monday afternoon.

CIMG0138.jpg
My answer to google maps, basic but functional - not unlike myself


CIMG0156.jpg
This lady had great dumplings and fine noodles



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As soon as you enter Chongqing municipality the roads improve no end and the scenery becomes spectacular



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More gorges in Chongqing

http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNDEwNjEzMDYw.html
(video of Chongqing gorges)

http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNDEwNjEyOTI4.html
(Twisties before hitting Chongqing)

http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNDEwMzY1MjQw.html
(Sweepers before Chongqing)

http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNDEwNDQxOTEy.html
(Entering Chongqing itself)



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Arrival at the yingang factory