Euphonius
Thanks for that information and suggestions. I was wondering whether there would be a means of getting to a place where it's not 'dry' nearby so I could get a bike there and head off on a solo trip or do I, as a non China resident (not sure if HK permanent resident status affects this), have to be accompanied by a local guide?
Going to Tibet was tbh my original thought on doing this trip and heading through India and Persia to Turkey and Greece but with all the potential trouble (not researched this so it could be untrue) of getting permission and things to ride through these countries as well as Tibet as a solo rider. But I talked myself out of it thinking there are more countries to deal with = more borders = more paperwork = more cost etc. but perhaps (hopefully) I am wrong there. The Kaz, Rus, Bel, Pol ... route just sounded simpler. After The Long Way Round I figured they managed it and so it must be possible (not easy).

But my original inspiration was Ted Simon's Jupiter's Travels and they solo ride he did. 5 years though I don't have so a shorter more specific and planned route is more suitable.

One of those tour companies says they can get my license sorted, bike reg'd and legal in China but would need a guide and transport as part of the package and that would escalate the costs. They were insistent that it was no problem their side and I only had to deal with the HK side so if it is possible perhaps there is a diet version where I could do the dealings and arrangements myself and keep it simple.

I think I'll head to the Chinese Consulate here and do some probing regarding the correct procedures to do such a thing and given something I read on one of the other forums here about China's 5 year plan including promoting tourism I think I may (finger's crossed) be able to play on their hear strings a bit and suggest that it's really what Beiging wants and would be a boon for tourists coming over to ride China (in the 2 wheel sense).

Anyway I'll keep you posted on progress.

Shiprex