China - The Nujiang ordeal

This is my third trip to the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceType w:st="on">province</st1laceType> of <st1laceName w:st="on">Yunnan</st1laceName></st1lace> within 12 months. <st1:State w:st="on"><st1lace w:st="on">Yunnan</st1lace></st1:State> provides the many diversity of landscape and cultures from different minorities which keeps drawing me back for more. Again, I am travelling with my buddy “Boundless Traveller” which I shall call him BT from then on.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
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We left our bikes in <st1lace w:st="on"><st1laceName w:st="on">Yuxi</st1laceName> <st1laceType w:st="on">City</st1laceType></st1lace> last time, so we have to go back there to pick up the bikes. As usually a bit of maintenance work on the bikes and some improvement on the setup is required.


I patiently awaits my turn when the mechanic is working on BT's KTM 640 ADV.



A group of bikers from Yuxi decided to escort us to our next stop Chuxiong since we started off on a weekend.


We found a nice place for lunch and a nice spot to park our bikes too.



Chinese love to try get their lunch money before food arrives on the table



Since it is a full day's ride to Chuxiong, we decided to have a light lunch

Looking forward to another great ride report Franki, thanks as always for posting.

mcc66

Very cool.

I love seeing the landscapes of China, and you are also able to tell us about the people who live there.

I'll be sure to follow this Ride Report with great interest.
Q~

This is some of the roads we ride on.



Riders in the field



One of the screws on my bike broke and I have to get it fixed. Paying is always a painful thing to do.

There is a very old town 80km outside of Chuxiong call Heijing.



BT confirmed that 8x8 is better than his KTM



Folks in Heijing put green power in front of fossil power.




And it looks cuter than a hunk of metal too.



Lucky charms are being sold at a local hair salon. I did wonder why one need one when they go for a hair cut.

Guest house is available and mostly inhabited by backpackers.



Carved wooden panel doors indicate Yunnan is a timber producing province.



Making art out of candy is a little kid's delight




Old lady accepting needle works by the street stall



This shop owner believes luck is more important than brand loyalty.

It rained in the morning but stopped when we get on the road. Weather god has been kind to us.



An old carpenter going to work



School is out



Sand stone wall




Sand stone mansion



Kid surrounded by sand stone

Thanks for your kind support from down under

Stay cool, this is going to be a long one. I am leaving for Yunnan again in a few days. I hope I can post 1/4 of the trip before my departure.

Shot a few monochrome pix for old time feel

Old stone mills used as a garden decoration gives a peaceful feeling




Corner of the garden




Stone mills




Aged piller








Fei Lai Temple

Heijing Gate




Giant baskets




Acient Google Earth

We rode north to Dali with rain following us the whole day.


One way to self portriat




I think this is the only picture we took when we are both riding.




By the time we arrived Dali, rain has entered into my penniers. Lucky all my stuff were wrapped in plastic bags, so only need to dry out the boxes.




The rain stopped and I am in relax mode




Feeling hungry, we looked for food




Freshly made noodles are sold to folks to bring home for dinner




Char grilled 'Baridos'?




Flower stall




Dali people are mostly Bai tribe people.

The rain starts again




This is the famous Foreigner Street filled with shops and hostels for backpackers.




Main strip of Dali Old Town




Market on a rainy day

Then we decided to visit our friend who owns a Bar/Restaurant to get some free food




Entrance




Lounge area




Upstairs restaurant area




Cosy private room




Open floor area








Ohhh... the food is very good too. I love the Yunnan coffee. The place is called Tai Bai Lou on Foreigners Street.

Hi Franki, I luv reading or should say appreciating some of your rr pics. Lovely little descriptions(sometimes funny) on many pics than long essays.

Planning to plan for a ride to China from Singapore. Not renting so need some pointers if you have.

Ride safe!

I'm in.



Awesome pics franki!

Frankie,
Thank you for your hard work for posting all your wonderful
pictures.
I got to see China little bit at a time through your eyes
and your camera while sitting comfortably at my home.
I send your posts to my Chinese friends and families who
have no interest in motorcycling but they all truly enjoyed and
appreciated the pictures you took and the story you told.
People, food, kids, living places, buildings,
markets that you paid so much attentions to
translated into a great journey of China
for your fans like myself.
Can't wait to see more!
Luke from San Diego

Wow. Hooked.