Again BMW Motorrad owners embarked on a journey. This time around it was the BMW Motorrad Yunnan Ride 2009. On the  13th November, the convoy made their way from the city capital,  Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok via Hatyai. As it was quite a long journey the riders had a rest and relax in Bangkok the day after.

The next day, 15th November, they continued towards the next destination, Chiangrai. It was another long ride of about 800km as the next day was scheduled as border-crossing and everyone need enough rest so that mishap can be avoided.

From Chiangrai, the riders made their way to Mengla. It was the first border-crossing in the ride via Chiang Khong to Laos by ferry, crossing the infamous high-current Mekong River. From there, the riders made their way to Boten, the no man’s land of Laos/China. Arriving Boten was a bit late than anticipated, the organizer Israq Adventure had to negotiate the border-crossing with the Laotian officials since it has been closed for the day. A bumpy ride of 30km of gravel brought the riders back to reality of the distance of the journey was still far ahead. The riders managed to arrive at Mohan, the border town in China. After going through the documentation process, riders made their move to Mengla for a good night’s rest.

The next day the riders ride their way to Puer. Since motorcyles are not allowed to be on the highway, all the routes through China consist of old roads, which the Chinese government called national road. It was quite a feat for all the riders since the roads are narrow and winding. What made it worst was the presence of potholes and uneven surface. Puer was selected as the destination of the since it is nearer to Kunming. Puer is a tea plantation town similar to our own Cameron Highlands. The riders had a break at the Tropic of Cancer in Mojiang for a much -needed lunch and pictures.

On the 18^th November, the riders made their way to Kunming braving the extremely cold harsh weather as the temperature dropped from a welcoming to extreme chill of 5 degree celsius. Riding through this weatheris not advisable but we had to continue in order to keep up with the schedule. It was a tough journey for all but the riders managed to made it to Kunming as each riders fully understand the concept of teamwork and never to leave anyone behind. Despite the extreme weather, the riders were ecstatic to be in Kunming.

The next morning the riders attended China Travel Mart Exhibition functions. The Yunnan Tourism Bureau gave us a very warm welcome. The riders had the opportunity to experience the cultural show and many other activities organized by the Yunnan Tourism Bureau in the cold of 0 degree celsius. During the function, the riders met the Consulate General Malaysia; En. Roseli Abdul. The riders enjoyed their stay in Kunming for another day before continuing the ride back home.

After being rested for three days, the riders made their way to Jinghong, the final destination in China before entering Chiangrai the next day. It was two border-crossing of China to Laos and Laos to Thailand all in one day. Since it was Sunday, the riders had to pay extra for the ferry as the service is not available unless requested for.

From Chiangrai the riders, decided to ride straight to Pattaya and spend two days there. After the cold ride in China, a long ride in the sunny sunshine of Thailand was all the riders need to wind down. Having two days in Pattaya gave the riders some time to rejuvenate themselves and enjoy the hustles and bustles of Pattaya.

On the 25th November, the riders made their way to Hatyai before riding all the way back to Kuala Lumpur as it was the Hari Raya Haji celebration te next day to spend their time with loved ones and relatives. From Kuala Lumpur to Kunming and back took the riders through a journey of 5000km, along with experience and fun under their belt. For those who’re looking for overland adventure on two-wheels in and out of the Malaysia, check out www.israqadventure.com for more information.

text: Hage’  pix: Israq Adventure