Sadlsor
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Come on!
Itchy Boots
- Thread starter kiltman
- Start date
How does she find these roads? Or is this considered a two track state route with a speed limit of 50 km/h?I would shite my back off right there
If that section of the road really is tilted to the left, it must make 4 wheelers hair curl.
she is in Tajikistan actually. As she said, this road the only way out of Bartang valley to the north, to border with the Kirgizstan and China. But I don't understand - the weather should be much more colder than she has on her videos. She is wearing just light jacket even at altitudes. ff check weather at her last point, there must be winter now.
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OP
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The videos are posted 3-4 weeks possibly longer after she has been in the area.she is in Tajikistan actually. As she said, this road the only way out of Bartang valley to the north, to border with the Kirgizstan and China. But I don't understand - the weather should be much more colder than she has on her videos. She is wearing just light jacket even at altitudes. ff check weather at her last point, there must be winter now.
considering she has +15C at least (she is wearing t-short in the village) on her videos, and now -14C there, she post videos way much longer, 2-3 months maybe
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You could very well be correct. The ADR in Britain back in June seems to be a firm date, from there we can track back to when she was reunited with Franky, probably in the beginning of July, so this episode was probably shot the end of August beginning of September.
She could be in the middle of China now, or India for all we know.
She is on roads I would not take my ST on for sure, don't know if I'm strong enough to handle a Adv bike but would love to be able to do what She is doing. What is really Scary for me is my daughter's are both older than Noraly. Do like her videos, G
Sadlsor
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I imagined what it would be like on my GSA up there... no carburetor-related fueling issues, but her handlebars were twitching all over the place on that steep rocky grade.
Lots of ways to fall over, in that type terrain. Certainly wouldn't want to fall over to the LEFT!
Looking over her shoulder at the cliff edge, gives me the willies! And the heebie-jeebies! And freaks me out on a 650lb beast!
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This past summer I rode up a road/goattrail to a communication tower in the Northwest Territories above the Arctic circle. I was on my VStrom,it was rough going up, a few switchbacks. It was coming down that was the trickiest, avoiding boulders, wash outs….that was a piece of cake compared to what she’s doing…..yikes….
Roads (if they can actually be called that) like that are not uncommon there. Most were somewhat better but not by a lot.
Craziest thing I saw there was 2 self propelled combine harvesters going up and over a mountain pass that was on a road that I would have taken one on, but at least better than the one that IB is on.
I would say that most of the roads that I rode, once we got up in the mountains, were like this.
Craziest thing I saw there was 2 self propelled combine harvesters going up and over a mountain pass that was on a road that I would have taken one on, but at least better than the one that IB is on.
I would say that most of the roads that I rode, once we got up in the mountains, were like this.
The road you showed was reasonably smooth with small stones. Noraly is negotiating rough tracks with big rocks that can tip a bike over AND an impressive drop off on one side (mountain climbers call it 'exposure'). In addition, her track (call it what you will, I'll reserve 'road' for something like your pictures) looked like it was canted to one side (the downhill side) which made it a lot more scary for me...and I was just watching over her shoulder.
I understand you have to keep momentum up, but she was going too fast for my comfort. Heck, I'd be quaking WALKING that road in places.
On the other hand, she said she was 50km from the nearest farmer where she could get help if need be. When there are no options, plowing on is easier. When I was working, I absolutely hated getting on a ladder above 10', but many times I simply had to go up 20' to drill a big hole through a brick wall. With no other way to do the job, I just pushed my fears aside and did it.
I'd really like to know how much she paid those two guys to help push Frankie along the river.
Perhaps you misunderstood what I posted. While "roads" like she was on are not uncommon, most are like those in the pics I posted.
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FYI. Today’s episode was filmed in the middle of August.
Kyrgyzstan hosts several yurt-focused festivals, with the main one being the Yurt Festival in Kyzyl-Tuu, an annual event in mid-August (e.g., August 16, 2025) celebrating nomadic culture with yurt building, felt making, traditional games (like eagle hunting), music, and food, offering a deep dive into Kyrgyz traditions in a village setting near Issyk-Kul Lake. Other related events include the Jaichy Agro-Festival (July 2025) and Birds of Prey Festival (August 2025) at Jaichy Yurt Camp, showcasing eagle hunting and nomadic life.
Kyrgyzstan hosts several yurt-focused festivals, with the main one being the Yurt Festival in Kyzyl-Tuu, an annual event in mid-August (e.g., August 16, 2025) celebrating nomadic culture with yurt building, felt making, traditional games (like eagle hunting), music, and food, offering a deep dive into Kyrgyz traditions in a village setting near Issyk-Kul Lake. Other related events include the Jaichy Agro-Festival (July 2025) and Birds of Prey Festival (August 2025) at Jaichy Yurt Camp, showcasing eagle hunting and nomadic life.
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So far I’m enjoying the China portion of the adventure. The bureaucracy appears daunting, makes me appreciate self serve fuel stations.
I would be interested to know the logistics involved with her InReach and drone, because I don’t think she is allowed to use them in China.
No doubt her route will be monitored, and Bing will have to make sure that she stays on select roads, no matter, I’m pleased to experience China through her eyes.
I would be interested to know the logistics involved with her InReach and drone, because I don’t think she is allowed to use them in China.
No doubt her route will be monitored, and Bing will have to make sure that she stays on select roads, no matter, I’m pleased to experience China through her eyes.
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Google is my friend. With regards to a drone.
Traveling to China with a drone requires mandatory registration with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) via their online UOM system for all drones weighing 250g or more, regardless of usage. Drones must be flown below 120m, kept in sight, and avoid restricted areas like airports, military sites, and major city centers. A Chinese phone number and app (UOM/DJI) are often required for registration.
Garmin InReach she may have an issue here.
Using a Garmin inReach in mainland China is generally advised against, as it is illegal or strictly prohibited to operate unauthorized satellite communication devices in the country. These devices use the Iridium satellite network, which bypasses Chinese internet regulations, making them contraband. Risks include device confiscation or detention by authorities.
Key Considerations for China & InReach:
Legal Status: China prohibits the unauthorized use of satellite communication devices.
Alternative Networks: China often requires the use of their own, authorized satellite services (such as through China Telecom).
Transit: Travelers in transit (not leaving the airport) likely won't face issues, but taking the device through customs is high-risk.
Map Alignment: If using Garmin maps in China, they may appear shifted by several hundred meters unless the device is properly configured with local data.
Recommendation: It is highly advised not to take a Garmin inReach to China. Use alternative communication methods. In some cases, devices can be sent via courier to a destination outside of China.
Traveling to China with a drone requires mandatory registration with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) via their online UOM system for all drones weighing 250g or more, regardless of usage. Drones must be flown below 120m, kept in sight, and avoid restricted areas like airports, military sites, and major city centers. A Chinese phone number and app (UOM/DJI) are often required for registration.
Garmin InReach she may have an issue here.
Using a Garmin inReach in mainland China is generally advised against, as it is illegal or strictly prohibited to operate unauthorized satellite communication devices in the country. These devices use the Iridium satellite network, which bypasses Chinese internet regulations, making them contraband. Risks include device confiscation or detention by authorities.
Key Considerations for China & InReach:
Legal Status: China prohibits the unauthorized use of satellite communication devices.
Alternative Networks: China often requires the use of their own, authorized satellite services (such as through China Telecom).
Transit: Travelers in transit (not leaving the airport) likely won't face issues, but taking the device through customs is high-risk.
Map Alignment: If using Garmin maps in China, they may appear shifted by several hundred meters unless the device is properly configured with local data.
Recommendation: It is highly advised not to take a Garmin inReach to China. Use alternative communication methods. In some cases, devices can be sent via courier to a destination outside of China.
I guess ignorance is bliss. I used my inReach in China with no issues but maybe only because they were not aware of its use. I had heard there may be a problem but I checked with some locals and they said it should be no issue. Granted I only used it for the day I went to the Great Wall as I was just transitioning through Beijing for a few days but there was no issues entering the country at the airport, either time.
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Sadlsor
Site Supporter
WARNING! ...almost a spoiler alert. Might want to watch today's episode before reading this...
Ok, you had your chance.
S8 Episode 120... for a real change of pace, Noraly cannot spin their tire-change and minor service into a positive. Still with a huge smile and some Noraly-like giggling, the shop really messed them over. She says "yeah, it was really, really bad" in her typical understated and "look at the bright side" world view.
Just imagine what it was like in real time. I wonder if she started to blow her top? You put HIS wheel on MY bike?! AND mounted the tire in reverse? And there's no footage of Bing's reaction, that she shared with us.
Can you even imagine trying to order in a Triumph part (much less a BMW) in China? And not just a "part" ...an entire front wheel. And she didn't mention whether that bike "shop" will even pay for the damaged rim to Bing's bike. Probably why she was "helping them out" and changed her own air filter... she probably didn't trust them, by that point. And what if his front rim is not repairable?
Then as she tries to wrap the video, there are 3 instances (on the edited video, appearing almost one after the other) of drivers or scooters turning or crossing directly in front of her as she's talking. I haven't seen that kind of devil-may-care driving foolishness even in the melees of Africa or India.
Underneath her big smile and great attitude, this is one of the more kick-in-the-pants, potential journey-altering events we've seen lately. This is more than a weather-related or politically charged change of plans.
I may seem to be overreacting, but just try to imagine what took place in the video that is left on the cutting room floor...
And sadly, she couldn't even travel on without Bing or another guide, likely near-impossible at this stage.
Ok, you had your chance.
S8 Episode 120... for a real change of pace, Noraly cannot spin their tire-change and minor service into a positive. Still with a huge smile and some Noraly-like giggling, the shop really messed them over. She says "yeah, it was really, really bad" in her typical understated and "look at the bright side" world view.
Just imagine what it was like in real time. I wonder if she started to blow her top? You put HIS wheel on MY bike?! AND mounted the tire in reverse? And there's no footage of Bing's reaction, that she shared with us.
Can you even imagine trying to order in a Triumph part (much less a BMW) in China? And not just a "part" ...an entire front wheel. And she didn't mention whether that bike "shop" will even pay for the damaged rim to Bing's bike. Probably why she was "helping them out" and changed her own air filter... she probably didn't trust them, by that point. And what if his front rim is not repairable?
Then as she tries to wrap the video, there are 3 instances (on the edited video, appearing almost one after the other) of drivers or scooters turning or crossing directly in front of her as she's talking. I haven't seen that kind of devil-may-care driving foolishness even in the melees of Africa or India.
Underneath her big smile and great attitude, this is one of the more kick-in-the-pants, potential journey-altering events we've seen lately. This is more than a weather-related or politically charged change of plans.
I may seem to be overreacting, but just try to imagine what took place in the video that is left on the cutting room floor...
And sadly, she couldn't even travel on without Bing or another guide, likely near-impossible at this stage.
OP
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That next episode is going to be a dandy!
That few seconds shot of the fellow trying to work the tire iron and the tire machine sure looked like he didn’t know what he was doing.
It appears to be a common thing world wide to put an underling to change tires in motorcycle shops.
Last summer in Whitehorse, Yukon Yamaha screwed up my partners and my tire installation to the point my riding partner couldn’t ride the Dempster.
Bing’s rim really looked bad, it would take a lot of skill to graft metal to repair that rim. Noraly may have to call in some favours from her network of friends to get a replacement shipped to them in a timely fashion. I suspect he gets a replacement bike.
Sadlsor
Site Supporter
Yeah, we'll see Wednesday what comes of this. This one has me more interested than I usually am.
Sunday's video wasn't available at 2am CT, thought I'd check before turning in, but it was available by 7am this morning.
Sunday's video wasn't available at 2am CT, thought I'd check before turning in, but it was available by 7am this morning.