Bicycle Touring The World: China, in Yongdeng
My latest bicycle touring update, cycling around the world in Yongdeng, China, on Thursday, the 1st November 2012. I went back to the local police station again this morning after spending an hour or so with the girls in reception, who were trying to sort it all out for me. But in the end, I decided to go back and see for myself.
It was the same lady on reception. And she looked a little surprised to see me. Luckily, there was somebody else there who spoke some English. She explained that I should have gone to Lanzhou yesterday and that I needed to go there straight away. I got the hotel to sort a taxi out for me for less than £30 for a 160-mile round trip, bargain!
What A Journey
Mirror, signal, manoeuvre! What’s a mirror? What’s a signal? Just pull out and let everybody else stop or swerve; a very nerve-racking taxi ride. But somehow, it seems to work. Well, most of the time! It wasn’t sunny. But I soon put my sunglasses on. Just so he didn’t notice me closing my eyes, each time he overtook or went for the gap that wasn’t really there!
When we found the visa office, it was lunchtime, so I had to wait for half an hour. I was then met by the man whom I’d spoken to on the phone yesterday. Who then took me upstairs to another room where the visas were dealt with. The girl on the desk didn’t seem to want to know until the man started talking to her. Then we were joined by the big boss, who seemed to be on my side; he was very interested in what I was doing.
The girl said that there were still 7 days left on my visa. I said I’m not worried about losing days; I just need to extend it for another 30 days. After a little more talking with the two gentlemen, she agreed and said it would take three working days.
Not So Stressful
Pretty easy, really, no flights to book or itineraries to fill out, the only thing she wanted was a photo, but not one I already had, they had to take one and then charge me £4 for doing it! They even put a little powder on my face! The ride back in the taxi was just as scary, but I’m back in one piece!
Tour Information
It’s been years since I took this ride, but the memories (and the data) are all archived:
- Photos: See my photos on Flickr
- The route: View my journey around the world
- Videos: Check out my YouTube videos
- Tour page: Ride overview
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