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Like this from now: Itchy Boots side-car? 🇨🇳 |S8, EP151
When Riding Isn't Possible: Sidecar Adventure Across China
I'm traveling with Bing in China, but because he has eye problems, he can't ride his motorcycle. Is this a good alternative?
International Paperback edition = NOT signed
Here I teach all my filming techniques including getting drone shots while riding!
I'm traveling with Bing in China, but because he has eye problems, he can't ride his motorcycle. Is this a good alternative?
Sidecar swap! In this episode of her China journey, Itchy Boots teams up with Bing, who can't ride his motorcycle because of eye problems. So she tries something different: riding a sidecar instead. It's a fresh twist for an adventure traveler used to handling her own bike, and the question hangs in the air—is this a good alternative? As they continue across China, the roads bring new perspectives and remind us that travel is all about adapting. Sometimes the change of wheels is exactly what makes the journey even more memorable.
I'm traveling with Bing in China, but because he has eye problems, he can't ride his motorcycle. Is this a good alternative?
Itchy Boots is traveling through China, but her friend Bing has blurry vision in one eye, making motorcycle riding dangerous. To continue their journey together, they try an unusual solution: a Chinese sidecar motorcycle. Xiao Yue, Bing's business partner, rides the sidecar while Bing sits as passenger. The sidecar, a 500cc machine with reverse gear, proves extremely difficult to ride—it's heavy, jerky, and unpredictable. At corners, it fights the rider, lifting up when turning right. After a short test, they conclude it's unrideable and too slow. Itchy Boots continues solo, covering 340 kilometers through beautiful mountain villages and empty roads, while the sidecar struggles back to Beijing. The final plan: intercept Bing's own motorcycle, install new tires, and ride two-up. Itchy Boots marvels at the scenery, from lush valleys to the beginning of the Inner Mongolia grasslands. She reflects on the challenge of adapting plans on the road, the beauty of China's landscapes, and the camaraderie of travel.
Itchy Boots' determination and flexibility shine as she navigates unexpected obstacles. Despite the sidecar failure, she remains optimistic, joking about the experience and appreciating the quiet roads and stunning views. Her solo ride through twisty mountain passes and small villages is a highlight, showing the resilience needed for long-distance motorcycle travel. The episode captures the realities of overlanding: creative problem-solving, mechanical challenges, and the joy of discovering hidden gems off the beaten path.
Itchy Boots explores a creative solution for her travel companion Bing's eye problem: a sidecar. The Chinese-made 500cc sidecar proves challenging, with unstable handling and unpredictable steering. After a test ride, they deem it unrideable and switch to plan F: Bing rides pillion on his own bike. The scenic ride through mountains to Inner Mongolia's grasslands is beautiful.
Itchy Boots tries a sidecar for her companion in China but finds it unrideable, switching to plan F. She enjoys scenic mountain roads and grasslands in Inner Mongolia.
Sidecar Adventure in China: Overcoming Challenges on Motorcycle Journey
3:26 Slow down to 30-40 km/h at corners when riding a sidecar, especially until you get used to the handling.
9:55 When turning right in a sidecar, the sidecar can lift up. More weight helps keep it down.
15:49 Mountain roads in China offer empty, scenic routes through small villages. Perfect for quiet riding.
21:29 Sidecar travel is very slow compared to a motorcycle; plan for much shorter daily distances.
3:26 Slow down to 30-40 km/h at corners when riding a sidecar, especially until you get used to the handling.
9:55 When turning right in a sidecar, the sidecar can lift up. More weight helps keep it down.
15:49 Mountain roads in China offer empty, scenic routes through small villages. Perfect for quiet riding.
21:29 Sidecar travel is very slow compared to a motorcycle; plan for much shorter daily distances.
0:00 Good morning in China
0:46 Great Wall climb recap
1:20 Sidecar solution introduced
8:38 Sidecar difficulty discussion
11:20 Sidecar deemed unrideable
15:49 Riding through mountain villages
20:30 Arrival at grassland hotel
22:50 Plan F: two-up riding
0:00 Good morning in China
0:46 Great Wall climb recap
1:20 Sidecar solution introduced
8:38 Sidecar difficulty discussion
11:20 Sidecar deemed unrideable
15:49 Riding through mountain villages
20:30 Arrival at grassland hotel
22:50 Plan F: two-up riding
round the world on motorbikemotorbike travellersolo female travelleradventure rideroffroad motorcycleitchy bootsyamaha tenereyamaha xt600xt600zvintage motorcycle1987 yamaha tenerearound the world中國陸路旅行sidecar travel中國機車旅行中國精彩體驗Was the sidecar scary to ride?
A little bit. The handlebar is very difficult and jerky, especially in first and second gear. The thing is riding you, not the other way around.
