Just returned back from 10 days away working on the Pro Cycling Tour of Beijing. A group of eight of us went out to act as Media Photo Pilots on the race.
On arrival we were surprised to find that our allocated machines were not from the importer or dealer, but were to be provided by the Chinese BMW Riders Club. Most were GS 1150's and 1200's, but there was a couple of 1200RT thrown in. Condition varied, used tyres and failing ABS were the two most common problems encountered. One of the 1200RT's had a terminal gearbox failure during the event, but we all got through safely.
The roads to the north of the City were fantastic, well surfaced and clear of traffic thanks to the Chinese Police and local Marshals. The mountains and descents were of Alpine quality, the Great Wall? well enough said......
Once the barriers (mistrust?) had been removed, they were a very friendly bunch of guys on some very nice bikes, again mostly GS's with some RT's.
The GS's all had additional equipment fitted from the latest Touratech stuff to local aftermarket add-ons.
Photo is of all the Marshal and Technical Bike Team in Tianaman Square before the start of the last stage on Sunday.
On arrival we were surprised to find that our allocated machines were not from the importer or dealer, but were to be provided by the Chinese BMW Riders Club. Most were GS 1150's and 1200's, but there was a couple of 1200RT thrown in. Condition varied, used tyres and failing ABS were the two most common problems encountered. One of the 1200RT's had a terminal gearbox failure during the event, but we all got through safely.
The roads to the north of the City were fantastic, well surfaced and clear of traffic thanks to the Chinese Police and local Marshals. The mountains and descents were of Alpine quality, the Great Wall? well enough said......
Once the barriers (mistrust?) had been removed, they were a very friendly bunch of guys on some very nice bikes, again mostly GS's with some RT's.
The GS's all had additional equipment fitted from the latest Touratech stuff to local aftermarket add-ons.
Photo is of all the Marshal and Technical Bike Team in Tianaman Square before the start of the last stage on Sunday.
