Other than good buddy Arjiu (that would be Joe Gresh), I’m guessing most of you have never been to Chongqing. Chongqing is home to China’s motorcycle industry and it was the starting point for your two blogmeisters’ putt across the Ancient Kingdom. I enjoyed that ride enormously. Gresh and I had some fantastic times.
I first visited Chongqing and Zongshen as a consultant to CSC when we used Zongshen’s 250cc engine in our Mustang replicas. One thing led to another, and before too long CSC was Zongshen’s exclusive North American importer, and CSC introduced the RX3 to the US. I was blown away by Chongqing, the people, the size of the city, the photo ops, the cuisine, and more. I’ve been there many times and I’d go back again in a heartbeat.
Good buddy Fan shared this video a few days ago, and I knew I had to share it on the blog. Pro tip: Hit the little button on the bottom right of the video (after you start it) to view it full screen. It’s impressive.
You can be a China hater all you want. I know more than a few people over there I call my friends. Yeah, the world is going through some shaky times right now, but that’s not the Chinese people and it’s for sure not the guys I know. I like the place.
If you want to know more about our trip across China, pick up a copy of Riding China. There’s a link here on the blog. And take a look at our Epic Rides page, where we have links to posts about that ride.
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Like any country, it all depends on who’s in charge and those that follow him. China runs the extremes, both the beauty and the beast. Chongqing appears to be stunning but I doubt I’ll ever see it.
Watching that video, all I could think about was how much electricity they were using and how they were generating it – probably coal. That, and the logistics of supplying 32 million people.
One of my favorite sayings – I found on a poster in Ray’s Tavern in Green River, Utah, a hangout for river runners after a trip: Steve McQueen – “I would rather wake up in the middle of nowhere than any city in the world”.
No worries Dan, I have replaced all my incandescent lamps in my home with energy saving LED lamps which should help offset Chongqing’s dazzling light display (though I never noticed a reduction of my monthly payments. Funny thing that is.)
Wow! Another city with over 10 million people I never heard of was my first thought. I think we are all going to have to separate the people from their governments in a lot of countries these days…
I had a Russian Ural for a bunch of years and was impressed with service I got and the people I met in dealing with bike over 10 years or so. I have not yet owned a Chinese Bike. but reading Joe and Joe’s accounts on their trips on the CSC 250 touring bikes I must admit these do look like big fun. The people they write about seem real and motorcycle guys anyone would like to hang with, so Chinese or Russian people can me great. Now I have to watch the video…
Hey,Dajiu,how are you been?
I think the Chongqing government should grant you the title of cultural exchange envoy.
I would say that you and Gresh are fortunate to have seen the other side of China that most Americans can’t see, with your own eyes, not second-hand fake news. Of course, I’m also lucky enough to meet you, two avid motorcycle enthusiasts.
Politics is politics and life is life. There is no reason for the Chinese and American people to hate each other.
I completely agree, Fan.
i dont hate chinese. i do hate the CCP.
look, i studied kung fu for years. my youngest takes chinese in school.
i mean come on, you quit face book (a good thing) but you support a society where the internet is controlled , and guns for that matter, way more than here.
i believe you there are nice chinese people. but its chinese money that is buying out the world where ever it can. and if its chinese money its the CCP. there is no bizz in china where the CCP doesnt have a hand in. if you believe the motorcycle industry is bereft of the CCP. i dont know what to tell you.
As always, thanks for commenting.