First Thai motorcyclists cross China

The first Thai motorcyclists to ride across China have completed their journey, with a little help British motorcycle expedition specialists GlobeBusters.

Patima ‘Banana’ Kongpetch and Pawee ‘Wee’ Pandrumrongsatid left London’s Ace Cafe in May and rode to Istanbul, from where they followed the Silk Road across Central Asia to the city of Xi’an in Northwest China, home to the Terracotta Army.

Patima rode his BMW R1150GS and Pawee chose the BMW F800GS for the 9750 mile trip. ‘Wee’ had a lucky escape while travelling through the desert area in the east of China, when a strong cross wind blew a section of straw mesh fence across the road, directly in front of him, while travelling at 65 mph. The whole fence wrapped itself around both rider and bike, but fortunately ‘Wee’ was just able to bring it to controlled stop at the roadside.

The expedition was led by double Guinness World Record holder Kevin Sanders, who was particularly impressed by the attitude of the Thai riders; “They are always so positive about everything; Wee’s sayings are ‘keep smiling’ and ‘freedom’.  For Wee, who has only been riding for just under two years, this trip is a life-changing experience and he plans to do one big trip each year over the next four to five years, riding all the World with GlobeBusters”.

From Xi’an Patima and Pawee will ride home to Thailand via Laos and Cambodia.
Next spring GlobeBusters will run another trans-Asia expedition, travelling from London to Beijing via Tibet and Mount Everest. For more information visit www.globebusters.com.