This was maybe the most eventless day so far.
When I started planning this China leg, I kept the last days a bit loose and easy, to have a buffer towards the end, in case I have a delay somewhere between. So, the trip today to Kuitan was only a bit over three hours on the eight lane G30 highway which goes through a wide plain intensely used by agriculture for all kinds of agricultural produce, from wheat, to potatoes to grapes and other vegetables and pulses. All flanked by big industrial warehouses and all kinds of industrial sites.
As this was a short riding day, I used the morning to do a check-up on the bike, cleaned and oiled the chain, even when the Scottoiler system did a good job to keep the chain lubricated, but the fine sand from the last desert runs are certainly not healthy for the chain. Did a walk around and checked all the screws and bolts, all good, tire pressure is normally one of things that needs attention, as motorcycle tires can loose air, especially on slightly bent rims from the off road sections, but no, all good. Oil and water all on the mark, the engine was definitely not stressed the last 5,000 km.
Arrived in Kuitan shortly after 2 with only a petrol and quick drink stop between. From all the cities I have been so far, Kuitan is the least exciting, least orderly with clear signs of economical stress.
I’m not sure, but this is the second Holiday Inn hotel I’m staying in, which looks like it has absolutely nothing to do with the Holiday Inn brand we know from other countries. Maybe, that name is not protected in China and some hotel operator simply adds the name to the hotel name. While the rooms are clean and ok, as in spacious and functional, they are simply not Holiday Inn and there was no sign of the usual brand alignment at the reception. Anyway, the room is spacious and has everything so I don’t really care, but will be aware about it next time.
It also means no pictures today.
Tomorrow I’m off to Bole, should be a bit more interesting and will see how it will be.
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