Ryan Pyle - China BMW Rider - The End of This Blog

Hello.

I want to thank everyone for following this blog for the last few months, but I regret to inform you that I will no longer be updating it anymore. My reasons for this are simple, I hate to do things at half speed. I always said I would never be a once a month blogger.

A lot of my time has been redirected to making a television series from a 60 day - 20,000km - motorcycle journey around China that I will be completing with my brother, Colin.

For those details, and any further updates I suggest following me on Facebook; and for this particular motorcycle journey around China you can follow us at: www.mkride.com.

Thanks.

Ryan Pyle
www.mkride.com

China BMW Rider Blog: Random Road Construction

Hello.

I was out past the airport a few weeks back and filmed this "road to nowhere" of construction. Because I'm pretty much locked up in the city week in and week out I've thrived at the opportunities on weekends to pop out of the city and randomly search for any kind of adventure or off-road opportunity.

So I head out and cruise construction sites and enjoy getting a bit dirty. Here is a little road construction obstacle course out near the ocean.

Ryan Pyle
Photographer / BMW Motorcycle Owner
Location: Shanghai, China
Email: ryan@ryanpyle.com
Website: www.ryanpyle.com
Video: Ryan Pyle Video
Mobile: +86 137 9521 9650
BMW China: BMWCHINA
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China BMW Rider Blog: Shanghai's Nanpu Bridge

Hello.

I recently took the plunge and dared to ride over a tall bridge in Shanghai, and I opted for the Shanghai Nanpu Bridge; and let me tell you - the wind was intense. Having to lean over on to one side and adjust my weight against the wind to protect myself from being knocked over. No easy task.

Too bad all of Shanghai's bridges are off-limits to riders. Such an anti-bike city. Too bad.

Ryan Pyle
Photographer / BMW Motorcycle Owner
Location: Shanghai, China
Email: ryan@ryanpyle.com
Website: www.ryanpyle.com
Video: Ryan Pyle Video
Mobile: +86 137 9521 9650
BMW China: BMWCHINA
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China BMW Rider Blog: Shanghai's Lupu Bridge

Hello.

I recently took the plunge and dared to ride over a tall bridge in Shanghai, and I opted for the Shanghai Lupu Bridge; and let me tell you - the wind was intense. Having to lean over on to one side and adjust my weight. Plus there was a full fog and white out as well. So the views are not great. But I hope you enjoy the video anyway.

Cheers,

Ryan Pyle
Photographer / BMW Motorcycle Owner
Location: Shanghai, China
Email: ryan@ryanpyle.com
Website: www.ryanpyle.com
Video: Ryan Pyle Video
Mobile: +86 137 9521 9650
BMW China: BMWCHINA
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China BMW Rider Blog: Passing a Temple

Hello.

There are 20 million people in Shanghai and anytime there is a festival the temples get very very busy. I was out a few mornings ago and I accidently went down a street where a small temple was situated. The crowds and the line ups were intense. Here is a little video from that experience.

Just another glimpse of life in Shanghai, China.

Ryan Pyle
Photographer / BMW Motorcycle Owner
Location: Shanghai, China
Email: ryan@ryanpyle.com
Website: www.ryanpyle.com
Video: Ryan Pyle Video
Mobile: +86 137 9521 9650
BMW China: BMWCHINA
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China BMW Rider Blog: Tardy Performance

Hello,

I just wanted to write and say that I am sorry to all the folks out there who were expecting regular blog updates from me. I haven't posted anything for a good two weeks or so - but that is only because I've been so busy producing some new rider video's.

I am still trying to get the quality of the video to a level I find acceptable. But I can't tell you how enjoyable the BMW F800GS has been in Shanghai. Any bigger a bike would have just been a mistake.

Furthermore, I am in the process of organization a massive riding trip for later in the year. More details on that to come. And more video is on it's way. Sorry for the delay.

Ryan Pyle
Photographer / BMW Motorcycle Owner
Location: Shanghai, China
Email: ryan@ryanpyle.com
Website: www.ryanpyle.com
Video: Ryan Pyle Video
Mobile: +86 137 9521 9650
BMW China: BMWCHINA
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China BMW Rider Blog: Uyghur Alleyway in Shanghai

Hello.

This was a late afternoon cruise through a small alleyway in downtown Shanghai. It was pretty rough looking, typical to what most of Shanghai used to look like. Surprisingly I found an entire neighborhood of Uyghur families, from China's remote northwestern Xinjiang province.

Ryan Pyle
Photographer / BMW Motorcycle Owner
Location: Shanghai, China
Email: ryan@ryanpyle.com
Website: www.ryanpyle.com
Video: Ryan Pyle Video
Mobile: +86 137 9521 9650
BMW China: BMWCHINA

China BMW Rider Blog: A Brush with the Military

Hello.

I was out in my F800GS for a late afternoon cruise by some new construction along Shanghai's south bund. I was trying to stay focused on some of the old buildings being destroyed, along with the new construction. But then all of a sudden I was riding past a military base and soldiers where out on the street running and doing pushups. An odd moment.

Ryan Pyle
Photographer / BMW Motorcycle Owner
Location: Shanghai, China
Email: ryan@ryanpyle.com
Website: www.ryanpyle.com
Video: Ryan Pyle Video
Mobile: +86 137 9521 9650
BMW China: BMWCHINA

China BMW Rider Blog: The Black Cat

Hello.

This was a late afternoon cruise by the new Shanghai Expo site along the south bund in Shanghai, China. And this afternoon I took my BMW F800GS through one of Shanghai's tunnels in Central Shanghai, to reach the various parts of the Shanghai Expo site. I did come across a bit of bad luck along the way as a black cat crossed my path while I was riding. What a horrible thing to have happen. But, after putting that behind me I can say that the construction going on for the new Shanghai World Expo 2010 is a great example of "New Shanghai", full of sky scrappers, modern buildings, and highways.

Ryan Pyle
Photographer / BMW Motorcycle Owner
Location: Shanghai, China
Email: ryan@ryanpyle.com
Website: www.ryanpyle.com
Video: Ryan Pyle Video
Mobile: +86 137 9521 9650
BMW China: BMWCHINA

China BMW Rider Blog: More Expo Site Video

Hello.

This was a late afternoon cruise by the new Shanghai Expo site along the south bund in Shanghai, China. And this afternoon I took my BMW F800GS through one of Shanghai's tunnels in Central Shanghai, to reach the various parts of the Shanghai Expo site. The construction going on for the new Shanghai World Expo 2010 is a great example of "New Shanghai", full of sky scrappers, modern buildings, and highways.

Ryan Pyle
Photographer / BMW Motorcycle Owner
Location: Shanghai, China
Email: ryan@ryanpyle.com
Website: www.ryanpyle.com
Video: Ryan Pyle Video
Mobile: +86 137 9521 9650
BMW China: BMWCHINA

China BMW Rider Blog: An Expo Construction Site

Hello.

This was a late afternoon cruise by the new Shanghai Expo site along the south bund in Shanghai, China. And this afternoon I took my BMW F800GS through one of Shanghai's tunnels in Central Shanghai, to reach the various parts of the Shanghai Expo site. The construction going on for the new Shanghai World Expo 2010 is a great example of "New Shanghai", full of sky scrappers, modern buildings, and highways.

Ryan Pyle
Photographer / BMW Motorcycle Owner
Location: Shanghai, China
Email: ryan@ryanpyle.com
Website: www.ryanpyle.com
Video: Ryan Pyle Video
Mobile: +86 137 9521 9650
BMW China: BMWCHINA

China BMW Rider Blog: Looking at the Expo

Hello.

This was a late afternoon cruise by the new China Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo site along the south bund in Shanghai, China. And this afternoon I took my BMW F800GS through one of Shanghai's tunnels in Central Shanghai, to reach the Pavilion site. The construction going on for the new Shanghai World Expo 2010 is a great example of "New Shanghai", full of sky scrappers, modern buildings, and highways. Ryan Pyle. http://cnbmwrider.blogspot.com. www.ryanpyle.com.

Ryan Pyle
Photographer / BMW Motorcycle Owner
Location: Shanghai, China
Email: ryan@ryanpyle.com
Website: www.ryanpyle.com
Video: Ryan Pyle Video
Mobile: +86 137 9521 9650
BMW China: BMWCHINA

China BMW Rider Blog: Contour HD Helmet Camera

Hello.

Well, I've bought a lot of gear. And I figured that I might as well share a bit about how I got my gear and whether it is any good or not. To be honest, the contour HD is tiny and light and I didn't have high hopes. But after taking it out a hand full of times I can honestly say that it's a stunning piece of engineering and I was doubtful of the fact that something so small could shoot HD. It's unbelievable.

So basically, I'm no good at giving reviews of gear or kit. But I splurged on this and I've found it incredibly helpful in my two-wheeled documentation of Shanghai. Fun, light, tiny, easy to use and comes with software that makes the editing process "retard-proof", which is the only way I could every manage to cut a video on my own.

More video's to come. Rock and roll.

Contour LINK.

Ryan Pyle
Photographer / BMW Motorcycle Owner
Location: Shanghai, China
Email: ryan@ryanpyle.com
Website: www.ryanpyle.com
Video: Ryan Pyle Video
Mobile: +86 137 9521 9650
BMW China: BMWCHINA

China BMW Rider Blog: Elevated Highway Video 02

Hello.

Well, I've just made my second video riding my BMW F800GS on Shanghai's elevated highway and yes, the Contour HD Camera yet again performed lovely. I managed the get the camera looking pretty much straight this time. Still lots more to learn. Lots more to film.

Every weekend morning I like to go out riding in Shanghai, China. And this morning I took my BMW F800GS on Shanghai's elevated highway in Central Shanghai, an expressway that is off limits to motorcycles and usually full of traffic. But this morning, the Chinese New Year's Eve, the road was empty, the police were not around and it was -3C. So I took the opportunity to make a little video and almost freeze myself to death. This is a great example of "New Shanghai", full of sky scrappers, modern and highways.

Ryan Pyle
Photographer / BMW Motorcycle Owner
Location: Shanghai, China
Email: ryan@ryanpyle.com
Website: www.ryanpyle.com
Video: Ryan Pyle Video
Mobile: +86 137 9521 9650
BMW China: BMWCHINA

China BMW Rider Blog: A Ride Along the Bund

Hello.

Well, I think I've just made my 3rd video, this time riding my BMW F800GS along Shanghai's historic and famed Bund, and yes, Contour HD Camera yet again performed lovely. Looks like I am getting the hang of this. Still so much more to film.

Every weekend morning I like to go out riding in Shanghai, China. And this morning I took my BMW F800GS along the Bund, or river front in Central Shangahi. The Bund is full of old colonial buildings and at the moment the are being refurbished for the Expo 2010 which is being held in Shanghai. On this particular morning, the Chinese New Year's Eve, the road was empty, the police were not around and it was -3C. So I took the opportunity to make a little video and almost freeze myself to death. This is a great example of "New Shanghai", full of sky scrappers, modern and highways.

Ryan Pyle
Photographer / BMW Motorcycle Owner
Location: Shanghai, China
Email: ryan@ryanpyle.com
Website: www.ryanpyle.com
Video: Ryan Pyle Video
Mobile: +86 137 9521 9650
BMW China: BMWCHINA

China BMW Rider Blog: Elevated Highway Video 01

Hello.

Well, I've just made my first video riding my BMW F800GS on Shanghai's elevated highway and yes, the Contour HD Camera yet again performed lovely. I managed the get the camera looking pretty much straight this time. Still lots more to learn. Lots more to film.

Every weekend morning I like to go out riding in Shanghai, China. And this morning I took my BMW F800GS on Shanghai's elevated highway in Central Shanghai, an expressway that is off limits to motorcycles and usually full of traffic. But this morning, the Chinese New Year's Eve, the road was empty, the police were not around and it was -3C. So I took the opportunity to make a little video and almost freeze myself to death. This is a great example of "New Shanghai", full of sky scrappers, modern and highways.

Ryan Pyle
Photographer / BMW Motorcycle Owner
Location: Shanghai, China
Email: ryan@ryanpyle.com
Website: www.ryanpyle.com
Video: Ryan Pyle Video
Mobile: +86 137 9521 9650
BMW China: BMWCHINA

China BMW Rider Blog: What Navigator To Get in China

Hello.

Well, since I don't really read any Chinese characters, I know it's pathetic after being here for almost a decade, but I have a real problem getting around. The cities are fine because most signs are written in Pingyin which is the Romanized version of Chinese characters, so life is much easier. But out there in the sticks Pingyin falls away and characters are all that exists. So getting the right Navigator was crucial to properly riding around in a land where I am virtually illiterate.

I ended up settling on the co-branded BMW + Garmin version; the BMW Motorrad Navigator IV. And wow, what an unbelievable machine. The 3D navigation is great. Tons of extra functions, listed below, but for me the most important thing is having those four big buttons on the left side, and the Bluetooth connect-ability of the device; which syncs seamlessly with my iPhone and Cardio headset and Mic in my helmet.

Now I ordered my Navigator online at Sierra BMW, my one-stop online shop for purchasing equipment from China. The device was on my doorstep within about two weeks, which is a great turn around for China.

I've been using this Navigator for a few days now and I'm very pleased. I think the key to the device is that the screen is massive and bright and the touch screen reacts well to taps using big bulky gloves. A full list of the specs of the device can be found on the Garmin website.

Now, the big question is what did I do about my mapping software. There has been a lot of online talk about people brining Navigators from Europe or North America in to China and not having them work, and that may be true but I think I've found the solution. First, I bought my Navigator from the US and had it shipped over. Why, because Garmin in China only sell car models, sad but true. Then instead of downloading the China map from the Garmin website I visited the China mapping experts, Beijing Unistrong.

I found their English website, top right corner, and found their Shanghai office and pitch up with my BMW Naviagator. Not only did they help sort me out with the China NT City Map, they wouldn't let me leave until it was installed perfectly and we even did a little test outside walking around their office building. First class service from the folks at Unistrong, their Shanghai office address is below.

Beijing Unistrong Science & Technology Co., LTD.
FLOOR 4TH. 12 UNIT, NO. 159
TIANZHOU RD. XUHUI DC.
SHANGHAI 200233
Phone: 86 21 51538880
Fax: 86 21 54452060
Website: HTTP://WWW.UNISTRONG.COM

Well, that's how I've navigated this situation. I hope it helps. More on this space.

Ryan Pyle
Photographer / BMW Motorcycle Owner
Location: Shanghai, China
Email: ryan@ryanpyle.com
Website: www.ryanpyle.com
Video: Ryan Pyle Video
Mobile: +86 137 9521 9650
BMW China: BMWCHINA

China BMW Rider Blog: My First Video

Hello.

Well, I've just made my first video riding my BMW F800GS through an old Shanghai neighborhood. The Contour HD Camera performed lovely. I just need to bring the camera up a few more degree's and get more action and less road. Lots more to learn. Lots more to film.

Every weekend morning I like to go out riding in Shanghai, China. And this morning I took my BMW F800GS down Da Jing Road in Central Shanghai, an old lane way near the bund. The street was full of local color and offers a great example of what the average Shanghai morning looks like.

If you watch the film keep your eyes pealed for the guy brushing his teeth in an outdoor sink, much of old Shanghai still relies on outdoor plumbing, and a little later a woman carrying two live chickens down the street. Also, I try to squeeze myself through a pretty tight street market at the end and some old lady tells me off. Good fun indeed.

Hopefully when the weather clears up, it's been raining for a while now, I'll get out on some of Shanghai's huge bridges and ride through the financial center with some of the world's largest buildings. Much more video coming soon.

The video is also available at Vholdr's Website, the company responsible for the Contour camera. Follow this link.

Ryan Pyle
Photographer / BMW Motorcycle Owner
Location: Shanghai, China
Email: ryan@ryanpyle.com
Website: www.ryanpyle.com
Video: Ryan Pyle Video
Mobile: +86 137 9521 9650
BMW China: BMWCHINA

China BMW Rider Blog: China Motorcycle News Magazine Article

Hello,

I may have mentioned in a previous blog or two but I'm the first BMW F800GS owner in China. And while I've had an absolute blast riding my new bike in Shanghai, although the traffic can be intense, I've received an unbelievable number of stares and odd looks.

Much of the reason behind the shock on my people's face is that they've most likely never seen a "big bike". In China motorcycles are for farmers; and they'll all the 125cc Suzuki or Honda versions or there knockoff's. But when an off-road beast pulls up to them on the side of the road they are often taken back; they must be thinking, "why can a foreigner who can afford a car want to ride a motorcycle?". Don't forget, driving a car and owning a car is a huge status symbol in China, whereas riding a bike is not. Time to turn that opinion upside down.

Anyways, this post isn't so much about the impact of urban riding in Shanghai; but about a recent article in the China Motorcycle News Magazine, which both myself and Lorance An were featured. Lorance is a Taiwanese rider who bought Shanghai's first BMW R1200 RT and so he enjoys the claim as being the first non-Chinese resident in Shanghai to own a bike bike. I'm only managed to finish second in the race, but at least I've got the first F800GS in all of mainland China. Very proud of that fact. Sadly the Chinese Magazine doesn't have a website or I could try linking to it. So instead you'll have to accept my poor quality scan above.

ps. I finally attached a Contour HD camera to my helmet - will begin recording video from riding in Shanghai this weekend. Will post everything here. Exciting times ahead. I may also write a few blogs in the near future about some of the gear I've purchased over the last few weeks. I've got all the insider information about how to get stuff in China and what navigators work and don't. More on that coming soon.

Ryan Pyle
Photographer / BMW Motorcycle Owner
Location: Shanghai, China
Email: ryan@ryanpyle.com
Website: www.ryanpyle.com
Video: Ryan Pyle Video
Mobile: +86 137 9521 9650
BMW China: BMWCHINA

China BMW Rider Blog: The First Ride Report

Hello.

Well, my F800GS is no longer in Purgatory and the BMW folks in Shanghai have been a huge help. My motorcycle has been registered and licensed; the first F800GS in China. Exciting times indeed.

On Saturday morning I put on my riding jacket and boots and grabbed my helmet and took the 25min taxi ride to the northern part of Shanghai where the BMW motorcycle dealership is located. I was nervous and excited. Loads of emotions running through my veins.

I ordered my bike back in August 2009. It took basically 5 months to arrive from Germany and pass through customs, it took another 1 month to be properly registered and licensed; all at great expense. And now, I was picking it up for the first time. After signing a few forms and collecting the registration and looking over the bike I put on my helmet and gloves and drove it right out of the store; it, and I, had arrived.

The BMW riding experience is as lovely as any and my first 30 minute ride from the shop to my house was heavenly. Why was I only out for 30 minutes? Because it was 2C and I didn't have any warm riding gear. But gear changes were smooth, the handle bar warmers were essential. The balance and weight of the bike was perfect. Accelerating was fast and smooth, not jerky.

So yes, I know have the first F800GS in China. So, the best question remains: What am I going to do with it? The answer is complex. I don't want to just be a city rider. The F800GS was built to ride across Tibet, so naturally that is where I should take it. Fingers crossed for summer 2010. Until then, day trips and perhaps multi-day trips. I am hoping to be able to integrate the bike in to some of my photography work as I often need to make small trips to the suburbs of Shanghai or secondary cities near buy. I've bought a helmet camera. Lots of documentation coming soon.

Watch this space.

Ryan Pyle
Photographer / BMW Motorcycle Owner
Location: Shanghai, China
Email: ryan@ryanpyle.com
Website: www.ryanpyle.com
Mobile: +86 137 9521 9650
BMW China: BMWCHINA

China BMW Rider Blog: My Bike is in Purgatory

Hello.

Well, I thought I needed to update the blog even though I have almost nothing report. Why? My bike is in Purgatory.

Is my bike in Shanghai? Yes. It's at the BMW dealer. But the customs paper work is still in Beijing. The reason why? I've got the very first F800GS in China and the government needs to create a new "product entry" for it. Once I get my customs forms saying I've paid my 100% luxury tax - ouch!!! - then I'll be able to get my license plate and starting riding around.

The good news is that it's filtering with 0 degree Celsius in Shanghai at the moment and I don't have much interest in riding. If we were in May, I'd be losing my mind. I'm hoping to have the bike licensed and ready to go next week.

As for the BMW folks in China, their doing a great job; just dealing with the government takes ages. They are slow moving. And so we wait. I'll be sure to keep everyone posted.


Ryan Pyle
Photographer / BMW Motorcycle Owner
Location: Shanghai, China
Email: ryan@ryanpyle.com
Website: www.ryanpyle.com
Mobile: +86 137 9521 9650
BMW China: BMWCHINA

China BMW Rider Blog: It has Arrived

Hello.

Well I'm pretty excited at the moment. My F800GS has arrived in China, see above picture I took this afternoon.

It has been seriously delayed and the process has been incredibly difficult, but mainly because I am a pretty impatient person. BMW China have done their best and delivered me with my motorcycle of choice, a brand new BMW F800GS 2010 model. Wow, I almost have to pinch myself.

Now, the bike is in the shop at BMW Shanghai, but at the moment I can't ride it. It'll take a few more days to register, insure and properly license. So all I could do today was sit on it and play with all the buttons. But it was still a moment of euphoria.

The BMW F800GS overs up a lot of options and I thought here would be a good chance to explain a little about exactly what I purchased. I opted for the heated handle grips, ABS Breaks, Onboard Computer and I paid a little extra to get a modification to my engine that will allow it to drink really poor quality petro or gasoline; for when I am riding across Inner Mongolia.

I can't wait to get it out of the shop and on to the streets. Stay tuned for more blogging. It seems that we've really made a step forward today. It is really happening.

Ryan Pyle
Photographer / BMW Motorcycle Owner
Location: Shanghai, China
Email: ryan@ryanpyle.com
Website: www.ryanpyle.com
Mobile: +86 137 9521 9650
BMW China: BMWCHINA