Adventure, Adventure, News

Amy and Buck Complete 21,000 Mile Lap of China

/ February 6th, 2014
Two Overlanders in motorcycle gear ride a black motorcycle past colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, with mountains and a cloudy blue sky in the background.

A few months ago we reported on a trip in progress called the Great Ride of China. Adventurers Amy and Buck were attempting to ride their way into the Guinness Book of World Records by completing the largest motorcycle trip in a single country. In September they were just 60 days and 6,000 miles into their projected 20,000 mile epic. Three weeks ago after 146 days on the road, they finally completed their massive lap of China having logged more than 21,000 miles.

Visiting all of China’s 33 provincial regions, Amy and Buck traversed a dizzying array of landscapes from the Taklamakan desert in Xinjiang to the upper slopes of the Himalayan mountains at Everest base camp. Their route took them through the lush tropical zones of the south and some of the largest cities on earth. Riding a 650cc CFMMOTO two-up, they rode many surfaces normally reserved for full-blown adventure bikes.

More than just a fun lap around a massive country, Amy and Buck also managed to use the trip to raise more than $11,000 for China-based charity, Lunch for Children. Lots of people make big plans to set out and do something bold; few follow through. From all of us at Expedition Portal, we congratulate Amy and Buck on a trip well done. 

For more information and to view the hundreds of images documenting their journey, visit their website:  www.greatrideofchina.com

Traditional Chinese architecture with grey brick buildings, ornate tiled roofs, and intricate wooden windows creates a scenic route for Overlanders, as red lanterns line the street below and green hills rise in the background.

A stone-paved street lined with traditional wooden buildings and red lanterns winds through a historic Chinese town, inviting overlanders to explore its charm as green hills and a watchtower rise in the misty background under a cloudy sky.

A traditional Chinese arch bridge with ornate red pavilions crosses a calm river, inviting overlanders to pause and admire the lush green trees and forested hillside in the background.

A smiling couple in outdoor gear takes a selfie with misty mountains and autumn trees in the background, capturing the spirit of Overlanding adventure.

Colorful, intricately painted wooden beams and carved details of a traditional Himalayan temple ceiling, often admired by Overlanders exploring vibrant overland routes, featuring ornate patterns, symbols, and script in vivid red, blue, yellow, green, and orange.

Map of China with provinces outlined and labeled. A red dotted line with bicycle icons marks an overlanding route, crossing multiple regions and major cities from the northwest to the southeast.

Christophe Noel is a journalist from Prescott, Arizona. Born into a family of backcountry enthusiasts, Christophe grew up backpacking the mountains and deserts of the American West. An avid cyclist and bikepacker, he also has a passion for motorcycles, travel, food and overlanding.