Second fan cools heated frustration for Pavey - 26 June 2008
Stage number: 14
Stage date: 26/06/2008
Start and arrival city: ALXA YOUQI to BAYAN HOT
Special: Alxa Youqi to Schakgd
Total distance (special): 589km (202km)
Result on stage: 25
Position overall: 24
Hi. Following a couple of frustrating days in the dunes with the bike overheating, Bernie and I came up with a fix last night. We took off the coolant overflow tank and replaced it with a fan. So the radiator now has two fans, one which is on all the time, the other that only cuts in when the engine temperature gets high, and what a difference. The bike is transformed, it doesn't overheat anymore, and it's gained an extra 5bhp!
The stage has got to be the most beautiful rally stage ever. We're riding in sand dunes that are on the tops of mountains, surrounded by lakes. It's astonishing scenery. They reckon that there was something like 144 lakes in around the stage.
Colin was suffering today from dehydration, so I did my Good Samaritan bit and dragged him through the dunes and the stage. I'd ride off in front a bit of Colin, stop, and take some pictures. I'd then wait for him to catch up, or go back and help him pick up his bike. Sometimes you just have to do the good thing and stuff. I took 40 good pictures too.
It was a stunning day and we both really enjoyed ourselves and made the most of the experience. We had a wonderful day with some nice relaxed riding in the most beautiful country I've ever seen.
Tomorrows the last racing special stages then we have a liaison into Beijing so we're almost there!
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