A motorcycle racer in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has been practicing unremittingly to surmount various challenges during the races, showing an indomitable spirit, according to a new documentary series spotlighting the daily life of different people in the region.
The documentary launched by China Global Television Network (CGTN) uses the ancient "shichen" timekeeping system to frame stories across one day.
In ancient China, a day was divided into 12 periods known as "shichen," each lasting two hours by today's clock.
The third episode, titled Sishi, the hour of sunrise from 09:00 to 11:00, opens in Hetian Prefecture, where motorcycle rally racers such as Abas Ghapar rise up to challenges they face during their races by relentless practice.
Abas Ghapar is born in Xinjiang.
He said the region is truly a paradise for off-road racing.
"My home is just nine kilometers from the desert. The desert lies ahead, and the Flaming Mountains behind. We are very familiar with the Gobi desert, so we quickly adapt to off-road environments. It's a perfect combination of timing, location, and human skill," he said.
However, from competing solo to leading a team, the challenges he faces have grown along with his increasingly bigger role.
Challenges come head-on, but their passion sustains them to go on.
"This is like drinking coffee. Its appeal keeps pulling you in. When there's a race, I just can't sit still. Once I start the motorcycle, my injuries, pain, and worries all fade away. There's no time to think about them. I can only focus on my motorcycle, the racing track, and the roadbook," said Abas.
Motorcycle rally racer in Xinjiang rises above challenges with untiring practice
