Like a scene from Star Wars.

Heading out, there was a rumour we would go through some mountains ....

There they are.... straight ahead.

Finally, a break from the straight bits.

Stop to regroup before a Toll Booth, and this Chap screams to a halt behind us and wants to take pics,

Get to the mountain section....

...and the speed limit drops to 60 km/hr (37 mph).

We all look at each other, wondering who is going to break formation first, and I could take no more... head down, throttle open, and damn the consequences.

Went through a couple of cameras that flashed, and was lucky was when passing one cop, I was the other side of a lorry, so "sort of" didn't see him.  In China, it seems like they rely on numberplate recognition and automated devices ... never been so happy as to be on English plates.

Its even an offence here to have a dirty numberplate, so most of the bigger vehicles paint their registrations on the back in huge letters, in addition to their number plates ... guess it avoids a fine.

Stop for lunch, as ever, the tourists flock for photos by the bikes.

Wasn't sure what lunch involved, but crisps are always a safe bet.

But then with a little help from a Muslim waitress, she sorts me out...

... all for the price of a picture.

Entering Turpan.

We are booked into the Turpan Hotel ... was the best 5 star around ... in its heyday.

Find Johns (or was it Jacks) cafe, behind the hotel.

And get on with the business of making friends !

Abdul, or guide, offers to take us see the ancient Yar city.. but only 3 takers.

The city has basically been carved out of the earth.

Reminded me of that Star Wars scene !

Worth seeing ... once !

Followed by dinner in the night bazaar.

The other 4 didn't know what they were missing .....

or maybe they did !