URUMQI, China, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Amid the roaring engines and swirling dust of the ongoing China's Taklimakan Rally, Abas Ghapar's motorcycle stood out for its exceptionally old-fashioned appearance.
To cut costs, he and his friends personally crafted the bike's fuel tank and exhaust system. Yet, the rider radiated confidence. Competing for the third time, he was performing impressively, currently ranking second overall, closely trailing French racer Neels Theric.
"My bike might be the oldest in the rally," he said. "However, every racer dreams of winning the title, and I'm no exception."
Hailing from a family of doctors in Lukqin Town, Shanshan County, Xinjiang. Abas followed tradition by studying medicine in college. After graduating, he became a radiologist at a local hospital. His family has produced 14 generations of doctors, and the young man's respected profession and decent salary could have ensured an enviable life. However, his passion for racing grew stronger, compelling him to find time to participate in various competitions.
From a young age, Abas was fascinated by anything with wheels. Riding his bicycle on the streets, he fell in love with the thrill of speeding through the wind. In 2012, while still a student, he worked during the summer to buy his first motorbike for over 2,000 yuan. He fondly remembers the second-hand one that first accompanied him on his journey.
"I was so happy then, I kept it clean every day," he recalled.
His neighbor, Mehmet Ahmat, an experienced Taklimakan Rally racer, ignited his ambition to become a racer. After each race, Mehmet would vividly recount his thrilling experiences to the young man.
Participating in the Taklimakan Rally is a dream for every rally racer. This event, first held in 2005, is renowned for its difficulty and the challenge of crossing the Taklimakan Desert, the world's second-largest shifting sand desert. It has since grown into China's premier rally competition.
In 2018, he finally had his chance to race in the Taklimakan Rally. With only a week to prepare, he and his friends worked late nights on a borrowed motorcycle, even crafting a makeshift road book holder. Despite the grueling challenges, including extreme heat, navigation issues, and mechanical failures, Abas finished sixth overall in his debut.
Realizing the dream wasn't so far-fetched, he resolutely quit his job without telling his family. His parents only learned of his decision later.
"My dad was okay with it, but my mom was very opposed, thinking I was giving up a good job for something risky. She worried about my future," he said.
With no turning back, Abas fully immersed himself in his beloved sport.
"Whether as a doctor or a rider, both are meaningful careers to me," he said. "Life only happens once, and as long as you do your best, you haven't wasted it."
His determination mirrored that of Forrest Gump, seizing every opportunity like a lifeline.
Last year, despite crashing and injuring himself in the eighth stage, an X-ray later revealed a compression fracture of the thoracic vertebra. Nevertheless, he still finished tenth, completing the final stage in a half-squat position.
The former young doctor now understood how to enjoy the competition more with each passing race. He dreamed of making his mark in the Dakar Rally.
"Dakar seemed unreachable before. Now, I believe I can achieve it," he said.
Outside the racetrack, Abas runs a motorcycle club in Urumqi, promoting off-road biking across Xinjiang and helping young people master the sport. This venture also provides him with a stable income, alleviating his mother's worries.
He has a two-year-old son with a small bicycle of his own, always mimicking his father's riding.
"I chose this path and I have no regrets," he said. "As for the future, I want to see what my son chooses. If he loves this sport, I'll support him wholeheartedly." ■
