Yesterday, it was the day for a lecture by the local police – telling us (through an interpreter) how to drive in Beijing, the risks and what to do (and what not).

Our car, when we arrived at the warehouse, was clean, and everything we had put in it was still there! 

The good news - all the tyres are the same (205X15X60). The fear that we had sent it with an odd tyre was unfounded.  

So now, we have to work out what to do with the extra tyre we bought with us.  

Another problem - the traffic.  If you get stopped for just a short period of time, the engine temperature of the Datsun rises rapidly.  As does Mark's stress level.

Tomorrow is scrutineering and documentation, as well as working out what we can fit in and what gets left in Beijing.  Z cars are small!!

Tonight is a cocktail party!!

.Today was scrutineering, documentation, briefing and a dinner.  Dinner was the best bit.

We have fitted what we can in the car and the rest will get left in the car park tomorrow morning.

I'm suggesting we leave  at 6ish as it’s 60 km out to the start at the Great Wall. We have to be there at 7:30.

Our unwanted tyre may not be left behind.  One of the organiser sweep/minders said to leave it near his 4WD and if he can fit it in he will take it on the journey.

We have formed a team (Team GT) with a Mercedes 450 SLC Car 107 and another 240z Car 103 .  These guys are Belgian, love their Gin and Tonic (thus team GT) and let’s say they share our aspirations for a good time.  This should be a good rally.

Oh - and today was a clear day - we saw blue sky! There is no competition tomorrow, but we will at least be on the way to some action. .

right: Attempting to compress my backpack to fit in the car.