Just seven days on the road and there's still another three hundred kilometres of the Gobi ahead. No showers, blistering heat in the day and freezing cold in the night. The cars need some serious repairs and drivers are taking stock of what lies ahead. Stijnus, for one, really had no idea what he was exposing his priceless motor to. After a good deal of sign language, charades and scribbled sketches, the desert town of Sayshand produces a mechanic with a welder to bring the cars back to roadworthy condition. Expeditioners are invited to participate in a traditional Mongolian naadam festival, an annual event that celebrates horse racing, wrestling and archery. The festival also provides an opportunity for the crews of the Itala and Spyker to test their metal against Mongolian horses and their young riders - and they come off second best. With 250 kilometres of desert still to cross, the expedition stumbles on an abandoned Soviet military town called Choya. Ten thousand Russians used to live there up until 15 years ago. The old Soviet airstrip is the perfect place for another little grudge match between the Itala and Spyker. This time Dutch horse power triumphs over 'spaghetti power'. Then it's off to Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia's capital city. While some wander the markets and Buddhist temples, Keith and Anthony find themselves a backstreet operation where they can get their axle permanently welded and John finds himself unexpectedly part of a glamour photo shoot for a glossy magazine. A traditional Mongolian string quartet farewells the expedition on their journey over Mongolia's highest mountain range towards Siberia. But Mongolia has one last surprise: a summer snowstorm before the frozen drivers emerge in a green valley they christen the Garden of Eden. The last day in Mongolia sees the expedition blessed by monks from a nearby monastery and in return, the expeditioners provide joy rides in the old cars. The border crossing into Russia proves to be a se