Hello from team 054 Mocba-Bnadnboctok. Transport has been upgraded in size and horse power. Also now have 32 wheel drive. Just arrived off the transiberian train from Ulan-Ude. Bought to tickets in cattle class but were forced to upgrade when they heard Sam's cough and thought he might spread TB. Quite an experience being cooped up with 300 Ruskis when the only words you know are vodka and pivo. The car's had to be retired for sanitary reasons. Panda was sent ...

Arrived in Ulaan Baatar last night. Made it!

Finally made it to Altai after an epic 3 day run from Khovd at an average speed of 10mph. Tried to find famous hot springs on route, which were not hot and had dried out! There was one flat left over crest corner where george managed to hit a very large rock, he blames the pace notes, we think he should have gone to specsavers! With the sumpguard bent we were stuck in 4th gear, no chance of carring on at 2000m above sea level with the polo's asthmatic 'power' pla...

Greetings all Once again the internet is acting as hangover relief, thank you hotel Buchant for the minibar. shaky typing following on from bone rattling run with 4 hitchers in tow down to where we now are, Khovd city. Out of Russia at long last and out of tarmac. the low flying, bottom feeding Polo has taken a beating over the last few days, sump guard mods on the roadside with a decent rock and hammer. Shep May to blame for snowplowing his way across the roug...

Reached Odessa last night, randomly met Scottish bloke called Kevin in internet cafe who very kindly let us all have a bath. We were stinking after sleeping rough since the alps! We then net nice lady, Alena, in a book shop who let us stay the night at her flat in Odessa, Banter! Have been trying to drive 12hrs a day but borders have often made this impossible. It took the thick end of 5 hrs to cross 500m of no man's land between Bulgeria, Moldova and Ukraine. M...