Brief update for all you message boarders. Just received a text from Mike and Em. They have survived the train journey between Goa and Bangalore. Quite enjoyed it apparently!! They have been out and toured Bangalore and are now back at the hotel before having dinner and preparing the padded shorts for the next stage of their journey.

Just a quick note for any and all who are concerned about my ability in this preposed pee off. Fear not. My aim is akin to that of a special forces marksman. You could say I am a modern day William Tell. If anyone wants to put an apple on their head...? But anyway, guys, hope the sun is still shining and that you're having a great time. Has Emma's cold cleared up yet? And Mike, as for wearing those fishermans cacks when you get home, I think it's important that you do. Looking forward to the next blog which will hopefully include an account of the bike ride you are about to embark on! Remember to use those Talismans I gave you to keep you going! Enjoy!

Well... this does look splendid I must say! Looks like you are having a good time. I have attached your blog to my webpage at work, so I get updates every time you get to putting them on! Brilliant! Great pictures and I give you an A* for your narrative style. Excellent effort, well done! Still jealous mind... keep up the enjoyment :D

LxX

ex brother of mine, there was an easy single their even for a cart-horse like you!!! No way was that Sri Lankan feilder Somejerk Rammedmecar going to pick the ball up and throw the wickets down. You were too busy thinking about the cover drive you played in the last match!!!!

This peeing thing. Obviously Jon we are on your side and have great confidence that you won't let the side down but i have concerns with the method. We will need to ascertain location and style of urinal. Are we talking hole in the ground, normal wc or trough. Not being a hoverer do you use both hands as support?? If so aiming could be a problem. Perhaps the local expert could advise and maybe pass on some tips to Jon.

Hi Em & Mike,Just seen all your photos, you certainly look like you have had a relaxing time in Goa before the cycling starts. Glad to see that you are washing your clothes, knowing Em I expect she stuck to her guns about you washing your boxers Mike! If not, I am shocked!!Enjoy the cycling, take care.xx

On the subject of a pee off etc., you made reference to Em 'hovering'. Can we have some input here from the local expert on the subject, whose hovering exploits were brought to the fore with the infamous LeMans portable loo incident....

I'll see you in another life Brother x

Hello kids, hope your having a wonderful time, Goa looked good. Nearly as nice as my hometown in Nigeria :) Hope cycling is good, & take it easy on the currys.

Peace x

Yours

John Obi Mikel

P.s. I should be back playing in the centre of Chelsea's midfield soon, producing some filthy tackles & maybe the odd red card.

Result from last night. Saints 6 Oldham 0. Goals from Oxlade, Chamberlain, Lallana, Chaplow. Lambert and Barnard. Apparently a very good performance. Good luck with the train. Hope the facilities are ok and not too much hovering required?????

Just a quick one. We move on from Goa tomorrow bound for Bangalore on our first train, fingers crossed its easier than our last experience at a train station! We may not be able to update the blog that frequently as we are doing a considerable ammount of wandering in the next two weeks or so, mostly on bike! Will give you news when we can. Keep the messageboard full though, its great to read.

Can i also just point out that my trousers are not what some of you have called a nappy, they are the traditional trouser as warn by fisherman, Ali Baba enthusiasts and self respecting pantomime Genie.

Love to you all

Mike (and Em)

Forgot to say in my text that Crawley have beaten Derby 2-1 in the FA Cup. No goals for Matt Tubbs though.