Ed Genochio is now stranded in the Mongolian capital Ulan Bator after a horseback thief stole his custom-built bicycle. Ed has already encountered giant Siberian horseflies, as well as a pair of motorcycle-mounted muggers during his trip. He is now desperately trying to replace his equipment and explains what happened:
"It was a rude awakening, to say the least," he says. "Before going to sleep on Saturday night I had locked my bicycle to my tent. "The next thing I knew, I was woken up by the sounds of galloping hooves and ripping canvas. "This being Mongolia, rather than cutting the lock, the thief had tied the bike to his horse with a rope before charging off and tearing my tent in two."  | | Ed before he left Exeter |
He added: "For five months I have lived my whole life on my bicycle and in my tent. "Suddenly to lose them both leaves me feeling completely hollowed out." However, Ed is not about give up. "I am desperately hoping a cycle manufacturer will take pity on me and ship out a bicycle to Mongolia so I can complete the final 2,000 miles of my journey to Shanghai. "Otherwise Ulan Bator could be the end of the road for me, which would be incredibly frustrating after 12 months of preparation in England and five months on the saddle." Ed has about 2,000 miles to go on his journey, which has taken him through France, Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Russia, Siberia and Mongolia. He is due to cross the Great Wall of China and along the Yangtze River to Shanghai. Anyone who is able to help provide Mr Genochio with a new bicycle or tent can contact him through our message board. Take a look at the photo gallery for more pictures.
 | Ed's last diary >>> |  |
We hope to hear from Ed again very soon.
| 
