Oh come all ye faithful...

Now that some of the massive global media interest in the trip has been temporarily diverted thanks to the

resignation of Siralex and also those nasty kidnappers in Ohio, we can get down to serious business. As you will see from the very uninformative map, we are travelling around Europe once more and after some fab memories of Tuscany last year it took no debate at all to return (no, i heard no mention of Spain at all...). As on previous occasions, I hope to portray a scene of all that is good and notable about continental Europe as well as describing the everyday chaos which is our dysfunctional gathering.

News just in... what was 'Six of the best' has now become the 'Seven wonders'... 'Carpet' Mark Andrew is to join our throng after having seen the light and purchased a motorcycle. Aside from being the baby of the group, Mark will bring to the party an appreciation of deep shagpile and bike gear he pinched from a Power Ranger. He'll fit in fine.

Less than two days to go to the off and excitement abounds down Hollington way, so much so that new landlord, Dan, thinks we're all a bit silly. What's more, he's more than a little irked that now up to fourteen of his new customers are going to be missing for all or part of the next fortnight (I don't think Terry filled him in on this little fact while doing his sales spiel). We welcome Messrs. Robinson, Lewis, Heldreich, Vinecombe and James 'like a 12 year old with the keys to the porn cupboard' Filer in Lakes Garda and Como and we also have Colder Jr and his mate Joey shadowing the trip in the 'Support Van'... or in other words, the late evening 'mop up' bus.

5am, Markeaton Island is our time of departure from the usual exotic location. Ladies who wish to be present to throw items of underwear or cash are welcome.