It has been an amazing experience here in India since my arrival on 6 December. I've cycled more than 2,500 kilometres with companionship and help on the back of the tandem almost every pedal stroke of the way.

Beyond the amazing sights, sounds, tastes, textures, aromas, and cultures of India, the experience has been augmented by the rich partnership with CanKids KidsCan. The CanKids team and community has facilitated such wonderful connections and opportunities, most importantly connecting me with Dev Mukherjee who cycled with me from Chandigarh to Delhi to Varanasi - over 1000 kilometres! (read more in our 21 December news release).

I originally announced that Leg 5 would run from Islamabad to Kolkata (see announcement from 6 December, which included a busy two-week partnership with Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in Lahore, Pakistan). Today, in light of the positive experience I’ve had here in India and the uncertainty of the road ahead, I've decided to extend this leg a bit longer. As I carry on from Kolkata further through India towards the Chinese border, Bristol2Beijing will continue its Leg 5 partnership with CanKids.

As always, the route remains a work in progress, and my path into China is still under development. I will of course keep everyone updated via the Bristol2Beijing social media feeds and my live GPS tracker.

In the meantime, I'm planning a week of exploration and rest in Kolkata before carrying on into Bangladesh. Looking forward to my visit here -- do let me know if you have any recommendations for food, friends, or activities!