Georgian authorities have removed a massive statue of Joseph Stalin from the main square of his hometown, Gori, in a secret late-night operation.

Despite warnings of bandits, corrupt police and endless forests, the 51st Traverse team make good progress through Russia.

Dismayed by the negative way it is portrayed in games, Russia is planning to promote itself with a series of patriotic titles.

A visit to a tiger sanctuary and a beer-infused sauna are all in a day's work for the 51st Traverse team.

Rob Gray marvels at the contrasts in hospitality as he and his friends set off on their overland motorbike trip from Vladivostok to London.

Rescue workers are scrambling today to save 83 people trapped in Russia's largest underground coal mine.

Before hitting the road for a 25,000km motorbike odyssey, Rob Gray meets some of the children at Living Hope, the charity in Vladivostok that will benefit from funds raised on the trip.

He was prepared to steer his boat into any weather, ride his Harley fast and drive his Corvette faster. I never knew the guy, but it's clear he was a legend - and a hoot.

Language difficulties at the Russian border prove a challenge for the 51st Traverse team as they head for Vladivostok.

Russian authorities insist that pilot error was behind the plane crash that killed Polish President Lech Kaczynski.