We’ve now ridden 3,000km to Townsville, FNQ – that’s Far North Queensland’s official abbreviation, nothing rude. I think we’ve at least completed the bicycling apprenticeship, so it’s time to work at our trade now. We’re not much different, just a bit less green now (actually we’ve got quite brown, but only above the sock line).

But even if we’re the same, the journey is always changing. The landscape changes from dry topics to wet tropics and back again, with palms next to each home. The sugarcane has matured, the mills are firing up, and the harvest is underway. Only a few nights ago we could see the glow from a burn. The mountain range rises and falls from the flat plains, but is always to our left. The stinger nets on the beaches are now not needed – swimming is warm and safe. The ‘grey nomads’ are heading north for the winter. And the sunlight is stronger also as we head north.

A new daily routine is with us. Rise, breakfast, pack the panniers, pack the BOB trailer, load Argo. After the day’s ride the chequered flag is at the local pub. The prize, the first beer. It really does refresh, like the ad says, but only in moderation - then it’s time to yarn and answer questions with the locals. How far ya ridden? Have ya heard of a car? How far ya going? Where ya staying? Who’s sitting in the back – are they pedalling? Lots of stories, lots of laughing.

Then, time to eat – which has also changed. Up here, they grow real fruit and veg – straight out of the ground, not through 16 middle men to reach us via the supermarket. Unbelievable, incredible tastes, although we’re too early for mango season. Probably good ‘tho, otherwise we’d be here another four months – on second thoughts, it’s not such a bad idea. It’s true what they say about Queensland - beautiful one day, perfect the next. And there’s no winter… yet.

Next stop Cairns, then back to Townsville before we head along the long paddock to the west. Read all about it in our diary.

Hope you’re sharing our sunshine – there’s plenty to go around

Ross & Ann

PS. Check out the new heroes page and be inspired by David and Jenny, and more heroes’ stories to come. You can also read some great posts from survivors in our chat forum (click on ‘talk with us’, then ‘chat’).