As we rode into town the sign said "you are not a real Australian until you've seen Mt Isa". Well, we've finally got our citizenship papers. We've left the east coast and headed west.

Our hundredth day saw us cross the Great Dividing Range into the flat country. This is now the land of distance and flat horizons and red, red earth. The roads are owned by road trains with drivers giving us a friendly toot and telling their mates to keep a protective eye on us. The pubs have a farm country feel and the largest steaks you can put on a plate.

This is the land of outback towns displaying some of the world's oldest dinosaur fossils. Of rodeos and bull rides. Of a past of prospecting, to today's kilometre wide open cut mines. Of unbelievable generosity and community spirit.

Now, after a small rest and time to post ahead some necessary supplies, we'll head over the border and pedal onward. Next stop Alice Springs.

Happy pedalling

Ross & Ann

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