More than Half Way

Yesterday we reached the half way point so it's all downhill from here (with a bit of uphill thrown in for good measure). The highlight yesterday was crossing the Missouri River which marks the divide between east and west, or dry and wet. The wind continues from the east so the days are a little longer than planned. Since our last post we have faced Mt Rushmore, been bad in the badlands and told jokes in the cornfields.

Steve had a sag day today (strained a hammy) leaving Rob bereft! Rob managed to convince the Ohio boys that his singing wasn't too bad so they let him tag along (Rob reckons that their singing leaves a bit to be desired anyway). The highlights for Steve in the sag were firstly missing the 4 miles of gravel, just 10 miles from the end, and secondly listening to Lon's stories. He truly is the high priest of long distance cycling and his wit is dryer than a dead dingo's donger. eg Lon says that a lot of farmers sell corn by the side of the road - throw a couple of dollars in the jar and take a dozen cobs "...but the pirates charge a buck an ear".

Now for Rob's wether report: The temperature continues to be 95-100F with the feet even hotter. The high pressure continues in the extreme south accompanied by strong antarctic winds causing the polar ice cap to melt rapidly. On another front, a measure of the frustration of some of the cyclists was exemplified by the fact that the girlfriend of one arrived at 3am, and by 6:45 that same morning he had proposed marriage. They were last seen riding off into the sunrise on a tandem. He hasn't been seen since!!! (All this is true, only the facts have been altered to protect the innocent and not so innocent).

With luck and a bit of icing, the Aussie Train should be rolling towards the Mississippi tomorrow.