My own private Idaho

Sorry, this is the first of a couple of briefer posts while the daily grind disrupts my TD viewing more than I’d like. C’est la vie.

So, the first US state – Montana, which has the highest total mileage of all the states crossed (just ahead of New Mexico) – has now been completed by Matthew Lee. In the limited Tour Divide lore that has accumulated over the past few years, rule one for dreaming of making it to Antelope Wells appears to be to think no further, initially, than making it out of Montana.  Well done Matthew.

Race fan Todd Ison bumped into Matthew yesterday in the Centennial Valley east of Lima which, given there are about 100 people in the whole valley (well, not many anyway), is pretty remarkable. Or maybe he was looking for him. Anywhere, here’s what he had to say and, hopefully, I’ve managed to attach some photos he took too (I particularly like the use of plastic bags as overshoes - see attachments below). Thanks, Todd.

"Hello.  

After Erik Lobeck’s troubles, Matthews nearest rival is Blaine Nester, who is still within a day of Matthew, while Eric Bruntjen is only a couple of hours further behind. The way they made good progress yesterday in spite of the weather and ground conditions must give some succour to those who will follow.

Aidan Harding, meanwhile, continues to make impressive ground as well – all the more impressive for him being on a singlespeed.  Marshal Bird, too, in spite of playing down his chances on his call in, is now within a day of Lima.

Further back, some SPOTS are showing concerning signs of inertia – let’s hope it’s the SPOTS being switched off or something, rather than the riders themselves. Ahead, the state of the next major challenge – Togwotee Pass and the inevitable mud and snow once it has been crested – will be revealed soon.

Paul Howard

Two Wheels on My Wagon