Whisky galore

I'm delighted to report that I'm sitting here in the Ardbeg distillery on the Isle of Islay in bonnie Scotland, about to head off on a ride with VC d'Ardbeg and Brian Palmer of Washing Machine Post fame. There may or may not be some whisky to ease our aching muscles at the end of the day. Which is grand, except for the extent to which it increases the already considerable sense of 'survivor guilt' at watching - and not participating in - this year's Tour Divide. The greater the degree of comfort and luxury you enjoy, the more guilty you feel for not making the efforts and sacrifices they are currently making. I think that's partly why it's so compelling.

Anyway, the race is indeed still captivating, with Erik Lobeck back under way again and making good progress, only to suffer further mechanial issues. Here's another update from 'TD reporter on the ground' Todd Ison in Idaho (I can't post the pictures until I'm back home tomorrow or Monday, but I will post them then): 

[Co-reporter Intrusion Alert! ...HEY ALL, since I'm not on the Whisky Isle, I was able to give Paul a hand and upload a few pics of Erik and his surroundings... JP]

"Greetings from Island Park, ID.  I have attached photos of Eric Lobeck, currently in 3rd place, and a few pics of the surrounding terrain.  These were taken at 9:23 am on Friday, June 18 at Point #447 on Eric's race tracker map. This location is in Idaho about 5 miles down the road from the Montana/Idaho border over which Eric had just crossed as he made his way out of the Centennial Valley of Montana. Eric reports he was delayed back in Lima with equipment problems but he is now making up for lost time.  He was up at 3:00 am this morning (note the night light attached to the helmet) in his pursuit to catch the leader, Matthew Lee, who came through here yesterday at approximately 3:15 pm.  It's also interesting to note both Matthew and Eric have one-sided front forks on their bikes rather than the typical two-pronged forks. They also have clip-on aero bars for both increased speed where the roads permit and their maps.  Sorry I couldn't get 2nd place Blaine Nester's picture, but he came through here at the crack of dawn. Todd Ison, a fan of the Tour Divide."

Thanks again, Todd.

The leaders are now in Wyoming, with Matthew Lee at least having cleared both Togwotee and Union passes.  Let's hope the conditions weren't too bad. He'll be set for whiskey with Jason the cowboy in the middle of the Basin tonight if he feels so inclined.

Several more riders have now made it out of Montana, including Marshal Bird and Aidan Harding who, according to his own blog, lost a day to repairs in Eureka (I think) so has done very well to make it so far so quickly. The tail of the race - Devian Gilbert is the holder of the coveted 'lanterne rouge' - now appears to be past Helena; Shawn Sheppard's SPOT once again doesn't seem to be keeping pace with his call-ins - his SPOT is in Lincoln, while his last call-in was from Butte. With another three riders having pulled the plug, let's hope the tally of withdrawals doesn't mount any further.

Paul Howard

Two Wheels on My Wagon