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] Read more »
