We’re half way across now and it’s been, almost without exception, great. Funny, though- I was only on the road a few days before we started to encounter the Tour Divide challenge riders and I began to wish for new bikes and new places to see (n+1).
I’ve encountered race participants twice along a paved segment of the route in Montana. Once was at the Wise River Club after a bad storm. They weed wet, cold and dirty. Can’t imagine doing what they do.