Trials of the Tour

[To the So and Sos involved: Dad said I could post this with names, etc removed. We REALLY hope this is ok! He felt that it wouldn't be identifiable to anyone other than those on the tour, who already received the email themselves. Please comment if you'd like this removed; it's largely here to incorporate into Gil's personal log of the trip.]

Jean,

So and So [because we remove names on this blog] is a physician who is riding on the tour. (S)he wrote this to Bob, who was riding with us (a Pile Driver). Bob had to drop out due to fatigue and neck problems (having surgery). He had written to say he was having a hard time accepting his decision and So and So wrote him this note. (S)he has been struggling with the tour regime but has hung in there.

So and So B (the Second, if you will), another rider, also dropped out today due to butt problems - soreness, fungus infection and possibly a staph infection. (S)he's had a string of bad luck including stepping through a cattle guard and damaging his/her knee and having to have a root canal. [I'm not certain if this is the same person, as they're all having butt issues, but one rider confided in Dad that they were a little concerned about their situation and he urged them to go to one of the many physicians they have riding on the tour, to get reassurance or advice if their concern was warranted.]

Dear Bob,
It was nice to hear from you. I just wanted to tell you that I think you made the right decision in leaving. I wish I had had the strength to leave myself because the trip has proven way above my fitness and ability level. I simply did not realize what a tremendous undertaking it was and I have suffered physically and mentally on at least half of the trip days. I have enjoyed some of it but I am presently just completing over 2000 miles compared to everyone else's mileage (2800 or so I guess). It was not very satisfying and it was frustrating. I just wanted to tell you that so you would feel good about your decision.
- So and So