Alicia here
Was I asked to comment?
It would be easy to assume that derogatory postings anywhere would "rattled the beast's cage," but for the most part, he never had time to read the comments and if he did he was not phased. If anything he laughed, he knows what is truth (and he's an Alpha male). So, psychologically this was the least of his problems and a nonissue for him. I was very in tune to his mental and physical state. It was how I recognized what approach in motivational support he needed. Now, on the other hand, rivalry was just rivalry, although, I would get a bit bent when I read anything that was not true or a false accusation. It would only last for a few minutes and I would have to hold back and not respond.
"Forgive them for they do not know..." would play in my head. I realize nobody knows what we are really doing or going through. Any experienced cyclist could theorize, but that's all it is - an experiential guess.
I don't know Bruce Berkley personally. We have chatted only a few times. From what I can tell so far, he has what it takes to do this. My concern for him is that things almost never always go wrong. Garmin has glitches and Strava has glitches, it's not enough. Does he have a backup and backup proof? Does he have a qualified official verifying body to check and cross check for discrepancys or a failure? If it is Guinness, we will not know until he is finished. I do wish him well, but if he doesn't get his ducks in order it appears to be playing out as stubborn self sabotage. I say, kiss and make-up with UMCA and get on with it! IMHO
Of course, my bias thoughts on anyone attempting this challenge that neglects to recruit 100% support or immediate available support at a phone call away is overlooking the fact that SHIT HAPPENS! It just does. I know from a fairly recent memoir that "a dame with a van" works... I suppose a dude with any vehicle would too, but...