I read the reports and I also know Greg. I don't think he was overly critical, he just wrote it as he saw it from a tired often frustrated and foreign point of view. I can imagine the sorts of blogs that a few American ridders might write if they rode through Moss Side completely bolloxed. I enjoyed his blog as it was raw and not overly focused on the afterglow of completion as so many seem to be. Made me excited about my attempt this year for sure.
Dave, you're obviously welcome to your opinion. However for you to "imagine how a few American riders would write" vs. how Greg actually DID write, is simply giving a pal, a pass.
I travel internationally frequently. When I'm home and especially when I'm in a host country, I will always act as an ambassador for my country, my sport and myself. If I see things I find a "shithole" or fat unhealthy people, I can simply process it, and move along, keeping my negative feelings to myself.
I'm proud of this country and middle America. If mining is so abhorrent, might I suggest riding a bicycle made from bamboo and hemp.