An interesting article written by a woman who has both toured and raced the Great Divide. It's worth the read.

I read it.  I'm amazed by folks who have the desire to race something like that.  I do understand racing - I ran hurdles in college, did road races afterwards, in my 40's I competed in the USA Track & Field National Masters meet, and I ran a marathon once - so I get the desire and competitive nature of racing.  But racing from Canada to Mexico on a bicycle across some of the ruggedest terrain imaginable and camping self-supported the entire way - that's nuts! 

I think a lot of bicycle tourists were once racers.  The mental stress of racing can be overwhelming - touring seems relaxed in comparison.  I find touring to be all the challenge I need these days.

It's a good article, definitely worth the read as you said.