Big Trouble; The Dude to the Rescue

After 10 days and 650 miles, the bike ride hit a roadblock today. More likely a cactus thorn, but the end result was this trip's first flat tire. 

The goal today was to reach Tombstone, some 70 miles from this morning's starting point in South Tucson. All was going well when -- thud thud thud -- the bike's back tire blew at mile 37. 

Being the imbicile I am when it comes to anything mechanical, I was facing a disastrous situation in the middle of the Sonoran desert. But thanks to cell phones, I was able to reach Dave who made a quick U-turn in the RV, found me on the roadside several miles back, and changed the tire and the tube on my bicycle at our impromptu campsite. 

Long story short, tonight we're camped in Benson, Arizona some 30 miles short of Tombstone. Tomorrow's target is Douglas, Arizona 70 miles to the southwest. Then on to New Mexico.

Since my last blog, some really cool things of happened. Several more strangers have approached the RV and asked what our story was. After explaining the Warriors Heart mission and the coast to coast bicycle ride, we've received heartfelt donations. 

On Tuesday two wonderful Rotary Club members – – Bill Beamish and Sandy Davis – – showed up to buy us dinner in Casa Grande. That type of awesome support serves as great inspiration.

Last night, had dinner with good friends Walt Snover and Patty who also contributed to this adventure. Great time!

The temp dropped to a cool

95 today and inspite of the flat tire hiccup we're averaging about 56 miles a day, still ahead of my 50 mile-a-day projection.