ohmygod i don't even know where to begin. The fact that yesterday's bicycle ride ended 14 hours after I started, that I cycled almost 100 miles in ridiculous heat (and paid for it). That I had to push my bike up the last 200 meters? This place is so hard to ride in.

Then this morning, off early, am 5 miles from my destination when my rear tire disintegrates. Just poof. This is the kevlar reinforced tire that I bought in Oregan. Its been worn *through* the threads, leaving a hole I can push three fingers through. The tire is shot.

I'm not carrying an extra tire. I know next bike store is in Williams, so i stick my hand out and the first car (a 1970 something vw bus/camper van) stops. Its a family of four- Phil and Laura, and their two sons. They make space for me, and throw my bike up on the roof. I was thinkng that if I was Michael I could be making small chat about Phil's cool vehicle (wonderfully well maintained) but as I am not, I couldn't. He kept on telling me details about the engines, or the doors, and I went 'ohh' and 'ahh' as convicingly as I could.

Get to Willams (after, as navigator, I put them on the wrong road) only to find out that the bike store has closed. Great. Next nearest bike store is Flagstaff. So now I'm off to figure out how to get myself and my bicycle from here to Flagstaff.

Have I mentioned how hot it is? Killer.

Of course another potential plan is to take the grand canyon train from Williams (what its famous for). See the grand canyon that way. then get to Flagstaff and reevaluate where exactly I want to be cycling right now. THIS IS JUST SO TOUGH.

In two days I've *needed* rides twice, lost a tire, broke a spoke, almost had heat stroke, had to take breaks climbing a hill, and had to push my bike.

IT IS JUST SO TOUGH.