One of the all-time difficult days. I won't rehash the details, but it was a case of getting within 5 miles of my destination, getting a flat, quickly and carelessly replacing the tube, getting another flat, and later yet another.

The day was 85 miles on 100% interstate shoulder which is comparable to uphill riding for stress to the body and mind. Additionally, there were many uphill stretches, so like... double uphill.

It's interesting how, with my bike fully deconstructed on the side of the road, tools strewn about, obviously in a moment of distress and crisis, no cars will pull aside to ask if I could use help or a lift. A classic good Samaritan story, sans Samaritan. But earlier in the very same day, at a rest stop where I was safe, content, and relaxing, parades of people went by asking if I needed help, food, water. At the moment when I least need help is when people most often offered it. And in the moments of most dire need, there was no one but myself.