When we kicked off this big adventure, we knew there’d be unknown challenges—because that’s literally the definition of adventure. What we didn’t know is that those challenges would treat John like their favorite camp counselor and follow him everywhere he goes.

We rolled out this morning with high hopes that John’s recovery was trending upward.

A few miles later, his gastrointestinal system filed an official protest and shut the whole operation down. Before hopping into the van—his chariot of misery—John did manage to hand me the Bluetooth speaker like a knight passing off his sword before battle. A noble gesture, considering the circumstances.

As for me, it was the same song and dance… but with fewer harmonies. Riding without John is like watching a buddy‑cop movie after one cop calls in sick. Technically the plot continues, but the magic is gone. And honestly, riding in the van while feeling awful is way harder than pedaling through the Arizona countryside. Thoughts and prayers for John, both for the being‑sick part and the “missing the ride he trained so hard for” part. And while we’re at it, send a few extra prayers that this mysterious bug stops auditioning for new hosts—another rider is down, and we do not need a sequel.

Today’s ride stats looked a lot like yesterday—50‑ish miles, 3500 feet of climbing—but the vibe was completely different. Yesterday was all rolling hills, where momentum was our best friend, gently slingshotting us from one joyful downhill to the next. Today? Flat, flat, flat… and then a five‑mile climb at the end that felt like the universe saying, “Oh, you thought you were done? Cute.” Every foot of elevation had to be earned the old‑fashioned way: with sweat, determination, and mild grumbling.

But at the top, we hit the continental divide—the highest point of this whole adventure. A literal high point to balance out the metaphorical low ones.

We also had a water stop in Tombstone, AZ, home of the OK Corral. No real shootouts today, just the touristy reenactments.

The scenery was beautiful, though. And even on a tough day, there are still moments where I mentally pinch myself and think, “I’m actually riding my bike across the country.”

I just can’t wait for John to be back beside me, where he belongs—on two wheels, not in the van. He wants that too.