The folks at the bike shop were happy to see me, and they had no problem with me hanging around for nearly two hours until Joel and Brandi in Tucson picked me up in Phoenix. I had some interesting conversations with some of the employees and thoroughly browsed their inventory, which lead to me surrendering some dough to buy the bright red camelback above the bike. That holds 50+ ounces of liquid and was very useful!

Again, I really do recommend Landis Cyclery, particularly at their central Phoenix location on 712 W. Indian School Road. Their web site is: www.LandisCyclery.com.

I know these two friends had no agenda but to take a day off work, make the long drive to Phoenix and spend time with me, because they cared about me. As if they could do more, their willingness to drop me off in Florence Junction in the late afternoon deemed them as heroes who saved the trip from peril. You are welcome to read my Day 10 rantings about my unwillingness to travel again through Phoenix's vast east side and Highway 60 past Apache Junction. Who knows what would have happened, but I honestly not sure if I would have continued my journey if I was stuck in Phoenix without a ride on this day. Thank you Joel and Brandi! By the way, doesn't Brandi look cute in her green shirt? :)

We drove towards the eastern side of Phoenix and caught up. I distinctly recalled my animated discussion about the existence of orange trees with large hanging oranges on Phoenix roadsides! Friends, I am a very proud Coloradoan, but my sheer excitement over the state of Arizona, with its hot weather and beautiful deserts, was something I had to share with them. Deep down inside, part of me envies that they live here all year around. Joel in particular, is an avid "desert rat." Life doesn't start until it's 105 degrees is his personal motto. Wow!

(The three bottom photos in Brandi's photo gallery below include this area at Florence Junction.)

Because I started late in the afternoon, I decided to take it easy and just reach Superior, located 15 miles east on Highway 60. The most important goal was to get back on the bike as soon as possible and regain confidence. As I did in western Arizona, I faced the dichotomy of 1) riding hard and earning lots of mileage behind me, and 2) taking my time and enjoying the scenery and towns I would settle in. Today would be the final day I would choose the latter for quite awhile.

I walked around the quaint and historic downtown area of Superior and visited the the town's small library. Of course, I captured an obligatory photo of palm trees. And dinner at a Mexican restaurant on the main highway wasn't too shabby.

Adjacent are three photos of the scenery. After speaking with the motelkeeper, I learned Superior was once a very busy mining town, that had become a sleepy desert and mountain town with a growing tourism following.

The night in Superior was very quiet. I slept so peacefully. I was humbled over how controlled I had been to my circumstances, with my emotions being fickle like a yo-yo. Once again, the whole mess from yesterday all worked out. It was as if God was in control of my trip ... in spite of me.