I am really loving your journal. Regardless of how far your tires will carry you, you're really having an astonishing experience and one you'll carry with you and relive forever. Thanks so much for sharing it with us. Keep your spirits up, and best of luck with the rest of the tour

You two are having the BEST time, enuduring setbacks with a smile — even with a few well deserved tears — and looking at all the positives. You know — the JOURNEY IS THE DESTINATION! No matter if you don’t finish to your intended destination, you will have had the journey of a lifetime. Keep moving on, stay safe and well and keep keeping us posted.

You two have so much stamina. I love your positive attitude. Sending love and best wishes

I'm having fun picturing you two on your journey in the mountains of South America. I'm sending lots of love! (Uncle) John

Whether you finish the whole planned ride or not, you’re having an adventure that you’ll remember for the rest of your lives. You’re absolutely right to focus on the positive. It will be amazing, no matter how many KM you ride!

This may be a silly comment, and if so please forgive me; do you not have a repair kit with you? It's common to change out a punctured tube during the day with a new one, then repair the punctured tube at camp/hotel that evening. I highly recommend the Topeak Roadmorph (not sure if that's the correct spelling) pump for touring - much better than the tiny little pumps carried by the racing crowd. I'm enjoying following along on your fantastic adventure. Best of luck as you continue

We look back at our much younger selves, who were never this brave, and are in awe of you and what you are doing. There are usually kind strangers around to help you out of a jam and Google translate works well when you bump into a language barrier. Chins up!

Based on prior experience we recommend that if you have not already done so you carefully check the inside of the tires for sharp protruding bits. Often a small piece of glass or a thorn will cause repeat problems.

More thoughts. If you are sure that you have found and removed the foreign body from your tyre that is causing the puncture (often quite a difficult task) and you are still getting frequent punctures that tyre should be replaced not matter how much tread still appears to be present.
Buy the best quality tyres that your budget permits.
Then you can enjoy your rides.

Another character building day!
I am an old timer and don't really go for a lot ofthe new fangled stuff.
Maybe you need new tyres as modern tyres are quite puncture resistant and as Rich wrote use tubes.
And get a decent pump.

I'm going to save a link to this article so I can show it to the next person who advises me to go tubeless for touring on our tandem. Kudos to you both for staying engaged and positive. That sounds like a really tough day!

Well maybe, just maybe, those “pickers” are responsible for those tire punctures. Careful where you roll your bike into — as in weeds or grass that might be hiding some of nasties.

You are having SUCH fun!! Keep on.

This is such an inspiring journal, one I'll really enjoy following. This is a land I always wanted to bike through, and should have done forty years ago.

Yay for back-up lighters, successful tire repair, and a warm meal with gorgeous sunset views! Those mountains are incredibly beautiful! :)

Hi Megan and Erin

Love following you on your adventure..

Love, grandma