Arizona is goat thorn central. I got dozens in my car tires. LOL. The best defense is thick knobby tires. Look up Alee Denham and his Koga bike on YT. He rode in the Jordan desert and NW Aussie Outback. You could upgrade to 2.3/ 2.0 spokes, but my Rohloff only allows plain 2.0. Would help with baggage handlers, if nothing else. LOL.
Nov. in Arizona is prime time for motorhomes with seniors escaping winter.

>>> Here's my bike now with a tandem fork and disc brake. The first wimpy one broke 3 times that trip. Too big and heavy to steal. LOL.
There's nothing better than the SA XL-FDD dyno drum brake. My first one has 32,000 miles, now on it's 3rd bike.
You might need to put your pinion oil in several small bottles to get on airplanes.
I like a bath tub, so I needed bigger pricier hotels in Vietnam. The highways are all paved good now. I hate gravel and mud.
On tour I have 3 thermos bottles for iced water and 2 or 3 juice or Gatorades. The ice stays all day till they are opened.
I love my ABUS granite folding lock that goes behind the seat tube. Also carry a longer key lock and chain for around trees.