Branches after the deli
I kept a number of receipts from my trip, which should aid my memory. Well, this one is from my first meal stop, Dutzow Deli at 3:36 PM on Saturday. That's about 35 miles down the road from where I started around 1:30, so I was making about 17mph loaded - not too shabby on pug.
I went inside wearing rain clothes, because I was paranoid that it was going to rain, but also it seemed kind of busy and I didn't want to look too "silly" in bike clothes. Well, bike rain clothes probably look just as silly, especially when it doesn't rain. I don't remember what I got, but it came to $10.33. There's also a tip line on this receipt, which has bothered me every time I've eaten there, because you pay before you eat, and there isn't really table service. I left the line blank on this receipt, but usually I try to pay in cash so I don't see that line at all.
The deli's food gives a decent amount of energy, tastes okay, and of course they have energy drinks because they're sitting right on the trail. Yet, I've never felt completely comfortable there - maybe they don't get riders from St. Charles very often.
Oh, this photo are some branches strewn across the trail just beyond the deli. They forced me to stop, and well, one normally doesn't take pictures except when stopped.