I am trying to decide whether the meal plan is the way to go or to head into town. One worry is that I won't be back in time to get the meal, I am not sure how late they are open. Also, thought it would be fun to go into town, though not sure how tired I will be. The mileage is more than I am use to doing on my bike trips. Any thoughts from people who have done this before. One bike ride I went on, the meal plan was included and the food was excellent. Another one I went on, food was just ok.
Also, do the shuttles run throughout the afternoon and night?
I've done this ride a number of times. Much prefer going in to town for dinner. You can always find somewhere to get something for breakfast in the morning. Or just ride to the first rest stop and snack there. Not sure how the Covid-19 will change shuttles to the restaurants.
So this is very funny. I am planning on doing this ride and I found this forum. So I looked through the topics and saw one that I was interested in because I wanted to find out more about the meal plan. This person asked exactly what I wanted to know. I noticed that there weren't many responses...so I was going to reply, but found out I had to log in. While I was looking, I noticed that the original thread was mine from 2020!!! I had planned on doing this but because of COVID, it was cancelled! I did a nice flat route, the Katy trail instead!
So I am hoping that by replying, this might go up to more current threads and some one can tell me if the meal plan was a good option. Still concerned about not getting back in time for the meal or being too tired to go out!
I have done this ride many times (23) and have taken the full meal plan every year. I'm sure you are not expecting gourmet meals because if you are, you will be disappointed. I have found them to be decent, good meals 98% of the time. Occasionally they have been awesomely great. Now, full disclosure, I am not a picky eater, my wife can back that up. I choose the plan because that way I know when and where I can eat. I don't have to wait for a bus, decide where to go, probably wait for a table, then wait some more for the return bus. Meals are prepared by local churches, groups, caterers, so you are supporting local people as well as when you eat at a restaurant. Breakfasts can usually be found on the road if you prefer skipping that part of the plan. You can always find something at a gas station along the way if there are no open restaurants.
I do encourage people to take the bus into town for the sightseeing experience, see what the town has to offer, like ice cream stores, and have a chat with the locals.
I see I need to add on to my reply, didn't answer all the questions. Don't worry about missing the meal, you'll get to camp with no problem. Meals are served until 6:30, and the route is closed and people swept up at 4:30. I'm not a high speed rider, I take my time and see the sights and in all the years I have never finished later than 2:30. The shuttles usually run until 9:00 so there is plenty of time for checking out the town or getting to a restaurant if that is what you choose to do. And, sometimes the camp is in walking distance to everything you would want to do and see so there would be no need to worry about the shuttle.
