Geo from Bentonville Transplant from Chicagoland on 10/28/2024 4:15:43 PM:
Day 4 was from Hartsburg to Hermann, the longest ride of the journey, ~60 miles. In my research, there aren't any food options between these two points. After reading some reviews of Happy Trails Katy-ring Service, I decided to give it a try. I called Rachel who answered right away. She informed me that this is not her 'business' rather it is out of kindness (my words) that she provides lunch to trail riders. If she is available, she'll deliver it to you in person, otherwise, it will be waiting in the refrigerator at the Turner Shelter. She was very accommodating to my vegetarian diet. I order a veggie sandwich, veggies, fruit and pretzels. Rachel texted me in the morning of Day 4 to say my lunch which I paid for via Venmo, would be in the refrigerator labeled with my name. When I arrived around 11a, I grabbed my lunch and headed to a shaded picnic table off the trail away from the Shelter. When I laid it out on the table, I was in awe at the size of the sandwich, literally a garden on hearty whole grain bread, carrots, an apple, banana and a bag of pretzels. It was like 'mom' packed me a special lunch when I was a kid. I was emotionally overwhelmed by the generosity of the service and lunch perhaps because the journey was showing me that kindness still exists in the world. I ate the whole damn sandwich and carrots. Saved the rest for breaks down the trail. Strapped the pretzels to my handlebar roll bag so I could nibble on them along the trail. Best $15 meal I had on the trail! Highly recommend this experience.