© 2010, Iron Butt Association, Chicago, Illinois Please respect our intellectual property rights. Do not distribute this
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On weekdays, eating breakfast after 9 a.m. is usually the best time to beat the working stiffs not lucky
enough to be out on a ride. The opposite is true on weekends, when people tend to sleep in and crowd
restaurants later in the morning. Dinner is best eaten early (remember, we skipped lunch) to beat the
dinner crowd. Additionally, eating after dark with a long ride ahead is a bad idea - it will put you to sleep.
Whenever we speak of eating out, the subject of time management always comes up. Specifically, how can
the long distance rider afford to waste time sitting around while a restaurant cooks their meal? Here is a
time proven method that works: After you enter the restaurant and get a seat (if the restaurant is crowded,
try the counter for faster service) explain to your waitress that you are in a hurry. In extreme cases, we
recommend giving her a generous tip up front and quickly give her your order, ask her to leave the check
with the meal and explain that you will be back shortly. This is now your free time to take care of
important business. Although riders differ in technique, most will go to the bathroom and wash up (even if
you are not "dirty", washing your face with warm water is a refreshing experience) and reapply sun screen
or skin lotion. If you have phone calls to make, quickly make them now. In most cases, your meal will be
sitting for you ready to eat. With this technique, meal stops can be cut to a reasonable twenty to thirty
minute window - that may sound fast for a full meal, but when handled properly with good time
management, you will have a relaxing hot, meal while your fellow riders are choking down a cold
sandwich standing around a gas station.
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