Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1545994
revealed that the lunch stop was four miles away. A fair por on of that 4 miles was transit so it went pre y quickly. But, much to my surprise, a half mile before the lunch stop the oversized 3.5 gallon tank went on reserve. And we hadn't even done 40 miles! I know that the 300 is a thirsty girl, but only 10 miles per gallon? It seemed suspicious but that 38 miles took almost 4 hours and, while on the trail, was rarely above third gear. A er switching to reserve, I got up to the lunch stop and some out- standing refreshments. But, by then, fuel paranoia had kicked in. The lunch menu was over the top, and the lunch loca on was on top of some granite ledges, with a beau ful view to the south. And it came with a gentle, magical breeze. The lunch was prepared and served by the Lunenburg Snowriders, who frequently collaborate with the Ashby Animals on many events and civic projects. I suspect there is a fair amount of overlap in the rosters of the Lunen- burg Snowriders and the Ashby Animals. The food was donated by local establishments, including Townsend House Restaurant, Texas Roadhouse Leominster, Moo Mountain Farm and The Cu ng Barn. Thank you all for your support and for pro- viding such a wonderful lunch. It was so good… I ate more than I should have and got cramps later. But, to be fair, those cramps are a small price to pay for such a great lunch. And, while taking a pause to walk off the cramps, I met some kids with a cool sign and got my favorite picture of the whole ride! Turkey Runs lunches are like a giant party where you have something in common with everyone there but can only stay for a short me. A er lunch, my fuel anxiety resulted in hanging around the gas truck and begging scraps of pre- mix. I had brought 4 ounces of oil, but that was only enough for 2 gallons. Over half the ride miles were in front of us and I had used over 3 gallons just ge ng to lunch. The math wasn't mathing. The rest of the crew kept going while I figured out my fuel situa on. Scrounging at the gas truck got me about a gallon from various kind folks, and also assurances that the gas stop in 5 miles "probably" had some premix oil out back behind the dozen rows of alcohol. So, I le lunch and headed for the gas stop. Being the first store north of the border in New Hampshire, the bulk of their inventory is for adults in need of liquid refreshment. But… I did find a dusty 4-ounce bo le of full synthe c no- name two-stroke oil. It was way out back, and I had almost given up. August 2026 31