August 25: Willmar, MN

     "Let's go over to McDonald's for breakfast," Dan suggested once we got moving around for the day.  I turned down the offer.  I am determined to maintain my record of avoiding all of the fast food burger, taco, and chicken joints.  In fact, I haven't eaten at any chain restaurant of any kind except for two Subway sandwiches.  I have had great luck eating at small cafes, restaurants and bars.
     Later, Dan loaded up his car to drive to our next town, Willmar, where he would start cycling back toward me.  It's a goofy system, but it seemed to be the best way for him to get a few days of riding in with me.
     "Do you want me to throw some of your gear in the car?"  It was another tempting offer.
     "No, I don't think so," I said half-heartedly.  "It would be awfully nice to ride unburdened for a day, but I guess I just want to preserve the integrity of my self-supported ride."
     "Okay.  It's up to you."
     "But, as you know, I HAVE cheated a couple of times already by accepting those two rides back in Washington," I conceded.
     "We-e-e-e-e-l-l-l, I wasn't going to bring that up, but . . . "
     I laughed.  "Thanks anyway, but I'll just go ahead and haul my own stuff."

     On a day the weather people forecast to be nearly 100 degrees, our short route turned out to be ridiculously easy.  We arrived at the Willmar Americ-Inn at 1:30 p.m.  Knowing that check-in time wasn't for another hour and a half, I told Dan of my plan to play on their sympathy to get into our room early.
     "Hi!  How can I help you?" asked the gal at the front desk whose jeans hung too low in back, revealing a bit more of her backside than we wanted to see.  Actually, I didn't see it.  I am just reporting what Dan observed.
     "I have a reservation for tonight," I began, "and we got into town a little early.  Would it be possible for a couple of overheated and weary bicyclists to get an early check-in?"  I held my breath waiting for a negative response.
     "Oh sure!  No problem!" she said cheerily.  It was too easy.  I should have asked for food or money.
     Ask and you shall receive.  It's an old adage that has held up time and time again on this trip.