“Post Race Grub”

I had just finished my second day of racing of the weekend. I was tired, and up to this point, my food intake consisted of power bars, GUE shots, and electrolyte drinks. The food of athletes, that grows old after ingesting for a few hours.

I needed “real food” and quick. What to eat… Burger, fries and a beer were calling. 99 Bottles of Beer, in Santa Cruz was the answer.

So let me paint a complete picture for you; I walk in with faded ink numbers on her hands, exhausted, and one could see the hunger in my eyes blocks away. I stumble to the table and sat down. No need to open the menu, I know what I want – mushroom burger with jalapeños, fries and what ever local light beer they have.

My waitress arrived at my table all smiles and very energetic – I try to return the niceties, with little success. She notes the numbers on my hands, I simply tell her “I’m starving” she replies, “let’s get you some food quick”; this was music to my ears. My food came to me so fast I could hardly believe it was mine– piping hot and smelling delightful. I inhaled the meal, it was heavenly; I was beginning to feel normal again.

The waitress checked on me a few times to make sure I was doing well. I was so happy with the food and her service I left her with a 53% tip.

Yes 53%, I know it's an odd amount, it speaks more of the tipper then the receiver.