I started at dutzow. You're right- nothing but a gas station and a parking lot at marthasville. There was a dinky little store at peer where I got a snack because I didn't bring anything. They had a tiny restaurant area, but basically ignored me and there was no other bikes there.
I was by myself. Mostly by myself on the trail too. The usual 10 mph average.
The clicking is gone from the left crank, and everything seems to be working great on the bike (I didn't even realize the derailleur was bent).
vickie