diff --git a/backend/main.go b/backend/main.go
index 166d855..db75778 100644
--- a/backend/main.go
+++ b/backend/main.go
@@ -138,11 +138,7 @@ func main() {
 		})
 
 		// Public booking endpoints (optional auth for slot reservation)
-		r.Route("/bookings", func(r chi.Router) {
-			r.Use(mw.RateLimit(30, time.Minute))
-			r.Use(mw.OptionalAuth)
-			r.Post("/reserve", bookings.ReserveSlotHandler)
-		})
+		r.With(mw.RateLimit(30, time.Minute), mw.OptionalAuth).Post("/bookings/reserve", bookings.ReserveSlotHandler)
 
 		// Authenticated users
 		r.Group(func(r chi.Router) {