There's been a ride to the Three Floyds brewpub in Munster, IN, every January since 2006. Neither snow nor rain nor sleet nor gloom of night nor even virus stays these couriers and other riders from the swift completion of their appointed rounds of beer. "There are few places more exciting from a beer lover's perspective", says the NY Times.

Chicago and Cook County have reached Tier 1, which allows all outdoor recreation. Plus, Chicago's travel order no longer applies to those passing through designated states for less than 24 hours. But we're not out of the pandemic woods yet, so social distancing and masks are strongly recommended.

We depart Daley Plaza at 9:30 AM and collect riders at Promontory Point at 10:15 AM. The forecast is for winds SE at 10 to 20 mph, so we stop at 18th Street on the way down to pick up hot food. We then push on to the thirty-eighth-best brewery in the world and pick up cold beer (orders must be placed & paid for in their webstore).

Return options include: 40 miles total if you ride to Flossmoor Station and take the Metra, 45 if you ride to 93rd and take the Metra or to 100th and take the J14, 50 if you ride to 71st and take the J14, 60 if you ride both ways.

The fine print: There is no support vehicle. You are responsible for yourself. The pace is 12-15 mph with a short break at Wolf Lake. January weather can be extreme. Be prepared for cold as well as flats/mechanical problems.

Checklist:
▢ Water and snacks to have en route
▢ Lights
▢ Lock
▢ Pump, tube, tools
▢ Extra layers of clothing (more than you expect to need)
▢ Money
▢ Government-issued ID
▢ Panniers for beer you can't get in Chicago

Online resources: Google map, cue sheet, Metra Electric train schedule, Jeffery Jump (J14) bus schedule, Bikes on the Metra, Bikes on the Bus, and, to save a minute at the start, the nifty online CCC waiver.

PS: This ride doubles as the First Step of the 2021 Twelve Steps Challenge. Ride to Three Floyds 12 months in a row and win an awesome prize!