No, this isn't about making a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

It's about trying to ride to Three Floyds every month this year. Now there's a consistent schedule -- the 4th Saturday of every month -- others have opportunities to lead (I can't make it every time), and you can qualify for the F-12 Award.

Dark Lord is a gargantuan Russian imperial stout with a reverse cascading head that billows the color of burnt oil, like the Dark Lord rising from his black primordial beginnings. Its resonant vinous aroma is of cherries, sweet malt, molasses, burnt currants, and plums with a port wine undertow. Mochachino notes are buried within. It has the consistency of hellishly yet divinely smooth motor oil. The first sip coats your palate with a thick charred-fruit-and-chocolate blanket. Alcohol burn then wiggles its way down your throat.

Dark Lord Day is a festival where participants can meet other beer enthusiasts, sample beers from all over the world, eat, listen to live music, and generally have a great time. It's also the only day of the year you can buy Dark Lord. The festival requires a ticket (but the ride doesn't). No admission to the festival will be granted without the original purchaser being present to validate their ticket with their state or federal ID or passport. Tickets are non-transferable.

The ride takes the lakefront trail south from the Clock Tower. You can join up anywhere along the trail. Just let the group know where so they can look for you.

45 miles total if you ride to Flossmoor Station and take the Metra, 50 if you ride to 93rd and take the Metra or to 100th and take the J14, 55 if you ride to 71st and take the J14, 70 if you ride both ways. 16-19 mph. Bring money, government-issued ID, a lock, lights if you might stay late, water and snacks to have en route, and panniers for beer you can't get in Chicago.

Online resources: Google map, cue sheet, Flossmoor Metra train schedule, 93rd St Metra train schedule, Jeffrey Jump (J14) bus schedule, Metra policy, CTA guide, and, to save a minute at the start, the nifty online CCC waiver.