This was going to be a Dark Lord Day Ride, but this year tickets are required for admission, there were only 6000, and they sold out in 4 minutes. So we're riding down the day before instead. No crowds! No lines! The calm before the storm.

We'll leave the clock tower at 9:30, pick up South Siders at the 31st Street beach house at 10:15, take a short break at Wolf Lake, have lunch at the Three Floyds brew pub, and return.

Going, we'll take the Daniel Burnham Centennial Century route, coming back, the original winter route. (An easier way back for those who drink irresponsibly: ride just 10 miles to Flossmoor Station and hop the Metra.)

This will be a joint ride with the Chicago Cycling Club. We won't make many stops. We may not stay together. The intended pace is 16-20 mph. Faster riders may go ahead, and slower riders may drop back.

Bring money, a lock, snacks to have en route, and panniers for beer you can't get in Chicago.

Anyone interested is more than welcome to meet us at the brew pub if they don't care to participate in the bike ride.