No, this isn't about making a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understand Him.

It's about riding to Three Floyds and boosting our cognitive function every month this year! There's a somewhat consistent schedule -- usually the 4th Saturday of the month -- and you can qualify for the F-12 Award.

New this winter: meet between 7:30 and 8 at Intelligentsia Broadway to warm up and caffeinate. We'll then take the lakefront trail south from Barry. You can also 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 all the way. 15-18 mph. I like to get to Three Floyds before they open at 11:00 (they're the seventh-best brewery in the world, and the food, like the beer, is unapologetically in your face with flavor, so sometimes there's a line). Bring money, government-issued ID, a lock, lights since the day is short, water and snacks to have en route, and panniers for beer you can't get in Chicago.

Online resources: Google map, cue sheet, Metra Electric train schedules, Jeffrey 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: I give these rides these names because I find them humorous in an ironic way. It's not my intent to make light of addictions, efforts to recover from addictions, or 12-step peer support groups like AA. If you're trying to drink in moderation, we'll support you. If you're trying to abstain, you may want to give this ride a pass.