Fourth Step Ride

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

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.

Chicago has reached Phase 4, and 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 meet between 8:30 and 9 at Intelligentsia Broadway to caffeinate. We then take Barry east and the lakefront trail south. Feel free to join up anywhere along the trail. Just let us know where so we can look for you.

Lunch at 18th Street on the way down. The sixth-best brewery in the world is unfortunately currently pickup-only. Orders must be placed & paid for in their webstore.

42 miles total if to return you ride back to Hammond and take the South Shore Line, 45 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. 16-19 mph. Bring money, government-issued ID, a lock, water and snacks to have en route, and panniers for beer you can't get in Chicago.

Online resources: Google map, cue sheet, South Shore Line schedule, Metra Electric train schedule, Jeffery Jump (J14) bus schedule, Bikes on the South Shore Line, 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.