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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 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.
We depart Daley Plaza at 9:30 AM and collect riders at Promontory Point at 10:15 AM. The sixth-best brewery in the world is unfortunately still pickup-only.
Lunch is at 18th Street on the way back.
Return options include: 37 miles total if you take the South Shore Line back, 40 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, 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 CTA, and, to save a minute at the start, the nifty online CCC waiver.
PS: FFF hasn’t (yet) re-opened for dining. 18th Street may be closing. I’m going to step down from leading rides there after this (and maybe a rescheduled 2024 Twelfth Step Ride).
The inaugural Three Floyds ride was conceived and organized by Mark Sinclair and took place on January 14, 2006. As some of you know, Mark died on April 14 of that year, at age 34, a few days after suffering a brain aneurysm. It was Mark’s hope that it would become an annual event.
13 years (for me) has been a good leg. Anybody want to take the baton?
