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Holy Christ! It's like Christmas Eve here at Hot Knives HQ because our second annual LA Grand Crew beer-bike ride goes down tomorrow. Tomorrow! We have oak barrel fairies dancing in our heads.

WARNING WARNING: The after-party booked up days ago. If you didn't reserve a spot and PayPal us in time we really sadly have to cut you off from the party. No exceptions. We are bummed too. But the good news is the ride is the main attraction anyway and it is free and open to everyone. So we encourage you to come along and then throw your own after-party afterward!

For all of you riders, here are the details you'll need.

Mapping: Above is our tried and true map. Barring unforeseen snags, we'll stick to it and have spoke-card versions to hand out tomorrow. Please make mental notes of where we'll be and plan your escape route accordingly for the end of the ride.

Meeting: We meet at Union Station at 11 a.m. in a courtyard to the right of the main entrance Look for 50 bikes! Here we will take attendance and go through some perfunctory safety tips before shoving off.

Rolling: No ecstasy. Also, red lights: we will be obeying traffic rules when and where we can. We'll also have appointed Beer Monitors who will help block lanes for turning as needed. Be ready to obey their wise-ass bike advice. Remember we are not breaking any laws by biking in the street. And though we are not traffic cops, we may attract their attention. Be smart. The Hot Knives corporate entity is not liable for loss of limb or life or broken bottles.

Shopping: Remember, we are trying to shop, not drop, so please buy bottles to go for loved ones and friends rather than yourself. Don't booze hard while riding, please, or we'll get Bad Santa on your ass. No Michelob please. We are trying to support craft brew and the dudes who monger it. Go cheap if you wanna, but don't blow your wad on the first store.

Stocking: A sneak-peak at the discounts and offerings at the four stores...

Ramirez Liquor (no sales tax)
HK Picks: Black Flag, Skullsplitter, Stone's Holiday Trio, Dad's Little Helper

7-11 (a dozen selected discounted bottles)
HK Picks: Ola Dubh on sale, 3-liter of Chimay on sale, Double Bastard on sale

Galco's (no discount... hard times, 'nuff said)
HK Picks: Fantome, Anchor Christmas ale

Red Carpet (10% off)
HK Picks: Abbaye de Saint Bon Chien, Yulesmith Holiday, Bourbon County, Dale's 12-pack

Stopping: We will end our ride in Glassell Park. Those heading home can keep pedaling or hit the nearby Metro Gold Line at Lincoln Heights/Cypress Park (see map). Those registered for the party will let off at Verdugo Bar. Once the after-party ends (between 7 and 8 pm) we will organize packs of riders heading to the Metro.

Checking: Bike, helmet, water, a bag, money for beer, an I.D., a bike light.