Bike pub crawl in 7 easy steps.

Because you don't want this in your apartment.

Bicycle pub crawls are like a house party you don't have to clean up after, with moving scenery and random, fun people.

Last Thursday, members of the "Eat, Drink and Ride Bikes in Chicago" Facebook group went on an epic crawl including thirty cyclists, five bars, live band karaoke and a late night dip in Lake Michigan! You can plan your own foray into mobile intoxication by following these easy steps.


Station someone on the shore to hand down drinks and watch for the five-oh!

1. Pick a theme. Some will say this is unnecessary, but it's easier to organize and promote a ride with a hook. Try a type of bar, neighborhood, end destination or variety of booze. If you set up a "Malort" ride, I'd like to see the pictures.
2. Plan a route. The best booze rides are under four miles, and no more than five bars. Choose bars that are a) dirt cheap b) large enough for your group c) match the theme. It's not cheating to search Yelp for interesting bars or find places others have recommended. Call the bars beforehand to make sure they're open, not charging cover, and to ask about drink specials. Plug the addresses into Google maps (select "add a destination" for each new place) and you'll end up with something like this. The first bar should be low key place where everyone can meet each other and leave as a group.
   
3. Advertise. Social networking skills help. Start by inviting your friends on Facebook, Twitter and start a thread on forums where you post regularly. Use the old fashioned approach and call everyone you know. You should give guests a week notice if you want a large turn-out. Give the basic details: The day and time, the theme and the first bar's address. Give details like approximate cost, distance of the route and dress code.
4. Create a map. This should have a list of bars on the route, addresses included, in case someone gets separated from the group. You might want to list the drink specials on the map to clue your new drunk friends in on the best deals. You can print these on paper and hand them to people as they arrive, because it makes everyone feel included. Keep your drunken horde on neighborhood streets and off major thoroughfares.
   
5. Confirm. Send everyone a reminder a day or two before the ride. They'll all be excited and looking forward to your pub crawl already, but you want to get the best turn-out possible.
6. Show up on time. Wait around for stragglers, but but leave around the time you advertised. It's crucial you maintain momentum throughout the ride so everyone sticks together. I rarely have more than a drink at each bar, but use your judgment.
   
7. Ride safe and take lots of photos! If someone is completely hammered, encourage them to drink some water and meet up with the group later. A little common sense goes a long way. That said, party your ass off and have a great time!

All photos by flickr user ezrhythmatist.