Epic Challenge pt 7

Things over heard at bars:

"They're doing a red line bar crawl, with a game that is awesome!"
- bartender at Davin Bar + Kitchen

"I can sing that shit a Capella!"
- FreakyBalloon

Epic Challenge pt 6

Third stop, Blarney Stone. People grabbed food. We're almost done with the southern portion of the crawl...

Epic Challenge pt 5

The med kit.

Epic Challenge pt 4

Final day of reveals leading up to Saturday. I present to you, the official rules and penalties for the Epic Challenge.

Epic Challenge Rules

1. Everyone buys their own round.
2. Minimum one round per bar.
3. No refusals (unless intoxicated).
4. A unanimous decision will allow for up to two bars skipped (one south of DTX, one north of DTX).
5. Cannot start drinking until everyone has been served.

Epic Challenge Penalties

Penalties are in Crawl Reputation points

1. Refusing a round when not intoxicated  (500 pts)
2. Not finishing a round before group leaves bar (250 pts)
3. Spilling a drink (100 pts)
4. Starting to drink before everyone is served (250 pts)
5. Falling down in public (500 pts)
6. Falling asleep during the crawl (1000 pts)
7. Vomiting (Game Over)

Reputation Points will be explained on Saturday, as will the final "Activity." Therefore, it is important to be on time. We will meet at 11:30am at Ashmont Station, across from where the buses depart. I look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday.

Epic Challenge pt 3

When attempting a task such as the one that will take place this Saturday, information is key. Yesterday, I rolled out some info on necessary items and suggested items. Today, I present the "map." I've been asked several times "where are we going?" Or, "What bars are we gonna stop at?" I've been holding back these answers until now. Look below at the chart for a glimpse of the path we will take this weekend.

RED LINE STOP	BAR NAME	PRICE	NOTES	BAR ETA
Ashmont	Ashmont Grill	$$	Credit/Cash	12pm
Shawmut	Centre Bar	$	Credit/Cash	12:45pm
Fields Corner	Blarney Stone	$$	Credit/Cash	1:30pm
Savin Hill	Savin Bar & Kitchen	$$	Credit/Cash	2:15pm
Andrew	Sports Connection	$	Cash Only	3pm
Broadway	Amrheins	$$	Credit/Cash	3:45pm
South Station	Tavern in the Square	$$	Credit/Cash	4:30pm
Downtown Crossing	J.J. Foley's	$	Credit/Cash	5:15pm
Park Street	Jm Curley	$$	Credit/Cash	6pm
Charles MGH	Beacon Hill Pub	$	Cash Only	6:45pm
Kendall/MIT	State Park	$	Credit/Cash	7:30pm
Central Square	The Field	$	Cash Only	8:15pm
Harvard Square	Felipe's Taqueria	$	Credit/Cash	9pm
Porter Square	Toad	$	Credit/Cash	9:45pm
Davis Square	Sligo Pub	$	Cash Only	10:30pm

All price points are based off the Yelp pricing scale. You can see that the plan is to be cost-efficient while imbibing. Take note of the the "Bar ETA." There is a pace and we will do our best to maintain it. But, fear not; no one will be left behind. In my clan, everyone makes it home in one piece.

Now that you have the itinerary and the schedule, begin your preparation!

Epic Challenge pt 2

I am five days away from my Epic Challenge and support for my task has been overwhelming. When I initially posted the event, there was an immediate response from my friends. Many said I was nuts to attempt something so outrageous. Others applauded my determination and pledged their aid to my cause. Because I appreciate those who have said they will crawl with me, I have decided to reward them with fun activities (besides imbibing) along the way. Those who come along with me have opportunities to earn Reputation, honor, and rewards. That being said, I want to make sure everyone who participates is ready and fully prepared to do so. Here is a list of some items you will need as well as some things to think about.

Necessary Items

• MBTA Charlie Card - You can't get anywhere without a "ship." This is your means of travel. I suggest a Day Pass since it will cover you for the duration of the event and is fairly priced.
• A valid form of Identification - Make sure you are able to play. Don't be the person who can't get in; that's just lame.
• Funds - Call it cash, money, glimmer, whatever, you'll need to bring some along. Most places will accept credit/debit cards, but there are a few that do not. Plan accordingly.

Recommended Items

• Restorative Drinks - There will be some basic supplies on hand, but it will be a good idea to carry something that will replenish electrolytes. It's a long day; you don't want to tap out early.
• Comfy Shoes - There will be some walking involved.
• An Open Mind - The Event will ask much of you. Prepare yourself to rise to the challenge. 

I am close enough now to see the Challenge unfolding in front of me and those who stand with me. I will share more details and advice as the days advance. I'm looking forward to sharing all that transpires this Saturday.

Epic Challenge

They say that life is not worth living without the challenges it presents that we must overcome. Maybe I read that somewhere, or maybe someone told it to me, but I think there is some truth to it. In meeting and surpassing these challenges, we test our strength of will, our resolve, and our ability to cope with unexpected obstacles. These things "build character," and I'm prepared to test mine with the help of my friends. That being said, here is the Challenge:

Click image for a larger view

 Thrillist's (a website you should familiarize yourself with) Boston division put out this MBTA map with a bar to go along with every stop, on all lines. Epic. Perhaps you've seen something similar, but on a smaller scale. Some have created portions of this map that only cover a few stops on one line. I call that a cop out and it will not stand. I have set in front me, this challenge, this path to (alcoholic) greatness. I have given myself until the end of the summer to complete the two main train lines, Red and Orange. I recognize that this feat is big. maybe even bigger than I can handle. To that end, I will enlist the help of my friends, you could call them my clan... While I am prepared to take on this trial on my own, it is my hope that my friends will join me because something like this benefits from company. There is not much better than the camaraderie created in a shared pint. In the same spirit, dear reader, come with me on this journey. I will use the blog to update my progress, perhaps even live blog some of the event. Will I finish? Will I be joined in "battle"? Will it all just end up being a terrible disaster? Stay tuned to find out...!

Next up, we're going to stop in at the Town Hall Pub, across the street. There is also a house party later this evening. I'll keep you posted!

Brendan's served us grape bomb shots and Flyguys, a drink of my own creation. From there, we moved to Minibar, the ultra lounge for some red sangria and pizza.

From there, we wandered to Brendan's Pub, your typical "hole-in-the-wall" Irish pub with all the trimmings. "Jameson" was detailed on the mirror behind the bar.

Rocks was the first stop, a sports bar with daily drink specials. A 20oz Sam Adams Oktoberfest and a "Man-mosa" got the crawl started in proper fashion.

With my best friend from high school and the brother of one of my other best friends, I am intrepidly exploring the area, one drink at a time. Come with me now!

This morning, those cares reminded me they were still present... Despite that, I find myself currently out on an afternoon bar crawl through the Lakeview area.

Spending time in Chicago thus far has generated some fantastic content. Last night, I partied like I was 22 and didn't have a care in the world.