Sure, sure, we all know the big news about the D.C. Council allowing bars to serve alcohol until 5 a.m. And D.C. Wire delivered the scoop that the District government is hosting their Inaugural Ball “for the people” — at City Hall. This year, District pols are going with a “51st State” theme: For $51, attendees will enjoy the legendary Chuck Brown and an implicit lecture on statehood. Not a bad deal considering how Inaugural Ball tickets tend to closer to four figures.

One question that will loom in local residents’ minds as January 20 inches closer: how District residents will actually get to the Mall that Tuesday morning. Taking Metro will certainly be an adventure — officials are warning about unprecedented Metro-bound hordes numbering in the millions — so walking and biking are not just your best options, but probably your only options. (Driving? Don’t be silly.)

Those who plan to take two wheels should know that the Washington Area Bicyclist Association met with District Department of Transportation met yesterday to discuss a “bike valet” station near the Mall. Bikers would hand their rides over to WABA volunteers rather than risk the Secret Service cutting locks off illegally parked bikes. City Desk says that the meeting “went well.” And why shouldn’t it? The city should be working to provide residents ample chances to bike to the ceremony, if only to alleviate any of the insanity which will certainly surround every other form of transportation.

Bracing cold is another problem. If you’re looking for somewhere interesting and warm to take in the Inauguration, how about the Newseum?

And if you still can’t get enough news about the alcoholic boon to come, check out City Paper’s Young and Hungry, who talks to Enology’s Chris Cunningham and ex-PS7 mixer Tiffany Short about the Council ruling. DCist editor-in-chief Sommer Mathis also chimed in about it on yesterday’s Kojo Nmandi Show.

Photo by jayinvienna.