More than 800 cyclists used their bicycles to go grocery shopping in St. Louis on Sunday to help fill the pantry at Food Outreach for Thanksgiving.
The bicycling food drives in St. Louis, Portland (Maine), Milwaukee, and Mason City, Iowa, were the earliest Cranksgiving events this year. Others are planned for the next couple of weekends in cities across the US.
In St. Louis, Fox News reported the bicyclists were given a list of items needed by Food Outreach and a map of grocery stores located along a 10- or 25-mile route. The event was free, but buying 5 to 10 items each set the participants back $10 to $20.
Alleycat
The pilgrims at the first Cranksgiving were a bunch of bike messengers in New York City back in 1999. Still going strong, that Cranksgiving — like many of the events — is an Alleycat race. Cyclists are handed a list of 10 items to purchase. They can buy the items wherever they choose, but they have to prove with receipts that they made their purchases at 10 different locations. First one back is the winner.
Participants are urged, sometimes required, to wear helmets and bring a backpack or panniers for food items. Because cyclists are running in and out of stores, it's very wise to bring a lock for the bicycle.
Cranksgivings
Here's a short list of some upcoming Cranksgiving events, many in their first or second year. If you know of one, just add it as a comment:
Cranksgiving Minneapolis — Nov. 13, 2010; Cyclists meet at Gold Medal Park at 2 p.m.; benefits Sister's Camelot Thanksgiving meal.
Cranksgiving Omaha — Nov. 13, 2010; 10 items at 10 different locations. Meets at 11:15 a.m., Bike Masters at 129th and Fort; benefits Omaha Food Bank.
Cranksgiving Salem — Nov. 13, 2010; Alleycat starts at 11 a.m. at Venti's Cafe.
Cranksgiving Champaign/Urbana — Nov. 14, 2010; Bike Co-op, 202 S. Broadway. Benefits East Illinois Food Bank.
Cranksgiving Columbus — Nov. 20, 2010; Alleycat gathers at 3:30 p.m. at Goodale Park. Benefits Mid-Ohio Food Bank
Cranksgiving Fort Walton Beach — Nov. 20, 2010; Cyclists gather at Dragon Sports, Racetrack Road at 9 a.m. Benefits Waterfront Missions and Sharing/Caring Organizations.
Cranksgiving Miami — Nov. 20, 2010; Meet at 2 p.m. at Government Center (by the “Orange Peels”). About 10 miles; benefits Camillus House.
Cranksgiving New York City — Nov. 20, 2010; Alleycat first rolled out in 1999. 2 p.m., Tompkins Square Park. There will be prizes for most generous and most stylish riders.
Cranksgiving York — Nov. 20, 2010; Starts at 10 a.m. at rail-trail parking lot at West Philadelphia Street on eastside of Codorus Creek.
Cranksgiving Seattle — Nov. 20, 2010; Starts about noon at Cal Anderson Park. More details as they come.
Cranksgiving Des Moines — Nov. 21, 2010; Cyclists start at 1 p.m. Mars Cafe. Prizes.
Cranksgiving Atlanta — Nov. 24, 2010; 2 p.m. at Woodruff Park. Benefits Atlanta Community Food Bank.
Cranksgiving Fairfield, CA — Nov. 27, 2010; Alleycat racer teams leave at 2 p.m. from Westfield Mall. Benefits Mission Solano.
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