After a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19, Cranksgiving is back on nationwide. So far there are over 100 events in 35 U.S. states, Canada, and the U.K. The events are billed as part bike ride, part food drive, and part scavenger hunt.
The Cranksgiving idea was hatched in New York City in 1991 by bike messenger Antonio “Tone” Rodrigues, who often participated in alleycat races—unsanctioned bike races on open roads, usually in cities. He decided to organize an alleycat style scavenger hunt race that would help those in need around the Thanksgiving season.
By 1999 it had evolved into local organizers teaming up with area charities to form a list of food needs. Routes to local grocery stores are mapped out for cyclists to follow and purchase food with their own money.
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It’s since become an annual charitable cycling holiday, and continues building in popularity. Participants only need a bag, a lock, a bike, and about $20. Participants get a list of stops (mainly grocery stores), they dash in and purchase the listed items, and then head to the next location.
This year, the event has Hiplok and Deuter as national sponsors, joining distributor BTI. Bicycle Retailer reported that Bill Lane, BTI’s marketing director said, “It’s been a dream of ours as organizers for a while now to get the industry more involved, and this year we’ve seen some success.
“Bags and locks are central to the rider’s experience. Hiplok sent out 30 of their signature wearable locks to help fatten organizer’s prize kitties. Deuter held a series of raffles this fall. Both companies are offering significant discount codes to Cranksgiving organizers and participants alike in November.”
Each event is organized locally, on different days leading up to Thanksgiving. If you live in an area where there are several events, you could potentially hit up more than one Cranksgiving. Each one is fun and unique with different stops, themes, and prizes. Santa Fe, for example, is holding their Cranksgiving on November 11, and it will be their 15th edition. At their last event, they gathered over 5.5 tons of food to help stamp out hunger during the holidays.
If you’re interested in participating or organizing your own Cranksgiving, the website has tons of information on how to get involved and how to find existing events.
Writer
Micah Ling is a freelance writer who lives in the mountains of Colorado. She splits her free time between mountain biking and trail running.