Benefitting The Bowery Mission and The New York Bike Messenger Foundation, Cranksgiving started in New York City in 1999. The annual event — which takes place on Saturday, Nov. 19 — has since spread to over 50 cities across the United States and Canada. Last year saw over 300 riders of all ages, backgrounds, and cycling experience participate.
A food drive on two wheels, Cranksgiving is part bike ride, part food drive, and part scavenger hunt. To participate, all a person needs a bike, a bag, and a lock. Over the course of the race, riders purchase about $15 worth of food, which is donated to the Bowery Mission. Participating sponsors include Patagonia, Clif Bar, Chrome Bags, Tiny’s Giant Sandwich Shop, and the Bronx Brewery; the Patagonia store in Soho will be collecting food donations on behalf of Cranksgiving during the days surrounding the ride.
More information on how to get involved can be found at www.cranksgiving.org.
