SEQUIM — The third annual Cranksgiving, a “food-raising” timed cycling event to benefit the Sequim Food Bank, is planned Saturday.
Cyclists will assemble at the food bank, 144 W. Alder St., at 9:30 a.m. for a 10 a.m. start.
Each bicyclist will receive a shopping list and list of stores, purchase food from the list at specified stores around Sequim, then bring the food back to the starting point, “pedaling safely to avoid spillage and accidents,” organizers specified.
The event is free, but attendees should bring $15 to $20 to pay for the items.
All food will be donated to the food bank.
Prizes
Prizes will be awarded to the fastest shopper, most food gathered (by weight) and oldest and youngest riders.
A post-event gathering immediately following the ride will be held at Rainshadow Coffee, 157 W. Cedar St.
A raffle of items will be held at the coffee shop.
Cranksgiving started in 1999 as one of several annual bike messenger “alleycat” races in New York City.
It is held annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving as a way for cyclists to socialize and compete while gathering food for local food banks in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Organizers said they believe Sequim is the smallest city in the country to host this event.
Last year, Sequim riders and support crew gathered 427 pounds of food for the food bank as well as $615 in cash donations.
The ride is open to anyone with a bicycle and bike helmet who wants to participate.
For more information, phone 360-681-7053 or email coonelly@olypen.com.