Sequim Gazette staff
The holiday spirit is once again rolling into Sequim on two wheels.
Sequim’s version of “Cranksgiving” is slated for Saturday, Nov. 23, five days before Thanksgiving, when local riders gather food for local needy families.
As with the two previous local “Cranksgiving” events, riders spend the day traversing the area, delivering items to the Sequim Food Bank as they compete for prizes.
“There are a lot of people in our community who rely on the Sequim Food Bank to feed their families,” organizer Tom Coonelly says. “They are our neighbors and friends. They attend our churches, their children go to school with our kids (or) grandkids. They are good hardworking people who simply cannot afford to feed their families. They need our help.”
“Cranksgiving” started in 1999 as one of several annual bike messenger “alley cat” races in New York City. It is held each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving as a way for cyclists to socialize, compete and enjoy themselves while also gathering food for local food banks in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.
This year, more than 25 cities across the country are celebrating “Cranksgiving,” including New York, Los Angeles, Seattle and Philadelphia. According to www.cranksgiving.org, Sequim is the smallest city to officially participate.
Last year’s group of Sequim riders and support crew gathered 427 pounds of food.
The ride is open to anyone with a bicycle and bike helmet who wants to participate: individuals, families, clubs, etc. Riders are encouraged to ride safely and must wear a helmet. The event is rain-or-shine; no postponements.
Prizes are awarded for several categories, including fastest (first to finish) and The Big Kahuna (most food gathered by weight). There will be several new awards this year as well, Coonelly says.
Riders meet at the Sequim Food Bank, 144 W. Alder St., at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 23.
There is no entry fee. Riders are encouraged to bring a knapsack or bike bag and about $15-20, which is used to buy food from a shopping list event organizers distribute at the start.
A post-event gathering is set at Rainshadow Coffee, 157 W. Cedar St. Sequim.
For more information, call 681-7053 or e-mail coonelly@oypen.com.
