Bicycle racers will scavenge food for charity

Sat November 18 2006
Posted Nov 18, 2006
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The pre-Thanksgiving event is humorously called 'Cranksgiving,' and at least 50 cyclists are expected to compete on Saturday. By TODD ERZEN REGISTER STAFF WRITER November 16, 2006 The Food Bank of Iowa should have at least 300 pounds of food coming its way this weekend through the efforts of the Des Moines bicycling community. "Cranksgiving," a sort of scavenger hunt on two wheels that has established itself in major cities throughout the country, will kick off its inaugural Des Moines event at noon Saturday from the parking lot of Mars Cafe, 2318 University Ave. A list of 10 grocery items will be provided each biker no sooner than 15 minutes before the race starts. Each participant will ride to 10 locations and buy one food item at each place. Instead of an entry fee, the riders' contribution will be between $10 and $20 to make their purchases. The catch is that each item on the list must be bought at a different store. The riders will compete to see who finishes first, and they must turn in receipts as proof.

Cranksgiving Bicyclists will participate in a scavenger hunt for the Food Bank of Iowa. WHEN: Noon Saturday. WHERE: Race begins and ends at Mars Cafe, 2318 University Ave. BRING: $10 to $20 to buy items on the list at 10 stores, and a bag to put groceries in. WHAT YOU GET: Top 20 finishers will receive a T-shirt from the inaugural Des Moines event. LEARN MORE: Go to www.cranksgiving.blogspot.com,, e-mail donnyquixote@yahoo.com or call Donny at 779-6888. RIDE DETAILS

Race organizer Donny Quixote, who works at Rasmussen Bike Shop, said he is expecting at least 50 racers and that several are coming from Ames, Iowa City and the Twin Cities for the opportunity. "The cycling community will take any chance they can get to go out and ride their bikes," said Quixote, 29, a former bike messenger in Chicago. "I've really wanted to get this started here for a while." A map of area stores will be provided to the racers, who are also reminded to bring along a bag to carry the groceries and a bike lock to keep their ride safe while they leg it through aisle nine for a can of green beans. "The strategy is probably just figuring out the neighborhood," said Nathan Bartels, 24, who will participate. "People are pretty competitive, so I think they will take this fairly seriously." Along with the Food Bank of Iowa, Mars Cafe and Rasmussen Bike Shop, the event is being sponsored by Yankee Doodle Dandy Tattoo. Mars Cafe owner Phil James said Quixote is just one of several bikers who have become regulars at his store since it opened near Drake University in March. "We are happy to help out with it," James said. "I love the idea about it because it is very hard in Des Moines to organize a bike race. ... This sounded really cool." T-shirts will be handed out to the top 20 finishers, and other prizes are available for winners in categories such as fastest dude, fastest chick, single speed and fixed gear.