National Bike Ride and Charity Event “Cranksgiving” Returns to Philadelphia

Marathons, 5Ks and long-distance bike rides are often attached to some kind of charitable initiative. The usual formula is that participants pay an entry fee which then goes towards a cause, whether its short-term disaster relief or ongoing medical research. This method, though tried and true, does not involve participants directly with the charitable aspect of the event.

Cranksgiving, a national charitable bike ride since 1998, turns this idea on its head by having participants buy and pick up food from grocery stores while they ride which is then donated to low-income families for Thanksgiving dinner. Philabundance will collect the food and handle distribution.

This is the third year Cranksgiving has come to Philadelphia. Last year, 60 participants collected almost 800 lbs of food.

The contest’s website recommends that riders bring “a bike, a helmet, a lock, a bag (or basket or rack or cargo bike) to carry the food, and at least $15-20 to purchase food items along the way.”  There will be designated “checkpoints” where riders can buy food, but there is not a set course. All types of riders are welcome.

The ride begins at 12 pm on Sunday, November 24 at Penn Treaty Park.