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Cleveland’s cycling community is once again gathering food for disadvantaged families and senior citizens this holiday season! Bike Cleveland and BIKe Euclid are hosting Cleveland’s seventh-annual Cranksgiving, a food drive by bicycle that begins and ends at the Euclid Hunger Center. There is no cost to join the event, but cyclists usually spend about $15 (or however much you can) on food and supplies for others.

How does Cranksgiving work? Riders of all ages and skill levels receive a map of nearby grocery stores and are challenged to ride their bikes – regardless of weather — to about four of the stores to purchase one or more food items specified for each. Everything purchased must be hauled by bicycle, either in a bag, pannier, rack, or trailer. You will return to donate the food you collected to benefit the Euclid Hunger Center. Be prepared to spend about $15 (or however much you can) and ride about fifteen miles.

Bonus: Bike Cleveland has 2 bike trailers available for the event if you plan on making larger purchases. If you would like to reserve one, please contact jason@bikecleveland.org. A waiting list will be kept in case of no-shows.

Want to contribute even more? Clean out your pantry and bring nonperishable food items to the event. Organize a mini-food drive at your work or in your neighborhood. Or, if you cannot attend, you can make a donation to Bike Cleveland (specifying that it is for Cranksgiving) and a Bike Cleveland board member will fetch groceries on your behalf.

Here’s the timeline for the event:

Event Date: Saturday, November 17th

Event Home Base: Euclid Hunger Center 291 E 222nd St, Cleveland, OH 44123

10:30AM – Registration, plus coffee and donuts
11:00AM – Brief program and send off
1:00-1:15PM – Return to Euclid Hunger Center and donate food
1:30PM – Closing program and traditional group photo