I was preparing an entry saying that we shouldn't have to have a tragedy to unite the Bicycler community of Kansas City. Then I was checking my email and saw Sarah's mention of the death in Independence.
Anyway, we (
The Greater Kansas City Bicycle Federation) are putting on Cranksgiving this year.
Bicycists will fill the streets and the food pantry.
The Greater Kansas City Bicycle Federation took on this event,
in its second year. The event is called Cranksgiving and basically, it
is an alleycat race/scavenger hunt on the streets of Kansas City where
cyclists are given a manifest with 5 to 7 locations and go to purchase
food for donation to the Kansas City Community Kitchen (
http://www.episcopalcommunity.org/KansasCityCommunityKitchen/tabid/570/Default.aspx
). All items must be carried on their bicycles. There is no entry fee
for the event and the only requirement is to bring in non-perishable
foods, traditional Thanksgiving items.
Last year, over 100 riders rode in this event with a week's notice.
This year, we are aiming for 300.
Kansas City has developed a thriving urban cyclist scene, demonstrated
by Chris Thomas'
photoset on Flickr
http://flickr.com/photos/professorchrisgo/sets/72157602224779688/.
The ride will be followed by an awards ceremony. The awards ceremony
will be in the Sculpture Garden behind Grinders. Entertainment will
include 3 bands, Brainbow, David Hasselhoff on Acid, and the Jim
Button Band.
Awards will be given to top male finisher and top female finishe.
Another award will be given to the most generous, the one who brings
in the most food by bike will receive the Mott-Ly Cup. The Mott-Ly Cup
is named in memory of Mott-Ly, the deceased proprietor of the Mo-Mo
Gallery, and soul of the Crossroads District. It will be a travelling
trophy that will be engraved with the winner each year. Prize Sponsors
include Surly, New Belgium Brewery, Whole Foods Market, Re-Load Bags
and Swobo.
We start at 2 PM at the Discovery Center 4750 Troost Avenue Kansas
City, MO where everyone will receive a manifest and instructions on
what to buy. You'll ride to the 5-7 grocery stores, bring back your
items and receipts and meet at Grinders Pizza in the Crossroads
district for the check-in, after party and awards.
