102 racers rucked up to the 10th annual NYC thanksgiving. It was Ken Stanek’s second year throwing the race, and god damn this man had it going on. If our economy was organized half as well as this race, we wouldn’t be stuck bailing out our billionaire bankers.
Race organizer gets some lovin. photo by jamie.
Whats a Cranksgiving?
Cranksgiving is a charity race through the streets and supermarkets of NYC. Racers stop at 4 different supermarkets and purchase a food item at each stop. But which 4 supermarkets? Ken makes us choose from 4 of 16 possible supermarkets. Each stop must be at a different type of supermarket chain, and no two stops may be in the same quadrant of the city, as defined by the manifest. There is some serious planning involved, and thats why my team had like 7 iphones.
Nichole and Fawn rock the iPhones
Upon arrival at the starting line, we put together a highly capable team. Gaylen was our captain and chief navigator. He was sporting a mountain bike extra-cycle, and still took the longest pulls. Phillip was second in command because he was wearing the special officer’s socks. our cavalry line was made up of nichole, kelsey, inge, fawn and myself.
When we arrived at a supermarket, we split into teams. half would stay and watch bikes, and half would run in and shop. Shopping involves yelling at people to try to find which isle is hiding the canned corn and stuffing, then trying to pick the fastest express line. no change, receipt only. Then run back out to the bikes, make sure everyone has food and receipt, then off to the next store.
racer navigates the isles
Last year I made a serious effort to place. Izumi, Will TA, and I made great time through the streets, but lost it in the supermarket isles. We rolled in mid 30s.
This year, the only goal was collecting food. I brought the long haul trucker, and pair of ortlieb panniers. Its not a fast bike, but it can carry groceries like a pro. I hadn’t ridden it in a while, and it was nice to lube it up, inflate the tires and take it for a spin.
Our team ended up in a respectable 85th place finish, and Gaylen’s colossal grocery haul won him the ‘most generous’ award.
gaylen wins most generous. photo by Jamie
Afterwards, we partied at lakeside lounge. Its a wonderful dive bar near Tompkins Sq park owned by our favorite rock star cyclist. Two for one beers got me a little too drunk. Luckily we were done by 9pm, and I had plenty of time to sleep it off.
catfish doublefisting. photo by jamie
