Every year, GObike Buffalo organizes a cycling scavenger hunt that is meant to rustle up food for those in need. This year, 76 riders participated, which was the biggest turnout to date. The riders, armed with around 15 bucks each, were handed a grocery list of items and sent on their way to procure the items as fast as possible. After all of the participants loaded up their bags and finished the race, it was announced that 721lbs of food had been amassed. The food is being donated to the organization Food Not Bombs. That’s pretty incredible!
“We had a great turnout. It was a much bigger turnout than last year,” said Stacy Sauvageau, Shop Manager-Recycle a Bicycle Coordinator at GObike Buffalo. “We had several regulars and a bunch of new faces. One person carried 72lbs by himself and the team One Buffalo rolled in with an impressive 223lbs between the four of them. The first riders back, team Jello Brothers, finished the entire ride in less than an hour.”
The ride was held this past Saturday. Cyclists (teams and solo riders) gathered at Niagara Square, and the race began at noon. An after party was held at GObike Buffalo headquarters (98 Colvin Avenue), where trophies and prizes were handed out. The free party was attended by scavenger hunt participants. Non-riders were also welcome to attend if they brought four vegan non perishable food items (or $5).
Cranksgiving is one of those grassroots events that makes me smile. I saw these cyclists zipping around the city just after the race got underway. Upon inquiring about the outcome of the event, I was happy to hear that so many people stepped up to help those in need this holiday season. Congratulations to all who participated!
