Cranksgiving only comes once a year

Local cyclists give back to the community, Moab style

“It’s such a perfect event for the cycling community in Moab,” Evan Smiley said. “People here are always dying to show up and give something back.”

Smiley is the organizer behind Moab Community Cycles and Moab’s annual charitable “alleycat” bike race, Cranksgiving—coming up on Sunday, November 19. 

“It’ll be the fourth year we’re holding Cranksgiving,” Smiley said. “We had a pause because of COVID, but last year we had around fifty participants and collected a lot of food for local unhoused folks.”

But what exactly is Cranksgiving? It’s a race, it’s a scavenger hunt, it’s a community fundraiser. At its core, it’s an alleycat bike race, a type of informal bicycle race born in urban bike messenger groups. Unlike traditional races, alleycat races are known for their relaxed rules and emphasis on fun and community involvement. Participants navigate through a series of checkpoints across the city, completing tasks or challenges at each.

Cranksgiving adds a charitable twist to this formula: Participants are given a list of items to purchase at various stores around Moab, traveling by bike and plotting their own strategy. The items collected are then donated to the Moab Valley Multicultural Center, making this race not just a test of speed and navigation, but also of heart. 

Cranksgiving attracts a diverse range of riders, from seasoned cyclists to families looking for a fun day out. It’s not just about who crosses the finish line first, but who can be the most strategic in their shopping and route planning. Multiple awards are given to recognize participants who excel at different aspects of the race, from simple speed to the largest donation.

“People can shave time off their race through giving more,” Smiley said: last year, the winning giver finished with negative time after contributing whole backpacks full of gear for local unhoused people. 

Smiley said he sees the race as a testament to the town’s ethos – where an active lifestyle meets community action. As the wheels turn and the shopping lists are ticked off, Cranksgiving is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of Moab’s community spirit.

This year’s Cranksgiving alleycat race will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, November 19 at Swanny Park. Participants should bring a bike, a lock, and about $25 to buy food.

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Read the rest of this week’s edition:

Arches timed entry will continue in 2024

Cultivating community during Women’s Wall Street Wednesdays

Trail Ambassador program receives LNT Gold Standard Designation

City parks master plan moves forward

Meeting at a glance: Moab City Council, November 14, 2023

Opinion: How do we remember Thanksgiving?

Opinion: Letter to the Editor—”Don’t let the Beaver Shaft uranium mine reopen in La Sal”

Moab History: Sufferage in Utah

Or, read through a pdf of this week’s print edition