Cranksgiving Omaha 2009 is tomorrow - noon - Bike Masters (129th/Fort).
Registration starts at 11:15, shopping list distributed at 11:50. You need to be signed up by 11:45. If you're not, you're probably going to be stressed out (and possibly late).
It looks like the weather is going to cooperate after all - high in the mid-50s and sunny. Might be a bit breezy, but it's been like that for a couple of weeks now. We should have a great day.
Leave comments or email me if you have last-minute questions: bredemske at gmail.com
Friday, November 13, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
A challenge
Well, we're just a few days away from Cranksgiving Omaha 2009. The weather is looking solid, the donations are rolling in, the food is being accounted for.
As I've mentioned previously, one of the greatest ways to help the Food Bank is with a cash donation. Thanks to grants and various programs, the Food Bank can turn a $1 donation into $10 worth of food.
For an even bigger impact, imagine what $50 can do. At our house, we've set aside $50 to donate on Saturday, and we're challenging others to do the same. We know times are tight, but a little help from the more fortunate can go a long way for the less fortunate.
So far, we have four others who have stepped up. Who's next? You can donate online here or in person on Saturday. If you can't make it on Saturday, please consider a cash donation, especially since it's so easy. Be sure to put "Cranksgiving" in the "special instructions" space on the online form.
Thank you - see you Saturday.
As I've mentioned previously, one of the greatest ways to help the Food Bank is with a cash donation. Thanks to grants and various programs, the Food Bank can turn a $1 donation into $10 worth of food.
For an even bigger impact, imagine what $50 can do. At our house, we've set aside $50 to donate on Saturday, and we're challenging others to do the same. We know times are tight, but a little help from the more fortunate can go a long way for the less fortunate.
So far, we have four others who have stepped up. Who's next? You can donate online here or in person on Saturday. If you can't make it on Saturday, please consider a cash donation, especially since it's so easy. Be sure to put "Cranksgiving" in the "special instructions" space on the online form.
Thank you - see you Saturday.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Cranksgiving is Saturday!
Well, we're just a few weeks away from Cranksgiving Omaha 2009. Thank you in advance to those who plan on riding, volunteering or donating – you make the event go. All the planning in the world won't matter if people aren't willing to support the cause.
Every year we have an FAQ of sorts before the event to better explain things. Here it is:
Time: The race starts at noon, but you need to be there around 11:15 to check in, sign the waiver (in which you promise not to get killed -- or at least not blame us for it) and get your bike ready. The shopping list will be distributed at 11:50, and the Le Mans start is at noon. You'll like the Le Mans start. It's fun. Really.
What's this gonna cost me?
Whatever you spend on the items on the list, that's it. There's no entry fee. The items will cost around 20 bucks, probably.
What do I need to bring?
You'll need, at a mininum: A bag to carry your stuff, a helmet (required - no exceptions) and some money.
How do I collect all of this?
Your list will have 10 items to buy. They need to come from 10 different stores. You can do that in whatever order you please. As long as you have 10 receipts when you come back, it's no problem.
Are there different divisions?
Yup -- geared, fixed/single-speed and trailer, for both men and women. The trailer division will be scored by weight, not time like the other ones. Prizes will be awarded to the top three in each division.
About that trailer division ...
The idea of the trailer division is to carry as much stuff as possible. Last year the guy who won had more than 200 pounds in there. So yes, get multiples of things if you're feeling the urge. And if you buy stuff that's not on the list (like super-heavy laundry detergent or something like that), you won't get credit. But that doesn't mean you can't buy it (wink-wink, etc.)
You mentioned prizes.
We have a generous group of companies/individuals who have agreed to donate some bike-related goods. Those sponsor prizes will be handed out through a random drawing. Prizes from riding fast will be different, though still cool.
What if it's cold?
Right now, the 10-day forecast says a high of 60 on Saturday. If so, that would be the warmest Cranksgiving we've had. If it's cold, dress warmer.
No, really cold!
Dress warmer.
Snowing?
Better ride fast. And if snow isn't your thing (whose thing is it, really?), nobody will bat an eye if you get the list, run down to Target (less than a mile away) and bring back all of the stuff. Or if you donate $20. We don't expect you to have a miserable day on the bike.
What are we going to do afterward?
Hang out, give out prizes and eat. We'll have two or three kinds of soup and maybe some cookies. You're welcome to bring food to share with the masses as well. Just shoot me an email -- bredemske at gmail dot com to let me know.
Can I donate something if I can't make the ride?
Yes, you absolutely should! There's an online form here, or you can drop by Bike Masters and put it in our "Fill The Truck" cans.
How will this whole thing work?
You'll check in, preferably around 11:15 so we can get you signed in, then at about 11:50 you'll get your shopping list. At noon, you'll hop on your bike and ride. Whenever you get back, you'll check in and weigh your bag. After that, you're done. Grab some food. When everybody's back, we'll draw for prizes. Do feel free to hang out, too. Bike Masters has been kind enough to host us, so check their stuff out.
Is this a family-friendly event?
Yes, to a point. My two-year-old son will be wandering around the shop, probably stacking cans and stuff, but that's about it. If you're thinking of bringing kids, keep in mind the nature of retail in Northwest Omaha. Lots of strip malls, and a reasonably large amount of traffic. For that reason, we ask that all participants be experienced riders. You don't have to do thousands of miles each year, but you need to be able to handle yourself on a busy street.
I think that's it -- email or post a comment if you have other questions. I'll try to get 'em answered pronto. And thanks for being a part of what could be a pretty cool event.
Every year we have an FAQ of sorts before the event to better explain things. Here it is:
Time: The race starts at noon, but you need to be there around 11:15 to check in, sign the waiver (in which you promise not to get killed -- or at least not blame us for it) and get your bike ready. The shopping list will be distributed at 11:50, and the Le Mans start is at noon. You'll like the Le Mans start. It's fun. Really.
What's this gonna cost me?
Whatever you spend on the items on the list, that's it. There's no entry fee. The items will cost around 20 bucks, probably.
What do I need to bring?
You'll need, at a mininum: A bag to carry your stuff, a helmet (required - no exceptions) and some money.
How do I collect all of this?
Your list will have 10 items to buy. They need to come from 10 different stores. You can do that in whatever order you please. As long as you have 10 receipts when you come back, it's no problem.
Are there different divisions?
Yup -- geared, fixed/single-speed and trailer, for both men and women. The trailer division will be scored by weight, not time like the other ones. Prizes will be awarded to the top three in each division.
About that trailer division ...
The idea of the trailer division is to carry as much stuff as possible. Last year the guy who won had more than 200 pounds in there. So yes, get multiples of things if you're feeling the urge. And if you buy stuff that's not on the list (like super-heavy laundry detergent or something like that), you won't get credit. But that doesn't mean you can't buy it (wink-wink, etc.)
You mentioned prizes.
We have a generous group of companies/individuals who have agreed to donate some bike-related goods. Those sponsor prizes will be handed out through a random drawing. Prizes from riding fast will be different, though still cool.
What if it's cold?
Right now, the 10-day forecast says a high of 60 on Saturday. If so, that would be the warmest Cranksgiving we've had. If it's cold, dress warmer.
No, really cold!
Dress warmer.
Snowing?
Better ride fast. And if snow isn't your thing (whose thing is it, really?), nobody will bat an eye if you get the list, run down to Target (less than a mile away) and bring back all of the stuff. Or if you donate $20. We don't expect you to have a miserable day on the bike.
What are we going to do afterward?
Hang out, give out prizes and eat. We'll have two or three kinds of soup and maybe some cookies. You're welcome to bring food to share with the masses as well. Just shoot me an email -- bredemske at gmail dot com to let me know.
Can I donate something if I can't make the ride?
Yes, you absolutely should! There's an online form here, or you can drop by Bike Masters and put it in our "Fill The Truck" cans.
How will this whole thing work?
You'll check in, preferably around 11:15 so we can get you signed in, then at about 11:50 you'll get your shopping list. At noon, you'll hop on your bike and ride. Whenever you get back, you'll check in and weigh your bag. After that, you're done. Grab some food. When everybody's back, we'll draw for prizes. Do feel free to hang out, too. Bike Masters has been kind enough to host us, so check their stuff out.
Is this a family-friendly event?
Yes, to a point. My two-year-old son will be wandering around the shop, probably stacking cans and stuff, but that's about it. If you're thinking of bringing kids, keep in mind the nature of retail in Northwest Omaha. Lots of strip malls, and a reasonably large amount of traffic. For that reason, we ask that all participants be experienced riders. You don't have to do thousands of miles each year, but you need to be able to handle yourself on a busy street.
I think that's it -- email or post a comment if you have other questions. I'll try to get 'em answered pronto. And thanks for being a part of what could be a pretty cool event.
Friday, October 30, 2009
A call to arms
OK, we're about two weeks out from Cranksgiving Omaha 2009. If you've been thinking about volunteering (or donating for that matter), it's time to step up.
Here's what we need:
Setup - 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Event help - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or so (you get free food, just like the riders)
Cleanup - 3:30 p.m. to whenever we're done
You can help out with any or all of it. Or you can donate. Or you can help with food. Just send an email - bredemske at gmail.com - to get started.
Thanks for helping out. Cranksgiving is nothing without the support of the community.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Around town now
The Cranksgiving donation cans are starting to pop up in bike shops around town. Both Bike Masters and the Trek Store have them. Just drop in a buck or two and watch it multiply into something great for the Food Bank.
Want a can at your establishment? Send an email (bredemske at gmail.com) and we'll get one to you, pronto.
Want a can at your establishment? Send an email (bredemske at gmail.com) and we'll get one to you, pronto.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Crank up the money machine
The online donation link is live here, and also to the right. Donations made via PayPal are quick, secure and convenient.
Remember: Cash goes a long way for the Food Bank. A $10 donation can buy around $100 worth of food.
On the donations screen, there is an option to "add special instructions." In that space, type CRANKSGIVING OMAHA, so we can add it to the tally.
Sponsor update: Twin Six, Ergon, Bike Masters and Midwest Cycling are on board. More to follow.
Remember: Cash goes a long way for the Food Bank. A $10 donation can buy around $100 worth of food.
On the donations screen, there is an option to "add special instructions." In that space, type CRANKSGIVING OMAHA, so we can add it to the tally.
Sponsor update: Twin Six, Ergon, Bike Masters and Midwest Cycling are on board. More to follow.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Out in the street
Look for these around town in the coming days. We'll have a second version out, too. If there's interest, we'll print up another batch for sale. All proceeds go to the Food Bank.
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