It's no joke; The funny name describes an event that celebrated the community-building power of the bicycle.
The first Seattle Cranksgiving was observed Nov. 20. More than 30 hardy cyclists braved brisk temperatures for an organized ride to benefit the Rainier Valley Food Bank.
Participants started at Cal Anderson Park, traveled to the Central District, then cruised to the International District, up Beacon Hill and down to Columbia City. Along the way, they stopped at grocery stores to buy items from a list, and finished the ride in Genesee Park.
Riders used various rigs to tow their booty of food, from cargo bikes to ad-hoc carriers rigged just for the occasion. One cyclist even towed a four-legged friend.
Some wore costumes. Some wore cycling clothes. Most wore smiles. Cascade Bicycle Club distributed free bike lights to all who registered.
"It was awesome," said organizer Tom Fucoloro, a Real Change contributor.
Fucoloro set up the ride after learning about similar events in other cities. He conceived of it as an event open to all forms of pedal power, from spandex-clad racers to hipster messengers to the folks who ride en famille.
By collecting food by bike, Fucoloro said he hoped to demonstrate that biking is a great way to run errands. Fucoloro said riders collected hundreds of food items for the Rainier Valley Food Bank. Food bank workers distributed the donations on Thanksgiving.
Cranksgiving is all in the spirit of fun and giving, Fucoloro said, but the spirit of friendly competition was alive, too. Team Who-Haws won the top prize -- a night's stay at Belltown Inn -- by cranking their way to the finish line in an hour and 20 minutes.
Happy Cranksgiving, indeed.