Here is the ride info, Jeffery Lebowski style.

As we near the weekend, anticipation is growing for the ride on Sunday.  Cranksgiving is shaping up nicely.  The awards, door prizes, and logistics are coming together, and volunteers have come up big in getting this whole thing put together.

This post is to give you a run down on how the event will go, give you advise on what to expect, what to watch out for, and what's going on after the ride.

First of all - Riders should show up at Lorado's early (2:00), as everyone will have to sign a waiver and sign up for your selected category of ride (male, female, geared, single speed/fixed, and trailer/miscellaneous).  Any rider under 18 will have to have a parent or guardian sign the waiver - SO PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY.  If you know minors planning on doing the ride, please pass along this bit of info.  As you sign in, please enjoy some fine coffee donated from Jitters Coffee Shop.

When you sign in, you will receive a manifest - a form and envelope that will show you where you have to ride to, and the items you will need to purchase at those stops.  There will be 5 stops total.  The ride will begin with a "Le Mans" style start.  Bikes will be laid about the ground in the plaza, and riders will be against the wall on the west side of the plaza.  Some final announcements will be given, and the ride will start with a signal.  Riders will then cross the plaza to their bikes, an off we go.

When on your ride, you will stop at stores - please beware of the occasional nihilist bike thieves.  Locking your bike at stops would be a good idea to prevent theft.

When at stores, purchase items.  Don't steal.  You need to prove that you PURCHASED the item by putting the receipt in the envelope you are given at registration.  Remember, drinking half & half straight isn't a substitute for a White Russian.

When riding along your route, be careful of traffic.  You must obey all Mason City traffic laws.  A three ton vehicle will out match even the heaviest, solid steel Walmart Super Cruiser.  Imagine a behemoth tire resting on top of your chest, and what that would do to your respiratory system.  BE CAREFUL - don't become an Arthur Digby Sellers.

When you return to Lorados with the food items in tow...

Volunteers will take your envelope and check your items to be sure that you followed instructions, and asses where you finished in comparison to the other riders in your category.

As stated in the previous post - secure all items safely.  Don't take chances with your lives - bags dangling from your handlebars is not a wise idea, and we would hate to have anyone need reconstructive surgery.

As people finish the ride, Lorado's will have bowls chili to purchase (all proceeds will go to the food bank), and a wide assortment of drinks (proceeds of those will go to the bar).  Once people have finished, we will start drawing names for door prizes - which we have had donated from Waynes, HED Cycling, Bennett's, Lakeside, and Splash Multisport.  

We will also hold a trackstand competition.

you can use your hands.

There will be two divisions, one for those "clipped in", and those without.  Show off your balance and bike control.  Ready, set, go… Last one standing wins.

Now, if you are thrifty-quick enough to finish in the top three in your ride category… Lucky enough to win a door prize… Or skilled enough win the trackstand competition; please be a good winner and don't gloat in front of all the less fortunate losers around you.  If you do turn into an win-ass, I am going to have my mom stitch you a special wall-hanging for your stinky bathroom.  And I don't even care if your name isn't...

So no funny stuff. 

See you all Sunday!