18th Annual Cranksgiving Santa Fe Is Nov. 7: Pedaling To End Hunger

What started in 1999 as a localized messenger rivalry in New York City has evolved into a nationwide movement, and Santa Fe is gearing up to host its own monumental installment.

The 18th Annual Cranksgiving Santa Fe is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, combining two-wheeled endurance with holiday philanthropy to support The Food Depot. Cyclists of all skill levels will trade standard training rides for grocery store sweeps, transforming city streets and urban trails into a massive, mobile food drive.

Pedaling Through Aisles for Northern New Mexico

The mechanics of Cranksgiving remain refreshingly straightforward. Participants need only a bicycle, a bag or backpack, a bike lock, and $20 to $25 to purchase food items. Entry to the event is completely free, though bike helmets are strictly mandatory for all riders.

18th Annual Cranksgiving Santa Fe Is Nov. 7: Pedaling To End Hunger — Photo: eventbrite.com

Rather than following a fixed route, cyclists use a secret scavenger hunt list, known as a "Manifest," to move through local grocery stores. Riders plot their own courses across city streets and urban trails to secure specific ingredients required for the holiday meal. Event organizers note that last year’s ride gathered over 12 tons of food in the ongoing effort to combat holiday hunger in Northern New Mexico, according to event details shared across regional listings.

Every year around the holidays food supplies are stretched to their limits providing for families in need. This event harnesses the boundless enthusiasm of the local bicycle community to do a little bit of good for the holidays. We all have a blast and The Food Depot benefits! — Bill Lane, Marketing Director for BTI

A Whodunit Twist and Competitive Categories

This year’s edition introduces a playful narrative element to the ride. Alongside collecting provisions, participants will channel their inner detectives to solve a "murder most fowl" as they move across town.

Once riders complete their routes and return to the finish point within the designated time allotment, prizes will be awarded across multiple competitive brackets. Categories include Fastest Rider, Fastest Small Team, Fastest Large Team, and Best Dressed, with prizes supplied by local and regional sponsors.

For those unable to participate on two wheels, alternative support options remain available. Community members can contribute by purchasing a turkey for a family in need through the official Cranksgiving Santa Fe platform.

Registration opens on the morning of the event at 10:00 AM, with the ride officially starting and finishing at the Santa Fe Railyard Water Tower, located at 1612 Alcaldesa St. Nationally, the movement has expanded to more than 120 North American cities, generating over a million meals for local food banks since its inception.