Part of any tradition is recognizing the history of the tradition. Cranksgiving is not an event native to Portland, where I attended. However, it fits nicely into Portlandy style and was embraced by a variety of bike enthusiasts this year. Cranksgiving isn't just a ride. There is a message. The message is of hope and help.

And this message was originally brought by some unlikely heroes--bike messengers.

Cranksgiving started in New York city in 1999 by Antonio Rodrigues, was run under his leadership for 8 years, and continues on as a tradition within the New York bike community. It is a charity food drive with bike messenger flair. Originally participants raced to multiple stops at grocery stores, taking any route they wished, and met at the selected charity for the finish. The idea is to replicate the day of a bike messenger while collecting food for donation at the same time. With some planning, you can create your own Cranksgiving next year. More...

We spotted this easy project on this family biking page in (EcoMetro city Portland), which is fast becoming a solid resource for families on a roll in any city. The latest blog describes several methods and products for keeping kids warm, dry, and happy through the rain and cold whether using bike seats, bakfiets (at right), or trailers. The easiest is the author's own DIY project, a converted poncho that she fitted with elastic to stay put over the mounted high-back child seat. Materials needed are a poncho, elastic or shock cord, and a small reflective triangle, which you can purchase at one of our bike merchants with a coupon. Happy riding!

Keep an eye out for our family biking blog, which also involves a bakfiet. Coming soon! (Image: Flickr/santanartist) More...

If you have a political sign in your yard, you're probably wondering what to do with it right about now. Depending on whether your signs are are plastic, metal, wood, or corrugated plastic commonly called coroplast, there may be a special collection pickup or drop off location near you. Visit the GreenGuardian.com for individual county instructions. Call the hotlines or visit the sites for Hennepin (612-348-3777) and Ramsey (651-266-1199) counties. Obama supporters can put materials up for free at ObamaCycle to be claimed by another user.

With coroplast signs, you can make bike panniers, fenders, or handlebar bags with these guides from Kent Peterson, formerly of the Bicycle Alliance of Washington in EcoMetro city Seattle. Novice DIYers can start with the handlebar bag, while the more adventurous ecomaniacs can tackle fenders. The step-by-step instructions for panniers (pictured at right) are especially easy to follow. Recyling election signs into bike gear lets you prepare for winter weather and continue to show your political opinions. More...

The Wheel American Family is our new blog about transporting kids in a Dutch style bicycle and enjoying cycling as a family. By Travis Wittwer.

At the grocery store, when I am loading my three sons and groceries into the “box” of my bakfiets I get more than a few puzzled but interested looks. Usually they ask if I like biking everywhere. My reply is that biking have given me enthusiasm and simplicity, all on two wheels.

It is also about a shift in America’s view of the bike. The bike, once seen only as a kids’ toy or transportation for the poor, is now something of beauty and simplicity. Even though the bike is a machine, it has an organic feel and it is being embraced by an ever-growing group of people. And nowhere is this felt more than Portland, Oregon. More...

According to Metro Transit, the average commuter emits 2.6 tons of greenhouse gases annually just driving to work.  The World Carfree Network is an umbrella organization that works worldwide to provide people with alternatives to single vehicles by supporting outreach programs and education. Combined with our local transit information and the coupons in our books, you can celebrate Carfree Day and make a lifetime habit change. One of the best Carfree Network programs is the UK based Autoholics Anonymous (open to all), which has a twelve step program and this message: More...

This morning the League of American Bicyclists awarded EcoMetro city Portland with platinum level recognition as a Bicycle Friendly Community, rising from the previous gold level status. The only other city in the US with platinum level recognition is Davis, California. No cities in Minnesota have applied for the Bicycle Friendly Community ranking, you can start the application process for your community here. Keep reading for our local biking resources and coupons. More...

Google Maps has a driving directions page that already tops all the others. After all, after you enter your starting and ending addresses, you already can click the option: "Take Public Transit," and it will give you several options--even calculating the price of driving vs. the price of riding! More...

What are you missing? Click to watch the video for the surprising results. Watch the video while tired, talking on your cell phone, at night...well, you'll get the idea.



Do the Test More...

How was your ride? Write about it in a short message and compare notes at Velog Minneapolis and Velog St Paul.  Like a bike computer meets a text message (in the 140 word limit familiar to users of Twitter.com), Velog capitalizes on the urge to tell your pals about your bike ride and the need to keep it short and sweet. Calling itself "the worlds simplest cycling log" Velog allows users to post on a message board open to "bike commuters, roadies, mountain bikers, cyclocrossers, randonneurs, weekend warriors, and anyone and everyone with a bicycle under their butt." If you had to google randonneur (long distance cycling) or haven't seen your bike since the leaves hit the ground, use the Velog ride descriptions as encouragement. More...

The encouragement from a community of bikers can make any trip easy, so join a chain gang like The League of American Bicyclists. More...