Features

Now in its 13th year, this New York City alley cat race and scavenger hunt on November 19 will draw over 100 competitors who will race around Manhattan for a good cause.

cranksgiving.org

SFBC Winterfest

Over 1,000 members of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition will gather to celebrate the local bike scene at this annual gala on December 4. The party features an art auction, deals on 25 new bikes, dancing to DJs, beer from New Belgium and a free bike valet. sfbike.org/winterfest

Bike Denver Winter Solstice Ride

Festoon your bike with lights and bells and join this social ride on December 22 to benefit the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. bikedenver.org

Polar Bear Ride

This New Year’s Day cruise is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Velo City. The 10-mile ride starts at 1 p.m., rolls up the west side of Manhattan to Harlem, visiting urban design landmarks along the way, and ends at a cozy lounge. velocity-rides.org

BTA’s Annual New Year’s Day Ride

Portland, OR’s Bicycle Transportation Alliance invites you to “Start the new year off right, with a bike ride!” This mellow group ride leaves from the west end of the Burnside Bridge and ends with cocoa and snacks. bta4bikes.org

The Polka Ride

On January 27, over 100 cyclists will brave the cold for this annual tradition, gathering under Chicago’s giant Picasso sculpture and cruising 10 miles to Lincoln Square Lanes bowling alley to dance to the Polkaholics. Expect to see riders wearing lederhosen or a giant pierogi costume. bikewinter.org

The Coldest Day of the Year Ride

On January 30, 2012, the City of Toronto, ON, will hold a Coldest Day of the Year Ride, starting at noon in Nathan Phillips Square and concluding with hot chocolate. toronto.ca/cycling/bikewinter

Bikes Inside

The February bicycle-themed dance party in Vancouver, BC, event features DJs, live performances and bike photography, art and video. Last year’s party included bike polo, gold sprint races, freak bikes for test riding and an appearance by the B:C:Clettes bicycle dance team. bikesinside.com

Zoobomb Minibike Winter Olympics

Freak bikers gather in Portland, OR, February 17–20 for a celebration of that city’s unique “Zoobomb” subculture: thrill-seekers who zoom down the hill by the Oregon Zoo on kids’ BMX cycles. zoobomb.net

Chicago Cycle Swap

Chicago Bike Winter and the Active Transportation Alliance present this late-February festival of gear and know-how. Entertainment includes the Racketeers all-woman BMX dance troupe. bikewinter.org