The 20th Appetite Enhancement Ride...

OK, so MY bike is always ready for the Appetite Enhancement Ride, which will take place for the 20th time this Thursday morning, a.k.a. Thanksgiving.

If you're not familiar, this is the BEST holiday celebration in the Grid, and it's gotten so big that it has necessitated ANOTHER move, the second in two years. Last year, the Ride was moved from its longtime location in the Alfa Romeo garage parking lot on 18th between K and L, which is now in the shadow of the new lofts/retail monster across the street. But last year's move to Dave Dave and Trish's Brick House Gallery in Oak Park didn't take, as it was too big even for that. So this year, the party starts at the Towe Museum by the SacRiver on Front Street, just north of Broadway.

The fun starts at 9 a.m. So, you may ask, what IS it, exactly? Well, it's a lot of interesting downtown people on all manner of bikes, mostly-decorated or otherwise tricked-out, with people in big hats, anti-fashion duds, and dogs in drag - or whatever you like. Let it suffice to say that the puritanical Pilgrims would not have approved (they might have had to waterboard some attendees), but the Indians would have rolled with it.

There's food, drink (feel beyond-free to contribute) and a raffle for some excellent prizes (tickets $1 each, $20 for 25), and all the proceeds benefit the hungry and homeless, of whom there are quite a few around The Grid these days.

I already loved Thanksgiving - gratitude is the highest form of worship - but the Ride makes me look forward to it (though I rarely feel that my appetite is enhanced afterwards).

Anybody got some good pictures of past years?