Why Queens? Queens, the world’s borough! Some Queens natives got together to finally bring an event that hasn’t happened in Queens yet. A toy drive on two wheels inspired by alley cats races. The checkpoints were local businesses or street vendors. In 2020, NYC was the epicenter for COVID and Corona, Queens was the epicenter of an epicenter. Families in Queens have suffered so much and we were all inspired to bring family some toys, baby items, etc to these affected families. We wanted to make a difference to families in the magnificent boroough of Queens, specifically Corona, Queens during the shittiest year of 2020.
Who? We, Salvador, Enrique, Jen, Curwin, Stephanie and I got together to start organizing through zoom every other day after work and/or school hours to organize and plan. We posted flyers in local Queens bike shops. Hit up Queens based sponsors like LIC beer project, Queens Fines apparel, SweetToothNYC goodies to help us sponsor the event. We all love cycling and got to know each other through cycling and we all grew up and reside in Queens.
Manifest/Ride: We thought about special places that make Queens a unique borough. Of course the famous Lemon Ice King of Corona for the best icees in the city!
The Apple of Citifield, formally known as Shea Stadium of the New York Mets, Wink the Penguin, if you from Queens, then you know.
The Unisphere in Flushing Park and all of the checkpoints for the toy stores where local toy stores on the famous ave, Roosie!
We had a Grinch wheel at a checkpoint with Queens Trivia. You needed to know what L.I.E. stands for, or know the bridges into the borough, or best Fran Dresher impersonation.
Spin the Grinch wheel to find the activity to get your manifest signed!
Our other activity check point was an antler hoop game. 2 out of 4 gets you a signature and extra point for better placement!
NO RAIN DELAY- we went forth despite weather being iffy all week. After a heavy snow storm too and now melting snow, the slush was on some super gross levels. We got over 10 participants and they collected over 150 toys different types of toys, 100 masks.
We got items like baby bottles, stuffed toys, cars. The toy drop off at Public Health Solutions in Corona, Queens filled our hearts with joy to see families pick toys out for their little ones.
Next event we are talking about Easter, Spring time to organize a toy drive for the kids in Queens.
Myrna- I feel like we made such a difference in our little wonderful place we have called home forever. Cycling is my passion and racing is something that is fun to see how fast you can accomplish tasks while going fast is such an exhilarating feeling rarely replicated in any other sport. Alley cats are special in their own unique way because of the hunt for the next unknown spot. The bike community has always restored my faith in humanity time and time again. I love accomplishing these goals we have for our community but especially in the bike culture of NYC. Because Queens forever, NYC forever.
Enrique R– It was amazing to work with the crew who helped make this happen, and seeing how the riders came through to support this event was the biggest highlight of the year! I had lots of fun, made new friends and though we can’t reach everyone, our contribution will help make this a better year for others.
Salvador E. – I’m so incredibly proud to be part of this team. Yesterday’s event was an incredible fun success. Participants competed for prizes while supporting local businesses and families in the area. We are so incredibly grateful to all who came out and braved the slush and ice to support Queens. Yesterday was the first of what hopefully will be many future events in the borough. Stephanie O –I’m so incredibly proud to be part of this team. Yesterday’s event was an incredible fun success. Participants competed for prizes while supporting local businesses and families in the area. We are so incredibly grateful to all who came out and braved the slush and ice to support Queens. Yesterday was the first of what hopefully will be many future events in the borough.
Jen W- Amazing day, thanks for the chance to be a part of it. And thanks for my first spoke card! Well done team.
Curwin L.- Shout out to everyone that was apart of this project seriously. Glad that we continued and did not falter
“It was great being apart of this experience. The enthusiasm from everyone organizers and the dashers electrified me through out the day . Amazed by everyone doing what they love in order to bring forth such a benevolent event.”
Peep James bikecam footage 🔥🔥🔥 @cmacay
