Following up on its huge success over the last 9 years, the Montclair Bikery’s 10th Annual Turkey Ride to collect turkeys for the Human Needs Food Pantry will take place on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022.

Cyclists will meet at the Montclair Bikery at 145 Valley Road at 9:00 a.m. and ride a flat, 15-mile circuitous route to the Brookdale Shoprite on Broad Street, Bloomfield, where they will buy frozen turkeys, and deliver them (by bike and van) to the Human Needs Food Pantry in Montclair. The Human Needs Food Pantry distributes over 1500 turkeys and all the fixings for a Thanksgiving feast to their clients the week of Nov. 21.

Last year, over 350 cyclists enjoyed a beautiful Fall day and bought and donated 600 turkeys to the Human Needs Food Pantry. This year, the Montclair Bikery is hoping to have 400 cyclists and collect 600 turkeys for our neighbors in need. Over the last 9 years, the Turkey Ride has collected over 3300 turkeys and raised over $200,000 for the Human Needs Food Pantry. “We are grateful to the Montclair Bikery and all those who organize and participate in the annual Turkey Ride. Last year our pantry gave out 1500 turkeys to people in need in Montclair, Bloomfield and throughout Essex County. Since Covid hit in 2020, we have added over 2,300 new households (70 in October) who come to us for assistance. Our daily service numbers have increased and we are still doing approximately 250 deliveries to homebound people each week. We thank each and every one of the charitable people who make this happen. The turkey ride truly exemplifies the spirit of “giving thanks” for all we have by sharing with others who are less fortunate”.

“It’s always inspiring to me to see so many people who are willing to give of themselves and share in such a fun event. That helps motivate us to give back to this great community,” says Dave Adornato, the owner of the Montclair Bikery.

For those not able to ride on November 20, you can still help out the Human Needs Food Pantry by making a contribution for turkeys at the Montclair Bikery. Partners For Health will match all monetary donations up to $10,000 made between now and Nov. 20. It’s easy to donate at www.JustGiving.com/campaign/turkeyride2022. Or checks can be made out to the Human Needs Food Pantry and dropped off at The Montclair Bikery or the Human Needs Food Pantry.

Interested participants should register at www.bikereg.com/Montclair-Bikery-Turkey-Ride or in person at the store prior to the ride. Riders may also sign up the day of the ride. All riders must be 18 years or older, or 13+with a parent, and are asked to bring $20 to buy the turkey, which is being discounted by the Brookdale Shoprite. Cyclists may buy additional turkeys and these will be transported to the Pantry as well.