Sponsor Spotlight: Timbuk2

Founded in 1989 and known for their signature three-panel tri-colored messenger bags, Timbuk2 has since grown and expanded their line of bags to fit virtually every riding style of our diverse communities, as well as creating bags for work and travel. This year, they donated four bags and a bunch of seat packs!

They have a manufacturing facility and factory store right here in San Francisco in the Mission District as well as a retail location in Hayes Valley, so be sure to pop in and check them out for your bike bag needs!

Photo provided by Alex Morales

We have yet another awesome sponsor whose representative also participates in the Sweep! Meet Alex Morales, who has been a long-time Sweep volunteer and now works at Timbuk2! 

If you have raced in the event in the past, what was the equipment you used (bike and bags)?

I have raced in alleycats and other races. My favorite was one that a friend of mine put on - a 24hr scavenger hunt race where you had to get images and find things and present your finds. It was cool and a lot of fun. I brought a backpack (at the time a Freight large rolltop), bike tools, a jacket and some food/snacks.

How did you first get involved with the Sweep and how has the event grown since you started?

I started to get involved because I met Jenny Oh on SF Fixed (ooh remember that site?) and we hit it off as friends and love of shiba inus and bikes. She then asked me if I was interested in helping out with an event that donates food to the food bank and well the rest is history. I helped out for 4 events and loved doing it.

Why is the Sweep important to you?

It's important because it brings together our community and you are actually making a difference. I love seeing our bicycle community in the Bay Area come together and support this cause. 

Favorite Sweep moment/memory?

Seeing the father and son tandem bike team. It was so cool and so endearing that it made my day.

The Sweep has been a family affair for Eric and Cooper "Sprocket" Downing since 2011 with the cargo win, and now they have the help of Trenton's pedaling power too! Photo by: Jonathan Koshi

Can you share a tip for someone considering volunteering or sponsoring for the first time?

If you are volunteering remember to bring food for everyone like those large coffee containers you can get at starbucks. Volunteers need fuel too! And snacks as well. Also make sure to pack a jacket/layers because it does get cold.  Sponsor as much as you can because its a great cause.

Thank you so much Alex and Timbuk2!

If you would like to volunteer on race day, EMAIL US!

Rider Profile: Zach Morvant

Meet Supermarket Street Sweep regular Zach Morvant!

Photo by: Jonathan Koshi

Name: Zach Morvant

Sweep Categories: Speed-Men, Fundraising

What was the race equipment you used? 

When I first raced in 2011, I was on my track bike with a Timbuk2 shoulder bag. Since then I've usually ridden some kind of aluminum road bike. I wear a Chrome Warsaw backpack to hold most of my stuff, and a hip bag to hold my receipts and snacks.

Why is the Sweep important to you? 

I think I'm an incredibly fortunate person, so it's important to try to give back. The SF-Marin Food Bank does a fantastic job of feeding people in our own backyard, and if I can help their mission while having a bit of fun doing it, that's awesome! While I love a good street race, that's why I also started participating in the fundraising category a couple years back. Bringing in 75lbs of food on your back is cool, but if I can raise a bunch of extra cash too, that means more meals for folks who need them.

Biggest thing you've learned since the first time you participated in the Sweep? 

Like any alleycat, routing rules and speed serves – but you need to be paying extra special attention to elevation as the race goes on and your bag gets heavier.

Favorite Sweep moment/memory? 

Oh man! There are so many. Winning the men's speed category in 2013 was pretty rad, because Adam is a consistently dominant and smart opponent. But last year, flying toward the beach mid-race, backpack already heavy with food, and having the sky open up with rain – all while thinking "man, I must really love doing this" – is something I'll vividly remember for a while.

Can you share a tip for someone considering racing speed or fundraising for the first time? 

For speed: Have a good system for keeping track of your receipts! I got disqualified in 2011 for losing one receipt. Never again (I hope). For fundraising: start early! There are a few steps to setting up your donation page and approval can take a day or two, so don't wait til the last minute.

What is the fundraising category?

For every $1 you raise, the SF-Marin Food Bank can distribute $5 worth of food, which can provide 3 meals. To set up a team page of your very own to start fundraising for this campaign, click HERE to register. See this blog post for step-by-step registration instructions.

To sign up for the speed race, register HERE!

Have a favorite Sweep story you want to share? Send us an email at supermarketstreetsweep@gmail.com

Returning Sponsor Spotlight: Paragon Machine Works, Timbuk2, Wisecrackers

Richmond, California-based maker of exceptional frame building components, Paragon Machine Works, doesn't just support the Sweep. They donate 100% of all revenues from their bottle opener and promotional item sales to "non-profit organizations that promote bicycle safety, awareness, and community." Last month, they raised $700 to benefit Friends of China Camp (FOCC). And in October, they're pitching in to assist the Friends of Tamarancho finish a new trail at Camp Tamarancho in Fairfax, CA. So if you can't wait to win some of their sweet swag at the Sweep, support their other charitable efforts and shop online!

Five fortunate Sweepers will have the chance to win a custom Timbuk2 bag this year! Thanks again to this wonderful San Francisco company for supporting us with such great prizes. Be sure to stop into one of their stores or authorized resellers to start brainstorming designs and colors...

"Because Beer Can't Open Itself." Wise words from WiseCracker, the maker of the best bike-mounted bottle openers that money can buy. The Ahrens Brothers have been supporting us for years and previous Sweep champs proudly use these customized WiseCrackers that feature our logo. And this year we've also got a cool hat to give away as well some unique white WiseCrackers!