If you’re in line at the market for bagels this Sunday and suddenly see some frenzied people approach in bike helmets, holding cans of soup, it might be a good idea to let them take cuts. Chances are they’re part of the West End Alley Cat Race and Scavenger Hunt. Now in its third year, the race, benefiting Redwood Empire Food Bank, puts contestants out on bicycles to various locally owned markets, where they buy designated food items from a list. The food is donated to charity, but the cyclist who makes it back first wins a trophy and a special bike-related prize (choosing the route is key). Some buy more food than is required, like Bret Gave of the Santa Rosa Trek Bicycle Store, who last year came back with ten times the amount of food on the list! It’s all for a good cause on Sunday, Sept. 19, at the Toad in the Hole. 116 Fifth St., Santa Rosa. Starts at 3pm. Free. 707.544.8623.
.September 19: West End Alley Cat Race at Toad in the Hole
