Adam Shapiro

Sweep Categories: Speed - Men, Fundraising

What race equipment have you used? (Bike / Bag)
Bianchi 1885 - I miss that bike!! / 187 Full Custom Backpack
Orange mongrel SSCX fixed that I designed and welded myself in 2002 / Timbuk2 Pro Series Backpack
Cannondale CAAD 5 / Rickshaw Oakland Scrape XXL Sling
Ritte Crossberg (Grand prize of the 2011 SMSW!!) / Chrome Metropolis XL Sling
Norco Threshold

Why is the Sweep important to you?
The Food bank provides such a critical support to our community.  I've been on both sides of charitable giving and feel super driven to loudly support such an important cause.  I love the work that SMSW does to bridge the bike racing scene to the city that surrounds us. 

SMSW has been far too good to me - I've been trying to settle the score!!  

Biggest thing you've learned since the first time you participated in the Sweep?
Be prepared to HAUL!?!  The Speed race has steadily escalated in size and scope over the years.  I finished the speed race last year with 83 pounds on my back!!!  Probably rethinking my race rig this year...

Favorite Sweep moment/memory?
Battling Grey W for the line in 2008.  Was one of my early street race victories and Grey was a bit of a hero/legend at the time.  

Can you share a tip for someone considering racing speed for the first time?
Cash is king! Buy your cans and pasta with cash for quickest in and out!!!  Have a system to keep your receipts safe and organized.

What is the speed/points category?
Individual cyclists must earn at least 50 points to finish the Sweep successfully. This category is designed so that you can do an easy or a more difficult version, depending on how much you want to ride or donate; you can customize it as much as you like. But if you'd like to win some prizes, you'll have to choose a more challenging course. 

Here's an example: Buy (2) cans of beans from "SAMPLE STORE". If it's a store that's worth 10 points, it'll be located closer to the start. If it's a store that's worth 30 points, it'll be further away in the city. We will give you the addresses for the stores, but it's up to you to look them up on your map or smart phone. 

Part of the challenge is creating the most efficient route to go shopping! However you want to "choose your own adventure," you MUST bring back receipts for all of your purchases and be back at the SF & Marin Food Bank by 4PM to finish. The top five men and women will win great prizes!