Tweed Ride - for the love of ....

... riding bikes:  being with people who love riding bikes:  dressing up:  picnics:  a top pub:  or a feeling that can't easily be put into words.    Adelaide's first Tweed Ride in 2010 drew around 70 riders, 2011 had over 160 riders, and yesterday an estimate of 180 riders came out for Tweed Ride 2012.  It was a perfect day for it - cool with a hint of moisture (tweed needs it cool).

Converging on the Adelaide Town Hall through the CBD streets, I was one of 4 riding along, then 5, then 9, then 12.  We arrived to find a healthy crowd that continued to grow.  People greeted friends and strangers, admired each others outfits, bikes, baskets and hampers.  Some brought their children along, others their parents (more of both would be good).  Disguised among the gathering one could find anything - Penny Farthing riders to bicycle couriers to a Cycling Club champion.

Photos at the rotunda in Elder Park, then a spread-out loop around the Torrens Lake.  Lunch on the banks of the Torrens down from the University.  After the awards for Best Dressed Ladies and Best Dressed Men (Smudge the winner for Men) there were the awards for Best Old Bikes.  Then off around 2.30 along the paths by the Torrens, through some of Bonython Park and down to the Wheaty.  Bikes everywhere - what a sight.  Best moustache award to end formalities.                                                 
All manner of bike-riding discussions, the day's happenings, the virtues of tweed (as the evening cooled further) and anything else that was thought of.  Continuing pizza deliveries, and good luck to Lucas as he's going to Sydney.  The event and pub came to a simultaneous closing with a passionate debate on the relevance of the Monarchy.  Tweed can do that.

Thanks again to Darren and his helpers, and supporters of the day (Treadly Bike Shop, Standish Cycles, The Classic Bicycle Shop, and the Wheaty).  The effort and thought that Tweed Riders put into the day has grown each year, as has the enjoyment we get out of it.  Until next year,        Toodlepip!

Smudge doing something he loves (not necessarily in an appropriate place)

"Will there be a breakaway from this peloton?"   "Have I got the legs to keep up after yesterday's race?"

Some of the Wheaty overflow

Where have all the Tweedies gone ...

... gone inside, everyone!

Tags: Tweed Ride 2012, jolly good fun

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Don (Who's lost?) Nairn on July 30, 2012 at 18:00

It was an interesting day Penny Farthings (one with cotter-less cranks), one tricycle that transformed into a pram, several tandems some of the older bikes were beautifully restored and some needed some love.

the effort some people went to get dresses was surprising not that I am in a position to judge what would have been historically accurate.

I huge group and a good social day.

Permalink Reply by Tammy on July 30, 2012 at 19:55

The odd pram trike was me old chap ;) , its my weekender . So many cool bikes to look at.

Permalink Reply by Big Block on July 30, 2012 at 19:59

excellent report and photos. The Tweed Ride allows a very wide demographic to unite for a common purpose. Smiles all round.

My wife still does not understand how one of my old bikes cluttering the garage can be one of the winners in the Best Old Bike.

Thanks again to Darren and his helpers, and supporters of the day (Treadly Bike Shop, Standish Cycles, The Classic Bicycle Shop, and the Wheaty). 

+1

Permalink Reply by Brian Jenkins (BJ) on July 30, 2012 at 20:26

The first bike of the day as we came across each other on Cross Rd, and a winning one at that.  Very serendipitous.

Permalink Reply by Lucas Pittaway on July 31, 2012 at 0:27

I thought I saw you on the ride. I would have said hello if it wasn't for my fear of having outfits compared, followed by my jealousy of your local op-shops.

Permalink Reply by Patrick O'Kane on July 30, 2012 at 20:07

I've watched this event grow over the years and I have to say I really don't get it at all but I'm so glad it is there for those that do. Bikes are about having fun in whatever way works for each individual and the Tweedies certainly look like they are having fun.

Permalink Reply by Clive Palfrey on July 30, 2012 at 22:16

Patrick. For me it's the people, the bikes are interesting and the end point is a really nice pub, it's not a nice old English pub but if you like nice old English pubs you'll like the Wheatie.

Permalink Reply by Brian Jenkins (BJ) on July 31, 2012 at 0:04

And then there's the Scotch eggs ...

Permalink Reply by Clayton on July 31, 2012 at 3:17

Great write up BJ. It was a smashing day to be out on the bicycle. I don't know of a single person who did not enjoy themselves:)

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