It seems counter intuitive – verging on crazy – to dress up in a woolen jacket, woolen socks and a waistcoat on a warm Melbourne spring day and go for a bike ride, but the Melbourne Tweed Ride drew more than 150 such folk of questionable mental state to the banks of the Yarra on Sunday November 27th.
The Melbourne Tweed Ride, now in its third year, is just one of many events part of the global Tweed Ride (or Tweed Run) phenomenon. What began as a kitsch, oddball event in London in 2009 now has counterparts in many cities around the world.
Coincidentally, the Ralph Lauren sponsored London Tweed Run was held on the same day as the Melbourne event, though in slightly more tweed-friendly weather. British fashion blogger Susie Lau was at the event and blogged about the festivities.
Though we don’t enjoy the support of a major international fashion label in Melbourne, that didn’t stop many enthusiastic riders, vintage bike aficionados and fashionable folk donning some very dapper ensembles and taking to the bike path.
Starting at Federation Square, a strong contingent cycled along the Yarra at a leisurely pace. The attendance of many members of the Vintage Cycle Club of Victoria meant that the pace was appropriate for a casual Sunday ride and suitable for riders of all levels of experience. On arrival at our destination, the historic Como House and Garden, riders enjoyed a visit to the Paris to Provence French Festival for champagne, cheese and some sunshine.
Prizes from Smart Alec Hatters, Treadlie Magazine, Wet and Wendy and Bakerlite Trading Co. were presented to the best presented rider and bike in male, female and couple categories.
The ride is intended to be a celebration of Melbourne’s thriving cycling community, and also to pay homage to the cycling fashion of days gone by, when riders wore tailored jackets, plus fours and hats rather than lycra bike pants and vests.
Due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback from riders, the Tweed Trust will now be holding events more frequently than once a year with upcoming events scheduled for February and May. You can visit www.melbournetweedride.com to find out more, join the mailing list or register your interest.
You can also view the day as a moving image with thanks to Eleven&Twelve.
Images credits: Lara McPherson
