Now in its 5th year, Tweed Ride TC will fill the streets of downtown with bikers decked out in vintage apparel. It’s the perfect excuse to go thrifting, style your ‘stache (if you have one) and jump on your bicycle for a lovely cruise around town. New this year, the Cherry Capital Cycling Club has scheduled the first Traverse City Bicycle Film Fest featuring films and shorts at Lars Hockstad later in the evening. MyNorth’s Dani Knoph touched base with dedicated Tweeder, Jodi Simpson to find out why Tweed Ride TC is the bee’s knees for all kinds of cyclists.
Dani: For those of us who are new to the Tweed Ride, can you tell us why it’s such an awesome event to participate in?
Jodi: It’s a fun, low-pressure bike ride through town with several stops along the way (usually including Left Foot Charley and Right Brain Brewery) for refreshments and socializing. Generally we stop along the way for a group photo. The ride concludes at a local watering hole where prizes are awarded in categories such as Ride of Distinction, Gent of Distinction, Lady of Distinction, Family of Distinction, ‘Stache of Distinction, and Hat of Distinction.
Vintage cycling attire is encouraged but not required. The only attire that is forbidden is Lycra! After all the Tweed Ride isn’t a race or competition.
Dani: Sounds like Tweed Ride is the opportune time to be distinguished! What do folks need to do to join the fun this Saturday?
Jodi: It couldn’t be easier. Just pedal down to the Open Space in downtown Traverse City. We’ll congregate at 3:00 (on Saturday, April 25th) and start out shortly thereafter at a relaxed pace. The ride ends at 5:30.
Dani: How many Tweed Rides have you participated in, and what do you love most about the Tweed Ride?
Jodi:Â I’ve biked in three Tweed Rides. I love the sense of camaraderie and the costumes. A lot of families turn out, and because we ride en masse even the youngest cyclists are able to ride along safely.
Sounds like a blast! Get all the good details about Tweed Ride TC here.