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Updates

Two rides coming up: Snohomish Tweed on Sept 22, Ballard Tweed on Oct 6

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Hello friends of tweed! How about that weather this week? After what seemed like a lifetime of 90 degree days and hazy skies, the rain we’ve had this week has put many people in the mood for Tweed. And thankfully, there’s a couple rides in Washington State coming up!

First is the Snohomish Tweed Ride, which has occurred the past few years. This year’s event will take place on Saturday September 22nd.  Advance registration is required, you can find out how to do that here. From their event listing:

Fancy a cycle? Sport your finest and join us for a jaunt through the countryside. Pause for a picnic (bring your own), enjoy diversions, tea and sweets (our treat!)

We set off from the historic Snohomish Carnegie Library (105 Cedar Ave) in downtown Snohomish, WA, and toodle along the historic Centennial Trail. Jolly socializing and pastoral scenes offer carefree diversion. Replenish and restore at Machias Trailhead Park with a spot o’ tea, a bit o’ rest, your own picnic, and lively amusements. (BYOC- bring your own cup!)

Croquet~Badminton~Photo Ops~Music~More! Costume Contest~ Prizes for the most dapper and dandily dressed Ladies & Gents on bicycles. We much appreciate Victorian, Edwardian, and even Steampunk stylings. (No lycra, jeans or modern garb please!)​

Check in begins at 10 am, and we tally ho 11 am.

One ride not enough? Just two weeks later we’ll be seeing the first Seattle based ride in probably eight years. The Ballard Historical Society is presenting the Ballard Tweed Ride on Saturday October 6! From their event listing:

The Ballard Historical Society is proud to present the inaugural Ballard Tweed Ride taking place Saturday, October 6, 2018. We’ll be busting out our bikes and best vintage tweeds for a lovely fall ride from the Ballard Bell Tower to Golden Gardens.

We’ll gather for a photo together at the tower starting about 10:15am. Please fill out a hold harmless agreement and pack a cup and saucer. Promptly at 10:30, we’ll depart on a leisurely bike ride to the beautiful shores at Golden Gardens. There we’ll enjoy a nice tea party & take in the sea breeze.

After a spell, we’ll meander back into downtown Ballard and an optional brunch at Hattie’s Hat.

Updates

Reminder: Tweed Ride 2018 is TOMORROW!

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Yes! Tweed Ride is TOMORROW, Sunday April 8! Meet at 2 PM at Alberta Park, we depart around 3. Bring a cup!
I’m not going to lie to you, tomorrow’s forecast isn’t exciting, 55F/13C, showers, and a stiff wind. (After four years of mostly dry rides, we were due for this!) We may have to cut the route short depending on circumstances, so we may not make it all the way to Laurelhurst Park. But we will have fun, no matter what! #pdxtweed #tweedride

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Reminder: Tweed Swap is tonight!

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©Evrim Icoz Photography

Hey folks! Just a reminder that the Tweed Swap is TONIGHT! We’ll be meeting at Velo Cult, 1969 NE 42nd Ave, at 7 PM on Wednesday April 4, 2018. 

Bring  vintage-ish wearables (in ready-to-go condition) or accessories for the bike (baskets, bells, decorations etc.) And grab some new-to-you stuff in the process!

Velo Cult is a full-service bike shop + museum, that serves beverages as well. Come join us to spruce up your riding garb! 

Tweed Blog and Updates, Updates

Tweed PDX Tips and Tricks 2018

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©Evrim Icoz Photography

Hello friends! Just reminding y’all that the 2018 Portland Tweed Run is Sunday April 8 at Alberta Park! Are you excited? Are you ready? Here’s some things to consider:

  • Be punctual! We’ll be meeting at Alberta Park at 2 PM, and depart at 3. While it’s perfectly fine to get there at 2:55 PM, especially if you’ve spent the whole morning fretting about your outfit, we implore you to get there as early as you can. Otherwise you’ll be missing one of the best things about Tweed Runs: The chance to check out the people and their bikes before the ride, plus the chance to socialize.
  • Look your best! While you don’t necessarily have to swathe yourself head-to-toe in Harris Tweed, it’s still recommended to dress in the spirit of the earlier parts of the twentieth century (or the later part of the nineteenth, if you can pull it off.) The weather forecast for Sunday April 8, 2018 is for a chance of showers and a high of 55F/13C. Perfect Tweed weather! And if you are still looking for last minute clothing ideas, there’s plenty of vintage shops, resale shops, and thrift stores to choose from.
  • Don’t forget about your bike! Of course you also need a bicycle! While there is no specific requirement for what bike you bring, the spirit of the Tweed Run leans towards simpler and vintage. We realize that not everyone has a fleet of bikes to choose from, so bring what you got. But if you have the choice between a modern carbon fibre race bike and a vintage 1968 Raleigh Superbe three speed, we’d go for the Superbe. And don’t forget to dress up your bike as well!
  • Bring a cup! There will be at least one point where we may enjoy coffee or tea. Alas, we are not providing cups for (most likely) several hundred attendants. So remember a cup or two for a hot beverage, or otherwise you’ll be looking forlornly at all the other folks enjoying tea.
  • Be aware! We realize that there’s a certain “lowering of guard” when being on a big group ride. And the ten mile route we selected minimizes problem areas while giving a good sightseeing tour of the Rose City. But there can be a few choke-points, with the possibility of railway track crossings and short downhill sections. We’ll do our best to call these out to you, but please pay attention to what’s going on. We don’t want you to crash!
  • Be civilised. We always hope for a big turnout. Any time there’s a big ride, there’s the heightened possibility of conflict with other road users. Please do your best to minimize that chance of conflict, and if a conflict does arise, it’s always best to take the high road. (Especially if you are on a high wheeler!)
  • And most of all, HAVE FUN!

See you Sunday!