A dandy way to travel
EVER donned the plus fours for a bit of pedal-powered travel on two wheels?
No?
Organisers of the Inaugural Ipswich Tweed Ride are hoping to convert a few petrol heads into spoke folks by promoting the more environmentally friendly form of travel.
Instead of skin tight lycra and the latest in carbon fibre bicycle technology, riders both male and female will don old-fashioned, “Tweed” era gear, including plus fours, long socks and waistcoats.
The ride will go from the Riverheart Parklands on Bremer St to the Tirra Lirra and Ipswich Emporium in Bell St from 9am on July 3.
Organiser Shaun Cavanagh said fun was the name of the game.
“We are trying to show people that they can ride their bike every day – it doesn't matter what you do or what you wear,” he said.
“The Tweed Ride is a worldwide thing but as far as we know there hasn't been one in Queensland yet.
“This is definitely the first in Ipswich and we hope to make it an annual event.”
So far, 20 people have registered to take part, however organisers are hoping many more get involved.
There are no specific requirements for dress or for the type of bike you ride.
“The bikes don't have to be vintage – I'm sure we'll have people on mountain bikes and whatever else,” Mr Cavanagh said.
“People tend to get the old fashioned clothes from op shops and things like that.”
The suggested dress code for blokes is a pair of plus fours, long socks, a crisp shirt and waistcoat with a tie.
The ladies have been asked to wear long socks, plus fours or a “cycle friendly” skirt.
The leisurely 45-minute stroll will take in the historic sites of Ipswich before stopping for brunch at the Tirra Lirra.
For more information contact Classic and Vintage Bicycles on 0421 237 126 or email classicvintagebicycles@gmail.com.
TWEED RIDE FACTS
- The first Tweed Ride was held in London in January 2009.
- Since then, various tweed rides, using a similar format, have since been held in places including San Francisco, Washington DC, Toronto, Paris, Tokyo, Sydney, and Fremantle.
