Don’t look now, it’s almost Tweed Ride season

One of the OGs of the Tweed Ride scene, Portland, Oregon, has announced the date of April 21 for the latest edition of the venerable bicycling event.

Since its inception in 2010, Portland’s Tweed Ride, as recounted by one of its organizers, Shawn Granton, aligns with the rise of similar events worldwide, when Tweed Riding held sway. The inaugural journey into this quaint pastime appears to have transpired in London, England, circa 2009.

For the uninitiated, a Tweed Ride mirrors any other social cycling excursion but with a vintage twist.

 

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“It’s a ride designed to capture the nostalgic essence of bicycling, spanning from the late nineteenth century to around World War II,” Granton explains. “The focus is on leisurely cycling adorned in vintage attire, often atop vintage bicycles. While some enthusiasts dive deep into authenticity, participation merely requires embracing the ride’s spirit rather than sourcing attire and bikes from the 1920s.”

In Portland, festivities kick off at Brooklyn Park.  While Granton muses on the uniqueness of Portland’s rendition, given the city’s fervor for cycling, adopting period clothing seems a natural fit.

“I haven’t delved extensively into other Tweed Rides. I’ve attended a few, like the Dandy Daffodil in La Conner, Washington. Their focus leans more towards cycling (covering around 15-20 miles) and rural landscapes, given La Conner’s diminutive size,” Granton remarks. “We aim for an enjoyable urban ride, traversing residential areas, main streets, and parks. With Portland’s ample expanse, we switch up the route annually.”

Granton has been steering cycling expeditions in Portland since 2004 through the Urban Adventure League, assuming a role in organizing the city’s Tweed Ride since 2012.

The pandemic cast a shadow over proceedings, with cancellations in 2020 and 2021, and subdued publicity in 2022. Hence, this year marks a bona fide return to thrifting for that quintessential slice of Harris Tweed.

Granton advises newcomers to simply show up and relish the experience without trepidation.

“While some enthusiasts go all out for the Tweed Ride, especially those passionate about vintage fashion, it’s perfectly fine if you don’t wish to or can’t invest extensive time and money preparing for the event. Just give it your best shot,” he advises. “Thrift stores are treasure troves for attire, often stocking several Tweed jackets at affordable prices. Once you’re on the ride, any concerns will dissipate, though you’ll likely glean inspiration for future endeavors!”

For those not lucky enough to live in Portand and hit up the Tweed Ride in that fine city, there are others. Not as many as there once was, but they are out there.

Here is what we know so far:

• London Tweed Run, April 27, which requires tickets.

• Sacramento is having a Tweed Ride on April 13.

• National Tweed Ride in Greytown, New Zealand on March 30.

• DC Tweed Ride was held for the 13th time last fall, and next up this spring is something dubbed the Seersucker Social, which has us intrigued and predicting a similar vibe.

If you don’t find and event in your area, you could always start one of your own! And let us know.