Harrisburg Tweed Ride 2015

 This weekend, instead of heading off on a flea market adventure or finding a new thrift shop, we went on our very first Tweed Ride!

This fun quirky cycling event got it’s start (from what I read online) in 2009, London, England, when 300 Tweed and vintage attired cyclists enjoyed a chilly ride through it’s historic city streets, occasionally stoping to take in the sites and have some tea or refreshments.
The movement has now spread across the globe and to many U.S. cities including Harrisburg, PA, which now hosts it’s own Tweed Ride. During these events many riders are decked out in vintage attire from various era’s and some are riding vintage and classic antique bicycles. But, having an old bike or even a vintage outfit is not a requirement to join the fun. Some folks, like us, just want to get outside and enjoy a ride through the city, meet other cyclists, while learning a little about where we live.

The ride started out under the Reading railroad bridge just north of the Passage to India restaurant and weaved through the city, making stops at the Train station, the Capitol, the Millworks restaurant in midtown, Italian Lake, Little Amps and ended at the John Harris Mansion at Front & Washington Streets for refreshments and the awards.

 Sunday afternoon is a perfect time to ride downtown as most of the streets are pretty much empty, but it was really nice to have volunteer riders who guided us along the route and watched out for traffic at intersections, making this a friendly and safe ride. Thanks, guys!

If you’re up for some good vintage fun, keep your eyes open for the next event – the Harrisburg Tweed ride usually takes place in early November. We found out about it when we spotted a sign at Little Amps coffee, announcing the event and that 2 vintage bikes would be the prizes! The ride also accepted donations to help fund a worthy local cause, Recycle Bicycle Warehouse, which fixes up donated bikes to give back to the community.

Time to start visiting Thrift Shops so we can put together a vintage outfit for next years Tweed Ride! Hope to see you there.