Saturday October 5, 2019 from 3pm - 6pm Kalamazoo… Open Roads is hosting a Tweed Ride. I asked, since OR is hosting some of our community practices, if unicyclists could participate in the event. The director said it would be
fantastic to have us. She might ride unicycle with us. There is a fee involved that goes to support Open Roads programming. There is also a judging of the best (period) dressed riders with a prize given.
Kalamazoo Tweed Ride is a slow paced 4.5 mile ride through scenic Kalamazoo, ending at a pub that also has treats for tee totalers like myself, as well as other family oriented menu items. The next day, you are welcomed to stay over
to do a longer ride on the local trails.
I know its a ways off, but…
Let me know if you might have an interest in coming. For those open to roughing it, I can host several guests over night. There are a myriad of hotels, bed and breakfasts, one of the best Farmers Markets in the region if you
come early, plus more places to eat than you can imagine. We also have ev chargers should you be driving electric.
Trail choices range from flat paved to paved varied, to unpaved varied easy-difficult.: The Kalamazoo River Valley Trail, The Portage Trails, Al Sabo Trail, Kal-Haven Trail, and Eliason/Bishop Bog trails to name a few.
Good question. It seems that Tweed in this case is referring to the old fashioned rough, woolen fabric, of a soft, open, flexible texture, resembling cheviot or homespun. The ride is a turn-of-the-century theme when tweed was more popular. They have prizes for best dressed, all looks are welcome: Dapper, Simple, or Athletic/Cyclist.
It is interesting that the fabric name tweed originally came from a miscommunication (about the year 1831) about the river Tweed that flows through the Scottish Borders textile area.
In the UK we have organized “Tweed rides” Where everyone dresses in old-timey clothing and (if possible) ride old-timey bikes. I had no idea you did it across the pond too! They’re great fun. Tweed refers to Harris’ tweed, which is that light brown victorian style suit material!
Tweed Ride Saturday October 5, 2019 Kalamazoo Michigan
Impossibly late to do this announcement justice, but several riders from Redford Township Unicyle Club are gathering Saturday morning until 11:30 at the Oshtemo branch library to talk, demo and connect unicycle riders - talk shop and such.
2:30 We are meeting up to join a Tweed Ride through Kalamazoo… which ends at Old Dog Tavern where “tea” and other goodies may be going on.
Weather allowing there are several potential muni trails I hope will be tested.
Due to family illnesses this is a short notice, but wanted to get the word out. There is a $35 dollar fee going to Open Roadsfor the good work they do to provide bikes (and unicycles) plus repair skills to community members.
