Tweed Bicycle Ride Returns This Weekend

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The annual Tweed Ride takes over the streets of Windsor again this weekend.

Now into its fifth year, cyclists dressed in their finest tweeds and old-time clothes will leisurely take in some the city’s finest landmarks celebrating the best of the previous rides since 2012.

The ride starts across from City Cyclery, located at 553 Lincoln Road and heads along the city’s riverfront bike paths, for a lunch break at the historic Dominion House Tavern, winding through city streets and parks, with a photo-op in the Queen Elizabeth Gardens, before culminating with a shindig outside of The Willistead Restaurant with live music featuring Vice Aerial, Kelly “Mr. Chill” Hoppe with Greg Cox, and interludes of ragtime piano with Mark Calcott.

Tweed Rides are a worldwide phenomenon; started in London, UK in the fall of 2009 as ‘Tweed Run London.’

“We’ve been blown away, not only by the event’s growth in popularity, but by how many participants put in so much effort into their dress and their bicycles,” said Windsor Tweed Ride organizer and founder Stephen Hargreaves. “It’s such a great way to promote cycling in an apolitical and friendly way while having a great time, meeting new people with great local food, drink, and live music … all while enjoying our city.”

Riders will have the opportunity to win a new bicycle from courtesy of City Cyclery. Additional prizes will be awarded in several categories, including Best Dressed Gent, Finest Dressed Lady, and Best Bicycle.

“We’ve really made a special effort for this one, with great partners and sponsors, and the best route we’ve ever had,” said Hargreaves.

Admission is on a suggested donation basis with proceeds supporting Bike Friendly Windsor-Essex, with none turned away for lack of funds.