I say, Auckland: mark your diaries for Sunday October 4th, and join a variety of vivacious velocipede enthusiasts on the inaugural Sunday Best Ride.
In the spirit of the great London Tweed Run and under the auspices of the Auckland Heritage Festival, this all-ages event harks back to the golden age of cycling. The route is a leisurely affair, a 15km loop from the Domain to the Rose Gardens, via Ponsonby and along the waterfront, with stops for refreshments and photos. Friendly marshals will keep us spit-spot along the way.
A small fee of $5 ensures you a place on the ride, and refreshments will be shared at start and end – sign up here to guarantee your spot.
Bikes (and riders!) of all ages, sizes and styles welcome – no need to master a penny-farthing for the occasion, just bring the bike you have.
Costume-wise, however, this is your chance to sparkle. How to look the part as we travel along in a “rolling parade of glamour and gaiety”? We know real tweed is in short supply in our tropical clime, so for a Down Under springtime spin, dress your best to evoke the golden age of cycling, any way you picture it.
What’ll it be, folks: Tweed? Boater and bloomers? Roaring 20s? A kilt? (Or even 50s milk bar rockabilly? 80s schoolkid? Back to the future??) Whatever your style, it’ll add to our pageant of everything that’s glam and gorgeous about the biking life.
For updates about the event, keep an eye on the Facebook page. And for now, feast your eyes on these splendid specimens from a previous Auckland Tweed Run (see also Bike Friendly North Shore’s photos for more sartorial inspiration).
Gentlemen, start your whiskers: handlebars, not just for bicycles any more.
Updated 23 September: News just to hand from the Tweed Run FB crew: here’s the route map (downhill almost all the way, wheeee!) and the run sheet. Some tickets left, but be quick!
Sunday Best Timetable
12.00 Meet in the Domain (by the Museum). What to bring:
• A packed lunch
• A raincoat
• Yourself in your Sunday Best
• Sunglasses (you never know!)
• Your bike!
Register when you arrive to receive your spoke tag. We’ll have complimentary tea, the Tin Man coffee truck, a selection of cakes and entertainment. You need your spoke tag to redeem these things.
1pm Ride briefing
1.30pm The Ride Begins
• There will be 2 stops along the way (indicated on map), for the riders to regroup.
• There will be time on the Westhaven boardwalk for you to take some selfies and gram them.
3.30pm Arrive at Parnell Rose Gardens (You will need your spoke tag to enter)
• A complimentary selection of cakes and club sandwiches awaits
• A cash bar will be open for refreshing thirst-quenchers
• Enjoy the sweet tones of Luke Hurley on Parnell’s deck
NB Times are approximate.
How do you get there? The Sunday Best 2015 Ride Route has been made with careful consideration for maximum access – we recommend using the train, and disembarking at either Grafton, Newmarket or Britomart stations to get to and from the ride.
