Sunday December 9, 2012
I estimate there were more than 100 people participating. This little bike was painted up just for the occasion. It was both and advertisement and a road marker for people looking for the ride start.
Cargo Bike painted up for the ride
This was one of the more organized Tweed rides I have attended. I missed the first year, but have ridden the second, third and now the fourth. The last two with my wife on our viewpoint tandem.
Fire Engine with Pizza Oven in back
One of the more interesting vendors was Dang Brothers Pizza. Their pizza oven is built into the back of an American La France fire engine. You can see the oven door lined with brick on the back of the fire engine. That’s Hans’ vintage bike with the picnic basket on top of the Fire Engine.
Don’t shoot the piano player
Greg Watson played ragtime and other olde time music on a piano supplied by Acme Piano Restoration. Great pianist and great sounds to set the mood. I’ve never seen a piano player at a Tweed ride before. Perhaps we’ll start a new fad. Maybe in the future someone will rig a bike trailer and haul Greg along. Wouldn’t that be fun? 🙂
Penny Farthings or High Wheelers were in attendance
The Penny Farthings also lent and air of nostalgia to the event. If you ever wanted to try one out, several owners offered to let you try theirs.
Ricky Persky on his Penny Farthing
Two years ago Ricky rode the Tweed ride in a white linen suit and Pith helmet. Ricky’s outfit was a little more pedestrian this year, except for the green socks.
The Tweed ride keeps growing year after year. Now there’s even a backdrop for picture taking and other media. The same graphic appeared on some of the web pages related to the Tweed ride. It’s a fun way to spend the day.
Large number of riders
I estimate there were well over 100 people of all ages. There were youngsters and oldsters and everything in between. What a great way to spend a Sunday. Many people brought picnic lunches and spend the afternoon in the park after the ride.
View from front of tandem
From Ward Canyon Park we rode along Mountain View Drive which is wide but lightly traveled. We almost had the appearance of a parade. There were several people carrying music players, adding the festive atmosphere. There were a few cranky drivers. 🙁 Most drivers honked and cheered as we rode along. 🙂
There were three Penny Farthings
The High Wheelers were a popular attraction. Some of the more adventurous riders took turns test riding the Penny Farthings.
Tweed was the style of the day
We made several stops along the way. One was Trolley Barn Park. At each stop people took time to admire the vintage bicycles and attire of the other riders. We were a mobile attraction.
Vintage bikes were everywhere
A very popular bicycle for this ride are vintage British bicycles. Old Raleighs as well as some less well known like Rawlins were present. Schwinn “townie” style bikes were well represented too. Also popular was vintage wool cycling attire and vintage racing bikes to match. The Tweed ride is an opportunity to show of vintage style, both in clothing and choice of bicycle.
Hans Wangbichler
Hans was one of the main planners for the ride. He invited the piano player and pizza fire truck. We think he did a great job.
Kids and dog
Several people brought their dogs along for the ride. Some were in special baskets.
Stylish couple and their dog
Some were carried in their arms.
Hangin’ out in Balboa Park
Balboa Park was the turnaround. The riders drew a lot of attention. One person misunderstood about the “Tweet” ride, until we explained that it was Tweed not Tweet. Though I’m sure there were people who tweeted about the Tweed ride. 🙂 We can’t wait until next year when we do it again.
