2010-04-10 Sat - The London Tweed Run 2

that's a quote from BikeSnob.. Hence the BSNY

Ah sorry! #fail

I can just see people watching the Tweed Run going by and declaring,

"Grrr! Child labour and Sexual repression make me so ANGRY!!!"

I got an email from a guy in Puerto Rico who had seen my tweed film in san diego, bike snob can do 1.

The mail:

Thanks for your reply. I saw it at BFF. What makes me think it's suitable for audiences in P.R. is it shows yet another aspect of bicycle lifestyle/culture in general, and of bicycle fashion in particular. Tweed rides have been expanding throughout the globe, as you probably know, and though I tweed is not a popular fabric in P.R. due to the tropical weather, the point is not the fabric per se, but rather the idea that riding a bicycle can be fashionable, and that one can wear one's 'sunday best' to go for a bike ride, just like people did many decades ago, before the big bicycle brands began pushing the idea that Lycra was the only acceptable fabric to ride bicycles on. We're showing people in P.R., a small island with no shared borders with any country -- but obviously connected to all kinds of media and info. from all over the world -- what people are doing with bicycles in other parts of the planet. We do this in order to open people's eyes to what the possibilities are, and to foster creativity among the local bicyclists so that more people become motivated to ride their bicycles in P.R. Right now, most people riding in P.R. are Lycra-clad roadies and mountain bikers. There is a small, but growing contingent of urban bicyclists. We'd like to promote more urban and transportation bicycling in P.R., and we think your film would help us do that.

Yah, I remember the looks on people's faces when we rode by tipping our caps, smiling, greeting and generally be cheerful. It was a combination of pleasure and shock. I know this had a lot to do with our clothes/large group, but the throw back to a time when manners and attitude were highly valued appeals to everyone.

@Skoota, you'd have to read BSNYC to understand that he's actually hilarious and any fun-picking he did at the Tweed Run (which he does often) is done in good humour.

Having been on both London Tweed Runs I can only recall the sense of fun had by both participants and onlookers, although on last year's one puzzled, and clearly misguided, onlooker was heard to say to her companion "Oow look - it's the Tory Party".

Also took part in the New Year's Day Parade with the Veteran Cycle Club which has had a presence on it since it started - similar tweed values but with generally, somewhat older, bikes - a great day had by all!

Not a fan then Festus?

He loves it! The whole sexual repression and opression thing. Look at him in his flasher's mack (in the background on the right):

I've been banned from waitrose again, so yeah, solosexytime repression is on the up.

whos that cock in foreground walking like hes on a mission?

Oh hai Mark!

Sorting out some photos, I found some from the Tweed Run this year.

I look like ned flanders

Your expression is pure, 'I've just noticed a lady's exposed ankle, and this has caused a shameful excretion of the devil's dishwater within my plus fours. May I borrow your handkerchief, Sir?'

I see the London Tweed Run 2011 is now listed as happening in April on the Tweed Run site.
Hoorah!

If it's warm, we should try vintage swimwear ride.

Every time I see this thread bumped I panic and think 'shit it's been announced'!

This is silly I know, but I can't help it.

The best thing to do to make sure you take part is to volunteer for Tweed Run.

I concur.

it was exhausting work at time, especially when you're shouting to make sure the herd hear your instruction, and constantly keeping an eyes out for motorists who may try and go through the group in an insafe manner.

but it was rewarding to see all the happy face after the 12 miles ride, defintely worth it and would love to do it again.

s.walrus, your bike better be ready in time for 2011!

Can you buy tweed patterned vinyl stickers?

For your Visp or whatever's under the stickers?

visp

sumo, don't you want to used your newly acquired steel track bike for the run?

don't want to put stickers on it.

Wrap it in the inner tubes.

Make a Michelin bike.

don't want to put stickers on it.

Then wrap it with tweed instead like he did in 2009.

The best thing to do to make sure you take part is to volunteer for Tweed Run.

i've also heard this.

but it was rewarding to see all the happy face after the 12 miles ride, defintely worth it and would love to do it again.

i've heard talk that it was going to be a slightly shorter route this year, anyhow...