Photo: Randal Tomada Photo: Randal Tomada

On two wheels

By | May 30, 2012
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Normally, Megan Couture blogs about music. This week, she shares another passion…

Put on your helmets and kick up your kickstands party people—it’s Bike Week! Only in its infancy in HRM but gaining steam at an impressive rate, there’s a plethora of events, goings-on, and even discounts for cyclists all across our fine city. This is my first bike week as a semi-functioning cyclist, so I figured I’d try my hand at an event or two.

On a casual boardwalk cycle a few weeks ago, Sarah from I Heart Bikes mentioned that they would be leading a Tweed Ride. In a nod to Steampunk culture, the Tweed Ride is a leisurely cycle populated by people dressed in turn-of-the-century garb and, ideally, riding the oldest bikes possible. Newsboy hats, blazers with suede patches, vests, gloves in neutral colours were the style of the ride. I opted for a blue felt wide-brim hat, a puff-sleeve blouse and vest with a khaki green, military-style skirt. My boyfriend chose a neutral button up with a tweed vest, knee socks, oxfords and britches I was resourceful enough to sew for him. This is only the second ride in Halifax, but our group numbered about 25 people, nearly all in their period-appropriate best.

Photo: Randal Tomada

In other cities the Tweed Ride has caught on in a big way. (The New York chapter is sponsored by Ralph Lauren!) After a brief message from our HRM volunteer (Nice to see the city supporting such events) we departed from the I Heart Bikes storefront on the Halifax Waterfront on a delightfully sunny Sunday. We rode single file down Barrington to Inglis, down Younge Ave, back down Tower to South Park and through the Common. It was a lovely, casual ride, with mostly wide streets and few hills—the ideal route for a novice like me. We drove in our little line, winding through the streets and waving, shouting hellos and ringing our bells with enthusiasm. It was invigorating!

I had such a warm feeling from being with kind, like-minded people that are just interested in having light-hearted, silly fun. It was encouraging to see the city alive with people out and about enjoying themselves. There were many others out on their bikes. Pedestrians smiled and waved back, drivers in cars waved and honked – nice honks, mind you, not accompanied with any fingers or gestures. Our destination was the North Common—where there were already many other festivities underway for Bike Week. We walked past (And almost into!) the racing cyclists, who were racing at a most impressive speed. Local Source Market was kind enough to cater a little picnic for us, complete with tea and crumpets. Fashion East was also kind enough to set up a photo booth, so that us participants would have a nice shot of ourselves done up like years past. A gentleman with a vintage two-wheel bike (You know…with the huge front wheel?) even showed up and gave us a demonstration. I’d always wondered how they got up there! It could not have been a more adorable afternoon. In a city where we question our sense of community on a frequent basis, I present to you a park full of cyclists. All shapes and sizes and skill levels. All together, having fun. Bike Week for the win. Events are ongoing! To join in on the fun (and I think you should), check out the listings here.

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