A UW Tweed Ride
It’s not a difficult task to spy this grand old University as it was just one hundred brisk shuffles of the calendar ago. Fewer halls of learning, yes, but still many of the best-bricked structures standing proud. No newfangled pocket computers, but smart leather and canvas bags in hand. In place of woven-petrol shrouds, stately woolen coats and lithe linen shirtwaists. No horseless carriages and bellowing buses but instead the noble streetcar on its gleaming rail, the well-cobbled shoe on the stone-paved way, and yes, indeed, the swish of the fair bicycle upon the rough and winding path. Imbibe deeply that same sea-kissed air, that same mountain vista – this is a fierce and fortunate place.
Now join us, your joyous fellow lovers of anachronism and nostalgia, on a Tweed Ride through this ever-great campus.
A Tweed Ride? Why, the concept is simple. Attire yourself in something classic and woolen, timeless and canvas, proven and leather. Fit into another time. Take your bicycle (better – your father’s bicycle; best – your grandmother’s) out of the cellar, the greenhouse, the stable. Lovingly oil the chain, inflate the tires, and then meet us to take the group pedal of yesteryear about the campus of today. We will stop in select places to admire the finest campus buildings, enjoy sipping chocolate, hear tales of the past, and make photographs of our dapper cohort.
A unique mid-day sojourn not to be missed! We do hope to hear the jaunty ring of your bicycle bell joining with our own, to sing the glory of Washington forever!
MEET: Hansee Hall, southern face, University of Washington campus, Seattle
AT THIS APPOINTED TIME: Just prior to noon, at which time the ride will begin.
ON THE DAY: Thursday, October 15, 2015
WITH WHOM: Open to all, especially students, faculty, staff, and alumni of the University of Washington.
Questions Asked Frequently
What of the bicycle helmet, are we to wear them on this tweed ride?
Good heavens, friend, of course we will wear bicycle helmets. It is, after all, the law in this place. They are required absolutely for all participants in the ride; please bring yours along.
Now look here, my bicycle is made of the newest, finest material products of the space age, and hasn’t the old-time aesthetic you suggest. Can I attend?
All bicycle styles are welcome on our Tweed ride. The design of the bicycle has changed relatively little since the introduction of the Safety Bicycle in the last 19th century (the first with two wheels of the same size!). Therefore, your metal mount is more classic than you think! That said, the more vintage bicycles in the herd, the better!
How, precisely, are you asking that I attire myself when attending the Tweed Ride?
Woolen blazers. Knitted team jerseys. Linen dresses and shirts. It is up to you to decide what bygone era of natural, functional dress you wish to embody. Have fun with it – if the moths have made unfortunate inroads in the deepest grottos of your closet, fine local purveyors of second-hand goods can help. The fashion police will not be in attendance. Fun and a nostalgic flamboyance are the goals for all.
More information is available here. Can’t make the ride? Follow the fun on UW Sustainability’s Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Sqwatch has a passion for purple-and-gold and a love of the environment so deep his heart is green. As a sasquatch, Sqwatch knows how to leave a light footprint on the environment, and wants to help the UW community do the same. You might see him at events or hanging out around campus. Search the hashtag #sqwatch to see where he’s been or visit green.uw.edu/sqwatch.
Image credit: Longbeach Cyclists