Riders in tweed in Greytown. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
The distinguishing feature of Greytown’s new cycling event on Easter Saturday won’t be the trademark brightly coloured lycra.
Instead, riders will be resplendent in traditional British cycling attire, tweed plus four suits preferred.
The inaugural New Zealand National Tweed Ride, to be held on Saturday, April 3, would be a chance for both locals and visitors to stylishly recreate the spirit of a bygone era, while also having a jolly good time.
The ‘Tweed Ride’ had its origins in the United Kingdom, first starting in London, and now mimicked all over the world, in Europe, Asia and North America.
South Wairarapa would get in on the act and stamp its name on the cycle map with its inaugural event in 2021.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Greytown’s tweed ride was the brainchild of British-design bicycle store Blackwell & Sons. Classic vintage bicycles were encouraged.
Owner Adam Blackwell said Greytown was tailor-made for such an event, as its rich resource of early colonial buildings was a perfect backdrop to the early tweed era.
“We have some wonderful cycling space here too and more that is being developed with the nearby Tauherenikau River cycle bridge,” Blackwell said.
The format would have riders gather under the trees at Soldiers’ Memorial Park, on Kuratawhiti St, to register and meet other riders from 11am.
Riders would then make their way south at 1pm, linking up with the Greytown Cycle Trail and peddling their way to Woodside train station and the nearby Tauherenikau River.
The event would finish up back in town at Cobblestones Museum, which offered another step back to a time when two-wheels were far more common than four.
Cobblestones Museum Trust chairwoman Chris Hume said the museum was delighted to be part of the inaugural National Tweed Ride.
“Having the ride finish and the prize giving in our lovely grounds seems to be a fitting end to a lovely heritage occasion,” Hume said.
“We are looking forward to hosting the riders, their friends, family, and spectators for a suitably themed afternoon culminating with a tea dance. You’ll be able to buy our delicious food, wine, beer, and maybe even some 1930s style cocktails, while you celebrate with music from Gypsy Jazz.”
- Tickets are limited and are available from blackwellandsons.nz.
