Tweed Run 2012
Today, on the afternoon of 5 May, several hundred cyclists gathered on the Esplanāde near the Rainis Monument - on vintage and newer bikes, dressed in retro style: tweed outfits. This year the event in Riga was held for the third time. In May 2010, around 150 participants took part; last year - 400 cyclists; and this year it looks as though there were half as many again.
Today, on the afternoon of 5 May, several hundred cyclists gathered on the Esplanāde near the Rainis Monument - on vintage and newer bikes, dressed in retro style: tweed outfits. The Tweed Run is a parade of vintage bicycles and distinctive retro costumes. The first such event took place in London in 2009, receiving great acclaim and later spreading to cities in America, Western Europe, and other parts of the world.
This year the event in Riga was held for the third time. In May 2010, around 150 participants took part; last year - 400 cyclists; and this year it looks as though there were half as many again. The event is organised by the Latvian Vintage Bicycle Club and the Ērenpreiss Bicycle Workshop with the aim of promoting cycling culture and reviving memories of Latvia's cycling traditions of the 1920s and 1930s.
On the Esplanāde, from 14:00 to 16:00, participant registration took place, and an outdoor barbershop and photo studio were in operation. Then all participants mounted their bikes and headed towards the Latvian National Museum of Art to have a group photograph taken on its steps. The ride could begin. The route: Esplanāde, Stone Bridge, Uzvaras Boulevard, Arkādija Park, a longer stop at Kalnciema Quarter, and back to the centre via Vanšu Bridge to the Kaņepe Culture Centre.
A photo glimpse of the event on the Esplanāde:
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