Seventh Windsor Tweed Ride celebrates cycling, style, Windsor, and a bygone era with “best event yet!”

The bicycle event that The Windsor Star named one of ‘The Top Things To Do in Windsor-Essex Before You Die,’ is back for its seventh annual ride. Saturday, May 7, an expected 300 to 500 participants will take part in the 2016 Windsor Tweed Ride.

Cyclists, dressed in their finest tweeds and old-time clothes, will leisurely take in some the city’s finest parks landmarks celebrating the best of the previous rides since 2012. From the new registration starting point of in the riverfront park at the foot of Askin Ave., cycling along the city’s beautiful riverfront bike paths, for a lunch break at midtown’s Rino’s Kitchen, winding through city streets and parks, with a photo-op at Willistead Manor, before culminating at the inaugural Windsor Little British Festival in Sandwich Towne behind Rock Bottom, Westside Foods and the soon to open Sandwich Brewery.

Tweed Rides are a worldwide phenomenon; started in London, UK in the fall of 2009 as ‘Tweed Run London.’

“We’ve been blown away, not only by the event’s growth in popularity, but by how many participants put in so much effort into their dress and their bicycles,” said Windsor Tweed Ride organizer and co-founder Stephen Hargreaves. “It’s such a great way to promote cycling in an apolitical and friendly way while having a great time, meeting new people with great local food, drink, and music … all while enjoying our city.”

The Windsor event began in 2012 saw over 350 participants from Windsor; Essex County; Detroit; London, ON; and beyond last year.

Any efforts by participants to recreate the “spirit of a bygone era” will be appreciated, and while all bicycles are acceptable, vintage bicycles are encouraged, and Penny Farthings (of which we are expecting a few) are especially welcome.

Riders will have the opportunity to win a new bicycle, handmade in Windsor, from SGC Bicycles, a Detroit Bikes ‘A-Type’ also handmade, but this time in Detroit. Additional prizes will be awarded in several categories, including Best Dressed Gent, Finest Dressed Lady, and Best Bicycle.

“We’ve really made a special effort for this one, with great partners and sponsors, and the collaboration with the British Festival is really going to make this year extra special,” said Hargreaves.

Admission is $15 with proceeds supporting Bike Friendly Windsor-Essex, which includes entry into the Windsor Little British Festival.