A sample poster from The London Fixed Gear and Single Speeders. londonfgss.com

Many Salidans thought that they would never have a chance to wear that tweed jacket or scarf they bought on impulse. But, a community event is happening in Salida to prove them wrong. The inaugural New Year’s Eve TWEED RIDE is a bicycling community event where Salida’s dandy lads and lasses forego lycra and don their most dapper antiquarian apparel for Salida’s first annual event. Similar events have taken place in cities like London, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Boston. Snow or Sleet, participants will help demonstrate that cycling is appropriate for everyday life, leisure and party hopping.  Starting around 7pm from SubCulture Cyclery, the leisurely ride will party hop to a variety of festivities where you can wet your whistle, grab a snack or dance a jig.

The TWEED RIDE is for fun, but it is also meant to show that cycling is appropriate and sustainable for everyday errands, commuting, partying and leisure – and it can even be done in nice clothes.

Salida has one of the best climates for cultivating a sustainable infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians. The TWEED RIDE is one of many fun events that encourages cycling for as a less-polluting, healthy, safe, and fun alternative to motorized travel. We live in an era where individuals are stopping and looking at the input they contribute to the environment, and also care about the world they are leaving for the future.

TWEED RIDE embodies the spirit and characters of the cyclists in Salida and the billions of utility riders around the world. An event like this shows their good-hearted nature, but also is reminding the rest of the community of the impact they could be making. The TWEED RIDE is one way to show the utility and joy of riding. Bring a drink, bike lights, and join the merriment.