HARK! THE TWEED RALLY IS DIFFERENT THAN THE TWEED RIDE RUN BY OUR
FRIENDS AT BIKES WITHOUT BORDERS..
- Information and updates about the actual Rally event can be found here
- Questions? Email us at tweedrallyTO@gmail.com
- Everything else? Our FAQ below has you covered!
TWEED RALLY FAQ:
Q: What is the difference between the Toronto Tweed Rally and the Toronto Tweed Ride organizations.
A: We are two different organizations working for the same cause. In short we promote tweed cycling culture in Toronto, have fun with our bicycles and raise some money for bicycle oriented charities. In those terms, we are aligned with the Tweed Ride but not a replacement for them officially.
The Tweed Rally is a grassroots organization and is somewhat smaller in scope than the big official Toronto Tweed Ride which has a corporate sponsor and larger mandate. It’s important to
know we are friends and support each others efforts and if anything our group is secondary to the official ride run by Bike’s Without Borders. The Tweed Rally’s intention was originally to hold a smaller scale tweed event in Toronto in 2013 as the official ride has been moved back to the spring of 2014.
know we are friends and support each others efforts and if anything our group is secondary to the official ride run by Bike’s Without Borders. The Tweed Rally’s intention was originally to hold a smaller scale tweed event in Toronto in 2013 as the official ride has been moved back to the spring of 2014.
Q: What is a “Rally” as opposed to the “Ride”?
A: The Toronto Rally will not be a large group critical mass style ride like the official Tweed Ride. As a creative alternative, the rally is designed for smaller groups or individuals to be guided by a local map and manifest in a sort of “scavenger hunt” style ride around town visiting pre-selected landmarks. The idea is to cover the city in individual or small group riders as they follow their manifest and search for clues having a grand old time along the way.
Q: Is the Rally a race?
A: No. There is no extra prize or points for finishing first. The rally is designed to be a safe, fun, and a graceful ride where groups and individuals of all ages can admire other riders, and follow a route to some interesting historic places around town.
Q: How do I win this Rally?
A: Participation is your key to winning prizes. If you participate you will be entered into several draws.
Q: How difficult is the Rally route?
A: There are three different districts outlined in the Manifest. Some districts are easier than others to complete and some prizes are awarded for those who achieve higher levels of difficulty. Having said that there is no expectation for finishing the manifest and most prizes are awarded for simple participation.
Q: Is there a dress code?
A: No. HOWEVER - riders are encouraged to adopt the style seen within the worldwide Tweed Ride movement. Simply Google “Tweed Ride” and you’ll get the idea. We’re talking moustaches, flat caps, Argyle hose, woolly breeches and dashing jackets. It does not even have to be Tweed either. A lot of this stuff is easy to source with a simple visit to a vintage clothing store or raiding your grandparent’s closet!
Q: Do I need a bike?
A: Yes, you will need a bike. The main focus of the Tweed Rally is a celebration of cycling. You don’t need a fancy vintage bike. You just need two wheels and a sense of adventure!
Q: What are the prizes?
A: At present we are still sourcing prizes but so far we have dinners, grooming products, unique art pieces, food and drink specials, bike stuff, and tea!
Q: Can I donate a prize?
A: Absolutely! We’re in need of more prizes. The more prize donations, the bigger the bang and
the more we can donate to our chosen causes. Please email tweedrideto@gmail.com with your
donation ideas and we’ll coordinate with you. You’ll also get a special mention in dispatches the day of the ride!
Q: Where is the money going?
A: We have chosen two charitable organizations and with the help of St. George The Martyr Anglican Church the plan is to donate all proceeds to either Bikes Without Borders, or the Bike Messenger Emergency Fund.
Q: What is this “Tweed Cat”?
A: In a handshake with the toronto messenger community, there will be a separately-run alley cat by the messengers. We are pleased to be working with and supporting CUPW local 104 Courier Workers Centre with this side event.Alley cats are traditionally more challenging and not
for the faint of heart but if you are up for it, you can register for this event on the day of.
Q: I see there is a “blessing of the bikes” event?
A: The Tweed Rally is a secular event but our gracious host who is donating space for our
registration tent is St. George the Martyr Anglican Church. The Church is famous for doing
Toronto’s annual blessing of the bikes and no matter what your spiritual following, all are welcome to get a little blessing on their bike in an optional special service.
Q: Is food, drink, refreshment provided?
A: Food and drink in the form of hot drinks (coffee, tea, cider) will be available at the registration
tent. We do not know at this time if it will be at cost. In addition the pub night libations are not provided for free but are available at cost.
Q: Will there be a dance?
A: Alas, the Tweed Rally is very much smaller in scope to the official Tweed Ride. To celebrate,
we’re holding a simple a pub night rather than a full scale dinner and dance combo. But we have an electro-swing DJ! All prize announcements will be at the pub night.
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