The Big Finish

The final stop on the First Annual Alpena Tweed Ride will be at The Black Sheep Pub, which is “The English Pub” of Alpena, MI. As you can see from the pictures, they pride themselves on the swanky brews they have on tap, but I know for certain that they serve other beverages as well.  

The owners, Paul and Kris, have agreed to serve our riders a fine fare (keeping in the spirit of the Tweed Ride) of English delicacies such as Fish and Chips, Bangers and Mash, and Shepard’s Pie among other things. Besides relaxing in the fine atmosphere, we will also have giveaways of fine prized donated by local businesses at the pub.

Kris, Paul and all your staff; we look forward to a relaxing end of our ride on September 17, 2011, and thanks for the support.

113 S. Second Ave, Alpena, MI 49707

Post our Poster!

This is the official “First Annual Alpena Tweed Ride Poster” Feel free to print them off and post them around town. (or use this pdf) Just let us know where you put them so we don’t double post them! Thanks!

Cool Publicity

We just got some cool publicity from Alpena Fifty-Two! They dedicated all of Issue 2.35 to the Alpena Tweed Ride! If you have a few minutes, click the link to their page and check it out!

Bamboo Bicycles!

We have said in the past that the style or type of bike you bring to the ride doesn't matter. So we wanted to show you a cool bike trend that is both old and new! The bamboo bicycle!

A bamboo bicycle from 1896

For those of you who follow bicycle and green trends the idea of a bamboo bicycle will not be new, but this blog has been written for those of you who really don’t care about either, but just like riding bikes. So here is an interesting idea: using bamboo, that giant member of the glass family, to build the frame of the bicycle. It is fast growing, renewable, strong and one of the first attempts to find something lighter than steel to serve the same function.

A modern Example form Jungle Supply Bamboo

Aluminum alloys, titanium, and carbon fiber have all been used in attempt to do the same thing, but there is now a trend to go back to the first attempt and use something that is fast growing, and in some areas even an invasive species

Example from Calfee Design

There are a growing number of shops who will build, or help you to build a bamboo bike including; Organic Bikes,  Bamboosero, Jungle Supply Bamboo, and Bamboo Bike Studio. They may or may not be something you would want to own, but they are pretty cool.

 

Also, check out the The Bamboo Bike Project

A Sweet Stop

As a midway stop, the Alpena Tweed Ride will take an 'Ice Cream and Coffee' break at North Country Candy and Gifts. The owners, Susanne and John, have agreed to pass on a discount to ride participants, and to feature a special Tweed Ride Sundae!

Last time we stopped in, North Country had 32 flavors of ice cream, and close to a million flavors of coffee that are roasted right at the store.

And we can’t forget the hand dipped chocolates and their famous caramel corn.

  

Here's a big thanks to John, Susanne and all their staff, and we can’t wait to see you one September 17^th, 2011!

1045 N. Bagley St, Alpena, MI 49707

Bring a Friend

William Powell & Myrna Loy of The Thin Man fame.

Now I think we all agree that the Alpena Tweed Ride sounds like fun, the only thing that could make it better is if everyone brings a friend! 'The More the Merrier' we always say! Biking with friends and loved ones is always a good idea!

W.C. Fields and Baby LeRoy

Remember we do have a One Seat per Seat Rule so bring a second bike too! 

A Place to Start

As announced before, the Alpena Tweed Ride will start in front of Blue Phoenix Books. We would hate to assume that everyone knows where that is and have a bunch of lost people dressed in tweed wandering around down town Alpena. So here is a picture of the storefront which is located at 106 N 2nd Ave, Alpena, MI 49707.

The owner, Kim, has agreed to provide a few refreshments to rides the day of the ride, and hand out fliers and maps to anyone who would like to know more the last few weeks before the ride.

A big thanks to Kim and everyone else at Blue Phoenix for all their help with the First Annual Tweed Ride.

You should stop by and give Kato a pat on the head!