Time to look sharp for the 2017 Melbourne Tweed Ride

Brush up your tweed jacket, polish your brogues and oil your chain for the annual Melbourne Tweed Ride on Sunday, May 21.

Cycling enthusiasts with a fancy for Penny Farthings, vintage bicycles and a touch of grace and sartorial splendour will gather at the Grainger Museum at the University of Melbourne from 9am before pedalling away two hours later for a leisurely 10 km outing through the streets of Melbourne.

The ride’s organiser "Penny Farthing" Dan Bolwell said the Melbourne Tweed Ride is delighted to work with the Grainger Museum.

“Percy was an iconic Melbourne character who loved the style of tweed and the freedom of cycling," Mr Bolwell said.

"He certainly would have fronted up for the ride himself with a sensational outfit and a sense of adventure.”

Indeed, the Grainger Museum collection holds Percy’s blue tweed sports coat and green tweed suit, just some of the 600 items of clothing in the Collection.

Complementing these exhibits is a beautiful watercolour that 15-year-old Grainger painted of his beloved bicycle, which will be on display for the event.

Also on display will be current exhibitions Instrument of Change: Visions of the Guitar in the Early Twentieth Century and Percy Grainger: The Accidental Futurist.

The museum’s permanent exhibition of art, photographs, costumes and instruments acquired by the celebrated Australian composer and concert pianist will also be open to view. There will be a tour of the museum, including Percy’s personal tweeds, at 10am.

The University Bike Co-op will be ready, spanners in hand, to offer some bicycle maintenance if required. Local designers Archetype Threads and Ariella the Tailor will also be there with their classic clothing. Toe-tapping live music from jazz band SWAY will help set the scene.

The 2017 Melbourne Tweed Ride, Sunday 21 May, 9am – 11am (Cyclists to depart 11am), the Grainger Museum, Gate 13, Royal Parade, University of Melbourne.