Tradition

Short: 21/06/16

WORDS & PHOTOS X Jacob Gibbins

tradition
/trəˈdɪʃ(ə)n/
noun
“the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way.”

Bristol is a city that’s lucky to have woods, hills and trails-galore within an easy ride of the city centre. It’s something the local riding scene takes full advantage of, including the start of a local “tradition” – the weekly Tuesday night ride.

The Tuesday night ride originally started with a small bunch of guys just looking to dedicate regular time to get out and turn the cranks after a hard day at work. Since then it has expanded and continued, week-in week-out, rain or shine, winter or summer. (Although attendance numbers bear close correlation to the weather.)

The usual evening consists of meeting at half 6 – which means the ride is pitch black for half the year and golden light for the other. As with all rides there is of course the usual pre-ride 15 minutes of faffing about with tyre pressures, bags, phones, and some light hearted insults thrown about. Only then does the hard work begin with a 2 hour ride around the plethora of local trails, interspersed with more gaffing, fun, laughter, and most importantly, a discussion of what pint to get from the pub.

You see, the Tuesday night ride conveniently always ends with dinner and a pint at a pub. That’s where the tradition continues well into the evening.

There are some traditions that take effort and willing to keep alive, and others that seem to tick along for years on end. The Tuesday night ride is the kind of tradition that happens like clockwork and endures time. Not because of the die-hard loyal locals, but because it’s the perfect thing to do after a hard day at work.

(Or maybe it’s the pints that keeps the tradition going?)