top of page
CLUNKERS' RIDE RECAP 2021
CLUNKERS' RIDE WEEKEND 2021 was a special one.
With group rides restricted in many places around the world, it was hearting to still see many people going out in smaller groups or join DIY events to participate in our 2021 Clunkers' Ride weekend on May 1-2, 2021.
Rides were hosted in: BERLIN // SEATTLE // TURIN // HAARLEM // LONDON // ZURICH // BANYOLES // HEERLEN // EGERTON, ASHFORD // AMSTERDAM // HANNOVER // ST. PETE, TAMPA // ERICEIRA // AMERSFOORT
We are happy to share some stories, photos and videos from those rides in a 2021 RECAP below, and thank everyone who was part of it. Enjoy!
Clunkers' Rides May 2021
CLUNKERS RIDE BERLIN
Words by Jost Litzen
"Let's do a little campout for the Clunkers' ride. I know a nice spot at Spree river, just a few kilometers outside of Berlin". That's what Stefan asked me for this year's Clunkers' ride. And so we packed our rigs and headed out in the evening 1st of May. Berlin is historically quite crowded on the streets this night, despite the pandemic. But within a few kilometers through the outskirts, we made it to the woods. A few smooth doubletrack roads and a few grumpy singletrails later, we found ourselves at a large camping field for kayak travellers with a fire and dozens of people. Too much for our plans, but we knew by experience, that there is always a good spot behind the actual spot. So we ended up having our own little campfire in one of the many curves of Spree river. The night was cosy and only a cuckoo annoyed me a few times.
We woke up to some gentle raindrops on our faces. We already knew that the rain would grow in the next few hours, so we did a fast #coffeeoutside and packed our sleeping bags. An hour later we stood on the porch of Holly's famous Kuchenparadies and asked for a coffee. Stefan even managed to have some cake for breakfast. Holly now also has a little shop with smoked cheese and with some extra weight we rolled back into the city. Rain became stronger and our bikes were pretty muddy, when we finally stood at City Center Hermannplatz. Fingers crossed not to catch any glass fragments from 1st may rallies, we separated. Clunkers' ride once again proved to be very chatty and relaxed, regardless what you wear or which bike you ride. In my eyes focus returns back to where you actually ride when individual ambitions and performance doesn't count."
CLUNKERS RIDE ZURICH
Video by Stefano Nucera
CLUNKERS RIDE ERICEIRA
Video by Ryan Le Garrec
CLUNKERS' COOL
Words by Stan @ Pedal Progression
"You would think riding your mum’s bike would be pretty uncool right? Think again!
In today’s world, where kicks are too often found through consumerism, riding a clunker (your mum’s old bike or not) is a middle finger to that system. The cycling industry is no stranger to overconsumption - as new designs, sizes and styles are continually pumped out. Riding a clunker breaks that cycle.
Scratches, dents and chips are all stories worth holding on too. Take this bike for example, my mum’s 90’s Kona Cinder Cone, now my go to town cruiser, pub hack and kerb hopper. A relic of mountain biking’s early days, my parent’s past life in the Swiss Alps and my first experiences on two wheels (albeit strapped into a child’s seat). Cherishing stories such as these brings a deeper meaning to what we own and what we value, challenging consumerist culture.
Holding onto a clunker also keeps the precious resources and activities involved in production (and transportation) going, ensuring the emissions and environmental impacts are well spent and end of life disposal is avoided.
So if you're thinking of buying a new bike to get around, check what's already out there and maybe even check your parent's shed. Doing so will be taking the more sustainable option, protecting the places we ride and we love. That’s cool."
bottom of page