Tweed Run London bike ride evokes spirit of yesteryear
- Published
Riders in their finest tweeds returned to the streets of London for the annual Tweed Run cycling event.
About 1,000 participants took to the saddle and embarked upon a 13.5 mile route that started in Clerkenwell and took in sights including Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral.
The civilised cyclists stopped to take tea and have lunch en route.
Tweed Runs now take place across the world but organisers said the London ride would always be their flagship.
For those wanting to emulate the look - or join in next year - the organisers offer some tips:
"The term 'overdressed' does not exist in our vocabulary. Tweed suits, plus fours, bow ties, and jaunty flat caps are all encouraged."
"Suggested attire: woollen plus fours, Harris tweed jackets, fair isle jumpers, alpaca coats, merino wool team jerseys; cycling skirts and perhaps a sporty cycling cape for the ladies, cravats or ties for gentlemen, and a sneaky hip flask of sustenance for afterwards."
"A small tip: we have found bowler hats a spot more aerodynamic than top hats.
"We do our best to avoid inclement weather but our Fair Isles can sometimes throw a horror in our faces.
"A full-sized umbrella is difficult on a bicycle but a sturdy Macintosh or cape might not go amiss."
"Dust off your vintage velocipede for the ride; prizes awarded for Best Vintage Bicycle. If your bike isn't quite a classic, try your hand at the best decorated bicycle competition.
"And of course don't forget our world-famous Best Moustache prize - open to both men and women, of course."
- Published14 May 2016
