Tweed Run London 2015

Tweed Run in London is the most well-known group bicycle ride in the world. The annual event first began in 2009 with cyclists dressed in traditional British cycling attire. The success of the phenomenon has seen similar rides copied worldwide. I was in the UK capital, fortunate to get my hands on a ticket.

What is Tweed Run?

It has been described as a metropolitan bike ride with a bit of style. There was plenty of stlyin’ and profilin’ with participants decked out in Harris Tweed suits featuring brogues, argyle socks, bow ties and flat caps. While any type of bike is accepted, vintage rides are encouraged in an effort to embrace the spirit of the classic British era.

The ride through London

The event began at Trafalgar Square where the tweed-clad celebrants huddled en masse for some posing and schmoozing. After being corralled for a group photo, it was time to breach the throngs of observers and roll into gear.

Tally-ho! was the phrase of the day as the group coiled around iconic landmarks in central London. Volunteer marshals did an admirable job keeping everyone on route while leading the ensemble to its first stop for a Tea Break at Red Lion Square.

In short order, everyone was back on the road again before settling down for a picnic at Saint Pancras Gardens. After some moustache curling and bladder relief, the casual ride continued to our final destination.

Finishing on a high note

The day came to a fitting end at the stunning Bloomsbury Ballroom for the closing ceremonies.It was a perfect time to reminisce with a complimentary glass of Pol Roger. My mind wandered back to a question I heard while on the street. Is it about the tweed or the bikes? I never heard the response but the simple answer could be both. But today, any form of bike advocacy takes a back seat to having fun and riding in style.