While modern cycling is primarily associated with athletic uniforms (in competitive cycling) or comfortable casual clothes (recreational cycling), cycling clothing has not always been athletic or casual – at least, not in the modern sense. Bicycles were first introduced in Europe in the early 19th century, and by the “Golden Age of Bicycles” (the 1890s), both men’s and women’s clothes had been adapted to the needs of cyclists.
Male cyclists typically wore tweed suits consisting of a short jacket and tight knee-length trousers, combined with long woolen socks and special light and pliable shoes with smooth soles. Cycling clothes were rather formal and demonstrated the economic status of those who wore them. Women originally wore their everyday long skirts, which were quite dangerous because they could get tangled with the chains or spokes. Eventually, special skirts with divides that were both safe and sufficiently modest were developed; in addition, some cycling clubs accepted the so-called “rational dress” for their female members, which considered of baggy knickerbockers and a jacket.
Those times are long gone, but there are quite a lot of people who like the aesthetics of the traditional cycling attire. Every now and then, British cycling clubs would host vintage-themed bicycle rides, and cyclist Jack Thurston even established the Tweed Cycling Club, which sadly has since been disbanded. These rides and Thurston’s club were among the inspiration for the annual Tweed Run in London.
The inaugural Tweed Run was organized by Jacqueline Shannon and Ted Young-Ing via the London Fixed Gear and Single Speed online cycling forum. It took place on January 24, 2009. The second run was held on April 10, 2010, featuring 400 registered participants. Since then, it has become a popular annual event, except for a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with major sponsors.
The Tweed Run has a limited number of participants, usually 750-1000; tickets are sold on a “first come, first served” basis and often sell out very quickly. All riders are expected to wear proper attire such as traditional tweed suits, knit jumpers, merino wool team jerseys, woolen coats, mackintoshes, cycling skirts and capes for the ladies, bowler hats, top hats, flat caps, bowties, cravats, neckties, etc. The fancier, the better; according to the organizers, the term “overdressed” does not exist in their vocabulary. Bikes do not necessarily have to be vintage, but vintage or decorated bicycles are highly encouraged.
The Tweed Run takes place on a Saturday in April or May and starts in the morning, when participants gather in one of London’s beautiful parks or squares. During the gathering, snacks and entertainment are provided. Once everyone is gathered, the participants, all immaculately clad in fancy clothes, ride through the streets of London, with a quick stop for some refreshing iced tea. The tea break is for riders only, and its location is not announced to the public. The ride also has a 90-minute picnic stop with entertainment; riders can bring their own picnic hamper or pre-purchase one from the organizers and collect it at the lunch stop.
The ride is concluded with the closing ceremony and a small cocktail party at a park. The ceremony includes the distribution of prizes in several categories: Best Dressed Man, Best Dressed Woman, Best Vintage Bicycle, Best Dressed Bicycle, Best Mustache, and Best Head Gear.
Photo: tweedrun.com
