The Tweed Run - Classic Bikes and Vintage Clothing

These classic bikes  were solid, comfortable and stable. Amongst their makers from the 1880s to the 1980s were Raleigh, Rudge-Whitworth, Humber, Phillips, Sunbeam, Triumph, New Hudson, Hercules and Robin Hood.

The guys and gals at London Fixed-gear and Single-speed  forum loved these bikes and they decided to get together regularly to ride their beloved classics.   Word got round and people began to wear the historic costumes that went with their  bikes.  

The Tweed Run was born!

It’s now a growing global phenomenon - because people all over the world love to dress up and love to ride bikes in an atmosphere of safety and comradeship.

In the United States there are Tweed Runs in Kansas City, Flagstaff, New York, Seattle and plenty of other towns and cities - as well as further afield in St Petersburg, Sydney, Paris and Tokyo.

But this is only the tip of the cycleberg and the list is growing monthly. You can find out the latest groups at The Tweed Ride Report.

Just as we've seen from the New York video, there’s usually festivities before and after the race including music, prizes for the most impressive bike, the best dresser and best facial hair.   And you don’t have to have a classic bike - any model will do.

Your frame can be aluminium, carbon, titanium, or even the newest innovation - bamboo! The important thing is the spirit of the cycle ride.  I’ve even seen a couple of penny farthings.

It might be handy to start practising a few British upper class phrases such as, "I say, old chap", "cheerio", "What ho, old thing", "You just can't get the staff", and things like that.

As for dress code - just make a gesture towards the past by improvising with some vintage clothing and if that includes a bit of tweed, so much the better. 

In fact, The Tweed Run concept has caught the imagination of top designer, Ralph Lauren, who sponsored last year's New York Tweed Run. 

And don't forget that whilst you are foraging through the thrift stores and charity shops for those vintage clothes you'll be saving money and doing a bit of recycling as well.

For some people, what started out as a bit of 'tweedy' fun has developed into a life-time change of gear!  More people are cycling to work and school, joining cycling clubs, getting out of the house and into the fresh air  - it's cheaper, you keep fit and it's often quicker too.

No wonder The Tweed Run is becoming so popular all over the world.  As we become more anxious about the way fossil fuels react with the environment, the bike is an obvious choice for those who can sometimes choose to leave the car at home. 

Hey - I'm not getting all preachy here!   It's enough to say that The Tweed Run is a really good laugh and will bring a smile to your face, whether you're on your bike or standing on the sidelines.

Maybe there's a Tweed Run event near you!  

To find out,  go to The Tweed Ride Report to find towns and cities where The Tweed Run will be happening.

Brush off that old bike, get the kids involved, dress up and have a great day out.  Or be like me and just stand on the pavement and enjoy this bizarre spectacle!

Who said British eccentricity was dead?

Copyright: Kathleen Duffy