The Tweed Run
WHAT IS THE TWEED RUN?
The Tweed Run is the brainchild of Ted Young Ing who, in 2009, managed to get permission for the first event when 300 tweed-clad cyclists gathered at the top of London’s Savile Row on a chilly February morning. The spectacle of 300 cyclists, some on vintage bikes and all dressed in their finest tweed, caught the imagination of both the press and the public; it epitomises a certain element of British culture; an eccentric, well-mannered celebration of two wheels, tweed and tea.
The day will start off at a specific meeting point, make its way through some iconic London landmarks before reaching the tea and lunch stops with a group photo! In the afternoon, we make our way back through London to the closing ceremony, with awards, live music, food stalls and lots of dancing. Be prepared for looks from bewildered London tourists as well as a mass of photographers and press giddy at the site of so many vintage bikes and tweed clad cyclists.
Worldwide events followed, including St Petersburg, Tokyo and New York, all with their unique flavour but all taking their lead from Britain, with riders wearing a wonderful mixture of British tweeds and fashion, blended with more local influences.
Cordings have been a proud sponsor of the event since the second run; we became aware of it as riders began to come into our Piccadilly store to get kitted out. The authenticity of Cordings clothing, our pride in using British tweeds and our long history make us the perfect partner to the core values created by Ted. Many riders buy complete outfits from Cordings, or use the store to add their finishing touches, such as long socks, caps and waistcoats.
We take our judging of the Dashing Dame and Dapper Chap award very seriously, and are constantly inspired by the combinations of colour, cloth and styles that are used. The Tweed Run has uncovered some rare vintage Cordings pieces, including a 1930’s Norfolk Jacket and a rare pair of canvas and leather boots.
We asked Tim Brice, store manager, cyclist and tweed aficionado what he looks for when judging the competition; ‘the outfits that stand out for me are those that are perfectly accessorised, those that make you look a little closer to see the details. It is probably an occasion when our usual byword ‘understated’ is less relevant, but the riders always manage to combine wit and style without looking garish’
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WHAT TO WEAR?
Apart from the 2, 3 or 4 wheels beneath you, the next most important thing is what you wear. Each year, we give away prizes for the best dressed, our Dashing Dame and Dapper Chaps awards. You’ll see the Cordings team throughout the day, weaving their way around everyone during the tea break and in amongst the cyclists as we judge the competition. Announced at the end of the day during the awards ceremony, each lucky winner will receive a trophy and prize. For newcomers to the ride, make sure you read all about the Tweed Run etiquette here.
You can see the photos taken over the years of the most incredibly dressed on our Pinterest boards by clicking here. Below are a few of our favourites from over the years.
