BY MIKAELA GRÄVARE
The London 2012 Olympics are nearly upon us, but for some 500 cycle enthusiasts the 6th of May saw the return of the most anticipated sporting event of the year. And there was no Lycra in sight. Tucked away in Princess Gardens, South Kensington just off the busy Exhibition Road a crowd of people, well turned out in their Sunday best are gathered for the forth annual Tweed Run – the “Metropolitan bicycle ride with a bit of style”. On this chilly morning (“Perfect tweed-weather!” one excited gentleman exclaims) a live band is playing smooth jazz while participants are socialising, eagerly waiting to hop on their Brooks leather saddles. While children are not allowed to take part in the run, many have dressed them up in little tweed jackets and brought them along to play in the grass and cheer their parents on. Even dogs are kitted out in tweed for the occasion! Originally founded in London in 2009, the Tweed Run is a group ride through the central parts of the capital. It has since become a global sensation with partakers flocking from various corners of the world. Similar events have been held in as diverse cities as Berlin, Sydney, Tokyo, Stockholm, São Paulo and several states in the USA. This year’s ride was so popular that the number of cyclists had to be capped at 500 and the 15-mile route was kept a well-guarded secret. All due to safety regulations in accordance with the city of London. The event is about cycling and style in equal measures. Its participants wish to recreate the magic of a bygone era. Tweed-clad men are wearing flat
caps and plus fours while the ladies are dressed up in vintage fox stoles and red lipstick. Although all bicycles are accepted, one would certainly feel out of place on a Boris-bike. There are classic ladies cycles, featherweight fixed gear bikes, tandems and the occasional penny-farthing. Traditional Englishmade Pashleys seem to be the go-to brand (the Guvnor is particularly popular) ideally accessorised with Fortnum & Mason hampers and Brooks saddle bags. The most expensive by far must be the leather wrapped, diamond encrusted vehicle at the staggering price of £25 000. After the assembly in South Kensington, riders embark on a jaunt through Hyde Park and across some of London’s most famous landmarks. Passing bemused tourists outside Big Ben and honking Black Cabs on Tower Bridge. Unlike Tour De France, this race makes time for a well-deserved tea break outside the Imperial War Museum. This is where the competitions are held. The barbers of Murdock London are presenting the prestigious “Best Moustache” award. The price for “Most Dapper Chap” and “Most Dashing Dame” are hosted by British heritage label Cordings with non-other than Blur-guitarist and renowned solo-artist Graham Coxon on the judging panel. Britpop fans remember him mainly as the bespectacled indie kid sporting jeans, retro t-shirts and trainers. He is however, an avid fan of traditional