Cyclists don't often get a good rap for their clothing. The Lycra/GoPro aesthetic might be practical, but you hardly cut a dash at the traffic lights.
Enter the Tweed Run — a yearly event in which London's boulevardiers take a leisurely 12-mile pedal past some of London's most iconic landmarks, flaunting their most dapper threads. Tweed jackets, faux-fur collars, golfing socks, tank tops and straw bonnets are the order of the day. You might even spot the odd pearly king and queen.
In terms of clothing, it's more or less the opposite of the World Naked Bike Ride.
At the start line, energy gels are sidelined for breakfast sandwiches and tea in a picturesque garden square, with live music — before a bugle call announces the start of the ride.
After pedalling a route through pretty London streets (it's a new route every year), and pausing halfway around for tea and chatter, the riders finish up with a cocktail. It's about as unstrenuous as you can get. As for winners? No trophy for finishing first, but there are awards for best-dressed individuals, finest moustache and most elegantly adorned bicycle. How very civilised.
This year's Tweed Run takes place on Saturday 18 April 2026, and tickets for taking part are now on sale. Alternatively, you can simply watch; the route is only published on the Tweed Run website on the day of the event itself.
Prefer to use shanks' pony? Check out the the Grand Flaneur Walk, taking place in May.
Tweed Run, Saturday 18 April 2026
