The Tweed Run 2017 and Cordings of Piccadilly

I was invited to take part earlier this month in The Tweed Run, that annual tweedy/vintage bicycle ride around London, by my friends at Cordings* who sponsored the event.  Here are a few images in case you'e looking for tweedy/vintage inspiration to replace those Lycra shorts:

With Hillary of Cordings. I'm wearing all Cordings except the vintage Fair Isle jumper (image Cordings)

A very dapper gentleman. Image Grey Fox

Am I allowed to show smoking on a family blog? Fine 'tache if I may say so, Sir! Image Grey Fox

Tweeders and tweedlets crossing Westminster Bridge. Image Grey Fox

A handsome couple on The Tweed Run. Image Grey Fox

*Cordings is one of my favourite menswear suppliers. The original store has been on Piccadilly, London for decades. Stocked with tweedy and country goodies, and much more besides, it combines a comforting old-school approach to service (and store decor) with products that veer from very contemporary to heritage menswear.

My favourite pieces are their genuine heritage rubberised cotton mackintoshes (made in Scotland), the Cordings x Grenfell Shooter jacket, their tweed suits, pocket squares, colourful well-fitting chinos and.... well, you get the idea. Visit their lovely new website here or, even better, make the journey to their Piccadilly, London or Harrogate, Yorkshire stores.

I was a guest of Cordings, Piccadilly.

The Tweed Run 2014 - London's stylish cyclists on display

The Tweed Run took place yesterday in weather  hardly conducive to the wearing of tweed, a cloth more suited to the cold and drizzle of the grouse moor than a baking central London. However, over 500 cyclists persevered, looking very stylish in everything from tweed to cotton and linen and riding all sort of machines, from vintage to modern. The women stole the show for me, looking beautiful and elegant in fifties floral dresses or tweeds and breeches, riding elegant town bikes with baskets full of flowers.

Tweed cap from Cambridge Cycle Company

I wore the top half of my Susannah Hall suit, an old pair of Yorkshire-made cycling breeches, Cordings long socks, a Harris tweed tie and English-made Barker brogues. My Tweed Run was unfortunately curtailed by a recurrence of a wretched 11 day-old viral infection which saw me retire half way through. Hopefully I can return next year - it's a wonderful event for sartorialist and cyclist alike.

Ian Covey and his beautiful Roadster from his Vickers Bicycle Company. 
One day I hope to own one. My 1956 Claud Butler is in the foreground.

Tea was served at the first stop at The Guildhall - in proper cups and saucers of course.

This stylish couple was typical of the range of looks on the ride.

Mark Jones who is a cycling artist - to have your machine immortalised, see Velo Art.

Gemma's dad - and his beautiful and totally original Sunbeam machine.

Even woolly cycling jerseys put in an appearance, here with a gorgeous Cinelli

Straight out of WW2 - Woodbine and all.

The irrepressible Guy Hills of Dashing Tweeds.