Tweed Run 2016 on a Brompton

With a much coveted ticket gained for a place on the Tweed Run some weeks ago, I had this date firmly placed in my diary. I have to say however that with recent events, there was some doubt about me attending. In many ways my appetite for cycle rides has been diminished. As with the night ride to Southend a few weeks ago, I felt this would do me some good, so I headed off into Central London bright and early.

By the time I reached Hyde Park Corner a lone Brompton rider enquired whether I was attending the 'Brompton Urban Challenge.' I said that I was going to the Tweed Run but that I was sure he would have great fun. It is a pity Brompton were not aware or didn't care that their event clashed with the Tweed Run. 

A few of use decided to meet at a coffee shop called 'Briki' on Exmouth Market not too far from the start of the Tweed Run. Soon David, Anne, Ben and Adrian arrived and after chewing the fat for a while and having a coffee we made our way to the start.

The starting area was heaving. Penny farthings, vintage bikes, modern bikes and more that a few Brompton bicycles mingled with just about every conceivable type imaginable. Added to this were people dressed in their finest tweed. All ages were represented and the numbers of men and women seemed about even to me - one of the great features of the Tweed Run.

Bob - who had the job of Marshal - popped by briefly to say hello but as he had duties to perform did not stay long.

As always the Tweed Run allows one to abandon the usual lycra in favour of something with a little more élan. Again, for me the ladies stole the day with some quite stunning outfits.

This lady was using the mirror on her bicycle to check her make-up

Yes, it looked okay

Are you looking at me?

Vintage seemed to be the order of the day. Lots of dresses you see in period dramas - Agatha Christie  and the like - were very popular.

Two ladies having a great time

As I cycled along I did spot quite a few familiar faces I had seen on previous Tweed Run events. For some this is the highlight of their cycling year and they certainly made an effort on all fronts.

Onlookers didn't really know what to make of lots of people ambling along in tweed and in an orderly and lets face it quaint fashion. The standard reaction seemed to be wave, smile, shout out hello, started taking pictures or videos via a smartphone or a combination of all of these things.

Some of the bicycles on show were stunners. I didn't really have a particular favourite but glancing sideways at a few riders and it was as if you had been transported back in time.

For me the Tweed Run is very often a show stolen by the ladies participating. Universally they looked stunning and I wonder whether tweed features in their outfits during the week?

The marshals did a great job of stopping the traffic so that we could pass. There were a few impatient drivers but on the whole everyone took things in good spirits.

After about an hour in the saddle we stopped for tea. With huge queues and not wanting to leave our Brompton bicycles, we all decided to people watch instead.

One lady dressed in a retro army uniform was seen checking her makeup on the screen of her smartphone. How times have changed.

A lady very much enjoying her tea

Retro bicycles and accessories at every turn

With tea over we were off again. Wearing tweed in hot conditions would be slightly uncomfortable but the weather was near perfect. It was hot enough to be pleasant when wearing tweed and and a gentle breeze cooled us down when things got a little hotter.

David enjoying the ride

Now that it a bag!

As we neared South Kensington that could only mean lunch. Again onlookers were often mystified by what they were seeing. This area was my old stomping ground and memories of me cycling along the pavement as a child on a Raleigh Chopper came flooding back.

The sight of hundreds of bicycles parked up was most unusual. David had brought a lock with him and he was able to lock up his, Anne's and mine. Adrian locked his to David's lock and I tried to get out of my mind that I was leaving my beloved Brompton all alone!

We choose a very good spot right in front of the 'Cordings' - one of the Tweed Run sponsors -  tent where lots of activities had been set up.

For the front cover of 'Country Life?'

With another engagement later in the afternoon at almost 15:00 I called it a day on the Tweed Run. Yet again it was a lovely way to spend a few hours. There are now events like this in different parts of the world but there is something very special about the London event.

Many thanks to the organisers for another lovely event and to David, Anne, Adrian and Ben for the company.

In all for the Tweed Run I cycled 6.63 miles over a four hour period. My cycle to the event was 8.02 miles which took 36 minutes and my journey home was just under 4 miles in well under 20 minutes. The Tweed Run is about taking ones time and enjoying the atmosphere. The journey home as as eventful as being on the Tweed Run. Never have I been waved at or smiled at more!

Would I go next year? If I could get a ticket, definitely. I have been on a few of these now and even though it doesn't involve cycling far, up hills or at a pace I still thoroughly enjoy it.

Map and ride data

Confrontation on sunny morning Thames ride

This morning I was up bright and early and off for a familiar cycle along the Thames. The views are the same as is the route - well sort of - but it is still wonderful and it felt as if summer was finally here. (Of course these few days of sunshine can often mean that's it as far as good weather goes).

There were very few people about and those I did see were almost exclusively joggers. They seemed to be everywhere. Mush is made of middle aged men in lycra but much could be said for our jogging cousins. It seems the order of the day is to wear as little as possible and as tightly as possible. This would not be so bad on 20 or 30 somethings but on those in their 50's...

I have recently been a convert to the iPhone SE and my former iPhone 6+ now belongs to Mrs Orange. I cannot tell you the joy of cycling along with a phone just simply in the front pocket of my shorts! So far I am loving it. The innards are that of the 6s, which makes things quick. The 12 megapixel camera is pretty good too. (The photos on this post were taken with my big camera though).

In the middle of Tower Bridge the traffic was brought to a halt as a gate blocked our path. I decided to take a few photos of what I could see around while I waited.

I glanced down and saw my pair of Condor socks. The classic mixed loyalties. It is no secret that I will one day pay a visit to a certain shop on Gray's Inn Road to purchase a new bicycle. It will not be a Brompton and I very much doubt if any more Orange £'s will ever be spend on a new Brompton in the future.

Further down the Thames a large pleasure boat was moored but even though the bridge was raised - very quickly and silently I must add - I suspect the engineers were merely testing that things were working. After a little while we were off and I could resume my journey east.

On the Thames there were lots and lots of rowers. Once they get going they travel along a some speed and you need a bicycle to keep parallel to them.

One crew has a cox who meant business, He screamed orders but his crew looked the worse for wear, especially the chap in the green t-shirt.

I soon arrived at the Greenwich foot tunnel and as the lift was there and waiting I thought only fitting to use it. There were a huge number of people waiting at the bottom some of which took the lift.  Seeing the new sign that I think will indicate whether cycling is permitted, I decided to take a photograph. I parked my Brompton to one side and out the way and proceeded with the all important framing of the shot. That is when the confrontation occurred.

A lady jogger in her 30's shouted out at me, '...you shouldn't be cycling! You cyclists go too fast in here!'

'Madam, I am stationary and taking a photo! Unless you have the gift like that late Doris Stokes and saw me cycling at some point in the near future, I suggest you look again at what I am doing and not doing,' says I.

She then told me about cyclists being a menace in the tunnel and then on reflection, I might have been okay as I had a nice accent and could carry on what I was doing. I mean, really!

The temptation to unfold the back wheel and set off like Ghost Rider was strong but you will be pleased to read I rose above it and walked off.

The tide was out which revealed lots of mini sandbanks. Birds darted about with excitement but there was nothing out of the ordinary apart from a couple of Oystercatchers.

The Skyline seemed to be doing a roaring trade so early in the morning. It looked as if most cars had people in them. There is talk of it going but I hope it stays.

Near the Thames Flood Barrier a small tunnels displays various point along the Thames from source to sea on the wall. This would be am excellent Brompton adventure so I will drop a few hints David's way for him to work his magic for something in the future perhaps.

I arrived at the Barrier Cafe at about 09:00. I knew that it was shut but I parked my Brompton and ate the snack I had brought and drank the last of the fluids I had.

With that done I headed back the other way and made good progress. I really do enjoy this route. I cannot really explain why but it is a favourite. Later in the summer I have plans to extend it slightly and cycle further east. Until then I do hope that you out there are cycling!

Link to map and ride data