Tweed Run London bike ride evokes spirit of yesteryear

Described as "the metropolitan bicycle ride with a bit of style", the event includes a break for a cup of tea

Riders in their finest tweeds returned to the streets of London for the annual Tweed Run cycling event.

About 1,000 participants took to the saddle and embarked upon a 13.5 mile route that started in Clerkenwell and took in sights including Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral.

The civilised cyclists stopped to take tea and have lunch en route.

Tweed Runs now take place across the world but organisers said the London ride would always be their flagship.

The ride sells out every year with 1,000 tweed-clad cyclists taking part

Riders are also eligible for the best moustache prize

For those wanting to emulate the look - or join in next year - the organisers offer some tips:

"The term 'overdressed' does not exist in our vocabulary. Tweed suits, plus fours, bow ties, and jaunty flat caps are all encouraged."

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"Suggested attire: woollen plus fours, Harris tweed jackets, fair isle jumpers, alpaca coats, merino wool team jerseys; cycling skirts and perhaps a sporty cycling cape for the ladies, cravats or ties for gentlemen, and a sneaky hip flask of sustenance for afterwards."

Immaculate hair and makeup are encouraged

"A small tip: we have found bowler hats a spot more aerodynamic than top hats.

"We do our best to avoid inclement weather but our Fair Isles can sometimes throw a horror in our faces.

"A full-sized umbrella is difficult on a bicycle but a sturdy Macintosh or cape might not go amiss."

This must be a time traveller

The spirit of a bygone era is evoked by cyclists

"Dust off your vintage velocipede for the ride; prizes awarded for Best Vintage Bicycle. If your bike isn't quite a classic, try your hand at the best decorated bicycle competition.

"And of course don't forget our world-famous Best Moustache prize - open to both men and women, of course."

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