Tweed Run 2010

Poster for the Tweed Run, a gentlemanly – and womanly – gathering of riders decked out in tweed, leather, wool and copious facial hair Photograph: tweedrun.com Photograph: guardian.co.uk The Tweed Run began in glorious sunshine, perhaps too glorious for woollen breeches Photograph: Richard Carter Photograph: guardian.co.uk The Tweed Run set off from Rootstein Hopkins Parade Grounds at the Chelsea College of Art & Design Photograph: Matthew Sparkes Photograph: guardian.co.uk Four hundred cyclists took part this year Photograph: Richard Carter Photograph: guardian.co.uk A pause for a quick photo - no sighting of Matt (Dr Who) Smith, however Photograph: Richard Carter Photograph: guardian.co.uk The atmosphere on the day was giddily jovial - somewhere between a fancy dress party and a Critical Mass ride Photograph: Matthew Sparkes Photograph: guardian.co.uk Handlebar moustaches were de rigeur Photograph: Richard Carter Photograph: guardian.co.uk The Tweed Run , a gentlemanly and womanly gathering of riders decked-out in tweed, leather, wool and copious facial hair Photograph: Richard Carter The Tweed Run , a gentlemanly and womanly gathering of riders decked-out in tweed, leather, wool and copious facial hair Photograph: Matthew Sparkes A penny farthing makes a rare apearance Photograph: Matthew Sparkes Photograph: guardian.co.uk A picnic and a fun time were had by all! Photograph: Matthew Sparkes Photograph: guardian.co.uk The convivial mood was possibly aided by the vintage safety car, which was handing out free gin and tonics Photograph: Matthew Sparkes Photograph: guardian.co.uk London felt like the most friendly city in the world for a day Photograph: Matthew Sparkes Photograph: guardian.co.uk A gentleman in tweeds and side burns with his lady companion and a tandem Photograph: Matthew Sparkes Photograph: guardian.co.uk The Tweed Run also raised £1,400 for Bike4Africa, a charity that takes second-hand bicycles to the continent for redistribution Photograph: Matthew Sparkes Photograph: guardian.co.uk