I had no idea that this was a thing until I drove past a sign this morning for a local Penny Farthing annual race a few miles from me in Eastbourne. Unfortunately I’m busy on Sunday else I’d be heading to watch it.
It’s a mildly bonkers route for a penny farthing up the steep, narrow and twisty Beachy Head Road. ‘Only’ 3 miles long but no flat or down bits.
Not tempted to get a penny farthing but hopefully will have the time to watch next year…
Great review and video of last years event on the same route
There was a now-defunct ride that was held for about 40 years in suburban Denver called the Elephant Rock. I used to see this guy on the ride every year.
Not sure if he was doing the 40 mile, 100km, or 100 mile route (doubt it was the last!). The 40 mile route is about 2900 ft of climbing and the 100 km was about 4500 feet. I was always amazed!
We have a 3000km brevet (not a race) across the length of New Zealand. Given it includes a heap of gravel, lots of single track and some insane MTB tracks, I was absolutely flabbergasted wheb someone did it on a Unicycle!!!
Is truly amazing what some people can ride. Penny Farthings are absolutely fascinating.
