Penny Farthing

[Dave Barter]

Massive shot in the dark here.

I need to ride a penny farthing in the name of research for an article I am writing (FFS first ever sub 24 double century recorded was on one...how!) I don't suppose anyone on here has one or knows of someone who could let me have a go?

[Dan_K]

Dave, can I please just be the voice of reason here and just ask that you take a step back and think this through thoroughly?
Or please at least film it.

[ianfitz]

There was a guest at a friends wedding last year who had a Victorian penny farthing and also a mini modern one. He was happy to let people ride the mini one but not the 'proper one'

email stu@acceleratuk.co.uk and ask him if he could put you in touch..,

[Dave Barter]

Thanks Ian but it needs to be the proper one. I might ask Freda at the cycling museum in Llandridnod but I doubt their insurance would go near me.

It will definitely be filmed. I've ridden a unicycle before, how hard can it be?

[Bearbonesnorm]

I might ask Freda at the cycling museum in Llandridnod but I doubt their insurance would go near me.

I was just going to suggest the National Cycling Museum.

[Dave Barter]

Thing is I really need someone who knows how to ride one and has an original as this is the predicate for the piece I am writing. Freda is lovely but I suspect she does not often throw her leg over a penny farthing.

[Wotsits]

Somebody here might be able to help Dave

http://www.thecourtyardknutsford.co.uk/museum.htm

[Ian]

Tats and Beards had one at Bespoked this year, but it was a big one. You needed to be 6' to get on it I think.

[Dave Barter]

Maybe if I wore my wife's heels?

[Wotsits]

Also check this dude out with his dynamo hub rear wheel so he can run his strava, wonder if he's got any kom's!

http://pennyfarthingmadness.blogspot.co.uk/

[RobMac]

Maybe if I wore my wife's heels?

Like youve never done that before

[Alpinum]

Also check this dude out with his dynamo hub rear wheel so he can run his strava, wonder if he's got any kom's!

http://pennyfarthingmadness.blogspot.co.uk/

Good stuff
Gosh, wide handle bars have come a long way

[mountainbaker]

My old man has a few mates with Penny Farthings, they're all member of the Veteran Cycle Club I believe, might be worth getting in touch with them.

http://www.v-cc.org.uk/

[VeganGraham]

I've got one.
This might be a problem though; "...I really need someone who knows how to ride one and has an original..." as mine's a modern reproduction and I've only wobbled along a short distance on it twice since I bought it.
The road where I live isn't really suitable for practising, however, this thread could be the motivation I need as http://stourportsportsclub.co.uk/index. ... ycle-track is only a couple of miles away and I keep saying I'll lash it on the roof of the Land Rover and take it down there to have a proper go. I just checked their calendar and it's a public session tomorrow...

Anyway, I'm in Worcestershire if that's any good.
Obviously, I'm a bit wary of offering to lend a bike to a stranger, but if you can ride a unicycle, I guess you should soon get the hang of an ordinary.
It's a 52" wheel, so you'd need to be about 6' with a 34" inside leg to reach the pedals properly.

[Dave Barter]

Graham

I'd not thought of the height thing so maybe I could never ride one (5'8") but the article could work if I can come and watch you try. I am not far from you so if you are happy I'll PM you.

Cheers
Dave

[99percentchimp]

mountainbaker wrote
My old man has a few mates with Penny Farthings, they're all member of the Veteran Cycle Club I believe, might be worth getting in touch with them.
http://www.v-cc.org.uk/

Dave, I was at an Islabike family day a few years ago and there was a bloke there with his PF who was a member of the Veteran Cycle Club. Very friendly and let me have a go on his after the safety talk. He seemed very keen to let others have a go - bordering on the evangelical about them. I'm sure if you got in touch you'd find them helpful.

You apparently need to be careful once you hop off the rear steps into the saddle not to jam your feet on pedals... causes a sudden stop and an OTBs (but you don't go over the bars 'cos they're across your lap). Landing on both wrists from 10' up is not recommended apparently. Getting off can be fun too - make sure you don't stick your feet in the spokes when you are 'feeling' for the rear steps. The forks flex like mad too!

Fantastic experience - I remember feeling so far out of my comfort zone doing something so strange - rare as an adult. Giggled for hours afterwards.