Penny Farthing Race at 1928 Olympics
twitter.comOdd that they would do that in 1928, as penny farthing bicycles were pretty much obsolete by 1900. I assume this was an exhibition race. Source: grew up riding these, my family collects them.
Wow! What’s the dynamic like compared to “regular” bicycles? Transferable skill?
My feeling was 20s when this was a thing was a bit of that boom time, Gatsby, roaring art deco era. Gels with the style.
If you can ride a regular bicycle, you can ride a penny farthing. Getting on and off is the trick (there’s a small step on the frame above the small wheel). Once you’re in the saddle, just ride like you normally would. Watch out for potholes, or over the top you go. But I’ve put a few folks on mine while friends hold the bike, and they’ve had no problems riding it.
That said, they are very dangerous as they tip forward way too easily if you’re leaning too far forward or bombing down a hill, and it is a long way down. Everyone I know who has ridden for any length of time (as in, years of riding 100 mile rides (oh, yes, people ride them that far), parades, and the like) has been seriously hurt, myself included.
Incredible! I imagine the extra height doesn't help for the hurting. Tho it must be a blast riding so high