What an extraordinary event! The Penny Farthing Club, in collaboration with the historic Pickwick Bicycle Club, made headlines by setting 12 new Guinness World Records titles last weekend. Taking place over three action-packed days at Herne Hill Velodrome and the Olympic Velodrome in Stratford (Lee Valley VeloPark) this unique celebration brought together the largest gathering of penny farthings and riders seen this century.

The event showcased a stunning tribute to the Victorian-era invention with a mix of current Guinness World Record holders, passionate enthusiasts and even beginners coming together to embrace the thrill of these iconic bicycles. Daredevil displays such as one-legged pedalling, no-handed riding and high-speed sprints were highlights as riders pushed their limits to break new records.

The Penny Farthing Guinness World Records Extravaganza was sponsored by aptly named southeast housebuilder Pennyfarthing Homes whose generosity made the entire event possible.

The new world records include (full list at the end of the press release):

• The fastest female and male completing 1 km on a penny farthing with no hands

• The greatest distance on a penny farthing with one leg in one hour - male

• The fastest speed on a penny farthing – female and male

The final record of the weekend was a thrilling and tense stretch of time, as 140 penny farthing riders participated in an impressive stack.  In this unique challenge, the cycles were lined up in height order with each rider holding onto the next bike for balance.  The coordination and teamwork required were immense and after an initial false start, the group managed to achieve this remarkable feat and the last record of the weekend was secured.

Pennyfarthing Homes' Director, Danny Adams, known for his love of sports comments:

“It was a privilege to be a part of this weekend and we are delighted with the success of the Guinness World Record Extravaganza. Seeing so many penny farthing riders enjoying the thrills of the weekend together was incredible.  I am very proud to have been able to take part and now have two Guinness World Records to my name. The team at Pennyfarthing Homes team is used to winning awards for our high-quality homes – but being part of breaking so many Guinness World Records was a different experience entirely!”

Among the record-breakers were several high-profile figures, including extreme cyclist Richard Thoday and long-distance cyclist, British cyclist and Global Cycling Network presenter Chris Opie. BBC Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine also took part in the penny farthing stack record.

Vine comments: “That was certainly a weekend to remember. It has been well over a century since so many penny farthing riders gathered in London and the atmosphere of the event was superb. Congratulations to all my fellow Guinness World Record-breakers, and thanks to the Pennyfarthing Homes team for sponsoring this imaginative event.”

Craig Glenday, Editor in Chief at Guinness World Records said: “What an extraordinary weekend of record breaking! The sight of so many of these elegant, iconic bicycles from a bygone era smashing so many speed records on a velodrome - with the odd top hat perched on top of the cycle helmets! - was a joy to witness. It was a genuine privilege to adjudicate records as history was being written, and I was particularly honoured to be able to officially oversee the women's one-hour record - a race that was more than 150 years overdue! Congratulations to Neil and the Penny Farthing Club for staging such a well-organized and successful meet.”

Imagination and creativity are at the core of the housing developments that the Pennyfarthing Homes team designs and builds, along with a deep commitment to customer service. The family-run business is devoted to creating communities that residents love, and this commitment to delivering exceptional experiences was certainly in evidence at the Penny Farthing Guinness World Records Extravaganza.

Another of those taking part in the weekend's record-breaking rides was entrepreneur and adventurer Neil Laughton. The former army officer comments:

“What a remarkable achievement. I was proud to be part of attempting to break so many Guinness World Records alongside such a lively bunch of penny farthing enthusiasts. What a great way to pay homage to the UK's cycling history while enjoying the challenge of riding one of the country's most iconic bicycles.”

As the adrenaline of setting the records fades, the Pennyfarthing Homes team is once more turning its attention to supporting property buyers and delivering social value. The firm supports a wide range of buyers to enjoy high-quality homes, including by providing a range of offers and incentives.

For further details on Pennyfarthing Homes, please visit https://www.pennyfarthinghomes.co.uk/
For a link to photos please click here: https://we.tl/t-bPcK8RdvN8
For a link to a round-up video please click here: https://we.tl/t-EbRYFVLzO4

RECORDS BROKEN:RECORDS BROKEN:

1. The greatest distance on a penny farthing in one hour (female) is 26.199 km (16.279 mi), achieved by Melissa Eisdell (UK) at the Herne Hill Velodrome in London, UK, on 11 October 2024. 

2. The fastest 1 km on a penny farthing with no hands (female) is 2 min 11.998 sec, achieved by Evi Dumon (Belgium) at the Herne Hill Velodrome in London, UK, on 11 October 2024. 

3. The fastest 1 km on a penny farthing with no hands (male) is 2 min 7.294 sec, achieved by Neil Laughton (UK) at the Herne Hill Velodrome in London, UK, on 11 October 2024. 

4. The greatest distance on a penny farthing with one leg in one hour (male) is 20.294 km (12.610 mi), achieved by Alberto Bona (Italy) at the Herne Hill Velodrome in London, UK, on 11 October 2024. 

5. The fastest speed on a penny farthing (female) is 38.09 km/h (23.67 mph), achieved by Evi Dumon (Belgium) at the Herne Hill Velodrome in London, UK, on 12 October 2024. 

6. The fastest speed on a penny farthing (male) is 39.70 km/h (24.67 mph), achieved by Roger Davies (UK) at the Herne Hill Velodrome in London, UK, on 12 October 2024. 

7. The fastest speed on a penny farthing (male) is 41.56 km/h (25.82 mph), achieved by Guy Banham (UK) at the Herne Hill Velodrome in London, UK, on 12 October 2024. 

8. The largest penny farthing race in a velodrome is 58 riders and took place as part of the Penny Farthing Extravaganza Weekend at the Herne Hill Velodrome in London, UK, on 12 October 2024. 

9. The fastest 1 km on a penny farthing (female) is 2 min 22.320 sec, achieved by Julie Woodward (UK) at the Herne Hill Velodrome in London, UK, on 12 October 2024. 

10. The fastest 1 km on a penny farthing (male) is 1 min 30.103 sec, achieved by Chris Opie (UK) at the Herne Hill Velodrome in London, UK, on 12 October 2024. 

11. The greatest distance on a penny farthing in one hour (female, paced) is 24.785 km (15.400 mi), achieved by Melissa Eisdell (UK), with Julie Woodward (UK) and Evi Dumon (Belgium), at the Herne Hill Velodrome in London, UK, on 12 October 2024. 

12. The longest penny-farthing stack is 140 riders, achieved as part of the Penny Farthing Extravaganza Weekend at the Lee Valley VeloPark in London, UK, on 13 October 2024.

 -ENDS-  

Notes to editors Pennyfarthing Homes, based in New Milton, Hampshire, is a family-owned business with over 40 years of housebuilding experience. Building homes of the highest standards with innovative style, quality and outstanding craftsmanship, the company has won a multitude of awards over this time. Find out more: https://www.pennyfarthinghomes.co.uk

PR contact: Pennyfarthinghomespr@oraclepr.co.uk