I’m all for diversity, BUT . . .
Not sure if you saw the photos & video of the penny farthing rider who completed this year’s Dunwich Dynamo:
OK, that might seem a little extreme, but then again Von Smallhaussen and I did the same event on a tandem lit up like a christmas tree, so who are we to judge?
I mean, it’s not as if anyone was racing a penny farthing, is it? That would be just plain crazy, wouldn’t it . . .
(video via Bike Curious )
That first video is great- what bikes are all about: diversity, fun and respect. Great stuff.
When the first buswent past I thought “§$%& that was close” Then I remembered that’s normal in the UK.
on my way to the pool today I saw a guy riding his unicycle going down quite a steep hill.
What do you mean, Andy, those buses gave the bikes LOADS of room… you’ve been out of the UK too long, obviously!
My reaction was similar to Andy’s, except I’ve really not had a bus anything like that close since moving over here. In fact, this is the closest I’ve come to a bus in the last two years when cycling.
Oh, and on the penny farthing racing thing… When I raced with the British Human Powered Club in Britain, we’d sometimes get someone joining in on a penny. The contrast with the “high-tech” of the recumbents was amusing, but within the restrictions of having just one not very high gear (the wheel size can’t be much bigger than 50″ as you couldn’t reach the pedals), some of the riders were very quick.
They’re not hard to ride, but they are a bit terrifying. You’re so far up, and the long and flexible tube down to the back wheel results in them being a bit wobbly.
That *gurl* on the penny was well cool. Respect to her. Don’t think I’d ever ride one in traffic, but you never know… She looked bloody marvellous.
Bikes are about getting out there & having fun. I’m all for diversity.
The ultimate in fixed gear bikes! I just might to buy a 6th bike!