I am in awe that people still race Penny Farthings. Every year—including this past February 2026. On purpose. The thing has a giant front wheel, no real brakes, and if you hit a rough patch, you’re going headfirst over the bars — they actually call that a “header.” The World Championship course in Eastbourne is nearly 3 miles uphill. One gear. No brakes. Riders show up in full Victorian kit like it’s totally normal.

The art of riding a high-wheeler is the art of falling gracefully.