Back for its eighth glorious year—and possibly the only race on the planet where you can witness forty determined adults hurtling uphill on contraptions last seen in sepia photographs—the annual penny farthing hill climb is as eccentric as Britain gets, which is saying something.
The course, an open-road time trial, is 4.69 kilometres of gentle masochism, with an elevation gain of 150 metres. That’s roughly equivalent to stacking the Leaning Tower of Pisa on top of itself four times, then riding up it. The riders set off at one-minute intervals, beginning just outside The Grand Hotel by the Western Lawns—an elegant setting that contrasts magnificently with the sight of a man in Lycra wobbling away on a bicycle with a wheel the size of a dining table.
The climb to Beachy Head is not, strictly speaking, Everest, but it does demand a certain grit—especially when you consider the distinct lack of gears and brakes on a penny farthing. The fastest competitors somehow manage to reach the Beachy Head car park in a little over twelve minutes, which is only slightly slower than it takes the average British driver to find a parking space there on a bank holiday.
The first rider rolled off at 10am, and in a small but charming twist, the fastest competitor was sent out first. This means you can enjoy the subtle thrill of watching the slower riders being steadily reeled in by those who have clearly made more sensible breakfast choices. By about 11am, all had reached the summit—panting, grinning, and possibly questioning their life choices—at which point the much-anticipated prize-giving ceremony took place. The victor was handed the illustrious “Block of Wood” trophy, a handsome piece of timber engraved with the names of past winners, and possibly the faint scent of linseed oil.
It’s all good fun, mildly bonkers, and strangely addictive. And, really, where else in the world can you say you’ve seen a peloton of Victorian bicycles racing towards a cliff?
For results see www.beachyheadhillclimb.com
17 Comments
Vive la difference, despite what Reform UK might say.
Hill climbing is probably the safest way to race the "Penney-Farthing", because the speed is a bit slower, and, there's little possibility of going over the handle bars. I am impressed, how fast these actually are!
Britain should reform the currency back to pre-decimal. Make a current pound the new penny, so a farthing would be 25 current pence. Because, let's face it, there's not much you can buy for less than that nowadays.
It would also have the added effect of baffling all those Russian spies who are rigging any election that doesn't go Bluesky's way.
I misread and expected a farting hill climb. Quite disappointed to say the least.
Our chamapion Puerto Rico pride, competition was fierce congrats fidel.
Helmets are not historically accurate.
Has the 165mm cranks entered the competition.
Tour de France and the Vuelta need to add this to their time trials. 😂😂😂 Medical cars stand by.
Super fun 🙂
Why the hell not, and not a single item from Rapha in sight!!
The thing about penny farthings that has always stood out to me is how incredibly aero they are.
Didn't expect it to be fast
Who builds penny farthing wheels??
Legends 🙌
Brilliant fun!
So THIS is what they mean by a mullet wheel configuration!
These riders should be wearing top hats and tailcoats.