bikes

Bikes are such a pure form of transport, not changing a huge amount since being invented in 1817.

Bikes are a tool, you (mostly) need one for a specific job. Whether fixed gear for ruining your knees on the downhill, a slick tyred road bike hammering out the miles, a touring bike with pannier racks for exploring the beautiful land we live on, or a Penny Farthing to see where you're going.

Whatever the type of bike, and for whatever reason, get out a ride more!

mountain biking

If you're going to go Mountain Biking, do it in the mountains. Here are some videos of a few mates and I messing about in the Alps;

Penny Farthing

My Grandmother kindly left me a Penny farthing in her will. I'm planning to ride the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run one day - after the bike's had a rebuild. I also need to find some 'moustash handlebars', so there's enough space for my legs to operate!

My wife bought me a Penny Farthing lesson on a modern PF. They are a wild ride, so different to any other bike, and surprisingly easy!

Ben PF Start.mp4

Ben PF Ride

The Penny Farthing / High Wheel / High Wheeler / Ordinary is an early bicycle, popular in the 1870s and 1880s. Sprockets, chains and gears as we know them today weren't prevelant, and personal transport was usually a horse - hence the large front wheel. Speed and distance were a combination of the radius of the front wheel, and how fast (cadence) you could pedal.

If you fancy a go yoruself, check out the Penny Farthing Club.

Chase the Sun

Every now and again, it's good to challenge yourself.

Chase the Sun is an awesome event and highly recommended. c.200 miles in a day, sunrise to (before?) sunset.

I did the UK South route in 2024 with a couple of friends to celebrate a big-0 birthday of mine - looking forward to doing the other 3 rides now.

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