BIG WHEEL KEEP ON TURNING
... AND THE REALLY TINY ONE, TOO
BIKE lovers are set for a wheelie good time when the 2018 Victorian Penny Farthing Championships and Classic Bicycle Show rolls into town on December 2.
From the whimsical penny farthing — the original pedalling machine popular in the 1870s and 1880s — to the Aussie classic Malvern Star, all bicycles will be celebrated at the event at Geelong West Oval and velodrome.
Geelong’s Pat and Robin Evans can’t wait to ride their high-wheelers in races on the day and admire everyone else’s machine in the show and shine and great parade.
“The highlight of course will be the penny farthing races and championship race for ladies,” Ms Evans said.
“We have some ladies coming from interstate and other Victorian riders, and that’s a special treat because there aren’t many ladies that ride penny farthings.
“We have quite a number of fine gentlemen riders from teenagers to our oldest rider, David Axon, who is 80.
“Being able to ride a penny farthing is marvellous, because it gives you a different view of the world. You have the wind in your hair and you’re riding along. It’s splendid.”
The event, running in conjunction with Geelong Cycling Club, also includes a swap meet, stalls and a feature display celebrating the Malvern Star. All the action begins with the swap meet at 9am, before penny farthing races at 10am. Visit geelongcycling.com for more information.