Members of the Penny Farthing Club, already renowned for their extraordinary record-breaking achievements, are preparing to push the limits once again with an ambitious series of eight new Guinness World Record attempts this August.
The event will take place at Palmer Park Velodrome, Wokingham Road, Reading (RG6 1LF), with support from REDA (Reading’s Economy & Destination Agency). Proceedings will begin at 5:00pm on Thursday 6th August and continue throughout Friday 7th August, bringing together some of the world’s most accomplished penny farthing riders for a spectacle of endurance, speed and skill.
The Penny Farthing Club is no stranger to success on the global stage, holding numerous Guinness World Records including the largest number of penny farthing riders in a velodrome race, the fastest speeds over multiple distances, and even the largest number of riders balanced in a stack. This latest event will see riders attempt to add eight more titles to their already impressive tally.
The Record Attempts
The eight Guinness World Records being attempted are:
- Furthest distance travelled without dismounting
- Furthest distance travelled in 24 hours
- Fastest 100 km
- Longest continuous penny farthing ride (male, no hands)
- Fastest speed over 100m (male)
- Furthest distance in one hour (female)
- Furthest distance in one hour on a tandem penny farthing
- Fastest 1km on a penny farthing (female)
World-Class Riders
All participants are highly experienced and recognised figures within the niche but competitive world of penny farthing riding and racing. Riders include:
- Richard Thoday – Current holder of the Land’s End to John O’Groats Guinness World Record
- Melissa Eisdell – Current holder of the furthest distance in one hour (female)
- Neil Laughton – Current holder of eight penny farthing Guinness World Records
- Rolf Woodward
- Guy Banham
- Mark Jefferson
- Chloe Trigg
- Rufus Flann
- Tim Maltin
Public Welcome
This unique and visually striking event is free for the public to attend, with spectators encouraged to come along and support the riders at any point during the 24-hour record-setting period – even during the early hours between 03:00 and 04:00.
With a blend of historic cycling tradition and modern-day endurance challenges, the event promises to be a memorable occasion for both participants and spectators alike.
