Penny Farthing Passes Ecomobile! (1992)

I took this photo during my memorable three weeks with the original 'Old Blue Machine' in the autumn of 1992. It was taken in colour, but this is a scan of the black&white version which appeared in the article I wrote about the whole adventure for SuperBike magazine. The location was close to Gatwick airport, on the A217, about half way between London and Brighton during the famous Veteran Car run for vehicles first registered before 1904. I was amused that my passenger, Ludmila, and I were cosy and dry in the Eco while most of the car drivers were cold and wet in the rain.
This penny farthing cyclist was an absolute hero, pedalling through the inclement weather for more than 50 miles at a better pace than half the cars! At the time, I had never ridden a penny farthing, but now that I have, my respect for the man is even greater, because it's one of the scariest things I've ever done!
I am belatedly uploading this photo a few days before the 2018 Pioneer Run for Pre-1914 motorcycles, from Epsom to Brighton, which this year takes place on March 18th. PNB
Photo: © Paul Blezard

Penny Farthing Passes Ecomobile! (1992)