Penny Farthing Cycle Rally in England in Memory of Thomas Stevens
Imagine cycling on a road, but instead of your regular cycle, you’re sitting on a giant wheel with pedals attached right on top. Your feet are far above the ground, and behind you is a tiny wheel trying to balance it all. That, my friend, is the Penny Farthing cycle – one of the oldest and most iconic bicycles in history.
Recently, the streets of England witnessed something truly special, a Penny Farthing Cycle Rally organized in memory of Thomas Stevens, the first man ever to cycle around the world. People dressed in old-fashioned clothes, mounted these giant-wheeled cycles, and rode across 37 kilometers, recreating a piece of history that once fascinated the world.
Who Was Thomas Stevens?
- Born in England in 1854, Stevens became famous for one extraordinary feat – he was the first person to travel around the world on a bicycle.
- And not just any bicycle – he did it on a Penny Farthing, the strange-looking cycle with a giant front wheel and a tiny back wheel.
- His journey began in 1884 from San Francisco, USA, and over the next three years, he cycled across North America, Europe, the Middle East, India, China, and Japan, before finally returning to the US.
In those times, traveling even by train or ship was a big deal. But here was a man pedaling across deserts, mountains, and countries with no proper roads, no GPS, and no cycle gears – only determination and courage.
His journey was later published in the book Around the World on a Bicycle, which inspired generations of adventurers.
What Is a Penny Farthing?
Now, let’s talk about the star of the rally, the Penny Farthing cycle.
- It was invented in the 1870s and became one of the first popular bicycles in the world.
- The big front wheel represents the penny, and the small back wheel represents the farthing.
- Riders had to climb up to sit on it, almost like climbing onto a horse.
- Because of its high seat and giant wheel, it could go faster than earlier bicycles.
However, it was also very risky. Falling from that height often caused serious injuries, which is why the safer “safety bicycle” (the normal cycle we know today) eventually replaced it.
Still, the Penny Farthing remains a symbol of adventure and history, a reminder of where cycling began.
The Rally – A Journey Through History
The rally in England was organized to celebrate Thomas Stevens’ adventurous spirit and his cycling achievements. Here’s what made it special:
- The Route
Cyclists rode 37 kilometers across the countryside, on Penny Farthings, just like Stevens once did on his world journey. - Traditional Clothing
To make it more authentic, many riders dressed in Victorian-era outfits – waistcoats, hats, boots, and even striped socks, taking everyone back to the 1800s. - Celebrating Cycling Heritage
It wasn’t just about riding an old bicycle; it was about celebrating the history of cycling and honoring the man who pushed its limits. - Community Spirit
Hundreds of cycling enthusiasts and spectators joined in, cheering for the riders and reliving a forgotten chapter of transport history.
Why Celebrate Thomas Stevens Today?
You might wonder why remember a man who cycled in the 1800s? What does it mean in today’s world of electric cars, bullet trains, and airplanes?
The answer lies in the values his journey represents:
- Courage – Imagine starting a world tour with no map, no phone, no backup team. Just one man and his bicycle.
- Exploration – Stevens showed the world that travel was not just for the rich with ships and carriages; even a simple cycle could take you places.
- Innovation – His story reflects how far human creativity can go, turning even a bicycle into a tool for global adventure.
Inspiration – For modern cyclists, his story is a reminder that cycling is more than sport – it’s freedom, endurance, and connection with the world.
Cycling Then vs Cycling Now
To put things in perspective, let’s compare cycling in Stevens’ time and today:
| Aspect | 1880s (Thomas Stevens’ Time) | Today |
| Bicycle | Penny Farthing, heavy, no gears, risky | Lightweight cycles, gears, mountain bikes, electric cycles |
| Roads | Dirt paths, uneven tracks, no cycle lanes | Paved roads, highways, cycling tracks |
| Travel Support | No maps, no hotels, limited food | GPS, hotels, energy bars, cycle repair shops |
| Safety | Very risky, frequent falls | Helmets, safety gear, smooth rides |
| Distance Covered | Thousands of kilometers over 3 years | Long rides possible in days with modern bikes |
This comparison shows just how extraordinary Stevens’ journey really was.
The Symbolism of Penny Farthing Today
Even though the Penny Farthing is no longer used as a practical vehicle, it has become a symbol of cycling heritage. Owning or riding one today is like owning a piece of history.
- It reminds us of the early days of human transport innovation.
- It represents boldness and adventure.
- It adds a touch of nostalgia, taking us back to a time when even simple inventions were life-changing.
That’s why rallies like this are important – they keep history alive.
The Rally Experience – Voices from Riders
Participants described the rally as:
- “It felt like stepping back in time. Riding a Penny Farthing is not just about cycling – it’s about balancing courage and history.”
- “We wanted to honor Thomas Stevens, who did something unimaginable in his era. This rally is our tribute to his adventurous spirit.”
- “People on the roads cheered and clapped – it felt like being part of a moving museum.
Lessons for the Modern World
Thomas Stevens’ life and the Penny Farthing rally give us lessons that are still relevant today:
- Adventure Doesn’t Need Luxury – You don’t need the best gear or high technology to explore the world. Sometimes, determination is enough.
- History Inspires Innovation – Looking back at inventions like the Penny Farthing helps us appreciate how far we’ve come.
- Community and Culture Matter – Events like these bring people together, reminding us of shared history and values.
Sustainability – At a time when the world worries about pollution, cycling remains one of the most eco-friendly transport modes.
Conclusion
The Penny Farthing Cycle Rally in England was not just about riding a strange old bicycle. It was a journey back into history, honoring a man who believed in the power of two wheels to change the world.
Thomas Stevens’ story teaches us that courage, curiosity, and persistence can take us anywhere – whether across countries or through life’s challenges. The Penny Farthing, once a revolutionary invention, continues to inspire as a symbol of that daring spirit.
So the next time you hop on your modern cycle, remember – you’re not just riding for fitness or fun. You’re carrying forward a tradition that began with people like Stevens, who proved that a simple cycle could conquer the world.
