Friends build homemade penny farthing for Surbiton Tricyclingathon

Two friends have built a homemade penny farthing inspired by a 19th century bicycle mechanic from Surbiton.

The bicycle will be the star turn at this year's Tricyclingathon on Saturday, September 15 - a chance for cyclists to display their best Victorian moustaches if they have them and dress up as characters from the era. John Keen was one of the first men to build a penny farthing in Britain and was based in Surbiton. He gained international notoriety both as a professional cyclist and as a manufacturer of bicycles.

Gareth Howell who specialises in custom bike work thought up the idea. Gareth said they were planning on researching the outfits of John Keen, who was born in 1849, for inspiration on the day. There will be three races starting and finishing at Claremont Gardens, Surbiton, from 11am with food and entertainment on Saturday 15 September.

There is a 44 mile ride for experienced bikers, an 11 mile cycle for fun and a family cycle for vintage, steampunk and fancy dress cyclists.

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