PENNY Farthing riders from all over the world will be heading to Cheshire for a unique challenge.
The Great Race is only held every 10 years and returns to Knutsford from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday, September 10.
Thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets to watch competitors in plus fours and tweeds or fancy dress race past.
The challenging circuit winds its way round the town centre in a clockwise direction, starting and finishing on Moorside.
The event is a test of skill, endurance and most of all, bravery.
So far, 104 riders from as far afield as New Zealand, America, Germany and France have signed up.
The racer who completes the most laps in three hours will win the coveted Stockdale trophy, named after the town’s ‘elder statesman of the Penny Farthing’ who came up with the idea in 1980.
Mike Peacock, who is organising the event with Matt Freeman, said: “The race started as a bet between Glyn Stockdale and another rider to see who could ride the furthest quickest.
“They invited more riders to join them and the race grew from there.”
Gold, silver and bronze medals will be given to the top three ladies, men and teams who complete the 1km circuit.
Every competitor will receive a medal and there is a prize for the best costume.
“All riders are welcome from novices to serious racers,” said Mike.
“Some wear lycra, others tweed, so whether it’s a need for speed or just an excuse to dress up, there’s something for everyone.
“It is a wonderful family day out with the emphasis on fun, thrills and hopefully no spills.”
Riding these ancient bikes, perched on saddles six feet off the ground, is not for the faint-hearted.
“It is quite dangerous,” said Mike, explaining that doctors and St John Ambulance will be on standby.
“It is a tough race.”
Keen cyclist Mike only discovered a passion for these antique machines when he watched the last event 2010.
“I had never ridden a Penny Farthing,” he said.
“I said I’d love to ride one and my wife Lynsey bought me one for Christmas.”
The rest is history as Mike is now the proud owner of five Penny Farthings and is course marshall for this year’s race.
“It takes about 30 minutes to learn how to get on and off and you spend the rest of your life perfecting that,” said Mike.
“I go out every weekend riding round Knutsford. People give you time and raise a smile.
“It can be tricky riding in traffic as there are no brakes. You have to read the road all the time.”
Volunteers have spent months painstaking preparing complex logistics, including risk assessments, road safety and traffic management.
“There’s a lot to do, it is not easy to organise,” said Mike.
“We’ve had to ensure all the infrastructure is ready to host the race.
“It is a fantastic charity event. It is just trying to give something back to the local community.”
The Moor will be the hub of the event with music, stalls, food, drink and other attractions.
The Great Race will be raising funds for Northwich-based The Joshua Tree, a children’s cancer charity.
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