Do I DARE try to ride a Penny Farthing High Wheel Bicycle?

I borrowed this Penny-Farthing bicycle, as I always wanted to try to ride one. I was apprehensive about getting on and off, but with my neighbors, wife, and friends, I am giving it a try.
The first Penny farthing was invented in 1871 by British engineer, James Starley.
The Penny-Farthing, also known as a high wheeler was the first machine to be called a "bicycle". The name came from the British Penny and Farthing coins, one much larger than the other, so that the side view resembles a penny leading a farthing.
The large wheel allowed each turn of the pedals to drive the bicycle a greater distance, and also allowed for a smoother ride over the cobbled streets and uneven roads of the period.
Old-fashioned bikes didn't use gears, so the only way to go faster was to have a bigger wheel. Old roads were in poor condition, and the large wheel could roll over potholes and small rocks. It led to a smoother ride than smaller-wheel bikes, which were often called bone-shakers.
1 turn of the pedals moves the bicycle 3.142 x 1.5 metres forward, i.e. 4.7 metres. Turning the pedals 100 times in a minute will move the bike 471 metres. Maintaining a spin speed of 100 rpm (revolutions per minute) for one hour will move the bike 28 KM (i.e. just under 18 mph).

The Penny Farthing came after the development of the 'Hobbyhorse', and the French 'Velocipede or 'Boneshaker', and "Ordinary", which were all the versions of early bikes.

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Dave Herbert

[nishbrown]

Solid rubber tires.
I learned how to ride on those in the '70s.
Avoid wet pavement at all costs, unless you hate your elbows and knees.
Wow, impressive.
Great stuff.

[NightFlyyer]

I borrowed this Penny-Farthing bicycle, as I always wanted to try to ride one. I was apprehensive about getting on and off, but with my neighbors, wife, and friends, I am giving it a try.
The first Penny farthing was invented in 1871 by British engineer, James Starley.
The Penny-Farthing, also known as a high wheeler was the first machine to be called a "bicycle". The name came from the British Penny and Farthing coins, one much larger than the other, so that the side view resembles a penny leading a farthing.

[reginalp]

Dave Once a Marine always a Marine no matter how Old and that takes a lot of Guts Marine, Great Ride

[gikar]

Amazing how slow you rode and still kept your balance. Well done. I did expect you to do a few jumps off a ramp. 😎😎

[johnnoble]

Bloke who designed these had no idea about bicycles! 😄

[WORRO]

Ha! Nicely done Sir 👍🏻 that was Amazing My Friend!!~John

[monkfry]

You know why that bicycle can’t stand up on its own? Because it’s too tired!! Badamp Psh, But Seriously folks, the hardest part of riding a bike is the pavement Nice run Dave!

[WampumGirl]

You are brave big brother. I am proud of you as always. Great video. Fun to watch. Made me nervous. Glad you didn't fall.

[oilswoodhome]

That was great! You really nailed the dismount.
Would it have been better, if there was a mounting peg on both sides or even one in the center of the back? I guess having it on the left side is a draw back from horse back riding.
Which ever side it was on my knees would say no.
Thanks for riding that for all of us.

[mta]

I rode a penny farthing in the parking lot of the Ontario Science Centre in about 70.

[erfinderwerkstatt]

Awesome! If modern bikes were that high, more people would wear a helmet, too! :-)

[stuartpeters]

Another inspirational awesome video, thank you sir.

[wolverin]

Wow im jelous, theres no way i can try these where im at. Youre lucky...

[Kae]

As I get older (just turned 60 last week) I find my bucket list becoming more important to me. Experiences like getting a ride on a B-17 several years ago are what make life magical. I'm going a a sailing trip at some point this summer. Parachuting is on the list as well. Hmmmm ... Boneshaker huh? ...

[ravensburgpiet]

Im glad you got that off your bucketlist geezz.

[twickersruss]

Well done! I think you would have been able to mount it without the step ladder after a few more trys!

[marto]

good one Dave, well done. Such an awkward looking machine

[wamplertube]

So much fun! I have some boneshaker experience myself!

[sinformant]

Awesome! Imagine building a modern bicycle with two of those large wheels lol that'd handle all kinds of terrain without you even feeling a single bump

[Appolloscott]

You Sir are my hero, boldly go where most men are afraid to go.