by Bruce Schaefer
Once a year the eyes of the world fall upon Frederick MD when the guys – and not a few gals – come out to race their hi-wheelers. These are bikes with a BIG wheel in the front and little bitty one behind, also called Penny Farthings in some quarters. Like England.
About 54 racers, including 6 ladies, appeared Saturday morning, July 15, to display their exotic contraptions and attendant riding skills as they rode them at some speed around a course through downtown Frederick. Many of the bikes they rode were genuine antiques, built between 1880 and 1920. At least one was hand-built, out of parts of old IKEA furniture; many others are from a small bikemaker in Sweden who can deliver one to you in Frederick for around $2000 – a pittance in the world of specialized bicycles.
Some riders came to compete and win; it was billed, after all, as a race. They sped around the track in spandex. Others came just to have fun, and dressed the part: old timey hats, knickers, gaudy socks, outrageous beards and hairdos. They were the people we applauded and photographed.
Here’s what we came home with:
