Neil Laughton, 62, set a new Guinness World Record for riding the world's largest penny farthing as he used stilts to pedal a 13ft-tall version past Bank station. The feat took place at the inaugural City of London Nocturne event.
A Record Two Years in the Making
The record was almost two years in the making, as Laughton teamed up with Australian designer Dan Bolwell to construct the bicycle. It had to be sent to the UK in pieces before it was assembled and collapsed on its test run just a week before the record attempt. But the pair put in the hours to perfect the second version before Laughton pulled off the feat.
“I’m actually quite relieved,” said Laughton. “It was a long time in the planning. The bike was flown over, and last Saturday we had a trial run, but it broke. The wheel essentially snapped in half. We’ve had a frantic week rebuilding it, and I didn’t get another chance to practise.”
“Going into it, I was quite nervous that it might collapse again, especially from about 13 feet up onto concrete. I didn’t have elbow pads or much protection - just stilts and a helmet - so I was definitely hoping everything would hold together.”
Concentration and Commitment
“Thankfully, I had a slight tailwind. I’ve done quite a few challenges in my life, so I know how to focus, concentrate, and commit. That’s what I relied on to achieve this new Guinness World Record.”
“It required a lot of concentration. I didn’t want to let anyone down. My family were here, and there was a big crowd who had come to see the record attempt. Thankfully, the rebuild was strong, the bike handled well, even with the stilts, and everything came together.”
“I don’t think anyone has ridden a bicycle on stilts before, so that’s a first as well, alongside the Guinness World Record.”
A Special Achievement
“This is my twelfth Guinness World Record, and it’s right up there as one of the best. To do it in a venue like this, in the City of London, makes it even more special. I was born and raised in London, so setting a record here means a lot.”
Laughton was born in Woolwich but now lives in Sussex, where he runs the Penny Farthing Club. The club is dedicated to penny farthing polo and are set to head Stateside for three matches against the USA later this month.
“I taught myself to ride, then taught friends and colleagues, with the goal of eventually playing international penny farthing polo,” he added.
“The matches will be in El Paso, Texas, Nashville, Tennessee, and Dayton, Ohio. Beyond playing polo and attempting records, our aim is to bring new people into the sport.”
Public Reaction and Future Plans
“The reaction from the public is always fantastic; people smile, take photos, and really enjoy seeing these Victorian-era machines in action.”
“We teach thousands of people each year how to ride penny farthings. About 10 per cent continue, buy their own bikes, join the club, and take part in events, challenges, and races.”
The former Royal Marine also took part in the penny farthing race, which was won by Alexandre Voisine. Both events were part of Nocturne’s wide-ranging programme, which also saw the return of the men’s and women’s elite criterium races for the first time in eight years.
The event had become a staple of the calendar before its last event in 2018 but returned with a bang to the streets of the City. Laughton has big plans after he returns from his American tour, with his eyes on more world records.
He added: “We have an exciting event planned in Reading at Palmer Park on 6 and 7 August. We’ll be attempting a series of endurance records, including the fastest 100 kilometres, fastest 100 kilometres no-handed, a speed record, and a 24-hour distance record attempt.”
“There’s always something to aim for, and plenty more challenges ahead.”
