On your bike! Man attempts toughest cycling routes in Europe on a PENNY FARTHING

An intrepid adventurer who travelled the world on a penny farthing is now attempting some of professional cycling’s toughest race routes.

Joff Summerfield will ride his homemade replica of the Victorian bicycle on five Spring Classics one-day road race courses in Europe.

The 46-year-old, who completed a 22,000-mile solo trip in 2008, will start his journey in Belgium this weekend on the Tour of Flanders route.

Warming up: Joff Summerfield cycles past Buckingham Palace in London during his training

 

 

Look, no hands! Joff on his home-made penny farthing cycling along Westminster Bridge in London

 

Then he’ll complete the Paris-Roubaix in France and the 100th edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège back in Belgium.

Next month, he hopes to take part in a time trial at the Giro d’Italia Big Start in Belfast and finish his gruelling challenge at Germany’s Velothon Berlin.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2595108/On-bike-Man-attempts-toughest-cycling-routes-Europe-PENNY-FARTHING.html#ixzz2xoLTGjiC

Taupo turns it on again

Over 8,000 participants, along with an estimated 12,000 supporters, descended on Taupo on Saturday for the 37th annual Contact Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge.

Participants of all ages and abilities took part in the iconic event, including Douglas Bates from Auckland who took on the 1 lap – 160km Bike Barn Solo at the age of 85.

Riders faced a mix of weather conditions including blue sky, blustery winds and rain at times, although it did nothing to dampen the spirits of the day at New Zealand’s largest cycling event.