Riding high

Miles of smiles

Paul Makin

Journalist

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Gary is turning heads and bringing smiles to faces as he navigates the streets and roads of Port Douglas. Pictures: Paul Makin

Gary Trounson, a Port Douglas local, is turning heads and bringing smiles to faces as he navigates the streets on a bike with a history dating back over 150 years. Known as a ‘Penny Farthing’ or ‘High Wheel,’ this unique mode of transport is his natural preference.

Popular since the 1870s, this Victorian-era bike enthusiast shared with Newsport: “When I rode a normal bike, motorists abused me, but riding this type, people actually wave to you because they’re a happy bike.”

What coined the name?

The name ‘Penny Farthing’ derives from the British penny and farthing coins, with the penny being much larger than the farthing.

The side view of the bicycle resembles a larger penny (the front wheel) leading a smaller farthing (the rear wheel).

Although the trend was short-lived, the penny-farthing became a symbol of the late Victorian era, coinciding with the birth of cycling as a sport.

Crafted by Dan

Gary’s distinctive conveyance was crafted by Penny Farthing Dan from Melbourne (yes, another Dan), who ships these bikes worldwide.

In a world of disposable items and products designed for price rather than quality, Dan Bolwell’s bikes offer a different approach.

Dan has been instrumental in building a supportive penny-farthing community.

He organises regular rides, from a casual 15km ride dressed in period costume, to 80km sprints. Each bike is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail.

“He actually makes them to measure, it’s a bit like going in to be fitted for a business suit,” Gary explained.

Penny Farthing Dan is chuffed that Gary is enjoying the fruits of his labor.

“When you make bikes for people you form lifelong relationships and I never ask my customers to hand out brochures, I just ask them to have fun because the side effects have more benefits, “ he said.

Dan has promised Gary that if he wears the tyres out, he’ll give him free replacements.

Gary responded with “The solid tyres get around 25,000 kilometres before they need replacing, and so far, I’ve only done 4,000kms."

Before the pandemic Gary’s Penny Farthing was fit for competition.

“Before COVID-19 hit, there was a world championship Penny Farthing riding event in Brisbane, but during the pandemic, they cancelled it, but I’m hoping they’ll reinstate it,” Gary remarked. 

Wheel danger

Riding these bikes carries an element of danger, as the rider sits high and nearly over the front axle. When the wheel strikes rocks or potholes, the rider can be pitched forward off the bicycle headfirst. Gary, however, has a solution for that, besides wearing a helmet.

“These things don’t have brakes; if you’re good at riding them, you could put your legs over the handlebars because that would launch you away, and you won’t get tangled up in the bike,” Gary advised.

With that valuable information I’ll keep my feet firmly planted on the ground thank you very much.

If you want to catch Gary and his magnificent riding machine, you’re likely to find him at the markets in Port Douglas on a Sunday.

Gary Trounson keeping a 150-year-old tradition going.
Penny Farthing Dan is chuffed that Gary is having fun and enjoying his craftsmanship Picture: Penny Farthing Dan

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