Penny farthing rider one of 140 record-breakers

A Gloucestershire penny farthing rider was one of 140 enthusiasts from all over the world who broke a world record in London on Sunday.

Mel Glass was at the Penny Farthing Guinness World Record Extravaganza with fellow riders from the US, Sweden, Germany, Italy, and France.

He was part of the world's longest penny farthing "stack", with 140 riders forming a self-supporting line and holding their position for three minutes.

A total of 12 records were set during the weekend, at what Mr Glass said was "a unique event".

The extravaganza took place at the Herne Hill Velodrome, Dulwich Park, and the London Olympic Velodrome in Stratford.

Other records broken included the greatest distance travelled in one hour with no hands, which was 16.15 miles (26km), and the largest penny farthing race in a velodrome, which comprised of 58 people.

Mr Glass said the gathering was "a once in a lifetime experience".

Ahead of the event, he explained the challenges of the stack to the BBC, explaining riders must not fall off as they stand side-by-side.

He said: "You have to keep the bikes upright by holding the handlebars of the bicycle at either side of you.

"So we lock ourselves together, and then we have to get over 100 of those bicycles up and it won't all happen at the same time, so some people will be staying up for quite a long time, and that's the other challenge.

"It's a bit like a line of dominoes."

The previous world record was 131 riders.

Mr Glass rides around Gloucester on his modern penny farthing in Edwardian clothing, but also has a Victorian outfit, complete with top hat, made during the era on Barton Street in the city.

"Every ride on a penny farthing is an occasion to get dressed up," he said.

"Quite often, I'm out there in Edwardian tweeds, plus-fours, bright socks, and a bowler hat because it feels right."

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