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Penny Farthing in Evandale

Once a year in northern Tasmania, the small village of Evandale takes a step back in history. Enthusiastic cyclists meet and ride these gracious antiques called Penny Farthings, Highwheelers or Ordinary Bicycles at the National Penny Farthing Championships.

This kind of bicycles was popular back in the 1870´s and 1880´s. At the time they were simply known as “bicycles”. Only later and due to their proportions they were named after the big and small British coins Penny and Farthing.

The first Penny Farthing race in Evandale took place in 1983. Since then the event acquired quite a reputation across Australia as well as overseas. Participants and spectators are coming from all over Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Ireland, Czech Republic, England, Germany and many more countries to be a part of this annual event, enjoy the great atmosphere and meet other Penny Farthing enthusiast.

Last February, this social event had a race to suit everyone´s expectations like the skilful slow race, the scary slalom, the unexpectedly fast 200-meters sprint, and a lot more disciplines to enjoy. Next to the races lots of entertainment with music, wide variety of stalls and a parade can be seen. All in all Evandale turns into a great colonial country fair.