THREE penny farthing enthusiasts completed a 100-mile cycle ride on the Victorian-style bikes in one day.

Neil Laughton from Steyning is a skilled Penny Farthing rider, having smashed three world records last year for riding a Penny Farthing no-handed, including the greatest distance travelled in an hour at 26 kilometres.

On Sunday, the 56-year-old was joined by his friends Mark Newman and Will Laurie in a ride from Brighton Palace Pier to Bournemouth Pier.

Neil said: “Last year I rode from Land’s End to John O’Groats in ten days but we had never done 100 miles in one day.

“There was a bit of a headwind but it was fine weather.

“It’s just a mind game to get through it with the pains in your back and bum.”

Neil explained that riding a Penny Farthing takes a lot of skill and confidence due to the height and the style of the bike.

He said: “Obviously you’re more exposed as you’re ten feet in the air.

“The bike is fixed wheel with only one gear.

“Going up hills with only one fixed gear can be a struggle and downhill can be quite dangerous as well.

“As there’s no suspension you feel every bump on the ride in your spine, especially on a 100-mile ride.”

In 2013 Neil founded the Penny Farthing Club, which has grown into a community of enthusiastic riders, racers and cycle polo players.

He said: “When I was young I used to captain England at bicycle polo.

“About seven years ago I read an article about Penny Farthings gaining popularity and I wondered if you could play polo on one.

“I got some bikes and taught myself how to ride, and taught my friends and colleagues.

“I founded the Penny Farthing Club to teach people to ride and more, including skills such as racing and polo.

“Mark is opening up a chapter of the Penny Farthing Club in Brighton and there’s one in Bath as well. It’s a growing interest.”

Neil said that one of the best things about riding a Penny Farthing over a modern bicycle is the perspective you get at a greater height.

He said: “You do get great views as you’re at double the height of a normal cyclist.

“While we may not be going quite as quickly as the speed cyclists we get a great view of the countryside.

“People also love seeing the Penny Farthing bicycle and everyone toots their horn or waves and takes photos.

“The reception is extremely warm and really puts a smile on people’s faces so it’s a great thing to be doing.”

Neil, Mark and Will set off from Brighton at 5am on Sunday and arrived in Bournemouth at 6.30pm.

They have raised more than £1,500 so far for The Starr Trust Charity in Hove, which helps young people fulfil their potential in sport, arts and education.

Neil said: “I’m really keen to help disadvantaged youth and the Starr Trust really champions young people who need a helping hand.”

To donate to Neil’s crowdfunding campaign, go to virginmoneygiving.com and search ‘Starr 100 Challenge.’