This is the fourth annual Australian Penny-Farthing Tour, this year freewheeling across the countryside from Castlemaine to Portland and from the Grampians to the Great Ocean Road. Wherever they go, reaction from the public is shock and awe. Well-earned break: Tour participants on the way to Halls Gap on Monday. Credit:Justin McManus ‘‘People will open the car window, take photos and ask questions at the same time,’’ says rider Doug Suter, 38. Mr Suter, who is a Melbourne identity, riding his ‘‘penny’’ to work every day down Swanston Street, said when he started the hobby two years ago, his borrowed bike – a cheap import – snapped in half, while he was on it.

But by then he was ‘‘already hooked’’ and soon bought a better one. ‘‘I’ve always liked things that are a bit different to the norm,’’ he said. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video By day rider Tim Nash, 44, of Keysborough, is an IT manager in insurance. Four years ago, his wife Isabelle gave him the perfect surprise gift – a penny-farthing handmade by Mr Bolwell (who sells them for $3500 to more than $10,000 each and exports to 15 countries).

Mr Nash grew a handlebar moustache not long after as ‘‘it seemed to be appropriate.’’ He had cycled when he was younger but the penny-farthing was ‘‘unique and different’’. Ride like the wind: the peleton en route from Stawell to Halls Gap on Monday. Credit:Justin McManus ‘‘It’s a beautiful thing. Like a work of art. And everybody loves to see us. It’s quite remarkable how happy it makes people.” Joel Dulhunty, 44, a medical researcher, from Brisbane, had his penny-farthing trucked 1700 kilometres to take part in this tour.

Dr Dulhunty took up the sport just six months ago and is thoroughly enjoying himself. Illustration: Matt Golding Credit: ‘‘The group of people are fantastic, the countryside is spectacular,'' he said. "And as a newbie on the penny-farthing it’s about building my skills. Pushing myself.’’ "The surprising thing is that it’s quick. You think, ‘it’s going to be slow’. "My biggest learning curve is how to get up steep hills – it’s either with a big run-up to begin with and pedal as hard as you can, or just grind it out very slowly and be confident that you can keep pushing and not have to stop.

"The most exciting thing is sitting up so high in the saddle and feeling like you’re a big truck driver, looking down on everything. It’s such a fun feeling.’’ The tour covers 95 kilometres to 115 kilometres a day but Mr Bolwell, of Coburg, said the aim is to cultivate a sense of community and adventure. Matt Benn, left, rocks tweed breeches, argyle socks and a handlbar moustache. Credit:Justin McManus ‘‘When we’re out there riding, we feel like we’re doing something unusual. It’s like an 1880s expedition. “It’s like we’re heading out discovering the world for the first time.’’

Loading ‘‘In this day and age, you go to a travel agent and everything is so regimented. There’s so much predictabilty and even big adventures you book aren’t really a big adventure. This is like a real last frontier.’’ Since starting in Wallan on Saturday, they have ridden to St Arnaud, through Stawell to Halls Gap, and to Hamilton. On Wednesday they travel to Portland, Thursday to Warrnambool, Friday to Colac and Saturday to Queenscliff. On Sunday, they arrive at Luna Park, St Kilda, about 4pm to end the tour. Mr Bolwell said the penny-farthing tour may seem like a mad idea, ‘‘but for me, it’s normal’’.