Foolhardiness and balance were two of the main attributes on display at the National Penny Farthing Championships in the northern Tasmanian village of Evandale.

It is recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's largest penny farthing racing event, and this year attracted 62 competitors from as far as New Zealand and northern Queensland.

Most of the races are held on a triangular circuit around the historic village, with events for novices, ladies, children and three classes for veteran riders aged over 50, 60 and 70.

The fastest eight riders lined up for the National Championship race, ridden over one mile.

Race organiser Di Sullivan said the bikes had no brakes and the riders relied on balance and foolhardiness to get around the course.

"A lot of them say they're going to go very carefully, then the curtain comes down and they find themselves really racing, and it's just a thrilling thing to do, they love them [the bikes], they find it exhilarating," she said.