Frome resident sets Guinness World Record in penny farthing challenge

A Frome resident has made the history books by setting a Guinness World Record for the greatest distance travelled in one hour on a penny farthing – using only one leg. 

Alberto Bona, originally from Italy’s capital, Rome, set the record at London’s historic Herne Hill Velodrome last month, during the Extravaganza weekend. The event celebrated the penny farthing, a Victorian-era bicycle once heralded as a marvel of innovation, with a large front wheel and a much smaller rear wheel. 

Organised by London’s Penny Farthing Club, of which Alberto is a member, the event gathered enthusiasts from around the world, with a combined 13 Guinness World Records being achieved. Alberto covered 12.610 miles for his record-breaking challenge, where the left pedal was removed entirely from his penny farthing, ensuring it could not be used. 

“Achieving a Guinness World Record in something so close to my heart it is truly meaningful,” says Alberto. “As a silent filmmaker and vintage enthusiast, I am always looking to honour the past while embracing the present. This record feels like a bridge between two worlds; my Italian heritage and my life here in Frome, where I have found a wonderful community that celebrates both tradition and individuality. I am grateful to represent the best of both worlds through my passion.” 

Alberto chose to compete in the challenge cycling with one leg because it was a bit ‘eccentric’ and added an extra layer of endurance. “Riding a penny farthing itself is a throwback to an era when every ride was an adventure, but doing it with one leg elevated the challenge, paying homage to the spirit of resilience that defined Victorian cyclists. It is a nod to the idea that true endurance is not about what comes easily but about embracing what’s difficult, unusual, and even a bit eccentric. 

“My journey began nearly a decade ago with a serendipitous encounter with adventurer Neil Laughton, founder of the Penny Farthing Club. What began as a curiosity has since transformed into a calling,” explained Alberto, who is a silent filmmaker and actor. He can often be seen donning the attire and mindset of the 19th century, guiding others through the joy of penny farthing cycling in Bath, Frome, and beyond. 

“The penny farthing is not just a bike; it is a piece of living history that humbles and challenges,” he said. 

Alberto’s journey from Italy to Frome has captivated audiences locally and internationally. “Italian media has embraced my record as a poetic nod to my Roman heritage and a testament to my embrace of English tradition,” he said. 

“My path to Frome, however, was also inspired by my trusted peer James Holcombe, a respected analogue filmmaker whose work and spirit embody Frome’s creative soul. In Frome, I found the freedom to live the vintage life I once dreamed of while gazing at Rome’s timeless architecture. 

“Riding a penny farthing is more than an athletic pursuit; it is a connection between worlds, a wheel bridging Rome and F-Rome.” 

Photos: Sally Bliss