Search
shop

Mark Bayliss does London to Brighton… on a Penny Farthing

London to Brighton on a bike? How about on a penny farthing?! That's what Mark Bayliss, an Enduroman Arch to Arc world record holder was busy doing on Sunday
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Enduroman Arch to Arc record holder takes on a new challenge

The name Bayliss is a familiar one in triathlon. This news piece isn’t about his multiple Ironman winning brother and sister-in-law, Stephen and Bella, but Mark Bayliss.

The 122nd London to Brighton Veteran Car Run (www.veterancarrun.com) was held on Sunday, an annual event of vintage vehicles which sees a colourful sight of cars, bikes and cycles with drivers and passengers dressed in period costume. Mark’s mode of transport? A penny farthing.

Mark is no stranger to endurance challenges including multiple IRONMAN events, 35 ultra’s, Marathon des Sables and a solo English Channel swim along with several relays. In 2012 Mark completed the Enduroman Arch to Arc Triathlon from London to Paris, breaking the world record at the time (during which he completed the swim non-wetsuit). Mark is still the fastest Arch to Arc finisher to have completed the event without a wetsuit.

Mark’s training had been fitted in to his busy work life as director of Croydon based Wings Transport Ltd and was mainly done at night and weekends.

Mark Bayliss Penny Farthing Ride

Setting off at sunrise, Mark’s ride took just under five hours gaining wonderful support from the crowds along the route with many foreign tourists looking with disbelief at the whole affair.

Mark Bayliss Penny Farthing Ride

The biggest challenge was the many hills on the route as the penny farthing has no gears and a fixed wheel. Mark arrived in Brighton to bright sunshine at noon, “apart from some sore bits, I found the experience exhilarating”.

John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
PremiumExpert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Danielle Lewis (USA) takes the win in Lake Placid.
Start list for IRONMAN Lake Placid REVEALED – and it’s stacked with world class names
Julie Derron wins T100 San Francisco 2025
IRONMAN Vitoria-Gasteiz 2025: Olympic star wins by MORE than half an hour for first full-distance win
Matt Hauser Linn Jeffcoat Willian Australia win Mixed Relay WTCS Hamburg 2025
WTCS Hamburg 2025 Mixed Relay World Championship: Hauser anchors Australia to glory
Kat Matthews wins IRONMAN 703 Swansea 2025 finish line
IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea 2025 women’s results: Kat Matthews a class apart
Harry Palmer wins IRONMAN 703 Swansea 2025
IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea 2025 men’s results: Britain’s Harry Palmer defends title in style
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...