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 -
Redefining Triathlon For Every Athlete

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
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
What is Heart Rate Variability? How triathletes can use HRV to optimise their training
On Cloudmonster Hyper running shoes
On Cloudmonster Hyper running shoes review – worth the hype?
sports supplements for endurance athletes
Sports nutrition supplements – which supplements are actually worth taking?
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
latest News
Lionel Sanders IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside 2025 celebration finish line
Triathlon superstar Lionel Sanders confirms next race as he recovers from IRONMAN Texas KO
Cassandre Beaugrand wins T1 Indoor Triathlon World Cup Lievin 2025
Olympic champ Beaugrand tops amazing Yokohama start list – featuring every WTCS winner for last two years
IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Finish Line Kat Matthews Taylor Knibb
IRONMAN Texas: Date, start times, previews and how to watch live
Alex Yee thumbs up Paris Olympics 2024 photo credit world triathlon
London Marathon 2025: Triathlon superstar Alex Yee admits he feels like a novice again
Sam Laidlow wins T100 London 2024 photo credit PTO
IRONMAN World Champion Sam Laidlow gets grim reality check as ‘full health and fitness’ still seems far away
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

Share to...