Two friends have built a homemade penny farthing inspired by a 19th century bicycle mechanic from Surbiton, writes Josh Brown.

The bicycle will be the star turn at this year's Trycyclingathon on Saturday, September 15 - a chance for cyclists to display their best Victorian moustaches if they have them and dress up as characters from the era.

John Keen was one of the first men to build a penny farthing in Britain and was based in Surbiton.

He gained international notoriety both as a professional cyclist and as a manufacturer of bicycles.

Gareth Howell who specialises in custom bike work thought up the idea.

He said: “The ‘Tatts and Beards Workshop’ started in the same way most good ideas do, over a pint in the pub.  

For some reason the conversation turned to penny farthings and by the end of the night it was decided, we were going to build one.”

Gareth said they were planning on researching the outfits of John Keen, who was born in 1849, for inspiration on the day.

There will be three races starting and finishing at Claremont Gardens, near Waitrose in Surbiton, from 11am with food and entertainment on Sunday, September 15.

Afterwards there will be music, food and a bar as well as some relieving sports massage for cyclists who feel slightly punctured.

For more information visit www.seethingwells.org/The_Seething_Trycyclingathon.html