Everything you need to know about Sunday's Penny Farthing race

The Great Race will see more than 100 riders from all over the UK and as far afield as New Zealand, Germany and Belgium tackle a gruelling course.

Thousands are expected to line the streets of Knutsford as the race – the only one of its kind in the world - takes off on Sunday, September 10.

The event is a test of skill, endurance and most of all, bravery.

Spectators are advised to arrive early as roads close at 12 noon.

Mike Peacock, who is organising the event with Matt Freeman, said: “It will be a quirky, eccentric spectacle.

“If you come down to the Moor, you’ll see something you’ve never seen before.

“It won’t be all lycra clad racers. You will see people in fancy dress outfits and others dressed up looking daft!

“This has been put together on a shoestring, it is not a slick, corporate event.”

Matt Freeman and Mike Peacock, organisers of the Knutsford Great Race (Image: Peter Spooner)

Volunteers have spent months painstakingly preparing complex logistics including risk assessments, road safety and traffic management.

Now, with just two days to go, they are working round the clock to finalise all the plans.

“It’s been pretty hectic as we always knew it would be,” said Mike.

“I have learnt so much, the dimensions of straw bales, the statutory requirements of portaloos, making sure tents are big enough and getting the right electricity supply for the band.

“My phone went off this morning and I realised I sent myself a text last night to remind me to do something!”

The course is a challenging circuit of a little over half a mile which winds its way around the town centre, with the start and finish line on Moorside.

The challenging course starts and finishes on Moorside (Image: Knutsford Great Race)

Full details of the route, riders and parking are available online at Knutsford Great Race.

Mayor Cllr Peter Coan will fire the starting pistol at 1pm.

“It is a tough race,” said Mike, a keen rider of these ancient bikes himself.

“It’s no mean feat to ride for three hours on a Penny Farthing, let alone on this course.

“This is an unusual race in that it caters for novices, intermediate and advanced.”

Fledgling competitor Dan Watson, from Knutsford, will be making his debut to raise money for charity.

“Dan has never ridden before,” said Mike. “I leant him one of my machines. He has spent less than one hour on it!

“It will be a massive achievement if he can do just one lap. I will be so proud of him.”

Riders are already arriving from overseas.

A social ride will be held at 10am tomorrow, Saturday, for competitors to familiarise themselves with the local area.

Around 70 solo riders will be taking part alongside around a dozen teams with names ranging from The Tatton Trotters and The Spinners to Gentlemanly Does It and Essex Ordinary Riders.

The Moor will be the hub of the event with live music, stalls, food, drink and a barbecue served by scouts.

Visitors will be able to browse round a vintage car display and meet members of a veteran cycle club.

Knutsford Hosts and their team of dedicated volunteers will help out as marshalls.

Mike said: “We have received support from Bentley, Aegis insurance brokers and Neptune kitchens.

“It has been touching to receive donations from the public as these things don’t just happen.

“We’re not making a penny out of it. We’ve had to put our own money in to make sure everything will be OK.”

The racer who completes the most laps in three hours win the coveted Stockdale trophy, named after the town’s ‘elder statesman of the Penny Farthing’, who came up with the idea in 1980.

Specially designed gold, silver and bronze medals will be given to the top three ladies, men and teams.

Every competitor will receive a medal and there is a prize for the best costume.

“It’s a fantastic charity event,” said Mike. “We’re trying to give something back to the local community.

“It is a wonderful family day out with the emphasis on fun, thrills and hopefully, no spills.”

The Great Race will be raising funds for Northwich-based The Joshua Tree, a children’s cancer charity.