Golden – Steve Stevens often can be seen tootling around the Golden area on his old-fashioned, high-wheeled bicycle.
Over the next few months, people in nine countries will get the chance to glimpse and gawk at Stevens as he pedals his antique “penny-farthing” bicycle about 4,500 miles from England to Iran.
Stevens, 61, aims to replicate the second leg of an around-the-world bike trip taken in 1885 by Thomas Stevens – who may be related to the modern-day Stevens.
“I’m not really worried about the world. The world is a nice place when you’re on a penny-farthing bike,” he said.
The penny-farthing – with its large front wheel, small back wheel and solid-rubber tires – was produced in England and the United States in the late 1800s. Its name refers to the relative sizes of English penny and farthing coins.
Stevens plans to wear knee-length breeches, old- style sweaters and a helmet as he follows Thomas Stevens’ route through England, France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Turkey and Iran.
Stevens has ridden the high-wheeler in other countries, and the reaction has been the same as in Golden.
“People are friendly. They look and point and wave and smile,” the retired businessman said.
To prepare for the tour, which began Friday in Liverpool, Stevens has put 2,800 miles on his 1887 54-inch Rudge Light Roadster since December, he said.
He has stuffed 40 pounds of clothes, a tent, sleeping bag, spare parts, medications and other sundries into packs, and some items were sent ahead.
Stevens, who is paying his own way, plans to stay with fellow antique-bike lovers and friends and in hotels, but he may also camp out.
In 2000, Stevens did the first leg of the around-the-world trip from San Francisco to Boston. Soon after the ride, Stevens was diagnosed with melanoma. His treatment delayed the second leg, as did the red tape to get an Iranian visa.
A fellow high-wheeled cyclist, Martin Krieg of San Francisco, said Stevens is “really doing something” in taking on the adventure. High-wheelers are different than modern bikes “because you can’t coast and you don’t brake very well.”
Stevens’ daughters, Patty, 32, and Susan, 35, “know I’m going to do what I’m going to do,” he said.
His daughters are part of the reason Stevens is using the trip to raise money for Pennies for Peace, which provides education for young people – including girls – in places such as Pakistan and Afghanistan. The tour also benefits the American Cancer Society.
The ride is dedicated to experiencing history.
“He already adds so much to the historical and cultural community here, and now he’s taking it abroad in a big way,” said Shannon Voirol, director of Astor House Museum in Golden.
“We definitely have been hearing about his trip, and we’re all cheering for him,” Voirol said. “He’s a character, and he’s out there doing it.”
Stevens frequently lends his antique bikes for exhibits in museums such as the Astor House, Gilpin County Historical Society, Greeley museum and Golden Pioneer Museum.
“He stops in here about once a week on his big-wheeled bike,” said Pioneer Museum director Barbara Mills. “He plays Santa in our Christmas parade in Golden.”
Staff writer Ann Schrader can be reached at 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com.
Journey along via journal
Stevens will update a Web page during his trip when he finds cyber cafes along the way. To track his ride, go to crazyguyonabike.
