TOWNSVILLE'S Sam Tully spent several years searching for the perfect ``penny''.
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Yesterday, the 37-year-old won the national penny farthing championships novice race at Evandale.
After developing an interest in the sport, Tully couldn't find the bike for him in Australia, so he imported one from the US before taking part in his first racing carnival in front of thousands yesterday.
He participated in the 160-kilometre Century Ride last weekend but said the shorter course events were much more difficult.
``I'd prefer the longer rides,'' Tully said.
``Trying to pull up for a corner is quite hard because if you go too fast there is no way of pulling up really and turning is a bit of an issue.
``It's entertaining and it gets your heart pumping a bit.''
Tully said he had always ridden bikes and ever since he saw someone in his neighbourhood with a penny farthing, he has wanted one.
He rides the penny farthing 60km every weekend.