Penticton

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

After the ride Mayor Dan Ashton rests. He did the ride after city lost to RDOS in bike to work week participation challenge. He is joined by RCMP bike patrol members.

Penticton Mayor Dan Ashton donned a top hat and tails and rode an old-fashioned bike down Main Street Tuesday, much to the delight of onlookers.

The mayor’s wild ride was punishment for the city’s loss to the Regional District of Okanagan –Similkameen for participation during Bike to Work Week.

“It was challenging and hard to keep straight,” he said, as he sipped a cup of tea at the finish. “But overall it was fun.”

This is the third year the RDOS and city have competed in the Bike to Work Week participation challenge.

The city has lost all three. Last year Ashton thrilled crowds by riding a tricycle and crashing.

Jake Belobaba, manager of planning for the city, expected a similar scenario this time around, as the mayor rode a penny farthing bike, dating back to the 1800s, down the street.

“Most people were expecting him to crash, because it is a difficult bike to ride,” he said. “But it was exciting to see him go the whole way and push the envelope at the end.”

The zany ride isn’t just for fun, it brings awareness to the benefits of biking to work and the fact Penticton is a cycling city, added Belobaba.

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

Mayor Ashton has a cup of tea after riding a Penny Farthing bike on Main Street Tuesday