Joff is a wonderful guy, and obvious-accomplished athlete. World tours on strange things (including penny farthings) have occurred in the past - he took it to the next level by visiting places like Taj and Everest Base Camp. He's also been awarded Freedom of the City in London (because of his journey). He's in the video linked below, racing in his pith helmet.

It was fun to see those guys "along-side" a modern race. There are still ordinary races; one in Knutsford (every 10 years) and one in Evansdale (annually) - and there's talk of a new one in the USA soon. Like in the video, once you ride one, you're hooked. There's a gent in CZ, Mesicek, who makes Rudge replicas. I'd imagine you could get the chance to ride one in the area with a little effort. He does gorgeous work.