I believe the first guy to ride a bike around the world was on a penny farthing. He wrote a book, too, which is one of the books available on the Project Gutenbergh CD. I can't remember the name and title off the top of my head, though. He made a second attempt, and disappeared....believed murdered by bandits in some remote area.

That bike in the picture may not be built for distance, but I think it's cute.