This sounds not unlike mounting a horse by putting the left toe in a styrup. From "Bicycling 1874: a textbook for early riders" first published in London in 1874 and reprinted in 1970 by David and Charles.

Sound plausible though!

Which collections are these images from? I'm currently researching a Victorian sporting biography that touches on early pennyfarthing racing. Will need to pay you a visit!

A couple of friends are planning to ride from Land's End to John O'Groats on their pennyfarthings in the summer.
www.henleyherald.com/2025/09/10/f...

This follows on from their Henley to Paris ride in 2024.
henleytoparisbypennyfarthing.blogspot.com

Dr Bob Nicholson (@digivictorian.bsky.social) skeeted this video recently which suggests (around 22 min) that early pennyfarthingists were probably familiar with mounting horses which probably helped them mounting their bikes.

youtu.be/10iYlK7bsJw?...

The FA Cup in the photo was made by Oliver Howard Vaughton a former Villa player after the original FA Cup was stolen on Villa's watch in 1895.
sportinglandmarks.co.uk/silversmiths...

I've got a volume that incorporates a Christopher Barker bible (dated 1579), a book of common prayer and a psalter. Been meaning to find out more about it so thanks for your post! The cover isn't in as good condition as the one in your image.

As still seen on the BBC SPOTY trophy
share.google/images/XMkL2...

James Milner came off the bench today alongside fellow #LUFC alumnus Georginio Rutter. James made his LUFC debut when Georginio was seven months old! He took the title of youngest Premier league goals scorer from Wayne Rooney - who was a pundit on MoTD tonight. He relinquished the title in 2005.

Kominsky had more time to share his insights on Roger Bolton's Beeb Watch
open.spotify.com/episode/3pFM...

The Empacher rep at the 1986 World Rowing Champs at Holme Pierrepoint liked the endorsement of the Commonwealth Games stamp.

Should have mentioned that Robert Smith who proposed the centre circle was umpire (linesman/assistant referee) to Marindin as referee in the 1890 FA Cup final.

Loved the reference to Marindin in E250. He crops up a few times in "Arthur Kinnaird, First Lord of Football" by @andymitchellmedia.bsky.social.

And here's another railway man who left his mark on the football pitch!
sportinglandmarks.co.uk/the-humble-b...

A team from Accrington playing at Anfield should remind us of Liverpool’s 19th Century contribution to Goal Line Technology sportinglandmarks.co.uk/liverpools-1...