Bicyclists participating in a race on a city street with spectators on the sidewalk taking photos and cheering.

NATIONAL CLUSTERED SPIRES HIGH WHEEL RACE

📍 Frederick, Maryland

Planning something similar?

Let’s talk about capturing your event.

There’s nothing like the National Clustered High Wheel Race. Thousands line the barricades to cheer on riders racing full speed through downtown on 19th-century high wheel bicycles.


I had the privilege of documenting the energy, grit, and joy of the day. From warmups in the alleys, the intermission complete with unicycles and tiny wheel bikes, to the final sprint past the finish, I wanted the photos to capture not just the action but the atmosphere.


The event itself only lasts a few hours, but the community, anticipation, and charm of the day linger long after it ends.

Group of cyclists in a race on a city street with crowd spectators behind barriers, some taking photos and wearing summer clothing and hats.
Two people riding penny-farthings in a parade, with spectators sitting on the sidewalk, some wearing hats, in front of a red brick building.
Older man riding a bicycle during a public event or race, wearing a helmet and colorful athletic shirt, with a crowd of spectators blurred in the background.
Close-up of a young boy with dark hair wearing reflective, multicolored goggles and a blue shirt, sitting outdoors with blurred background and other children.
Cyclists riding bikes on a city street during a race, with spectators watching behind barriers and trees lining the street.
Group of people enjoying a boat ride, holding yellow drinks and smiling.
Four men, wearing helmets and casual athletic clothes, participating in a penny-farthing bicycle race on a city street with spectators behind barriers.
Person on a bike jumps over another bike fallen on the street during a crowd event. Spectators watch from the sidewalk.
Cyclists participating in a race on a city street lined with spectators and trees.
Children and adults sitting and standing along a sidewalk, watching a bicycle race on a sunny day.
Two children riding scooters in a street race during a community event, with spectators lined along the sidewalk and trees providing shade.
Two men riding penny-farthings, one in a black and yellow jersey and the other in a red floral shirt, during a street event with a crowd and tents in the background.
Back view of a person wearing a historical costume with a tricorn hat and red jacket, holding a bicycle in a busy outdoor setting.
Woman riding a bicycle at a race event with onlookers behind a yellow safety line
A woman riding a tall, vintage-style penny-farthing bicycle on a city street during a parade or event, with a crowd of spectators in the background.
Person dressed as a rainbow-themed cyclist leaning over their vintage bicycle at a Pride event, wearing rainbow-striped socks, gloves, and a rainbow flower headband.

If it matters to you, it’s worth capturing.

Let’s talk about what you’re planning. Whether you have a date set or just an idea, I’d love to hear it.

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