Scott Ellis was back at work as usual on Monday morning, but by his own admission moving about somewhat gingerly.

Scott, 44, had spent the previous day astride his penny farthing, riding lap after lap of a circuit at Hunter Economic Zone to raise money for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

The goal was to ride 139 kilometres - the model number of the Westpac helicopter - and hopefully raise $5000.

Hamstring and calves notwithstanding, it was a huge success.

"I got there in the end," Scott said from behind the counter of his business at Ted's Bike Shop in East Maitland.

"It took six hours and six minutes all up, but I took a 20-minute break at one stage," he said. "I was riding for five hours, 48 minutes and 55 seconds, and had an average speed of 24.6km/h, so we were getting along."

When Scott said 'we' he was referring to the strong support he received from the public to give him company as he rode.

"There was always someone riding along with me to give me someone to chat to," he said.

"The Hunter Women's Cycling Team rode with me for a while and then I had members of the Maitland Triathlon Club there as well. At one stage the Kurri Mongrels Mountain Bike Club were riding along, and then there were individuals and friends."

Probably the biggest question of all ... how's the backside after six hours on a bike that's not exactly built for comfort?

"Actually it's not too bad," he said. "Better than I thought. Skin-wise, it's all intact put it that way."

if you think 139 kilometres on the back of a penny farthing was reason to celebrate, you'd be wrong.

"If I had a beer I would have fallen asleep," he said.

"I rehydrated, but it was only water. I was tired but didn't sleep too well ... just general aches and pains. I'll sleep well tonight though."

While Scott achieved his mileage target, his fund-raising goal of $5000 looks just out of reach at this stage.

"At last count we were over $4000, so it was pretty good."

Does that mean the penny farthing might come out of the shop for another big day in the saddle?

"Not in the short term. No."