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Sat Aug 29th 2015

Round the Isle of Wight	3*

Leader: John Talbot	Start Time: 8:00 am	Start Location: Lymington Pier
Description: UPDATE 28th Aug :- Ride is definitely on. If you want to ride be at the ferry in plenty of time for the 08:40 ferry. We won't wait for late arrivers. Now in it's 6th year this classic CTC Wantage ride will explore the Isle of Wight. This year I've re-instated the Blackgang Chine climb. The route is a combination of the Round the Isle and the End-to-End routes. Avoiding some of the more unpleasant sections of both. We will catch the 08:40 ferry from Lymington Pier (SO41 5SB). We will travel as day return foot passengers (£14.20, tickets bought before sailing online or at the ticket office), bikes are carried free of charge. The crossing takes 30 minutes. We will be avoiding the Bestival weekend again this year although it is a Bank Holiday weekend so roads may be busier than usual. There is a pay and display car park at the ferry terminal (£6.20 for 2-16hrs). Bring enough change for the machines. You must arrive at least 30mins before the ferry to allow time for parking, buying tickets and boarding. We will car share as much as possible. There is limited food on the ferry (tea, coffee, cakes) but there is a café at the ferry terminal if you want to arrive early enough to grab some breakfast! The route will take in stunning coastal roads, quaint inland villages, seaside resorts, bustling sea ports, ancient ruins and buildings. Pretty much everything this magnificent island has to offer! We'll stop at the Old World Tea Rooms in Godshill for a late morning cuppa/comfort break. Lunch stop will be at the CTC Affiliated Toll Gate Café near Bembridge. We'll aim to stop for afternoon tea/ice cream and comfort break at Cowes. But if we are seriously delayed we will take refreshments on the return ferry (probably the 17:05 or 18:05). The route is pretty tough with few flat sections and several stiff climbs but is very scenic. Distance is 110km (68 miles) with 1,500m (5,000 feet) of climbing. We will cycle at touring pace averaging around 20kph (12.5mph). Expect around 6 to 6.5hrs of actual cycling time and bring/wear clothing appropriate for the weather forecast. Please let me know beforehand if you are coming on the ride and be sure that you are comfortable riding the distance/hilliness/pace!
Riders: Alan Gale Andy Pixton John Talbot Katherine Boyce Ken Pelton Nick Stokell Riders = 6 Weather: Report: Six riders at the start of the 2015 edition of the IoW ride. Conditions were bright and fairly warm. With the extra distance added I decided to cut off the climb to the Needles and head straight to Freshwater. This meant we could make the best of the morning sunshine along the south coast of the island to Ventnor. Turning inland we headed to Godshill for elevenses. On returning to his bike Ken found he had a flat and after repairing joined us a bit further up the road. On the next descent BANG. Ken's front tube had exploded. Further inspection revealed a massive hole in the sidewall of the tyre which the new tube had blown through. Luckily Ken was carrying a spare tyre and after replacement we continued. It became overcast as we approached Bembridge and with a few spots of rain in the air I decided to cut off the trip to the pier and headed straight for lunch. Ken decided to skip lunch and headed off on his own to complete the ride. As the rain started to fall we ate inside. After lunch light rain greeted us as we headed towards Cowes. Despite being a cycling friendly island the section through Wootton Bridge is bloody awful with zero cycling facilities, it's busy and unpleasant. They really need to improve this section. We arrived in Cowes for the chain ferry which is now 40p per bike and walked through the town. The rain became more persistent and heavy as we had a brief stop at the kiosk on the beach. It was possible we were going to make the 17:05 ferry but we needed to get a move on and we did. Despite the heavy rain we were flying along back to Yarmouth, we might not have seen or appreciated the scenery much but it was good fun! Arriving just before boarding began we were back in Lymington at 6pm. Excellent stuff! Well done everyone, fantastic riding and great company
Distance: 110.10 km (68.41 mi)	Ride Details: https://www.strava.com/activities/380167825
Nick at Compton Bay All smiles at the top of Blackgang Chine Newtarmactastic Leafy lanes Bembridge Harbour Sheltering at Cowes
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/9197431"
Comment on this ride

Written by : Katherine Boyce

Posted on : August 29, 2015 at 7:50 PM

Great bunch to ride with thanks all, especially John for planning and leading. Sustainable pace throughout the day meant we could enjoy the ferry dash :).

Written by : Alan Gale

Posted on : August 31, 2015 at 8:56 PM

my first ride around the isle,nice sunny start with a great group and good food stops,ending with a quick run back in the rain to catch the ferry,look forward to next year,thanks John

Ride Filter

Start Locations: WMP
Wantage Market Place; OMH
Old Mill Hall, Grove

Categories: 1* - Suitable for irregular, social, beginner or family riders, pace will match the slower riders. Not hilly or long. Expect rides up to 3 hours. Gentle exercise.; 2* - Suitable for regular riders who prefer to cover some distance but at a more relaxed pace. Likely to be half-day rides. Solid exercise.; 3* - Suitable for experienced riders, may be hilly, long, quick, or any combination! Likely to be half or full-day rides. Challenging exercise.; 4* - Suitable for athletic riders who can ride safely above the 3* standard. Quick rides for the fit.; More Information