Isle of Wight Cycling Festival 2010
18th - 26th September 2010

Festival Rides

DATES FOR THE 2010 FESTIVAL WILL BE UPDATED IN APRIL

 
KEY


L = Bring Packed Lunch

FF = Family Friendly

R = Refreshments available

PL = Packed Lunch advised

T = Toilets Available

V = Viewing/Rest stops en route

OR = suitable for off road cycles

RC = Suitable for road cycles


2009 EVENT DETAILS

Saturday 19 September

Wight Challenge

Jersey Camp, Porchfield 9.30am

Booking Essential

Cost £40 per person

Porchfield to the Downs. Tennyson Trail to Freshwater Golf Course. Afton. Wilmingham Lane, Thorley, Wellow, Shalfleet, Newtown, Porchfield. Part of an event that includes a 3 mile canoe and 8 mile run. All to be done in a team of 3. Fund raiser for Wessex Heartbeat.

Contact: Joanna Minchin (01983) 760324

www.wightchallenge.co.uk

Pace: Fast Grade: Strenuous

1.5-3 hrs 18 miles on & off road

R, OR

 

Cycle ride to Launch

Medham (opposite Northwood Garage) 11am

Booking Not Essential

Cost Free

Easy family ride from Medham (opposite Northwood Garage) to the launch of the Cycling Festival at Seaclose, Newport. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Contact: Valerie Lawson (01983) 298284

Pace: Gentle Grade: Easy

1 hr 4 miles

PL, FF

 

 

The Festival Launch

Seaclose Park, Newport 11am

Booking Not Essential

Cost Free

The Cycling Festival kicks off with a fabulous display in Newport with fun activities and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.

Contact: Events Team (01983) 823070. Bike hire is available on site for a donation to Gift to Nature.

www.sunseaandcycling.com

Pace: Grade:

PL, R, T, FF, V

 

 

Sink or Swim

Seaclose Park, Newport 12/30pm (depends on tide)

Booking Advised

Cost Free

Take the sink or swim challenge and build your own pedal powered craft to cross the river Medina.

Contact: Events Team (01983) 823070

www.sunseaandcycling.com

Pace: Grade:

30 mins

PL, R, T, FF, V

 

 

Wheel of Life Challenge

Seaclose Park, Newport 12 3pm

Booking Not Essestial

Cost Donation to Age Concern

Come along to the Wheel of lIfe Challenge in aid of Age Concern IW and take your bike or scooter round the track, it is aimed at all ages for a 'wheelie' good time. Prizes to be won on the day.

Contact: Caren Allen (01983) 539303

www.ageconcern.org.uk

Pace: Gentle Grade: Easy

1 mile

FF, T, R

 

Toddler Trikes Tea Party

Seaclose Cycle track 12 noon

Booking Advised

Cost 1.5

A little pedal looking for treasure in Seaclose Park before finishing with a cake & drink.

Contact: Ruth Jones 07970009928

Pace: Gentle Grade: Easy

1.5hrs 0.5miles

R, FF, T, V

 

 

Cycle Safari

Seaclose Park, Newport 1.30pm

Booking Advised

Cost Free

A gentle cycle up the Medina Valley viewing wildlife and landscape along the way. Five mile return journey, children under 16 to be accompanied by a responsible adult; cycle helmets must be worn.

Contact: Nick Webb 01983 823892

www.iwight.com/walks

Pace: Gentle Grade: Easy

2hrs 5 miles

FF, V, T

 


Sunday 20 September

 

VRCC Hill Climb

Knighton Farm Grid Ref SZ566867 8am

Booking Not essential

Cost Free

These events are timed and each rider starts at 1 minute intervals, the rider obtaining the fastest time without getting off their bike is the deemed the winner.

Contact: Vectic Road Cycling Club marinisaac@hotmail.co.uk

Pace: Fast Grade: Strenuous

5 - 30 mins .75 miles

RC, PL

West Wight Triathlon

West Wight Sports Centre 9am

Booking Essential

Cost £26

600m swim, 35km cycle, 7.5km run

Contact: Clare Griffin (01983) 752168

www.westwight.co.uk/triathon

Pace: Fast Grade: Strenuous

All day

T, PL, R, V

 

Wayfarer's Sunday Run

See website for location 9am

Booking Not essential

Cost Free

Join the weekly outing with the Wayfarer's Cycle Touring Club as they meander through pretty and varied scenery on the Island. There will be an 11 o'clock tea stop at a venue to be confirmed.

Contact: info@cycleisland.co.uk

www.cycleisland.co.uk

Pace: Moderate Grade: Moderate

3 hours Approx 20 miles

RC, FF, T, R, PL, V

 

 Bobbies on Bikes

Cowes Police Station 9am

Booking Not open to public

Cost Donation to charity

Isle of Wight Police will be cycling around the Island for charity (TBA) starting at Cowes Police Station and following the Round Island Route taking in all the police stations along the route.

Contact: Lisa Paul 08450454545

Pace: Fast Grade: Strenuous

5-8hrs 100k

RC, V

 

 

Ups and Downs

Sandown High School 9am

Booking Advised

Cost Donation to NSPCC

Some tough slopes over the downs combined with lanes and tracks and some connecting B roads and plenty of smaller slopes. Includes Knighton, Seaview, St Helens, Bembridge, Yarbridge, Brading Down and Adgestone.

Contact: Matt Ostler (01983) 409121

Pace: Gentle Grade: Moderate

5hrs 21 miles

PL, R, T, V

 

 

Cycle the Wight 1

Yarmouth, East Cowes, Ryde & Blackgang 9-11am

Booking Advised

Cost £5 registration plus sponsorship

A 70 mile route around the Isle of Wight following the round the Island cycle route. This event is not a race but a test of endurance and will raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

Contact: Donna Elliott (01892) 893918

www.bhf.org.uk

Pace: Fast Grade: Strenuous

All day 70 miles

PL, R, RC, T, V

 

 

Cycle the Wight 2

East Cowes, Ryde & Blackgang 9-11am

Booking Advised

Cost £5 registration plus sponsorship

A 50 mile shorter route around the Isle of Wight taking in minor roads and lanes wherever possible. This is not a race but a test of endurance and will raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

Contact: Donna Elliott (01892) 893918

www.bhf.org.uk

Pace: Moderate Grade: Strenuous

All day 50 miles

PL, R, RC, T, V

 

 

Cycle the Wight 3

Family route - Shanklin train station 10am

Booking Essential

Cost £5 registration plus sponsorship

Approx 15 mile guided family route following the sunshine trail. Taking in minor roads and lanes wherever possible.

Contact: Donna Elliott (01892) 893918

www.bhf.org.uk

Pace: Gentle Grade: Easy

3.5hrs 15 miles

PL, R, RC, T, V

 

 

Pedal 4 Parkinson's Route 1

Riverside Centre, Newport 10am

Booking Advised

Cost Sponsored event for Parkinson's Disease Society

Newport - Cowes - Newport - A short ride along the cycle track and back

Contact: George Hanson (01983) 740951

www.pedal4parkinsons.co.uk

Pace: Gentle Grade: Easy

1.5hrs 8 miles

FF, R

 

 

 

Pedal 4 Parkinson's Route 2

Riverside Centre, Newport 10am

Booking Advised

Cost Sponsored event for Parkinson's Disease Society

Newport - Sandown - Newport - A moderate ride along the cycle track with beautiful scenery

Contact: George Hanson (01983) 740951

www.pedal4parkinsons.co.uk

Pace: Gentle Grade: Moderate

2.5hrs 16 miles

FF, R

 

 

Pedal 4 Parkinson's Route 3

Riverside Centre, Newport 10am

Booking Advised

Cost Sponsored event for Parkinson's Disease Society

Newport - Freshwater - Newport - For the more adventurous a challenging ride to Freshwater and back through Yarmouth, Newtown and Shalfleet

Contact: George Hanson (01983) 740951

www.pedal4parkinsons.co.uk

Pace: Moderate Grade: Strenuous

3hrs 26 miles

FF, R

 

 

Abbey Challenge

Riverside Centre, Newport 1pm

Booking Not Essential

Cost Free

Newport, Arreton, Havenstreet, Ryde, Wootton Bridge, Newport. A challenging ride half single-track, with very steep hill to start. Focusing on stopping at Quarr Abbey tea rooms. Finishing along the cycletrack running parallel to River Medina, Newport.

Contact: Simon Riley (01983) 822726

Pace: Moderate Grade: Moderate

3-4hrs 15-18 miles

R, OR, T, V

 

 

Unicycle ride in the forest

Car Park, Parkhurst Forest Newport 1.30pm

Booking Advised

Cost Donation to Gift to Nature

Short circular unicycle ride round Parkhurst forest. Need to be able to ride and have your own unicycle. Regular bikes also accepted.

Contact: Tom Bailey (01983) 241095

Pace: Gentle Grade: Moderate

1hr 1mile

FF, V

 


Monday 21 September

 

Newtown Circular

Newtown National Trust Visitors Centre 10-10.15am

Booking Advised

Cost Donation to National Trust

Newtown, Porchfield, Pound Lane, Five Houses, New Bridge, Station Rd, Warlands Lane, Shalfleet back to Newtown for free tea and cakes

Contact: Chris and Hilary Bevis - Veteran Cycle Club (01983) 527796

Pace: Gentle Grade: Moderate

1.5hrs 12 miles

V, T, R

 

 

West Wight Wander

Freshwater Lifeboat 2.30pm

Booking Not Essential

Cost Donation to Freshwater Lifeboat

Afton Rd, track by River Yar to Yarmouth, then Thorley, Wellow, back to Wellow, Thorley and Yarmouth, return to Freshwater Bay.

Contact: John & Margaret Steggles (01983) 759576

Pace: Gentle Grade: Easy

2.5 hrs 14 miles

R, T, FF

 

 


 

Tuesday 22 September

 

Newtown Circular

Mill Road car park, Shalfleet 4pm

Booking Advised

Cost Free

A fairly easy ride around the Newtown area on quiet lanes with a few tracks which may be a little muddy.

Contact: Linda Richter 07929596351

Pace: Gentle Grade: Easy

1.5 hrs 7 miles

R, FF, V

 

 

Trail Hedz

Nunnery car park, Carisbrooke 5pm

Booking Essential

Cost Free

An exciting off-road circular route taking you round the central part of the Island with some spectacular views.

Contact: Terry Hardy (01983) 405594

Pace: Moderate Grade: Moderate

2 hrs 12 miles

FF, OR

 

Cycle Maintenance

Riverside Centre, Newport 6pm

Booking Essential

Cost Free

Learn how to look after your bike and do basic maintenance tasks by yourself including a bike check and roadside repair. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Contact: Gavin Sullivan (01983) 761800

Pace: Grade:

3hrs

T, FF

 

 


 

Wednesday 23 September

 

Autumn Tints Ride

Morrison's, Lake 10am

Booking Not Essential

Cost Free

Join in with the Autumn Tints ride as they meander through the pretty and varied scenery of the Island to Morton Manor in Brading. Morning ride with a tea stop.

Contact: editor@autumntints.org.uk

www.autumtints.org.uk

Pace: Gentle Grade: Easy

2 hrs 10 miles

RC, FF, T, R, PL, V

 

 

Picnic on Wheels

Floating Bridge, East Cowes 12 noon

Booking Essential

Cost Free

A fairly easy route using roads and cycle tracks with scenic views of the River Medina and surrounding countryside. Lunch stop in the peaceful location of Seaclose Park. You can also join the ride ten minutes after the start in Cowes.

Contact: Ruth Jones 07970009928

Pace: Gentle Grade: Easy

2hrs 10 miles

PL, T, FF, V

 

 

Cowes Kamishibai Story Cycle

Mavis Jones Locker' Ice cream Kiosk near Mornington Road 4pm

Booking Advised

Cost Donation to Gift to Nature

A ride along the Cowes front to Gurnard folowing the Kamishibai storytellers bike with stops for tales and tall stories. Suitable for all ages above 4.

Contact: Sue Bailey (01983) 241095 or 07837601315

www.thatsanotherstory.co.uk

Pace: Gentle Grade: Easy

1.5 hours 3 miles

F ,V, T, R

 

 

Cycle Maintenance

Sandham Middle School 6pm

Booking Essential

Cost Free

Learn how to look after your bike and do basic maintenance tasks by yourself including a bike check and roadside repair. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Contact: Gavin Sullivan (01983) 761800

Pace: Grade:

3hrs

T, FF

 


 

 

Thursday 24 September

 

Chale Pub Trail

Wight Mouse Inn 4pm

Booking Not Essential

Cost Donation to Gift to Nature

Visit several family pubs in the South Wight area. Meet in the back car park of the Wight Mouse Inn, Chale. If participating in this event, please drink responsibly.

Contact: Claire Critchison (01983) 551688 or 07970009989

Pace: Gentle Grade: Easy

3hrs 10miles

R, T, FF , V

 

 

Cycle Maintenance

St Saviours Primary School, Totland 6pm

Booking Essential

Cost Free

Learn how to look after your bike and do basic maintenance tasks by yourself including a bike check and roadside repair. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Contact: Gavin Sullivan (01983) 761800

Pace: Grade:

3hrs

T, FF

 

 

Vectis Road Cycling Club ride

St James Square, Newport 7.15pm

Booking Not Essential

Cost Free

Social ride with a pub stop at the end then return your own way home. Must have lights as it will be dark.

Contact: Vectis Road Cyding Club See County Press for details

Pace: Moderate Grade: Moderate

3hrs 20 miles

T, R

 


 

 

Friday 25 September

 

Brighstone Circular

Brighstone Methodist Church 10-10.15am

Booking Advised

Cost Donation to Tear Fund

Military Road to Chale and back to Brighstone via Yafford for free tea and cakes

Contact: Chris and Hilary Bevis - Veteran Cycle Club (01983) 527796

Pace: Gentle Grade: Easy

1.5hrs 12 miles

V, T

 

 

Spinfit Challenge
SpinFit, Newport Ind. Estate 5pm

Booking Advised

Cost Free

An exciting off road route starting and finishing in Newport, taking you around the central part of the Island. Including steps, technical sections and single track. Basic cycle took kit, inner tube and 1.5l of drinking water is recommended. Helmet required.

Contact: Steve Mills (01983) 522411

www.spinfit.co.uk

Pace: Fast Grade: Strenuous

2.5hrs 15-20miles

OR

 

Saturday 26 September

Fossils, Geology, Darwin and the Landscape

Lazy Waves Café, Esplanade, Shanklin 10am

Booking Essential

Cost TBC

Leave bikes locked up at the café or walk them along the beach. Look for fossils from Shanklin Chine to Horse Ledge, with an expert guide from Dinosaur Isle. (Ice-cream at the Café if open) Afterwards - Travel by cycle, with guide to Dinosaur Isle explaining the geology/ landscape of Sandown Bay en-route. Pass one of the hotels where Charles Darwin wrote the first part of 'On the Origin of Species’. This year is the 150th anniversary of that publication.

Visit Dinosaur Isle Museum.

Contact: Trevor Price (01983) 404344

www.dinosaurisle.com

Pace: Gentle Grade: Moderate

2 hours 5 miles

OR, FF, T, R, PL, V

 

 

Go Ride Training Cycle Skills Challenge

St Thomas Sq 10am-3pm

Booking Not Essential

Cost Free

Go Ride Cycle Skills Training challenge. Equipment is provided but riders are welcome to bring their own. Helmets must be worn. Drop in and have a go.

Contact: Ian Rock (01983) 550016

Pace: Gentle Grade: Easy

N/A N/A

FF

 

 

Paul McDermott Memorial ride

Bevois Farm, Niton 

Booking Not Essential

Donation to Earl Mountbatten Hospice

Contact: Fraser McDermott

Pace: Gentle Grade: Easy

FF, T, R

 

Troll Trail

Old Railway Station, Merstone 2pm

Booking Essential

Cost Donation to Gift to Nature

Exciting family scavenger hunt along the Troll Trail which forms part of the Route 23 cycleway.

Contact: Samantha Buck (01983) 200074

www.gifttonature.org.uk

Pace: Gentle Grade: Easy

2 hours 5 miles

PL, FF

 

 

Ashknowle Story Ride

Car Park, White Horse Pub, Whitwell 2pm

Booking Advised

Cost Donation to Gift to Nature

Mainly off road route along Ashknowle Lane and back to Whitwell, with plenty of stops for stories, riddles and rhymes.

Contact: Sue Baley (01983) 241095 or 07837601315

www.thatsanotherstory.co.uk

Pace: Gentle Grade: Easy

1.5 hours 3 miles

F ,V, R

 

 

Sunshine Special

Railway Station, Shanklin 2pm

Booking Advised

Cost Free

A gentle ride along the scenic Sunshine Trail into Godshill. A chance to chat at the Griffin pub with light refreshments before returning to Shanklin.

Contact: Elaine Cesar (01983) 823070

www.sunseaandcycling.com

Pace: Gentle Grade: Easy

3hrs 10 miles

R, T, V


 

Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 September

 

Great Island Challenge

East Cowes 7am

Booking Essential

Cost - Team Sponsorship

You will have the opportunity to learn to crew a yacht and then sail around the Island. If that wasn't enough of an adventure, you will also be cycling the 100km of coastline too!

Contact: Lee Dobbins 02079325961

www.seafarers-uk.org

Pace: Moderate Grade: Strenuous

5-9 hours 62 miles

PL, RC, T, V

 


 

Sunday 27 September

 

VRCC Hill Climb

Morton Old Road, Brading Grid Ref SZ604862 8am

Booking Not essential

Cost Free

These events are timed and each rider starts at 1 minute intervals, the rider obtaining the fastest time without getting off their bike is the deemed the winner.

Contact: Vectic Road Cycling Club marinisaac@hotmail.co.uk

Pace: Fast Grade: Strenuous

1.6 miles 5+ minutes

RC, PL



Hills Killer

Chale, Shanklin, Freshwater 9am

Booking Advised

Cost £16 or £6 for under 18's

Take on the challenge of an orienteering event against the clock as you pit your bike against the 3, 7 or 14 hills. Refreshments and entertainment at the finish. Registration from 9am - 11am.

Contact: Events Team (01983) 823070

www.sunseaandcycling.com/hills-killer

Pace: Fast Grade: Strenuous

13, 26 or 52 miles

R, OR, T, V, PL

 

 

Wayfarer's Sunday Run

see website for location 9am

Booking Not Essential

Cost Free

Join the weekly outing with the Wayfarer's Cycle Touring Club as they meander through pretty and varied scenery on the Island. There will be an 11 o'clock tea stop at a venue to be confirmed.

Contact: info@cycleisland.co.uk

www.cycleisland.co.uk

Pace: Moderate Grade: Moderate

3 hours Approx 20 miles

RC, FF, T, R, PL, V

 

 

Sunshine Variation

Sandown High School 9am

Booking Advised

Cost Donation to NSPCC

Undulating through woodland and along tracks finishing with a long easy pull on the cycle track. Including Borthwood Copse, America Wood, Wroxall, Godshill and Horringford.

Contact: Matt Ostler (01983) 409121

Pace: Gentle Grade: Easy

4 hrs 15 miles

PL, R, V

 

Recycle the Island - Red Route

Tesco 9am

Booking Essential

Cost Donation to IW Air Ambulance

Recyle the Island and raise money for the IW Air Ambulance. The 50 mile challenge aims to raise awareness of the Air Ambulance clothing banks whilst taking in some of the most scenic areas of the island.

Contact: Naomi Jaques (0870) 321 5505

Pace: Moderate Grade: Strenuous

2 - 6 hrs 50 miles

PL, T, FF, RC, V

 



Recycle the Island - Blue Route

Tesco 9am

Booking Essential

Cost Donation to IW Air Ambulance

Recyle the Island and raise money for the IW Air Ambulance. The 50 mile challenge aims to raise awareness of the Air Ambulance clothing banks whilst taking in some of the most scenic areas of the island.

Contact: Naomi Jaques (0870) 321 5505

Pace: Gentle Grade: Moderate

1 - 3 hrs 15 miles

PL, T, FF, RC, V

 

 

Borthwood Trail

Railway Station, Sandown 11am

Booking Essential

Cost Donation to Gift to Nature

Fairly gentle route from Sandown to Shanklin railway station along cycle tracks, bridleways, byways and quiet lanes.

Contact: Martin Gibson (01983) 200074

www.gifttonature.org.uk

Pace: Moderate Grade: Moderate

1.5 hours 5 miles

OR, T, FF, R

 

 

Sunday outing with ice cream

Newport - Start of Newport to Cowes Cycle track 2pm

Booking Essential

Cost Free

A gentle ride along the cycle track with a stop for ice cream before heading back to Newport.

Contact: Kelly Morey (01983) 525357

Pace: Gentle Grade: Easy

R, FF, V

 

 

 

KEY

L = Bring Packed Lunch

FF = Family Friendly

R = Refreshments available

PL = Packed Lunch advised

T = Toilets Available

V = Viewing/Rest stops en route

OR = suitable for off road cycles

RC = Suitable for road cycles

Gallery
CYCLE RIDE LEADERS NEEDED
27th January 2010
Are you passionate about your pushbike?

Do you enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Island’s natural wonders all from the saddle of your bike?

Are you free between the 18 and 26 September 2010?
NEW IOW CYCLE ROUTE BOOK
10th December 2009
This new cycling book is designed to show off some of the best areas of the Island using a mixture of quiet country lanes and bridleways.

www.iowcycleroutes.co.uk