Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Ride

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Sat Sep 2nd 2023

3* Isle of Wight Special	3*

Leader: Sharon Bedford	Start Time: 7:45 am	Start Location: Lymington
Description: The annual IoW club special. After last years variations, this year we are reverting to the traditional route round the island - following those familiar official blue signs. . It is quite a tough route being approx. 107k with lots of ups and downs, (approx. 1,250m of climbing in total). We will catch the 08.15 ferry from Lymington to Yarmouth. Please be there half an hour before to allow time to park, assemble and board. I would strongly suggest you book your tickets via www.wightlink.co.uk as soon as possible. (Once you have checked there is a place on the ride). There is a note on the website that foot passengers are limited on some ferries. When you book you have to include a return ferry time. Please select 17.05 - albeit that it is usually possible to change this which will give us some flexibility. Most past participants have chosen to have breakfast on the ferry (bring your own or they do good toast!) and this makes sense as the plan is not to have a formal cafe stop until an early lunch in Bembridge. [Our normal cafe has changed hands again and now looks more reasonably priced with good reviews]. We will have a shortish stop somewhere (yet to be determined) between Yarmouth and Bembridge - but so we can be flexible please bring your own snack . The highlight of the afternoon (apart from the cycling and the company) will be a stop on the beach in Cowes (weather permitting) for an ice cream. Please let me know if you intend to join. The ride has filled up quickly in prior years. For safety the ride will be limited in numbers to around 12 riders at the ride leaders discretion after assessing forecast etc.
Riders: Barry Stanton John Tranter Joy Arthur Katherine Boyce LeeAnn Norris Paul Smith Peter Brodie Sharon Bedford Riders = 8 Report: Sometimes a ride just works - and this was one of them. The weather gods were kind to us and the sun made everyone smile. It was so warm one member of the team actually went paddling at lunchtime! We found a new coffee stop at Niton (slightly busy but great coffee) and then had lunch by the beach at Bembridge (excellent service from the young staff - who even brought out tables and chairs from the back for us so we could sit outside). Perfect timing for the return ferry - from which we saw a Paddle Steamer and the Red Arrows. We followed the official round the island route (mostly). Just a few minor plotting errors from the ride leader - but the group took these in great spirits. Only downside was that a small part of the route appeared to be a cut through for cars with some not so polite drivers. Might look for a deviation next time. What a great day out with great company.
Distance: 106.22 km (66.00 mi)
Breakfast on the Isle of Wight Ferry 2023 Isle of Wight 2023 - Lunch at Bembridge in the sun Isle of Wight 2023
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43945522"
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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