IOW 2023
Our second adventure to the Island was a great success with 21 Riders enjoying 3 days of riding mostly resident at the YMCA in Lake.
We were organised into 3 groups, one doing off-road tracks, the others on-road or cycleways. Hence reports below cover the 3 groups (known as Group 1, 3 and 4 as sadly group 2 had a number of riders unable to attend.
Group 1 Day 1
The ride for the off-road group started well with on-time catamaran and everyone fully loaded. Our first track was in Binstead on the edge of Ryde, leading to Play Lane, we turned across fields toward Haven street, noting the new, improved Milk barn, an honesty shop in case you are passing this way.
We paused at the entrance to the Heritage Railway and discussed the slightly strange wording on signage. Note this is the answer to the cycling uk quest questions. https://www.cyclinguk.org/british-cycle-quest On to another track leading to Briddlesford farm serving tasty coffee and lovely pastries, well worth a vist despite the distinct smell of their Jersey cow herd. A road climb up to Staplers road and onto a track with a fun bumpy downhill into Pan country park. Then St Georges lane for the climb of the day ! Lovely views are always a payback for the efforts. A gully run down toward Merstone is quite steep and luckily we avoided the nettles at the bottom.
This area of the island is formed from a band of sand which for todays run at least was solid. We join the Red Squirrel trail through Merstone station and then head off toward Godshill on another sandy track with fields of cabbages and Sunflowers. A visit to Godshill church left Peter very enthused by the rare lichens on the side of the church which he stayed to inspect whilst we went to the Cafe for lunch.
From here a gravel (much improved from last time I cycled it) track leads to Freematle gate, as you can see from photos a huge iron gate incongruously isolated at the top of a hill ! Its on the Appledurcombe estate edge, so we went to visit the ruined house (English heritage free entry). We were all amazed by this place with a couple of semi repaired rooms, Cycling through a stately home, another first.
Also note in the pictures the huge nest in fireplace, we don't know but Rob (resident expert) thinks this could be a Sea Eagle nest it is so big !
Return from here was along the Southern section of red squirrel trail Wroxall to Shanklin. We visited the Recycle & Bicycle shop and a few of the group got some bargain cycle tops. Further refreshments were called for so we dropped down to the seafront. Meeting up with group 4 and then getting some nice ice-cream before a trip along the revetment (promenade) to Sandown and back along the clifftop to the YMCA in good time for everybody to settle in, shower, and enjoy a hearty portion of Fajitas, and 🍎 crumble.
Day 2 Off-Road hills
It had rained overnight and was still drizzling slightly as we embarked on the ride. Quickly passing into the America woods behind Ryde and shooing a herd of cows off the track we started our slightly muddy adventure.
From here, crossing the old railway line and scrambling down steps onto a track up St Martins down. Glimpsing nice views back to Sandown bay through the low clouds, climb 1 done.
Down again to Wroxall then a huge climb up a road to Stenbury down. Its at times like this i really appreciate electrical assistance and feel for Tony and Peter who chose to come on manual bikes. Its well worth the climb.
As we emerge onto the grassy down the fabulous views all around us took our breaths away, or was that the very strong SW wind ?
From here the grassy slope is a fun ride going into more narrow tracks to farm with Alpacas and other interesting livestock. On the previous ride we had encountered rare Manx 🐑 (thanks Chris for identifying) Into Whitwell passing two of the bright red painted wells.
We were too early for the pub so a short while later Tony B turned roadside barista. Breaking out all the kit, we were amazed as he brewed us all a very tasty, fresh coffee, milk too (but no froth) and biscuits.
Another steady climb took us up St Catherines down, we didn't make the Oratory monument but the clouds were high enough for us to see the spectacular views along the military road and cliffs of Tenyson down. A visit to the Hoy monument marked the point to turn downhill, along muddy lanes (thanks to Kieran for a vicar of dibly like moment as he tested the depth of a puddle).
Over another down into a well named Hollow lane one of many fabulous sunken lanes we zipped down over our time away.
We made it to the Chequers Inn for a hearty lunch and discussed if we went for an extended route. In the end Peter decided to proceed along the cycle path and the rest used a parallel route on the Bembridge trail through the Garlic farm fields. These are very sandy and with the previous rain in places were difficult to navigate. I got a wet muddy foot falling into a rut and Tony joined me just behind, his 2nd tumble of the day. Everyone except Peter fell off at some point but no harm done though Tony did have to repair his rear Derailleur which seemed to get bent.
Our return through Alverstone and woods near the Airport gave an early idea of our third day sites to see. We covered 28 miles and climbed 2900 feet More good chat and food back at the Hostel rounded out a great day.
Day 3 Group 1
The forecast had been horrible but as is often the case on the day was much better so we set off in light drizzle, optimistic that things would improve. I had the previous night wimped out but reinvigorated by a good sleep couldn't resist the ride.
The first stop was Sandown Airport we had seen the previous day but now on a track that actually crosses the runway and, randomly, has a Rocket on it !
Back again to Alverstone but avoiding some of the narrow sunken lanes from day 2 as it had been so wet overnight. Then climbing again up onto Brading Down the weather denying the intended views we were a bit exposed on open grassland until we got into the lea of the hill and woodland taking us into Brading.
Crossing Brading marshes to St Helens and a visit to Seagrove bay then the lovely Lillys cafe in Seaview as the sun shone.
The group took the 12:45 catamaran back to England [sic].
Total 66 miles covered over the 3 days and over 6000 feet of ascent achieved with smiles all around.
Again thanks to all and particularly Martin for his planning and organisation. I know the hostel had pencilled us in for next year!
Group 3 Rides
Our group of 7 stuck to the roads and great cycle tracks on the Island.
Day 1
A ride from Ryde with a first stop at Quarr Abbey for a coffee. Into Newport on NCN 22, interestingly the same route passing through Petersfield. We pass the crumbling wreck of PS Ryde, the last paddle steamer to ply the Solent. Then picking up NCN 23 the Red Squirrel trail a great cycleway so well used all the way to Sandown.
Day 2
A circular ride out again on the Red squirrel trail but in reverse direction turning south at Merstone through generally quiet lanes to Godshill, a visit to the church and to a tea room is essential. On from here down Sheepwash lane to Whitwell and Niton and a mandatory stop at the Buddle Inn a quaint pub with views over the sea (if it wasnt so cloudy).
From here the Undercliff leads us to Ventnor. Following the incident last year we avoided the treacherous downhill to the seafront but were then faced with the climb out of the town up the zigzag, electrical power much appreciated by all.
Its down hill to Wroxall then another pleasant old railway line, Red Squirrel trail back to Sandown and the welcome of the groups already back at the YMCA.
Day 3
Hugging the coast we left Sandown through Yaverland the rough seas making it even more impressive. A climb around the base of Culver down (we didn't attempt it like last year) but its still hilly down into Bembridge. Then tracks to Seaview, Puck pool and Ryde in time for the 2:45 catamaran.
Our group Mark, Geoff, Lynda, Linda, Paul, Diana and Anthea.
The Group 4 Riders
At the outset it was decided that Group 4 would adopt a relaxed approach in terms of ride pace and taking the opportunity to spend time appreciating the views and places/objects of interest
Day 1
Clockwise coastal route from Ryde to Shanklin via Puckpool Park, Seaview, St Helens, Bembridge, Hillway, Yaverland, Sandown and Shanklin Wonderful coastal views Two stops for refreshments along the coastal promenade between Sandown and Shanklin 14 miles 1038 feet of climbing
Day 2
A ride to Cowes and back first up the eastern side of the River Medina and back down the western side via Godshill, Merstone, Blackwater, Newport, Wooton, Whippingham, East Cowes, chain ferry to Cowes, Newport, Merstone, ArretonLake and Shanklin Lovely inland and riverside cycling Tea/Coffee on the Quay at Newport and lunch in Cowes Jo had a puncture at Newport however the pit stop team led by Allen had us back on our bikes within 20 minutes 34 miles 1074 feet of climbing
Day 3
Return to Ryde via Sandown, Alverstone, Newchurch, Havenstreet, Fishbourne and Ryde Pier Despite the awful weather forecast we remained dry apart from dampness from low cloud and a bit of drizzle Tea/Coffee at the Garlic Farm Lunch at Quarr Abbey followed by visit to the church 17 miles 1042 feet of climbing We met Group 3 riders at the Pier Head and both groups had no problems in boarding the ferry.
Plenty of good conversation and laughs in Group 4. We did not get lost which always helps. No falls or injuries again which always helps.
Thanks to Liz for back marker duties and to Tim, Jo, Michael, Allen, Rob and Russ for being such a fun group to lead
A couple of general points The Hostel was again this year excellent. Welcoming, friendly and excellent value for money.
Some of us found a watering hole for pre dinner drinks - The Hideaway - located on the coastal path clifftop about a 10 minute walk from the Hostel. Panoramic sea views and very pleasant
All the routes are available on the website and linked below (click on the embedded links). They are quite easy to do as a day trip if you want to explore.
IOW Routes 2023.pdfNext Time
watch this space