isle of wight club run 2008 - 4th/5th oct

[huw williams]

[quote="Tim Coales"]Count me in please. I'll join Amy's group, being nice and sensible
I'll probably come down Friday night and stay, will probably need to go back Saturday evening. Willing to give lifts to any like minded.

[Andrew G]

Say 2 nights for me too Huw, ta.

Think the age difference between you and my vet may have had something to do with the catch Huw . We're going retro this year - both on fixed, tubs 'round the shoulders, and I'm keeping a look out for some goggles... .

[Brian Nolan]

no worries Huw - like you say I might be all sportived out by then but if I am not heading off to Knighton that w/end I will see you on the Island

[adrian]

I've just realised I'm down for the Autumn Epic, too - must have committed to it in some rash of enthusiasm - then forgotten about it in a subsequent drunken stupor. In any case I'd much rather do the IoW trip. The Autumn Epic don't do refunds anyway, so it's not like I have to agonise over it.

My DNS tally for the year must be approaching Sean's of last year

[huw williams]

[quote="adrian"] My DNS tally for the year must be approaching Sean's of last year

[quote="huw williams"][quote="adrian"] My DNS tally for the year must be approaching Sean's of last year

[Snoop Doug]

how long is the route? I might lead a xx up sporting TT group

Seriously tho folks - I have the need for some logistical advice:

I'm guessing most folk travel down on the Friday? Assuming yes then methinks us lot'd do that too, chance for a beer, some food and a bit of sea air (tho I have heard the IoW referred to most unkindly as the Pile o Sh1te so maybe leave the sea air....).

Huw - can you pls confirm that Mr Fawlty is OK with putting up with me for two nights

Anyone who went last time - top tips...? Fish suitcase was a winner as I recall...

[huw williams]

The route is a mere 67 miles and all the hills (such as they are - it's not very hilly) are out of the way in the first half of the ride - honestly its not that taxing, just very scenic along the coastal roads to begin with then very twisty, winding country lanes to finish

I think if you go down saturday morning its a very early start. Going down friday leaves you less frantic before the ride on saturday morning and the hotel where we stay has a nice relaxed bar and far from being a pile o sh1t, the area is very nice - a small harbour town and within very short drive of some great coastal locations - check the websites for places to go if you want to get down early and do the tourist bit, you won;t have to drive very far.

I'll get confirmation of the accommodation details as soon as we get some idea of final numbers.

If we don't get enough riders for a variety of groups we'll have to ride to the pace of the slowest rider but last year everyone stayed in touch with strategically placed re-group stops. Apart that is from when some of the very, very slowest of riders missed the break and consequently the East Cowes chain ferry. I'm not sure if I mentioned that some riders missed the break and consequently the East Cowes chain ferry?

If you're going by car the ferry across is from Lymington in the new forest and will need to be booked in advance if you're driving but not if you go by train and cross as a foot passenger - its outside main season so booking a couple of weeks in advance will suffice. The place where we stay is 50 yards from where you get off the ferry on the IOW. Another alternative is to drive down and park the car somewhere in Lymington rather than pay for the ferry crossing but if you've got family you probably need to carry too much stuff for that.

Food is good in the place where we stay (think large, above-average bar-meals rather than a la carte) and not expensive but there are a few decent restaurants in the town too.
To be honest after the ride its just good not to have to get yourself made-up for a night out - just crash land after the ride, quick change and straight into the bar - although I think a few last year hit the bar BEFORE even changing.

Hope this helps

[quote="adrian"][quote="huw williams"][quote="adrian"] My DNS tally for the year must be approaching Sean's of last year

[Andrew G]

Snoop, I'd recommend driving down on the Friday if you can take the time off work, I will be this year.

Last year I drove down on the Saturday morning, it's about a TT type departure time which is why it's so horrific to Huw. Also with 2.5 hours sitting in the car your legs ain't in the best shape to jump straight on the bike and set off down the road at a Tunnell pace. I'd also had a post season/pre-winter break from the bike for a couple of weeks so mine were in a fairly shoddy shape. Think Huw's mentioned this once or twice .

They let us keep bikes in the hotel so security wasn't a problem, unless you locked it up to a certain bike and needed it back in the morning .

As Huw says you may want to take the car over, plenty of parking at the hotel from memory. Last year I left it in the Lymington Ferry car park, just a pay and display in a field but cheap and it was still there when I got back - mind you your car's a touch nicer than mine - and went as a foot passenger.

Food = Vast and inexpensive.

BTW I'll happily buy a beer for the person who chuck some tacks in front of Huw to give him a puncture at Cowes and miss the chain ferry .

[John the old'un]

[quote="Snoop Doug"]
tho I have heard the IoW referred to most unkindly as the Pile o Sh1te so maybe leave the sea air..
.

[Phil N]

Huw,

Can you count me in on this for the two nights.

Done the orbital before a couple of years ago by myself - its a lovely route.

Cheers,

Phil.

[Ian A4size]

Count us in too, we will drive down Friday night and stay 2 nights.

The food portions have swung it for me!

[Tim Coales]

I'll try and get Sunday free so that I can stay over Saturday night with you lot - gives me more time if I miss the break and consequently the East Cowes chain ferry

[huw williams]

[quote="Tim Coales"]I'll try and get Sunday free so that I can stay over Saturday night with you lot - gives me more time if I miss the break and consequently the East Cowes chain ferry