Three words - Isle Of Wight

[Andrew G]

, well it'll probably rain so you want to be off the ground.

[John the old'un]

Hi Huw,
URGENT
Can you confirm the date for this one? I am off to Greece mid to late Sept and Easyjet have a sale on closing today, but want to be here for the Club trip.

[huw williams]

OK, let's go for it.

Dates are 18th/19th September though, which is Friday and Saturday nights. This allows people to get back for other things on sunday.
It's quite possible to get down early enough on saturday morning if you can't stay friday night, just be ready to ride as soon as you get off the ferry in Yarmouth

Usual format:

I'll stay in Yarmouth on Friday and Saturday night. Ride will be out of Yarmouth at 10am sharp Saturday morning. Round the island (about 68 miles) anti-clockwise. Group ride as far as the East Cowes chain-Link ferry then open road race back to Yarmouth

Down to individuals to book their own accommodation for either or both nights, (there is loads of b&b accommodation in town at various prices) I'll try and arrange a group table for dinner at the Bugle Inn on friday night when we know how many folks are coming.

Any questions??? Post here and I'll do my best to answer them

[John the old'un]

Great. I have booked Easyjet for the following Tuesday.
Can you add Friday dinner for Yvonne and me if you book a group at the Bugle.
Cheers,
John.

[Andrew G]

Okay folks a word of advice, book NOW!

I called Ivy House where I was last year and they only had the double left which was a bit expensive as a single, Jerih House was fully booked for the Friday, Laurels was booked too. Hadn't tried the Bugle yet as I know Huw got a deal for the couples last year.

I did get a room at [url=http://www.harveysbandb.com/]Harvey's[/url] though and I think he has another free if you get in quick.

For the ferry crossing a friend at work who's from the IOW said WightLink had got new ferries and the prices had gone up a lot. They sure have. I booked through [url=http://www.redfunnel.co.uk/]Red Funnel[/url] from Southampton to Cowes which although a longer crossing is a lot cheaper. I'll have space in my car for one + bike going Friday returning Sunday.

So even if no-one else comes I'll have a nice weekend riding round the island .

[Andrew G]

Is it just me then?

[jon avery]

I will probably be coming, but will be staying in Mudeford as my girfriends parents have a holiday home there, ride to lymington get the ferry as a foot passenger, do the ride, have a drink and sumit to eat with everyone else , and get the ferry back afterwards.

[Apples]

I'm hoping to be there...will have to book last minute though

[Jon H]

Just booked in at Harveys too.
Andrew, can I scrouge a lift? Can share petrol & ferry costs or just pay you in beer.

[Andrew G]

[quote="Jon Hemming"]Just booked in at Harveys too.
Andrew, can I scrouge a lift? Can share petrol & ferry costs or just pay you in beer.

[Jon H]

I was looking at my Isle of Wight OS map yesterday, and spotted loads of bridleways and and tracks criss-crossing the island. This got me wondering whether it might be worth taking my cyclocross or mountain bike over instead of the road bike.
Anybody got any experience of off-road riding on the IoW?

[huw williams]

Yep - excellent - there's a BIG MTB scene there - not too technical or hilly but some excellent long rides available with good access

[jon avery]

So who is actually going?

[Andrew G]

Good thought Jon. It could be interesting to have a day hooning about on a MTB on the island instead of the road lap. Beer drinking is more associated with MTBing too . I'd be up for that.

Do you have any trail info/maps Huw, or is it the standard nose following on anything that isn't tarmac? I'm happy with either but if there are some trails of note that it would be worth making the effort to get to then it would be a shame to miss them.

[huw williams]

you're in luck - it just so happens that the next issue of MBR magazine has a guide to off-road trails on the IOW - on sale next week and I'll grab a couple of copies for you when it comes in

H