Cycle the Wight during National Bike Week (13-21 JUNE)

May 22, 2009 by Claire
Filed under Events, IW Cycling News

There’s no better way to see the Isle of Wight than on two wheels and with National Bike Week taking place 13-21 June, what better excuse to saddle up and hit the open road.

Whether you haven’t been on a bike for years, or you’re welded to the saddle, there is something on offer on the Island. There is a traffic free, mostly flat cycle path following the disused railway from Cowes to Newport, and then from the other side of Newport all the way to Sandown – tell the kids to watch out for Trolls living under the many bridges along the route and have a play in the maze. Hand-carved picnic benches along the route make it the perfect place to take a rest and enjoy the wildflowers – you may even catch a glimpse one of the Island’s native red squirrel which thrives on the Island. Visit www.gifttonature.org.uk/trolltrail.php for more information.

The Sunshine Trail – so called because the trail circles an area which has one of the highest amounts of sunshine in the country – is a signposted 12 mile circular route on the south of the Island, passing through beautiful countryside along bridleways, cycleways and quiet roads. Based around Shanklin, Lake and Sandown Island Line railway stations, this largely flat trail also has a challenging off road mountain bike section which offers a variety of surfaces, plus magnificent views as well as an amazing Capability Brown designed gateway, industrial architecture, towns, villages, wildlife spotting points and picnic areas with benches to rest your weary limbs. To download this trail, visit www.island2000.org.uk/downloads.htm

If you’re feeling more ambitious, you can tackle the 62-mile Round the Island route through some of the Island’s best scenery, which is clearly signposted and can be completed in a day or at a more leisurely pace in stages. For those looking for something shorter, there are West and East Wight loops at 15 and 16 miles respectively. For more information, visit www.iwight.com

The Isle of Wight Cycling Festival (19-27 September) provides visitors with a wide variety of events and guided routes through 200 miles of cycling routes. Organised by the Isle of Wight Council’s events team, those taking part will be able to take advantage of cheap cycle hire on the first day of the festival. This fantastic offer, which is made on a first come, first served basis, means that visitors will be pay just £2 to hire a bike (£1 per child) and try out one of the local routes on Saturday 19 September.

The event kicks-off at Seaclose Park, Newport, with a cycling display and activities and entertainment for the whole family, including the hilarious ‘Sink or Swim’ – watch as homemade pedal powered crafts attempt to make it across the River Medina without getting wet. For a complete rundown of all rides and events during the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival, please visit www.sunseaandcycling.com

You can bring your own bike across on the ferry, or hire one on the Island. Some companies even offer a free bike delivery service to and from your hotel or self-catering establishment. Full details, plus 12 free, downloadable cycling routes, can be found at www.islandbreaks.co.uk/site/sports-and-outdoor-activities.

As part of the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival, cyclists who book ferry travel with Red Funnel from 18-28 September using promotional code CYC27 will receive a 10% discount – visit www.redfunnel.co.uk. Wightlink Ferries are also offering specially discounted fares, valid 17-29 September – call 0871 376 1000 and quote ‘Isle of Wight Cycling Festival’ (www.wightlink.co.uk).

For details on how to get to the Isle of Wight, where to stay and what to see and do, visit www.islandbreaks.co.uk or telephone 01983 813813.