Isle of Wight Summer 2018

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Ok there may be a few hills that are a bit more than rolling, but it's all very do-able! Just over 65 miles (105km), this is the fourth year for this group.

Ferry times haven't yet been published, but anticipate a 9:30ish start, and a cost of around £15 for the return journey. Then we take the ferry over to Yarmouth (40 mins), and then head off to Cowes for the first proper coffee stop of the day. From there it's a lovely route to Bembridge and the Crab and Lobster for lunch. Then the toughest part of the ride begin - up to Ventnor, Blackgang Chine and St Catherine's point, then its (mostly) downhill back to Yarmouth.

We can stop in Yarmouth for dinner, or get the Ferry back and eat in Lymington, depending on numbers.

Most of the roads are quiet, the cycle route is well signposted and as long as you don't follow me you can't go wrong. (I followed the wrong sign at the very beginning this year and took much abuse from the peleton!)

Although it's do-able on a mountain bike or hybrid, this ride is for road or cx bikes only. It's all tarmac and there are no off-road sections, it's far easier to stay together if we're all on the same kind of bike.

The more the merrier - each year the numbers have been increasing and so does the fun - this is intended as a relaxed social ride, open to anyone so please invite your cycling buddies; it's a bit of a challenge as well, and there are a few nice sprints and climbs to chase without the need to split the group too far apart.

• Russell Y
  Organizer
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