Burn off gourmet grub at the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival

06/06/2006 News

The Isle of Wight Cycling Festival is staged 16th– 24th September.

The island’ varied terrain and steep downs mean cyclists are guaranteed a variety of views on even a relatively short ride.

Cycling festivals have been taking place on the Isle of Wight since the late 70s, but now in its 5th year the new format boasts a whole host of rides.

Here are some highlights:

Twice the fun in West Wight – 10.30am Wednesday 20 September
Pleasant ride through the beautiful lanes and villages of the West Wight with a stop at Chessel Pottery Barns Cafe for a light lunch or one of the Island’ best cream teas.

Picnic on Wheels – 12 noon Wednesday 20 September
Starting in East Cowes this ride goes into Newport. Stop by the river for a picnic in the peaceful surroundings of Seaclose Park before returning along the cycle track to Cowes.

The Willow Tree Trail – 11am Thursday 21 September
Follow the cycle track from Newport to the picturesque village of Godshill and relax with a traditional cream tea in one of the many outstanding tearooms.

South Wight Tea Party – 2.30pm Friday 22 September
Suitable for all, this ride starts at Chale Green and follows an easy route to a quaint country tearoom in Brighstone for rest and refreshment. Enjoy a fabulous choice of treats before going back on the road to Chale.

Sunshine Special – 11.30am Saturday 23 September
A very pleasant circular route following the Sunshine Trail on bridleways, cycle tracks and country lanes with magnificent views along the way. There will be a stop midway at Aretton Barns for refreshments where there is a pub, tearoom and craft village.

South Wight Pub Trail – 4.30pm Saturday 23 September
Visit three fantastic drinking establishments in the South Wight, starting at the Wight Mouse in Chale then taking some very quiet country lanes through areas of outstanding natural beauty to the Three Bishops in Brighstone. Enjoy a pint before moving onto The Crown in Shorwell for some more liquid refreshment. The ride returns to the Wight Mouse for a well-earned meal.

RIDES & EVENTS

Cycle the Wight
The island’ own mini Tour de Wight, a gruelling 65 mile circular course round the Island, with the options of doing a shorter 45 mile route or a mini Bike the Wight route, a 13 mile family route following the Sunshine Trail, a circular route from Sandown following quiet country lanes, bridleways and cycle tracks for those not wanting to attempt the longer distances. Not a race but a test of endurance. Start at Ryde, Yarmouth or East Cowes, Sunday 17 September.

Sink or Swim
Entrants are encouraged to build their own pedal powered bike or boat and “ride” across the River Medina. Entry is free. Seaclose Park, Newport, 23 September.

The Hills Killer Challenge
Mountain bike across tough off road endurance courses over gruelling territory but with stunning scenery. An orienteering ride against the clock, pit your bike and stamina against 14 Hills (for those mad enough), 7 Hills or 3 Hills (for novices). Refreshments and entertainment at the finish point for survivors. Sandown Airport, 24 September.

Leisure cycling
Plenty of opportunities suitable for leisure rides packed with places of interest, areas of outstanding natural beauty, attractive villages, stately homes, beaches, hills, bridle paths, cycle paths, pubs, cafes, tea rooms and bike friendly accommodation. Range of venues, run throughout the Festival.

West of the Island
Calbourne Classics in Shalfleet for dairy products including cheesecakes, clotted cream and clotted cream ice cream from the farm shop – Calbourne Water Mill near Newport, a C17th water mill selling a range of home-made biscuits – Afton Park, Freshwater, selling fresh apples and meals made from home grown produce in the Apple Tree Cafe – Island Biscuits, Yarmouth for biscuits, pasties, doughnuts, fruit pies and confectionery.

East of the Island
The Garlic Farm, Newchurch, the widest range of garlic production in Northern Europe, check out the garlic bread – Adgestone Vineyard, near Sandown, tour the vines, enjoy wine tastings, snacks and light lunches available in the cafe – Morton manor, Brading, taste the wines produced in the grounds of this historic house – Rosemary Vineyard, self-guided trails in the 30 acre vineyard, light lunches, using Island produce, are served in the Vineleaf Cafe/Bistro – Island Mustards, Bembridge, mustards made from Victorian recipes, including garlic, horseradish, chilli, honey, whisky and Wight wine – The Best Dressed Crab in Town, Bembridge, small family run business, high quality, fresh cooked local crab and lobster direct from the fishing boat.

South of the Island
Ventnor Brewery, Ventnor, award winning traditional ales using an age-old recipe of malt, hops and St Boniface natural spring water – Blakes of Ventnor, great for crab-meat – Godshill Cider Company, the folksy barn in the quaint village of Godshill for home-produced ciders, ginger beer and Island wines – Godshill Organics, shop selling organic groceries and dried foods – Isle of Wight Bacon, Godshill, farm offering home-baked pork pies, sausages, ham, pork, and bacon.

North of the Island
Farmers Market, takes place every Friday in Newport – Market Bakery, Newport, traditional bakery with local specialities such as Newport Buns, Dough Cake and Isle of Wight Doughnuts – Minghella’ Luxury Ice Cream, Wootton Bridge, famous for its range of luxury ice creams made from Isle of Wight gold top milk, mouth-watering flavours include Crème Brulee, Pina Colada and Honeymoon Dream.
www.sunseaandcycling.com