This classic loop of the Isle of Wight is one for every cyclist’s bucket list. The pull factors are the white cliffs, endless beaches, expansive sea views, classic English countryside and pretty villages, all via a network of small, well surfaced roads with little traffic.
Pre-ride
You arrive at the Wightlink Terminal in Portsmouth in time to meet the pie crew and register for the event. Our staff will be on hand to provide you with a light breakfast and refreshments for the crossing. We’ll then head onto the ferry for the short journey across to Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight. The rest of our staff will greet you, and our bike guides will check your bike and help to fix any last minute mechanicals before an event briefing.
The ride
The route will take all the cyclists on a clockwise route around the island. Departing from Fishbourne you head inland to pick up the quieter roads on the island. You ride around St Helen’s Bay where you will be able to view the famous Palmerston WWII forts across the channel.
Everyone starts cycling south towards Ventor , keeping an eye out for rare red squirrels native to the island. Lunch will be
provided over looking the coastline and the white cliffs.
After lunch everyone starts cycling towards the famous Needles landmark, three stacks of chalk that rise out of the sea. From here we cycle towards Yarmouth and get our first glimpse of the main land across the Solent.
We reach the seaport town of Cowes, which is home to the oldest and biggest sailing regatta in the world. We take a small ferry across the River Medina and arrive at East Cowes, where we cycle the final few kms back into Fishbourne. We celebrate our achievements, then catch the ferry back across the Solent to Portsmouth to collect your vehicle and wave goodbye to the Isle of Wight.