Kicking off with the infamous ‘Sink or Swim’ Cycle the Medina fun race, the line-up for the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival includes over 60 rides geared to suit cyclists of all ages and abilities – from toddlers to Lance Armstrong wannabes! Sponsored by ferry operator Wightlink – which is offering special fares for the festival – the nine-day event takes place from 18th to 26th September 2010. A Wightlink day return foot passenger fare costs from £5.85pp (based on two travelling together) and bikes go free.
From themed cycle rides to the epic ‘Hills Killer’ (19th September) challenge – an orienteering ride against the clock over either three, seven or 14 hills – there are cycle rides for families, off-road cyclists and even wine lovers. There is the chance to learn more about bikes on a ‘Cycling Maintenance Class’ (21st, 22nd and 23rd September) and catch a glimpse of ‘Bobbies on bikes’ (19th September) as the Isle of Wight Police cycle around the Island for charity.
On the opening weekend, spectators can watch ‘Sink or Swim’ (18th September) from the safety of the riverbank as homemade pedal-powered crafts designed by ambitious inventors and cycle eccentrics try to make their way across the River Medina without getting wet. Meanwhile, history-buffs can take the ‘Tennyson and West Wight Challenge’ (18th September) and families can enjoy a scavenger hunt on the ‘Troll Trail’ (19th September).
Nature-enthusiasts can explore the landscape of hedgerows and woodland on the 15-mile ‘Chalk downs and river banks’ (24th September), and energetic athletes can take the triathlon ‘Wight Challenge’ (25th September) which includes a three-mile canoe and eight mile run. And those looking for a more leisurely day can opt for the ‘West Wight wine wander’ (22nd September), which includes a free wine tasting at Rossiters Vineyard.
Families who want to take the Island cycle routes at their own pace should pick up a copy of Wightlink’s ‘Easy Peasy Pedalling’ guide. Featuring six easy rides, the A5 pocket guide makes full use of the Isle of Wight’s extensive bike trails, with routes through nature reserves, past river estuaries and around Parkhurst Forest, home to the rare red squirrel.
Bikes go free on all Wightlink routes and cyclists travelling to the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival as foot passengers can take advantage of the ferry operator’s 2-for-1 offer, which means that two people can get to the Isle of Wight and back with their bikes from just £5.85pp.
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