With miles of dramatic, breathtaking coastline, picturesque countryside and over 200-miles of well-maintained and signposted cycle tracks, byways and bridleways, there for plenty of trails for you to explore. In addition over half of the Island is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Isle of Wight Festival, held from the 13-28 September, includes over 50 rides with options for all levels, from the Chevy Chase Enduro to the Tiny Tots Cycle Adventure. So whether you are a regular cyclist or infrequent rider there is plenty to choose from.
The Cycling Festival programme with a full list of rides will be available in June. You can request one by visiting sunseaandcycling.com or by calling (01983) 821000. See below for a few of the highlights!
Carbon Cycle Celebration
Saturday 13 September
The Carbon Cycle Celebration event in St James Square aims to “celebrate the Bike!” The event celebrates the bike’s amazing efficiency as well as its environmental advantages, such as cleaner air, less noise pollution and better health for all.
Enjoy live music, watch amazing mountain bike stunt shows or have a go at the challenging obstacle course. There will be cycle security information, road safety displays and family entertainment.
Cycle Cinema
Saturday 13 September
The outdoor Cycle Cinema is run using pedal-power; there’s no stored energy – just the pedalling power of about a dozen people! Vote for your favourite film to be shown on the evening by visiting sunseaandcycling.com.
Hills Killer
Sunday 14 September
Hills Killer is an orienteering mountain bike challenge against the clock. Choose from 13, 26 or 52 mile routes and take on the 3, 7 or 14 Hills! The ride is made up of a series of checkpoints that are placed across the Island and includes Sport iDent timing equipment, mid way water and feed station and a goodie bag. Entries for this year's event will be available online from June at sunseaandcycling.com.
Wightlink Wight Challenge
Saturday 20 September
Teams of three take on a 19 mile (mostly offroad) cycle, two mile open canoe and eight mile fun. A challenging fun day raising money for Wessex Heartbeat, Sail 4 Cancer and The Rainbow Centre. Free ferry travel is offered for this event by sponsors Wightlink.
Cycle the Wight
Sunday 21 September
A fantastic way to spend an Autumn Sunday, the Cycle the Wight has something for everyone as there is a choice of 50 miles or 70 miles which follow the clockwise Island cycle route using (mostly) minor roads and lanes.
Whether you are a group of friends looking for a challenge or a cycling enthusiast searching for your next challenge, be sure to get involved. So come along, have fun, get fit and save lives with the British Heart Foundation!
There are various start points to choose from depending on which option you choose and they will be signposted from the ferries upon your arrival on the Island.
Chevy Chase
Saturday 27 September
The 'Chevy Chase' is a four-hour event taking place on the purpose built Isle of Wight Mountain Bike Centre. The centre is based on private farm land, providing cyclists with challenging rider-built jumps and berms, weaving through woodland. The four-hour enduro is organised by Challenge & Adventure Isle of Wight.
West Wight Triathlon
Sunday 28 September
Stunning scenery and a very friendly welcome awaits you at the closing event of the Cycling Festival. The triathlon consists of a 400 metre pool swim, 25km bike ride and a 5km run which can be undertaken as an individual or in teams of three. Visit the website to enter westwight.co.uk/triathlon.
The Accessible Isle
Located just a few miles off the mainland and only two hours from the centre of London, the Isle of Wight is the perfect place to unwind and escape the pressures of everyday life.
Where else could you encounter fields, rivers, downland and dramatic coastline all in the course of day’s cycling?
Approximately 23 miles long and 13 miles wide, the Island is blessed with rolling countryside making it perfect for exploring by bike! Cycle along quiet country lanes and pathways and discover quintessentially English villages, country pubs, traffic-free paths and unspoilt countryside.
What’s more, the Isle of Wight couldn’t be easier to get to. There are up to 350 sailings to and from the Island every day from ports that have direct connections with rail, road and coach links.
Event sponsor Wightlink is offering a discount for those taking part in the Cycling Festival.
Visit sunseaandcycling.com for more information.
