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Heading there with the family for a weekend staycation! Not been since the 80's. There's a polaroid of me sitting on a plastic triceratops. That's my only memory.
Am staying in Sandown - going to sneak out early on Sat for a couple of hours on the bike. Given the time limitation....would you recommend cramming in 40 miles on the road, or are there some decent MTB trails nearby?
Thanks!
Spelling!
Wrong Forum!
8/10
That told me.
Last (or one before last) Singletrack Mag had route on Isle of Wight.
Been there 2 years ago on SSUK, just grab map and join bridleways.
That's what I done, was great, especially on single speed 😀
Cheers!
I.
Ooh, it's been corrected. I won't make my unwoke UK joke then 😀
Is this Barry or Jimmy we're talking about?
I'm there next week, and have been advised there's some good trails in Brighstone Forest.
plastic triceratops
Blackgang Chine!
Also, unless OP already lives on the IoW, this will not be a [b]stay[/b]cation. 😂Spelling!Wrong Forum!
8/10
Not been since the 80’s
You'll be about 10-15 years ahead of the locals then!
I think I invented bikepacking there in about 2005. Good for a bimble - very much a get your map out and plan a route kind of place.
Ventnor esplanade to Down Lane summit is a challenging ~700 foot cat3 climb.
Or join the Sunday Social Ride, they have restarted some small rides - Check on facebook 🙂
If not, grab an OS map (old skool) as there are a lot of bridleways that are easy to link - two run past Brighstone forest which has some nice Singletrack 🙂
I was over there recently and used a couple of routes from these options:
IoW MTB routes
Road surfaces are very good if you're road riding and there are a couple of "cycle-ways" using old train lines which are flat and could be good for family outings. The Ventnor to Wroxall Down (Downs Lane) ascent as mentioned above is a good climb.
The round island route is a cracking road ride, just don't expect too many flat bits.
There's a nice chap (I know 'cos I've met him) over on Bearbones with the username sean_iow who might be able to help you. I believe there's a clue in the name 😉
Remember to be friendly to the locals. If you walk towards a group in the pub just raise your hand and shout "High six boys"
I used to do the round the island cycle, I m pretty sure it's signposted now. When I asked on here a few years ago someone recommended the old cycle track from cowes to the garlic farm, where we ate.
There's a iow Facebook group with good hidden suggestions to visit.
I really like seaview, lived near 40 years ago and it still has not changed.
Geezer off this forum (name escapes me) did a fabulous loop round the island ooh, must be 10 years ago. I couldn't do it now, what with me dicky heart. I got some good photos that day.
Some nice beach riding over there too.
(near Seaview)
I live just over the water and visit regularly both on and off road. Helped organise (as much as it is organised at all) SSUK there a couple of years ago.
Round the island road route is good and clearly signed. There's also some good and easy to find bridleway loops from Sandown.
North round the back of Sandown International Airport over Brading Down, Bembridge Down with a pint at the Culver Haven (great views).
South take the old railway to Wroxall and over st boniface down.
To the west of the island there's lots around the Tennyson trail and stuff in Brighstone forest (worth exploring but don't get too excited)
I always like a trip overseas 😁
“Sandown international airport”.... flying to southampton....!
Hope you’ve booked the ferry in advance with your accommodation. Mate went over last week in his pickup. Cost him £109 return ticket on the ferry.
The bikepark looked fairly decent based on the few videos I've be seem.
The bikepark looked fairly decent based on the few videos I’ve be seem
3 trails (one blue loop and 2 DH according to their site), and only open weekends.
So not really any use if you're there in the week!
Hope you’ve booked the ferry in advance with your accommodation. Mate went over last week in his pickup. Cost him £109 return ticket on the ferry.
Thats fairly standard pricing for more than 4 nights during the summer holiday period. You have to book VERY early to get it much cheaper. I was quoted ~£220 two weeks ago :-/
3 trails (one blue loop and 2 DH according to their site), and only open weekends.
So not really any use if you’re there in the week!
We will be there 15-22 so this really sucks. Was hoping to do some more what Jnr classes as fun stuff while we are there.
We will be there 15-22 so this really sucks. Was hoping to do some more what Jnr classes as fun stuff while we are there.
Cycled to Brighstone forest this morning.
Some very nice trails - bit flowy, bit jumpy, nice and loamy.
Follow your nose and look on Strava.
Plenty for a day or two of fun exploring.