Each May Bank holiday the Isle of Wight turns Willesden Green (see what clever word play that was). For a number of years we have been going over to ride a wonderful event discovered by Brian Moon – The Isle of Wight Randonnee.
A signature feature of this event is it outstanding value for money… it’s completely free to enter. You have a choice of the 100 Km round the island route (highly recommended) or a shorter 55km loop that takes in all the best the North East corner of the island has to offer.
The ride usually attracts around 4,000 riders, though I have to say that they are not all Willesden types – despite it being a freebie. There are half a dozen controls spread around the island and you can start and finish at any one. We usually start from Alverstone, just outside Sandown. The cake at the Yarmouth control is worth the trip on its own.
Vyv Baker is organising two nights B&B (1st and 2nd May) at the Bertram Lodge in Sandown. The cost is a very reasonable £30 per head per night. Please contact Vyv to reserve your place via – vyvienbaker(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot)uk
Further details on the ride can be found at http://www.cycleisland.co.uk/ or the B&B at http://bit.ly/9472TN
Miles Back
09 April 2010
