We're off for a little jolly around the Island in June - on our bikes

Re: We're off for a little jolly around the Island in JULY - on our bikes

btw, the buddle is the southerly most pub on the island so should be good to pop our nose in that one but just checked and it doesn't open until 12pm so won't be an option unless we set off later.. I'll look for other options in and around Niton

The Castlehaven Beach Cafe further down the cliffs opens from 10am so we can use that if the Buddle isn't open... it's situated a stones throw from The Buddle towards the sea so may be "interesting" getting to and from it on the bikes. http://www.castlehaven.me.uk/availability.php
 
Re: We're off for a little jolly around the Island in JULY - on our bikes

The Castlehaven Beach Cafe further down the cliffs opens from 10am so we can use that if the Buddle isn't open... it's situated a stones throw from The Buddle towards the sea so may be "interesting" getting to and from it on the bikes. http://www.castlehaven.me.uk/availability.php

We can always check into one of their caravans if too knackered to continue ��
 
Re: We're off for a little jolly around the Island in JULY - on our bikes

We can always check into one of their caravans if too knackered to continue ��

great idea... have also just been looking at the route through Ventnor considering dropping down to the sea front but it looks scarey with street names like "steephill road" and the word "cliff" bandied about in several other road names... think it best we stay up top to admire the views below ;)
 
Re: We're off for a little jolly around the Island in JULY - on our bikes

great idea... have also just been looking at the route through Ventnor considering dropping down to the sea front but it looks scarey with street names like "steephill road" and the word "cliff" bandied about in several other road names... think it best we stay up top to admire the views below ;)
Good call Gary. Hopefully we will see more of the yachts from the top too.
 
Re: We're off for a little jolly around the Island in JULY - on our bikes

I'll take a print off of this table to gauge when to be at certain points around the island to gain the best views of the RTIR

[h=3]Observation points[/h][TABLE="class: roundedBorder"]
[TR]
[TH="align: left"]Island vantage points[/TH]
[TH="align: left"]Approx. times yachts will pass[/TH]
[TH="align: left"]How to get there[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]COWES Start
COWES Finish[/TD]
[TD="width: 70"]0530-0710
0930-2200[/TD]
[TD="width: 373"]Via Ward Avenue, Baring Road & Castle Hill to the Parade and the Green either side of the Royal Yacht Squadron.[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 130"]SCONCE POINT[/TD]
[TD="width: 70"]0700-0930[/TD]
[TD="width: 373"]From Yarmouth, drive towards Freshwater. Turn right after 1/2 mile and follow signs to Fort Victoria.[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 130"]THE NEEDLES[/TD]
[TD="width: 70"]0730-1000[/TD]
[TD="width: 373"]From Freshwater or Totland follow signs to the Needles Car Park. Park and walk up West High Down to Needles Battery. Best view to south of Coast Guard Station.[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 130"]CHILTON CHINE[/TD]
[TD="width: 70"]0815-1130[/TD]
[TD="width: 373"]Situated on the cliffs near Brighstone is Chilton Chine (accessible from the Military Road). It has a terrific view of the boats as they sail by.[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 130"]ST. CATHERINE'S POINT[/TD]
[TD="width: 70"]0900-1300[/TD]
[TD="width: 373"]From Freshwater, Rookley or Ventnor go to Niton. Take loop road to Buddle Inn. Park and walk down cliffs by lighthouse.[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 130"]VENTNOR[/TD]
[TD="width: 70"]0915-1330[/TD]
[TD="width: 373"]Park on Cliff at West End of Esplanade.[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 130"]BONCHURCH[/TD]
[TD="width: 70"]0930-1400[/TD]
[TD="width: 373"]Take lane down to sea opposite Bonchurch pond. Take left turn and park in car park at bottom, which is best view.[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 130"]CULVER DOWN[/TD]
[TD="width: 70"]1000-1530[/TD]
[TD="width: 373"]From Brading, take Bembridge road. After 1 mile, turn right and follow sign for Culver (on a bend, and lane hairpins up!)[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="width: 130"]RYDE PIER[/TD]
[TD="width: 70"]1100-1700[/TD]
[TD="width: 373"]From Ryde Esplanade, drive up pier and park at end. Parking for 1 hour.[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
 
Re: We're off for a little jolly around the Island in JULY - on our bikes

Hopefully see you tomorrow then Shane. I should think most of the yachts will be past the Needles before the tide turns so you SHOULD be okay :D
 
Re: We're off for a little jolly around the Island in JULY - on our bikes

Hi Colin, no we get down to Hamble tonight around 9pm, will set off for Yarmouth bright an early tomorrow to catch last of the tide, RTI starts from 5.30 to 7.10am so by the time we head down the Solent at around 9.30am they all should be past Yarmouth!
 
Re: We're off for a little jolly around the Island in JULY - on our bikes

i have to get Helen to Cowes from East Cowes by 5.45 am. I've got 3 choices.
In order of preference ;
{a} ten miles by road
(b) finding a pontoon and dodging all the yachts
(c) CHAIN FERRY :disgust::D
 
Re: We're off for a little jolly around the Island in JULY - on our bikes

Well done guys I know how steep some of those hills are on the island, we tend to go around on two wheels with an engine. :)
 
Re: We're off for a little jolly around the Island in JULY - on our bikes

Great to meet a bunch of forumites at Yarmouth, and what a fantastic weekend! The ride was a wonderful experience. Great to follow the yachts, and some fantastic sights, especially the pubs! �� We had to take a lot of lubrication on board.
I think Gary is planning a reprise next year��. Start training chaps.
 
Re: We're off for a little jolly around the Island in JULY - on our bikes

If I start training now, I might be ready by next year.
The weekend was great, helped by a friendly bunch of forum people and unexpectedly good weather on the Sunday.

... and an additional visitor.
(It was shadowing / following the Jet Ski, and then a RIB)
1HVc3Q.jpg

SfLVen.jpg
 
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Re: We're off for a little jolly around the Island in JULY - on our bikes

Echo Paul's sentiments, one of the most enjoyable rides I've done with great company on the ride and a long overdue meet up with friends after we huffed and puffed our way around 65 miles of coastline and near on 6000ft of cycling up "lumpy stuff"... my favorite picture

35641160076_c3c41a369e_b.jpg
 
Re: We're off for a little jolly around the Island in JULY - on our bikes

We too had a great weekend and was good to meet some forum members face to face.. Sorry we didn't seem to manage to touch base with Gary and Paul but hopefully your legs aren't falling off this morning.. :)

Sorry we didn't catch up with everyone to say good bye before we left but I am sure we will see you all at future meetings..
 
Re: We're off for a little jolly around the Island in JULY - on our bikes

Echo Paul's sentiments, one of the most enjoyable rides I've done with great company on the ride and a long overdue meet up with friends after we huffed and puffed our way around 65 miles of coastline and near on 6000ft of cycling up "lumpy stuff"... my favorite picture

35641160076_c3c41a369e_b.jpg
Nice pic Gary. Who's yer mate?��
 
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