Tuesday 4 March 2014

Isle of Wight Charity Bike Ride

In April 2012 I completed a charity bicycle ride around the Isle of Wight. I was asked to write a short report of the day to be featured on the charity's website. Below is that account.

Five men, 65 miles, 8 hours, and sore bums! All for a good cause!

On Sunday 14 April, Stephen Ballard, Martin Beeson, Christopher Cunningham, Tom Cunningham, and Jack Ford rode their bicycles 65 miles around the perimeter of the Isle of Wight. All in aid of Sunshine Outreach UK.

After a 5.30(am!) wake up call the guys were on the island and taking their first pedal strokes by 8 o clock. Leaving Ryde and taking the course clockwise, they soon discovered what was to become a familiar sight…a big hill!

They pushed onwards (and mostly upwards) for the remainder of the day, passing the coastal towns of Sandown, Shanklin, Ventor, Freshwater, Yarmouth, Cowes, and eventually back to Ryde. The guys stopped off for lunch at the island’s tourist hotspot, The Needles. The tuna pasta bakes were hastily consumed with much gratitude!

So after around five hours of riding time, and after climbing 3,758ft in total, the guys were back on the pier at Ryde and heading home for a well-earned pint! 

Map of the route

Profile of the route