Cycle Weekend

[GarethG]

All,

I am thinking of going away for a weekend cycling and was just after some suggestions. I can get to Staines or Slough Stations with no problem and was thinking of jumping on a train with bike and clothes (in a small backpack) and going somewhere. When im there store the bike in the room (if a local B&B will allow it) and then just go out for a ride on saturday and sunday in a different area.

My current thought is to go and do the Isle of White, head down on Friday afternoon/evening, find the B&B and a pub . Cycle round the island on Saturday then through the middle on the sunday morning before heading home.

Any suggestions on nice areas would be good, i was also thinking about Oxford or Bristol.

Thanks
Gareth

 

[lukesdad]

Didnt like Bristol much for cycling But the other side of the severn is nice. North of the mainline of course. Wiltshire is good to if you can find the accomodation.

 

[Chris.IOW]

Okay so I might be biased, but...stick to your original plan and come to the Isle of Wight.

The round the island route is great, it's really well singposted so you won't have to keep stopping to consult a map, there are loads of B&B's here, and as for the Pubs.

Loads of options from a second days ride as well depending on the distance you want to do.

And the added bonus of a ferry ride!!

 

[lukesdad]

Okay so I might be biased, but...stick to your original plan and come to the Isle of Wight.

The round the island route is great, it's really well singposted so you won't have to keep stopping to consult a map, there are loads of B&B's here, and as for the Pubs.

Loads of options from a second days ride as well depending on the distance you want to do.

And the added bonus of a ferry ride!!

Dont listen he works for the IOW tourist board

 

[Chris.IOW]

Dont listen he works for the IOW tourist board

No, the Council cut that!!

As an alternative how about the New Forest, great scenery, quiet roads and you should be able to get to Brockenhurst on the train easily enough, you might have to change at Reading.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Isle of Wight... you know it makes sense.

 

[ufkacbln]

....and as for the Pubs.

***WARNING***

Stand away form the Goddards, I repeat stand away from the Goddards


Apart from that would thoroughly recommend the experience

 

[Chris.IOW]

***WARNING***

Stand away form the Goddards, I repeat stand away from the Goddards

Anyone for a Fuggle Dee Dum.

 

[GarethG]

Ok,

Thanks for all the advice, it looks like the IOW is a reasonable destination.

I think i have made up my mind. I have found a nice little B&B that is on the quiet side of the island so i can have some time to relax.

The plan at the moment:
Get on the train at Slough on Friday morning, go to Reading then on to Southampton central.
Cycle from the train to the ferry, get on the ferry and get to IOW for lunch.
The B&B is in Vetnor (http://www.lakehotel.co.uk/) so its a 20mile ride once on the island.

On the Saturday i plan to do the Isle of Wight Challenge (http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/Isle_of_Wight_Challenge-Cycle-Route-5367.html), I can leave my bag in the room and just hit it for some fun.

Do a 30 mile ride back to the ferry on Sunday before catching the ferry and trains back home then cycle back from Slough Station (8 miles).

If it looks like its going to rain il just put the bike in the car and drive down

Gareth

 

[Chris.IOW]

Sounds good, now you just need to decide if your going Clockwise or Anti-Clockwise round the Island!

Hope you have a great trip

 

[Paul_iow]

When are you planning on coming over? Would be up for a ride if you fancy some company?

Also, you will have to get the car ferry across to East Cowes as you can't take bikes on the passenger ferry from Southampton. You can take them on the passenger ferry from Portsmouth though.

 

[RUTHIEBAV]

Ok,

Thanks for all the advice, it looks like the IOW is a reasonable

Gareth

I'M JEALOUS (throws toys out pram)

Have a great time..............dammit.
Ruth

 

[GarethG]

When are you planning on coming over? Would be up for a ride if you fancy some company?

Im thinking Friday the 3rd and heading back on Sunday 5th June. I will keep your offer in mind but i think the aim of this weekend is to get away from reality and do some thinking. Im not sure about the hotel at the moment, i have been told i can keep my bike outside on a fence , thinking of trying http://www.cowesbedandbreakfast.co.uk/ as they have said i can store the bkie in a locked garrage. Just waiting for confirmation of availability and il book up. Perhaps if your in cowes we could meet for a drink on Friday or Saturday evening?

Also, you will have to get the car ferry across to East Cowes as you can't take bikes on the passenger ferry from Southampton. You can take them on the passenger ferry from Portsmouth though.

Thanks for the heads up, i have just checked all that and car ferry from southampton seems to be the best option, or the hovercraft from Portsmouth .

 

[Chris.IOW]

Thanks for the heads up, i have just checked all that and car ferry from southampton seems to be the best option, or the hovercraft from Portsmouth .

I'm not sure how Bike Friendly the Hover is. I think the bike would be carried in a metal box on the outside of the craft with peoples luggage. If you decide on Portsmouth the Passenger cat from Gunwharf might be better or the Car ferry to Fishbourne, or as mentioned the car ferry into East Cowes.

 

[bridgy]

I recently came back from the IOW with my bike and used the Catamaran which goes between Portsmouth & Ryde Pier (as mentioned by Chris above) - it's quick, excellent for taking your bike on as they have (plenty of) dedicated bike racks to put your bike in, and connects directly with the train in Portsmouth. I'd thoroughly recommend it!

Also, some friends stayed here last year for the IOW Randonnee with their bikes and said it was v.nice.

HTH