Isle of Wight Cycling Festival

The Isle of Wight Council was once again proud to be hosting a series of activities this September, all of which combined together to form the Island’s Ultimate Cycling Event – the annual Isle of Wight Cycling Festival.

For 2006 the nine-day festival followed a ‘gourmet cycling theme.’ Many of the chosen routes were intended to lead enthusiastic cyclists via some great pubs and stunning tearooms, allowing them to take in some of the Island’s finest local food and drink along the way. As in previous years, the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival had something to offer individuals of all abilities and disciplines of cycling and inspired organisers were encouraged to see an increase in participation at all events in 2006!

Cycle the Wight

There was plenty for the competitive cyclist to take part in as for the first time this year ‘Cycle the Wight’ (traditionally a 65 mile route following the cycle tracks around the whole island) was modified to include a shorter 45 mile route for those who were keen to see the Island’s glorious coastal scenery, but had concerns about their ability to make it all the way round! A family route (15 miles) and junior rides (5 miles) were also available to enter. These events took place on Sunday 17th September and attracted an impressive following; with many people forming teams and completing Cycle the Wight in a bid to raise money for nominated charities of their choosing. Entrants have since reported that with out a doubt completing the hilly 65-mile course required a great deal of stamina, but the stunning views along the way more than made up for it.

Hills Killer Challenge

For anyone with a hankering for hills, the ever-popular ‘Hills Killer Challenge’ provided them an orienteering ride where participants were given the chance to pit their bike and their stamina against routes incorporating 3, 7 or 14 hills. Held this year on Sunday 24th September, these tough off-road endurance courses covered some of the most gruelling territory and staggering scenery on the Isle of Wight. Please click here to view the results of the Hills Killer Challenge 2006.

Sink or Swim

Another unique feature of the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival this year was ‘Sink or Swim,’ which is effectively a “ride” across the River Medina. On Saturday 23rd September cyclists were challenged to navigate a pedal powered vessel across the water (designed and built by themselves) whilst racing against the clock to beat their competitors and avoiding contact with the water below.

This was a fun event for both spectators and those daring enough to take part! Cowes Inshore Lifeboat was on hand throughout the duration of the Sink or Swim challange to make sure everyone remained safe and sound.

A Cycling Revelation!

The Cycling Festival got underway on Saturday 16th September in Church Litten Park, Newport. An array of activities and festivities took place to launch the festival, so whether people intended taking part or not, they were able to come along and enjoy a fantastic display of cycling magic, including the amazing RJ Ride Mountain Bike Stunt Show; the fascinating Solent Veteran, Vintage Bicycle and Tricycle display and a collection of some of the wildest and wackiest bicycles they were ever likely to see!

Onlookers were able to find out more about cycling on the Island from the local cycle clubs, have a free go on the obstacle challenge, put their name down to join some of the guided routes during the Festival, hire a bike for the day or just simply sit back and enjoy the refreshments.

It is said that regular cyclists enjoy a fitness level equal to that of a person ten years younger and that if one-third of all short car journeys were made by bike, national heart disease rates would fall between 5 and 10 percent. So with this in mind, it is hardly surprising that so many Islanders decided to give it a go...

The Isle of Wight Cycling Festival will take place again next year between 15th and 23rd September 2007; we look forward to seeing even more of you there then!

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