How we did it

TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION

Cyclist caught the Wightlink Car Ferry (wightlink.co.uk) from Portsmouth to Fishbourne, about 5km from the start point of our ride on Ryde Pier. Ferry prices start from around £15 for a foot passenger with a bicycle and go up to over £100 for a return trip with car during peak season. There is also a Wightlink Fast Cat that doesn’t take cars but docks right at the end of Ryde Pier, so makes an excellent option for a day trip. The Fast Cat crossing takes just over 20 minutes compared to 45 minutes for the Fishbourne ferry. Other ferry options include Southampton to Cowes or East Cowes and Lymington to Yarmouth.

Once on the island there is a wealth of hotels, B&BS and campsites to choose from, with prices to suit every budget. See visitisleofwight.co.uk for information.

THANKS

Many thanks to Adrian’s Bike Shop in Freshwater for all the help with mechanical support and couriering of bikes on and off the island. Thanks also to Performance Comms and Skoda UK (skoda.co.uk) for the loan of a car, allowing for a coronavirusfree journey to and from the Isle of Wight with plenty of space in the Skoda Karoq for bikes and kit. The addition of a bike rack was a welcome bonus.