- Starts: Wednesday 18 June 2014 9:30 am
- Ride leader/Event organiser: Andy Henderson
- Supported by: Martine Hebblethwaite
- Category: Easy rides
At: IOW Ferry port, Gunwharf
Address: Gunwharf Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2LA
We meet outside the terminal building where you get tickets for the ferry.
Contact us about this event
Send an email to leader: Andy Henderson.
Send an email to supporter: Martine Hebblethwaite.
Send an email to both Andy Henderson and Martine Hebblethwaite.
Map
This will be a hillier ride than our normal easy rides. We have, however, chosen a route that includes a long section along a (flat) cycle track alongside the Medina. We'll also take our time so - if you need to push up a hill - it won't be a problem.
The ride will be weather dependent. We'll go only if the weather is good enough. Please check this page before joining the ride.
We'll meet at the car ferry terminal in Portsmouth to catch the 9:30 ferry.
We'll have 'elevenses' on the way over.
We'll make our way via National Cycle Route 22 - a mix of roads and cycle paths - from Fishbourne to Newport where we'll stop for lunch at the quay. There are places here to have a picnic, as well as a pub or two.
Next, we'll follow the cycle path all the way along the west bank of the Medina to Cowes. We'll use the ferry to cross the Medina and work our way back to Fishbourne using the coastal path.
Ride notes
I've uploaded the track we took...
Notes:
- There is no longer a 9:30 sailing, we took the 10:00 instead.
- The path through the woods at the start of the ride was a little rough and undulating but by-passed a bigger hill and traffic coming off the ferry joining the main road.
- Turning left onto the A3054 the pavement on the left hand side is a shared cycle track. This is unclear at the start (you have to go behind a bus stop) and - if you miss it - there are few good opportunities to get onto it. Worth stopping at the end of the track to work out where you are supposed to go.
- We originally planned to stop for lunch at Newport, but we got there way too early and had lunch in East Cowes instead. There's more selection of eating places in Cowes, though. The track shows I had lunch on the esplanade; there's a public toilet and small café at the end.
About easy rides
Our easy rides are designed to be an introduction to club riding. You needn't be concerned about whether you can manage the pace or distance. The easy rides are leisurely and informal. They go at the pace of the slowest rider. We will not leave you behind. If necessary we will split the ride to ensure everyone enjoys it.
The ride is designed for people of average fitness and is open to everyone. There’s no charge for joining the ride. You’ll be riding for two to three hours with a break in the middle at a tea shop. We’ll be using dedicated cycle tracks and cycle lanes wherever possible. We’ll also be using country lanes and back streets.
Inevitably, though, you will be travelling in traffic for part of the way, so the ride is not suitable for people that are uncomfortable cycling on the road.
Typically we have around a dozen people on the ride.
The easy rides usually start at 9:30. There might be a longer ride starting at 9:15. Let people know you’re waiting for the short ride or you might get a longer trip than you expected!
Cycling is a great way to improve health and well-being, and you’ll find we're a friendly bunch. We’d love to see you.
This article describes what you should consider bringing with you.
For more information contact Martine and Andy, the easy ride organisers.