Cycle Analysis - Isle of Wight trip
10 June
The annual Isle of Wight ride was, once again, a big success. Ten Old Ports made their way to Portsmouth, parked up and caught the foot and bicycle 8.10 ferry to Ryde. There, Julian, Michael F, Catherine, Alan, Dave C, Sylvester, Dario, Miles, Ken and Clive O met Greti who was already on the island. The weather was cloudy with patches of blue and a cool breeze so it was an arm warmers kind of day. We rode counter clockwise to the chain-link ferry at Cowes where we came across a local cyclist out for a spin. Jason Flames (he's on Strava) had obviously heard about the famous red train as he then joined us for the rest of the day and was made welcome by the best little cycle club around. We carried on through quiet country roads to Yarmouth where we stopped for coffee. 

Michael suggested a detour to see the Needles  which (despite objections from some members of the party) proved to be a fine suggestion as there was a great view from the top of the hill. We then carried on to Ventnor via the long drag along the re-surfaced Military Road by the sea. Dave C rode on ahead as he wanted to try a famous climb - too much for the rest of us, except for Ken who of course had to ride it. 

At Ventnor we stopped for lunch and then rode on via Shanklin, Sandown and Bembridge returning to Ryde to catch the 5.10 ferry. Michael and Catherine were staying the night in Ryde and Greti was meeting her friend so the rest of us boarded the ferry and then drove home. 

65 miles with 5000 feet of climbing on good and quiet roads made for a very enjoyable but testing ride and we were lucky with the weather - not always the case for these trips. Many photos were taken en route, particularly by Ken. 

As the trip was such a success it is likely to be repeated in August for those who had to miss out this time.