Across the Solent, to Dinosaur Island!

It was an early start – we hit the road at 6am. Our fearless squad Tim, Andrew Jonathan and I, led by TDV’s very own “Caulkhead” Fran. Chris was making his own way down from his rural idyll, the plan to meet us on Portsmouth Harbour. We managed to make it to the ferry with plenty of time to spare. However, there was a small fly in the team pot of chamois cream. We got on the wrong ferry. Thankfully our intended destination of Ryde was only a short leg warmer away from our unintended destination of Fishbourne. The outcome, a mere addition of 5km to the planned parcours of the day.

Meanwhile Chris, clearly more familiar with the ways of the coast people, managed to get on the correct ferry. We successfully rendezvoused, finally we could get the official TDV 2026 Tour de Isle of Wight ride under way – a Clockwise route of the island, 106km with just over 1,150m of climbing.

The start of the route was a nice ride along the top of the island, taking in various coastal roads, cycle paths and boardwalks. The terrain was rolling and the roads were quiet. The early 8.15 ferry was reaping its rewards. About 20km into the bicycumnavigation, we hit the first of the 2 notable climbs of the day, 111m ascent at a nice 6.9% average gradient, topping out at a little over 12% for a small section. Nothing this collection of bronzed legs, hardened by the brutish Kentish hills couldn’t muster their way over. The downhills gave Chris the chance to demonstrate his superior descending skills, raising heart rates of occasional unsuspecting Wightlanders.

We then hit the largest climbing section of the day, a collection of 4 or 5 hills that total about 170ms in climbing. A steady, longish climb, nothing this fearless fury of cyclists couldn’t easily ascend, particularly with the promise of 15km undulating coast roads, a dip in the sea and a good lunch on the other side. Chris, Tim and I managed to get a nice TTT going, covering a speedy 10km section at an average of 36kmph. Great fun!

We made the beach! Fran, Tim, Jonathan and Chris braved the temperate waters of Freshwater Bay for a nice swim and we then sat down at The Rock Restaurant for various fried, steamed and grilled foods, generally of an aquatic origin. Despite the confusing queuing system and the apparent surprise on some of the bar staff’s faces that people would turn up to a beach-side hostilery on a sunny Saturday in August, we managed to seat and eat in reasonable time. The food was good and the staff, despite early concerns, were welcoming, conversational and good natured.

Post lunch, we hauled ourselves onto our carbon steeds, with a little under 50km left to ride. We had a determination to ride together for the rest of the ride, having separated out into groups on occasion during the first half. First port of call was the infamous Needles, located on the westmost point of the island. We walked our bikes through the tourist throng to the viewing point and after a short observance, we remounted, hit the road, making our way along the north west side of the island back up to Freshwater and eventually on to Ryde. The last section was a lovely rolling ride, plenty of opportunity to stick your head in the wind and pull (if that’s your thing, no judgement). The promise of “clockwise winds” failed to materialise. I fear the promiser unreliable.

Back to Ryde for a post-ride ice cream on the beach before making the ferry for 4.45 – well some of us making the ferry at 4.45. One nameless member of our little squad had inadvertently booked on to the 5.45 ferry which delayed the departure of one of the cars back to the big smoke. The ferry back was a delight, sitting on the sun deck, full of happy cyclists, hikers and other satiated enthusiasts.

We all agreed it was a great day out. I, for one, hope TDV chooses to brave The Solent again. I’ll certainly stick my name down on the list for 2027. Thank you Fran for organising the trip and taking us to see your people! A friendly bunch!