Windmill Cycle Club Special Event

Isle of Wight

Big Weekender 2023

Event Status:

COMPLETED

EVENT COMPLETED

Organiser(s):

Mike Higgs

Start Date:

Friday

June 23, 2023

Ride Start:

Grange Farm, Brighstone, Isle of Wight

Start Time:

Day 1 - 2pm ish.

IOW BIG WEEKENDER - JUNE 2023

It's time to head back to the Izle of Wizzle after resting it in 2022 for our amazing Shropshire trip.

All riders requiring accommodation are now accommodated, ferry crossings have been arranged and suntan lotion purchased!

The daily plan descriptions below are now concrete and follow successful previous visits.

Event Details:

Day One

Friday 23rd June 2023

Travel to the Island on the MIDDAY Southampton to East Cowes Ferry.

Arrive at Grange Farm, on the south side of the island, by 1pm with a view to start riding at 2pm.

Hit the trails for a gentle 20-ish miler, taking in some of the amazing singletrack and open bridleway on the island.

Return to Grange Farm for a BYO BBQ into the evening. Don't forget your buns!

Please contact Mike for a Plotaroute link

Visit the Event Website here

Route Overview Video

Google Map Link to Ride Start:

Plotaroute Map Details

Please click here

Event Details:

Day Two

Saturday 24th June 2023

The BIG ONE. A whole day of riding with a decent stop for lunch at the Pedallers Cafe cos it's Fab!.

A long day in the saddle, but always rewarded by the amazing views and varied trails.

There will be medium and short options, allowing riders the choice to head back after lunch or press on for a loop that will be about 55 miles.

Saturday evening meal at The Three Bishops Pub in Brighstone.

Please contact Mike for a Plotaroute link

Route Overview Video

Google Map Link to Ride Start:

Plotaroute Map Details

Please click here

Event Details:

Day Three

Sunday 25th June 2023

Traditionally, Day 3 on the IOW BIG WEEKENDER has offered the choice of more riding or exploring the island for those who haven’t been there before.

There is a planned ride for those who just can’t get enough! It will be about 22 miles, considering the previous day will have taken its toll on legs.

Owain is keen to try the Isle of Wight MTB Centre, which is all of 20 mins by bike from Grange Farm. Join him for some gnarly MTB-ing!

Head back to Southampton via East Cowes in the late afternoon to be back in Hitchin about 8pm on Sunday evening.

Please contact Mike for a Plotaroute link

Route Overview Video

Google Map Link to Ride Start:

Plotaroute Map Details

Please click here

To register your interest in this event, please join our Facebook Group

Event T&C's (kinda)

Costs

If fees have been taken, the organiser(s) of the event will do everything they can to offer you a full refund if the event has to be cancelled. If you are not able to attend but have reserved and paid for accommodation booked via WCC, the organiser cannot refund your deposit. You are welcome to offer your place to anyone else and ask that they reimburse your fee. The organiser(s) will not be liable for any other costs incurred by you in association with the delay, alteration, postponement, abandonment, curtailment or cancellation of your plans, for whatever reason.

Additional Useful Event Information: Each event is different, so this is a general 'heads-up'.

Preparation

Service your bike, or at a minimum check that it has newish brake pads and the gears are fine. Fingers crossed for sunshine, or at least not pouring rain – this trip will anyway go ahead regardless. Just check the weather forecast before heading off, and adjust your clothes accordingly

Try to get as many cycle miles in as you can, pre-trip.

Bring some warmer clothes, and a spare layer/rain jacket to carry on the ride. Weather can quickly change, and don't underestimate the potential for a cold wind on top of the hills. Given a lot of the riding is fairly remote, make sure you ride with enough water and snacks.

What to bring

Must have spare bits for your bike:

Rear mech hanger (this tends to be unique to your bike, and can easily be damaged by a rock); chain link (hard to fix a broken chain without it); inner tubes; pump; if running tubeless tyre patch/stans fluid/CO2 inflator & cartridges.

Nice to have spare bits:

Extra set of brake pads, spare gear cable; oil lube; cycle energy gels are great for tired legs on long rides. They really can make the difference between finishing a ride or crashing out. Always have some spare with you.

We've built up a great list of essential equipment through trial, error and experience out on the trails. Click here to visit out Essential Equipment page.