Wikipedia will tell you that the Isle of Wight is an island, an English county and a unitary authority in the English Channel, 2 to 5 miles off the coast of Hampshire, across the Solent. It is the largest and second-most populous island in England. Referred to as "The Island" by residents, the Isle of Wight has resorts that have been popular holiday destinations since Victorian times. It is known for its mild climate, coastal scenery, and verdant landscape of fields, downland….. and geckos. The island is designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
What Wikipedia doesn't say is that it is easily accessible from London, and a short FastCat ride from Portsmouth Harbour has you at the pier head in Ryde within about 25 minutes. From there, cycling heaven beckons.
We welcomed 12 riders on the tour very ably supported by Sarah, Gavin and Kayleigh from Ford Search Partners, who are local to the island. As usual, glorious sunshine was the order of the day, the local tarmac was well groomed and the customary Spitfire flew overhead. We embarked on a clockwise route to benefit from prevailing winds and whistled through St Helens and Bembridge before skirting Shanklin and Ventnor. It was up and down parcours but the sun was shining and other road users were charmingly friendly (unlike some who frequent the lanes of the Home Counties). Lunch at The Wight Mouse Inn at Chale set the afternoon leg up nicely with two options available, the shorter (but apparently hilly!) return leg through the Island's centre or continuing on the traditional coastline tour. Skirting the sailing mecca that is Cowes, the peloton took a welcome break at the chain-ferry before rolling back to the Pier at Ryde and a very welcome cold beer. A stress-free return on the FastCat to Portsmouth capped a hugely successful BDOVELO Tour Of the Isle of Wight.