Hundreds take part in Cycle the Wight challenge

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Tue 20 Sep 2011

Hundreds of cyclists have taken part in a challenge to cycle around the Isle of Wight.

Despite poor weather blighting the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival in the last few days, some 400 bikers are thought to have taken to the tracks of the island in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

According to a report published by the Isle of Wight County Press, Yarmouth Primary School laid on hot drinks for those who took part in the event in the wind and rain.

Mary Bareham, the regional events organiser for the British Heart Foundation, said: "This year was fabulous despite the weather - everybody was so happy and cheerful."

Cyclists were given the choice of two different routes around the course of the island, one spanning 50 miles and the other providing a full 70-mile test of the Isle of Wight.

For families and less experienced bikers, there was a 15-mile track on offer as part of the event.

The Isle of Wight Cycling Festival is set to run for the rest of the week and does not close until September 25th.

A wide range of rides are on offer for those who have booked Isle of Wight holidays in order to join the event, such as the Ice Cream Ride which takes place tomorrow (September 21st).

Other highlights being held on the island over the next few days include a track through the south of the Isle of Wight on Thursday, which includes stops at Godshill Church and the Chequers Inn and the West Wight Triathlon, which brings the festival to an end on Sunday.

It involves a 600-metre swim in a pool, followed by a 35-kilometre cycle and ending with a run for seven-and-a-half kilometres, with competitors able to join as a team or individuals and encouraged to raise money for the Ellen MacArthur Trust through sponsorship.

Posted by Adam Pearson

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