This year’s Isle of Wight Cycling Festival promises to be the best yet with more rides scheduled than ever before.

With 44 rides and activities to choose from, the nine day festival organised by the Isle of Wight Council offers something for every age and ability.

You can combine cycling with discovering the Island’s dinosaur heritage, searching for legendary creatures or even finding a partner – there is something for everyone and a handy grading system makes it easy for participants to pick and choose the most suitable rides.

The festival kicks off on Saturday 13th September at Seaclose Park in Newport. There will be breathtaking demonstrations from the M.A.D. mountain bike stunts and trials team as well as a host of experts on hand to give cycling and equipment advice.

People of all ages are invited to have a go at the Wight Offroad Challenge Course and watch the famous ‘Sink or Swim’ challenge across the medina which sees riders challenged to cross the river on a pedal powered bike/boat without ending up in the water! The organisers are still appealing for more groups and individuals to sign up to this fun event. An application form can be downloaded from www.sunseaandcycling.com or obtained by calling 01983 823070.

There are a number of guided rides on the launch day including one from Medham, Cowes to Seaclose Park as well as a circular route from Seaclose Park taking in the pretty villages of Blackwater, Merstone and Godshill.

The festival offers rides ranging from family friendly, gently leading cyclists through the Island’s beautiful countryside to gruelling endurance rides designed for only the most experienced riders.

For those seeking a challenge, Sunday 14 September sees the famous Hills Killer endurance events. With a choice of three rides to choose from: Three Hills Killer, Seven Hills Killer and 14 Hills Killer, the orienteering ride against the clock is extremely popular and fiercely competitive! For the first time all three rides will finish in Freshwater. A prize marquee, running commentary and BBQ will greet riders at The Apple Tree Café, Afton Park, Freshwater as they finish their offroad challenge.

The West Wight Triathalon offers participants the chance to test their running, cycling and swimming skills in the ultimate endurance test. Enthusiasts can also team up for the Wight Challenge on the 20th September which involves cycling, running and an open canoe paddle in teams of three.

For those looking for something more unusual and slightly less strenuous there are a number of activity based rides. The Dino Ride starting at Yaverland takes riders along the beach looking for fossils with staff from Dinosaur Isle. Those looking for love can enrol on the Singles Cycle which gives riders the chance to chat to potential love matches whilst cycling along the scenic Sunshine Trail from Shanklin to Godshill and back.

For younger participants, amongst the many dedicated children’s rides is the Story Cycle. The mainly off-road route from Yarmouth to Afton Park and back has regular stops for fun stories, riddles and rhymes. The Troll Trail takes families on a magical journey where trolls lurk under bridges. The trail contains hidden treasures to encourage riders to use their senses along the way. The fun shaped chainsaw carved benches provide welcome rest breaks for those taking part.

Throughout the festival, various rides will be raising money for worthwhile causes. The Cycle the Wight rides on Saturday 21st September are all raising money for the British Heart Foundation. There are several Pedal 4 Parkinsons rides which raise money for the Parkinson’s Association. Funds are also being raised for UNICEF, Christian Aid, Gift to nature, The Woodland Trust, Tear Fund, Freshwater Lifeboat, Rainbow Corner Toddler Group, Dreams come True, Wessex Cancer Trust and the Isle of Wight Blind Society.

Cllr David Pugh, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council and himself a keen cyclist said:

“This year’s cycling festival has something for everyone, whether you are new to the saddle or an avid cyclist like myself. The festival increases in popularity every year and it is pleasing to see the number of people, both tourists and residents, taking to two wheels and pursuing this healthy and environmentally friendly activity.
 
”The festival not only complements many other events organised throughout the year, but will raise money for a wide range of good causes at the same time. I am looking forward to taking part in the opening festivities at Seaclose Park and also pedalling round the Island for Cycle the Wight the following weekend.”

Festival guides are available from Tourist Information Centres across the Island. They contain details of start times, ride locations, distance and terrain and information about refreshment availability and whether rides include viewing and rest stops. Further information about the event can be found at www.sunseaandcycling.com or by contacting the Isle of Wight Council on 01983 821000.