Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2007 | Page 60

life

SPORT AND LEISURE

BY JAMES KERR

Island Outdoors
In this issue, to celebrate to Isle of
Wight Cycling Festival in September,
we focus on mountain and road biking.
Cycling fever hit the UK in June with
the staging of the opening phase of the
Tour de France. It is set to continue on
the Island with the Isle of Wight Cycling
Festival, which takes place from 15th to
23rd September. The festival celebrates
the Island’s hundreds of miles of cycle
routes, including off-road trails and quiet
country lanes. This network is regularly
maintained, well signposted and suited
to all levels and fitness abilities.
Mountain biking is a great way to keep
fit. A 10-stone person burns about 450
calories during an hour in the saddle,
and it strengthens the back, boosts
the lungs and heart, tones the arms,
and shapes the bottom and legs.
Mountain bikes are designed to ride on
rough terrain, with wide, high-grip tyres.

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An entry level bike made by Giant, Trek,
Specialized or Scott costs about £300400. Mountain bike hire is about £10-20
per day. A helmet is essential; as with
all extreme sports, there are risks – most
seriously a broken wrist or ribs. But most
spills are likely to result in nothing more
than bruises and minor abrasions.
Some bikers prefer to use clipless
pedals and cycling shoes. These,
and other specialist equipment, are
available from a number of bike shops
on the Island; get used to these on
the road before you hit the dirt!
Here’s a few more tips to help you stay
in (rather than out of) the saddle:
• When going downhill, stand on your
pedals and position your bottom about an
inch behind the saddle – this keeps your

weight towards the back of the bike.
• Stay in the saddle when
you are cycling uphill.
• Cover your brakes – always have
one finger poised over the brake so
that you are ready for any hazard.
But don’t jam on your front brake.
• Don’t look down – look as far ahead as
possible so that you can change speed
and dodge an obstacle before you reach
it, rather than a second before you hit it!
Off-road cycling on designated cycle
tracks and public bridleways is a great way
to explore the Island. Serious mountain
bikers will find the Island’s mix of chalky
descents, rocky single-track trails and
unforgiving climbs a real challenge. For a
thrilling and technical ride, the rollercoaster
route from Freshwater to Newport is
unbeatable. Thrill-seekers looking for
some serious downhill action should
head for the many trails over the Southern
Downs around Shanklin and Ventnor.
Those who take a more sedate
approach to off-road biking will enjoy
the Island’s spectacular scenery, and
plenty of agreeable places for pit stops,
and of course to have a leisurely drink
and chat. The best guide to the Island’s
off-road bike trails is the Isle of Wight
OS outdoor leisure map, no. 29.
Road bikes range from basic hybrid
models fitted with narrower tyres than

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