Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2007 | Page 61

SPORT AND LEISURE
all-terrain bikes, making them
suitable for road cycling as well
as some low-level mountain
biking, to the latest racing
bikes – thousands of pounds
worth of extremely lightweight
carbon fibre for the most
serious and dedicated cyclist.
On road, the Island has miles
of small roads for serious racing
cyclists and quiet country
lanes for recreational and
touring cyclists to potter along.
The Island offers many safe
places for family cycling. Very
young bikers can enjoy the
experience from the comfort
of ‘tag-alongs’ – mini-bikes
that attach to the back of an
adult model – and these are
available for hire from bike
shops. Popular family rides run

through the Arreton Valley along
disused railway lines, and from
Freshwater Bay to Yarmouth
alongside the River Yar.
Other well-established
cycle routes include Cowes
to Newport, Sandown to
Newport, Wootton to Newport
and Yarmouth to Freshwater,
and there is a shorter route
connecting Newport to the
Mountbatten Centre. There’s
also a well-signposted and
easy to follow 'Round the
Island' ride. Details and
a route map are available
from Isle of Wight Tourism
by calling 01983 813818
or from one of the Island’s
Tourist Information Centres.
Whether on or off road,
there are plenty of great pubs

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and cafes along the way for
refuelling as well as a range
of options for cyclist-friendly
accommodation. There are
a number of cycle shops on
the Island, offering parts and
repairs as well as bike hire.
Wherever you are cycling,
stay safe and make sure
you are familiar with the
National Cycle Network Good
Cycling Code. On all routes,
always cycle with respect
for others, including other
cyclists