Isle of Wight Cycling Festival

FAQ's

Our Frequently Asked Questions should answer most of your queries.  Please try here first and if you need any more information then please email us at info@sunseaandcycling.com  

Festival Rides & Routes

How many rides are in the festival?
There are over 60 rides in the festival programme.

Do I have to book on the rides?
Each ride is either booking advised, booking essential or booking not essestial. If the ride is booking essential then you have to call the leader before the ride.

How do I know if the ride is suitable for me?
Each ride is graded for pace and difficulty. The grade ranges from Easy - Strenuous and pace ranges from Gentle - Fast. Rides will also specify if they are suitable for on or off road bikes and if they are family friendly.

Can children go on the rides?
There are lots of family friendly rides in the programme but all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

How much do the rides cost?
All the rides have different costs. Some are free or require a donation to charity and some have an entry fee. Please check each individual ride for details.

How can I get maps of cycle routes?
The round the Island route map and several other options are avaialble on our routes page

Cycle The Wight

What is Cycle the Wight? 
Cycle the Wight is a sponsored ride for the British Heart Foundation. There is a 70 and 50 mile route to cater for different abilities. The 70 mile routes follow the Round the Island cycle route which takes in minor roads and lanes wherever possible.  The 50 mile route is diverted from Chale through the centre of the Island.
Cycle the Wight Route map

When does it take place?
(Date for 2015 to be confirmed.) Cycle the Wight took place on Saturday 21 September 2014 with a start time of approx 9am.

How long does it take to cycle round the Island?
It depends on your fitness but it can take from 3 hours for the very fittest to 10 hours for those who dont cycle as often. The average is about 6-8 hours.

How much does it cost to take part?
Registration in advance is £10 plus sponsorship to the British Heast Foundation.

For more information about Cycle the Wight, click here.


Hills Killer

What is The Hills Killer?
The Hills Killer is an orienteering / endurance ride which takes place between Freshwater and Lake. The event is split into 3 rides; Freshwater to Lake (7 Hills), Chale to Lake(3 Hills), Lake to Lake (14 Hills).  Each event requires riders to visit several checkpoints by navigating their route via a map and grid references. The grid references are posted at the start point. The 14 Hills Riders have to visit the checkpoints twice.

How far is it?
(3 Hills) approx 13 miles
(7 Hills) approx 26 miles
(14 Hills) approx 52 miles (visit the checkpoints twice)

When does it take place
(Date for 2015 to be confirmed.) The Hills Killer took place on Sunday 14 September 2020. The cost is £20 in advance £25 on the day.

For more information about Hills Killer, click here.


General Enquiries


How can I get to the Isle of Wight?
Wightlink are our travel partners and offer special rates for participants. Visit www.wightlink.co.uk for more information about how to book your ferry travel.

Do I have to bring my own bike or can I hire one?
There are several businesse that hire bikes on the island, please check our links page for details.

Wight Cycle Hire
Tel: 01983-761800
Email: info@wightcyclehire.co.uk  

Still need help?
If you have any other questions then please contact us.

What cycle routes can I follow outside of the Cycling Festival?

Our cycle routes section has maps of several cycle route and the Round The Island Route map,
Gallery
Al’s Bikes have very kindly given a Marin Bobcat Trail 7.4 to give away!
The Isle of Wight is the Lonely Planet's number one place in the world to cycle. The ubiquitous travel guide has produced a top ten of places that should be on every cyclists wishlist. The Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service Cycling Club wholeheartedly agree and invite you to join us to ride their '100 Here' sportive with a choice of two routes, the 109.5km / 68 mile (100 Here) or the CHALLENGING 171km / 106 mile (Hilly Hundred Here) which has over 3000m / 10,000 ft of climbing on Sunday 28 June.