General Cycling Discussion - Isle of Wight Randonnee

I've just had my entry for the London Marathon rejected (again!), and was looking to do something physically challenging next spring in its place.

I came across the Isle of Wight Randonnee (100 km).

www.cycleisland.co.uk

I know from driving and walking round the island it is a little 'lumpy' and would be a challenge for a 14 mile a day commuter.

Has anyone ridden this before?

Any tips for getting myself into shape for it?

Keep doing 14 m PD, but I think you need to load your panniers a bit, 4 x 5 liter coke bottles filled with water should be enough.

100km is 70 odd miles, do it with a stripped down bike and those lumpy bits of the island should fly by.

Also I seem to remember the south side of the island is not that lumpy, and I think there is only one road to the very lumpy west end (the needels) so one assumes you don't go there

but I was in a car, so the odd slope may have passed me by

that sounds great. I'm definitely up for it.

if you're doing it, can you send a reminder nearer the time? hopefully the logistics wont be too hard (I'm in london)

thought about doing a marathon place for charity - ie one of those guaranteed place things?

there's also the poole marathon as well...

Hey if this is going to happen maybe I could join in.

I've just asked the boss(wife) and she has given the green light;) but does anybody know what time of year this happens ?

I've been to the Isle of wight also and at the time I thought it would be a cool idea to cycle around it.

Here's hoping

Ouch !

as I say, I'm defo up for this. pls let me know if you're going, or when you have the dates - I can head down with you both if you're from the South East, or just keep a look out for you

sounds great, a bit to far to the start tho for me :D i remember going to i.o.w as a kid on the b.r paddle steamer & riding in the cab of a steam loco from Ryde to Sanddown ,a nice place ! unless your staying at h.m.p parkhurst. i dont they`l be entering a team :D good lock i hope it all comes to-gether for you.

I'll keep an eye out for when the date for 2003 is announced. If I wanted to be really crazy I could cycle to the ferry terminal (15 miles) from home.

I've asked a couple of people at work if they have taken part. No-one has taken part but they are aware of the event. One chap has ridden round the island and says it can be tough. There is very little flat so you are either going downhill fast or uphill slowly