Penge CC goes overseas – well, across the Solent anyway.
We sometimes forget how lucky we are having the North Downs on our doorstep, but we also forget that there is a world out there full of unconquered climbs and sweeping descents, of car-free bridleways and seaside paths.
If you are ready to escape London altogether for a weekend and enjoy an alternative to the Kent hills, why not come along to the Penge CC weekend trip to the New Forest and the Isle of Wight from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th October.
Here’s what the brochure says:
“With its miles of dramatic and breath-taking coastline,picturesque countryside and over 200 miles of well maintained and signposted cycle-tracks, byways and bridleways, the Isle of Wight is the perfect place to discover on two wheels.”
Here is the plan:
| Friday 14th Oct | Travel to New Forest (Afternoon or evening depending on if you want to train/drive/ride) There should be enough cars going to carshare. |
| Saturday 15th Oct | Bike to Lymington. Foot ferry to Isle of Wight and cycle around the island. There will be different routes catering for all abilities. Back to accommodation for a slap up dinner and refreshment. |
| Sunday 16th Oct | New Forest ride in the morning. Back to London in the afternoon. |
Travel
Getting there. There should be enough cars going to allow most of us to car share. However, the train, pre-booked is c.£50. If we need to hire a van, we can do that.
The return ferry to the Isle of Wight is £15 for foot passengers.
Accommodation
| YHA | YHA New Forest ‘Peaceful hostel close to the seaside. | Cost is £56 per person for 2 nights including breakfast in our own ‘dorms’ |
| Avon Tyrell | Lodges ‘Nestled in the woodland landscape perfect for families or groups’ | Cost is £67 per person for 2 nights (breakfast not included) |
Food
This is not included in the costs (excpet YHA breakfast). We can self-cater or find a good local pub/ takeaway depending on prevailing opinion. (Or a bit of both)
Next Steps
We need you to look at your diary now, consult the family and tell us if you can commit to this weekend so that we can secure the accommodation. Please email me by return confirming you would like to come and how many family will join you.
I will respond to your email with a request for a deposit for the accommodation to be paid by the end August, with the balance in September and a list of questions like:
- Names of all family members attending and children’s ages
- Accommodation preference
- Usual Sunday ride (Steady/Medium Long etc)
- Travel preference. (Own car with/without spare seats)
- Bike racks
Who should come?
This trip is open to absolutely everyone in the club and their families. We often talk about being two clubs – Go Ride and Adults. This itinerary will genuinely suit everyone from the racing snakes who want to smash out 100 miles around the island to those more content to potter around stopping to photograph the fabulous scenery, and everyone in between. If you have very young kids or don’t want to ride, you can still come to enjoy the New Forest!
There is a limit to the accommodation numbers but there are options like camping and other venues if the whole of Penge decides to join us.
We can promise some awesome cycling – but most of all, a truly memorable and enjoyable weekend.
Kate Vergette