A weekend riding on the Isle of White - who could resist?
Having stuffed a small bag with everything i thought I would possibly need, I headed down to Raphs to meet the usual suspects. It was then down to packing everything in the car ready for the drive down to Portsmouth. The boys took control of the bike rack, while Al made herself look even more gorgeous and I made myself look busy doing - something.
Raph and Grant tackle the bike rack.
The journey was uneventful, other than the normal silly antics in the car and eating lots of things that are not good for us. We caught the 9pm Ferry over to Fishbourne and then drove to our destination in Ventnor.
Al, Raph and I on the ferry. Raph taking lots of interest in the goings on as you can see.
The flat we were staying in was a 70s lovers dream - a vision in orange and brown and with a fine selection of 70s music to keep us entertained. The morning was glorious and with cup of tea in hand it was straight out onto the balcony.
Grant and Al looking slightly surreal, though I promise i have not heightened
Al peering through the window from the balcony.
Breakfast is always interesting.
Ok - so it's not the greatest of pics - might put some off their breakfast.
Not sure why i decided to set the table and get breakfast ready in my pants, but hey :)))))))
Al - always fun and lively in the morning :)) Nothing a good strong coffee won't sort out.
We found a good place to park and then headed down to meet the others. As we were a little late there was no real time for introductions before heading off.
The ferry journey back was quick and with nice weather we were able to stay outside until we were called to go down to our cars.
Grant - no idea what he is doing.
We were meeting a group of cyclists from London RC and had to drive up to Seaview for the start. We were contemplating cycling up there but we got up too late :((((
We found a good place to park and then headed down to meet the others. As we were a little late there was no real time for introductions before heading off.
After a while we hit the ferry crossing at Cowes. Now i have to say that Raph is looking a little camp in this picture. Oooooh hello dear ;))))
All aboard for a short journey to the other side.
Cycling by the coast and then though the country lanes around the IOW.
We were about to hit a hill and then a long drag - this was going to really seperate everyone out. Three guys form the London RC hit the front and sped off up the hill. They were about 400yds away before I decided to try and catch them down - my mistake was leaving it too long before chasing them.
It was a hard slog and though I was able to make gains, it was definately taking its toll. I did catch Marcus, but I was not able to catch the other two guys - as I was cycling off I was 'shouted back by my fellow rider' - somewhat un-necessary I must say, as I normally ride alone, but I duly obliged and then 'rotated' with marcus in order to try and chase the other two guys down. We decided to hold on for the rest who were making their own pace up the hill.
We cycled our way around the island and stopped at Ventnor (the place we were actually staying) for lunch.
Come on grant - no time for Mr Whippy now.
Once back we had some time to relax before we set out for dinner.
As if - Undulating with a few hills perhaps ;)))
We headed out to a local restaurant.
The art on the walls was somewhat suspect. Al ended up with a bum on her head.
Grant was running around on the beach and then decided to clamber up the netting in the local play area. Reminds me of something............mmmmmm what could it be?
Top of a Christmas tree perhaps?
The next day we decided to cycle over to the Garlic Farm. Mmmmmm how our breath would smell :)))
The cycle ride over there was fun and we made good time. Once at The Garlic Farm it was time for lunch. Mmmmm shall we have garlic with it?
http://www.thegarlicfarm.co.uk
Garlic sausages perhaps?
Rum, Ginger Beer and lime - yum
and not quite so yum was the Garlic Beer - Oh well Grant, better luck next time.
No really, I am enjoying it :))))))))))) But the beer was in the glass, not the bottle.
Pork Belly and a little bit of garlic
Roasted Garlic from the Mezze - as you can see there wasn't much left.
The ride back was somewhat slower due to the food and possibly the rum and Lime.
There were loads of Classic Cars on the ferry including this cool Studebaker.
Check out the little red fire engine - Grant folks used to have one :)))))
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