The Big Wight 24-26 May 08

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If anyone thinks the Isle of Wight is flat...think again !!! First time I came here and toured the island, it was by car, just stopping when beauty spots came along. This time it was for the 'Mountain Biking Festival Weekend'. Once base was established at the Ninham Campsite on the South East side of the island, it was bed early that night for what was in-store the next day.
We woke to brilliant sunshine, which charged us with energy. I shant bore you with all the many riding tasks that are available (there are many), but Marcia and myself decided on a 40km ride. Within 5 minutes of leaving the start line, yes you guessed it, we were lost lol. This is despite fleurescent orange markers. To our defence some had mysteriously gone missing !!! Anyway we quickly joined up with some fellow cyclists who were lost too, and got back on track.
As you will see from the pictures the scenery is beautiful, and there are some serious ascents that will leave your lungs burning. But of course, what goes up comes down.....yippee :)
The following day, though my legs were slightly tired, I decided to step-up for a 60km ride, big mistake. The first third of the ride was serious climbing, which left not only myself, but many others having to dis-mount. It didn't help that it rained cats n dogs all through the night until 9am. The tracks were soft, so the tyres became clogged with mud. You try and go up a steep incline when you can't see tread on your tyres lol. Despite this I did enjoy it, though with about an hours riding to go, I was completely spent, nothing left in the tank. How I kept going I will never know !!! Next time I will do the 60km on the first day and the more comfortable 40km the next....big lesson learn't :)
A huge marquee was erected for the weekend, so in the evenings we were entertained with live bands and there were catering facilities too. But with a supermarket near-by I preferred to cook my own, much more fun. Everyone was in good spirits, and I got to finish the evening off with a little wine and some jive dancing....perfect :))

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