New Forest On and Offshore

206km cycling event starting from Lymington, Wightlink Ferry Terminal. Controls at Lymington., plus 5 information controls.

This event has a mandatory route - you should follow the route instructions as closely as possible.

The return of a classic scenic ride starting with a loop of the Isle of Wight then a loop in the New Forest and Avon Valley.
IMPORTANT! PLEASE BOOK A FERRY TICKET (SEE BELOW) PRIOR TO ENTRY, AND ENTRY IS GUARANTEED.

EDIT: SINCE PUBLICATION PROBLEMS AFFECTING HOSPITALITY IN LYMINGTON AND EVERYWHERE ELSE MEAN THAT THE PROMISED PUB GARDEN FINISH ISN'T POSSIBLE. WE WILL BE FINISHING IN A CONSERVATORY/GAZEBO. a SIMPLE HOT DISH AND DRINKS WILL BE PROVIDED INCLUDED IN ENTRY FEE. Brevet Cards are given out before you board the 07:25 ferry in Lymington. Ride time starts from scheduled dismbarkation at Yarmouth IoW. (08:05) Please book a day return with Wightlink, Lymington to Yarmouth and back on the 0725 sailing. Cost £18.40. Book here: https://www.wightlink.co.uk/book. For your return sailing consider how long a rolling 102km ride with stops will take. Relevant return sailings are at 05 minutes past the hour from 1205 to 1605. As foot passengers with bikes it is unheard of not to be allowed on to a different sailing, particularly in the middle of the day. A further 104 kms remain after return to Lymington.

The ride takes in the spectacular Needles and south west cliffs of the Island cutting inland through the lanes reaching the easternmost point at Bembridge. A return through the sailing capital of Cowes and the Solent shore leads to a return ferry from Yarmouth to Lymington and a jaunt among the forest ponies. Pass the majestic trees of the Ornamental Drives to the Avon Valley and the quiet lanes skirting Cranborne Chase. Then a fast run back to the coast passing saltmarsh nature reserves and finally a pub garden finish control.