Catch up on the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival with WightStay

Mid-week on the Isle of Wight and the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival is on track to be a huge success as year after year more people come to the Isle of Wight to take part in 9 days of cycling fun!

So far this week there have been plenty of routes on offer, and some of the most popular rides have been for charity - the Pedal 4 Parkinsons and Cycle The Wight for the British Heart Foundation, raising money and awareness for these two organisations. Of course, the hilarious Sink Or Swim also took place on Sunday - we'll have pictures of that soon, but in the meantime this is last years' winner...

The fun doesn't end there – over the next few days there are story telling rides, a picnic on wheels, a dinosaur ride and for those that really prefer their routes to have a more liquid angle, there is a pub trail to follow too!
This weekend is the finale, with the Hills Killer Challenge and the ReCyle The Island route, raising money and awareness for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance – more on that later this week.
And cycling isn't all the Island has to offer either – more news on a wine tasting festival and a huge bowls tournament in our next blog!
So, if you're looking to take part in these events and need somewhere to stay on the Isle of Wight, then look no further than our own guide - with plenty of lovely hotels, bed and breakfasts, self catering or camping and touring park, WightStay has it covered!
With plenty to offer, the Isle of Wight is the ideal place to take that end of summer break!

Isle of Wight Cycling Festival 2009 starts this weekend - or On Yer Bike mate!

The popular Isle of Wight Cycling Festival is upon us once again - 8 days of cycle related activities for the fit, enthusiastic - or if you're like me - someone who quite likes a gentle ride taking in the scenery!

This years' cycling festival is bigger and better than ever, with a host of different events to take part in - including the popular (or should I say infamous!) Sink Or Swim event - pedal across the river Medina without sinking - it can be done...

With many different routes available, the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy some of the last of the summer sun on the Isle of Wight. Try the gentle family cycle to the launch event on Saturday, which takes in the cycle path between Cowes and Newport... Or really go for it on the last day of the cycling festival, in the 3 Hills, 7 Hills or even 14 Hills Killer challenge, a test of endurance and strength for anybody brave enough!

With a whole week of events in between, the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival has something for everybody, and gives you the chance to take in some of the stunning views the Isle of Wight has to offer.

Looking for somewhere to stay on the Island? Do you need a hotel in Sandown, a B&B in Newport or a campsite in Freshwater? Take a look at some of the accommodation on the Isle of Wight on our pages, and enjoy the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival 2009!

Some of the slightly more fit members of our team will let you know how they are getting on next week - I better get going, I have a puncture to fix!