Why not take a trip to the Isle of Wight by motorbike? | o75 (2020)
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- čas přidán 2. 10. 2020
- #isleofwight #wightlink #motorcycle #motorbike
2020! What a year to be sitting at home with the bike in the garage during lockdown. With touring plans shelved and client schedules sliding around like wet kippers on a fishing boat’s deck, I had little chance to escape the clutches of my desk. Then, a glimmer of hope - one solitary day and an urge to cross some waters; my eye was on the Isle of Wight. With ferries only operating essential travel services, news soon came through that restrictions were being lifted. I parted with £45 and booked my Wightlink day-return ticket. Huzzah!
Partnering with my touring buddy, Calimoto, I planned two routes on my laptop that evening. Then, coincidentally, the day before I left, I heard about the Diamond Races. Intrigued, I read more about the island’s new TT-style road race event to take place in October 2021. I just had to ride the 12.4-mile circuit, so put that into Calimoto too.
Arriving at the IoW ferry in Portsmouth at 8am, the Victoria of Wight - Wightlink’s Hybrid double-decked ferry - started loading soon after. Embarking, I left my bike on its side stand, in first gear, then grabbed a coffee to enjoy the crossing. With the sun shining, the shimmering, calm, blue seas soon lifted my soul before jumping back on my beast 40 minutes later.
Calimoto loaded, I rolled off the ferry and, within minutes, I was experiencing Firestone Copse Road’s twisty offerings, the sun glistened through the trees as I headed to my first target - Ryde Pier; a pier you can ride on. Its timber-planked promenade accompanies you to the end; I would think twice if it was wet.
The day warming up, next stop was St. Helens which cups Bembridge Harbour and many of its houseboats.Heading along the B3395, Bembridge Airport appeared from under the trees soon followed with a worthy view and a decent run-up Sandown Road.
Through Yaveland and Sandown - there’s plenty to do here for the touring visitor, or head a little further through Lake and Shanklin (just eight miles from Ryde), quintessential thatched buildings line the side of the road. However, I was here for the ride. Continuing with the coastline route, the beachfront town of Ventnor would be another good stop (I would find myself coming back here later that afternoon).
Riding along the southern-most tip towards Blackgang Chine offers up a cracking stretch of road down into Chale - and the route of the Diamond Races. I decide to pull into a car park behind a Scout Hut and tune Calimoto into the road-race route.
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Music under licence from Envato. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
How stunning is our Island....
Thanks for your comment Daved... I must apologise but I just had to share how amazing it is. 😉
Thanks for sharing my beautiful Island! I have been a resident for over 20 years and am very proud of my Island - what a great job you did. I loved being on the back of your bike (the nearest I would get to a real bike ride - am a 70 year pensioner!) and taking a tour of our beautiful island. #sharingiscaring
Hi IsleOfWight.LIVE, yes, I am so sorry for sharing your wonderful island. It's amazing in every way. A real gem for others to explore and am glad you felt a little immersed with the televisual experience to ride with me. I hope to revisit again soon.
I'm planning a two night stay on the island on my Royal Enfield Classic Pegasus, if you can source a helmet from somewhere I'll happily take you about for a gentle plod if you want? Especially if the weather is anything like on the video.
This is great! Nice to see the island on a motorcycle! You seemed to have a very good time! 🤩
Thank you. The diamond isle is a lovely place to ride. I hope to visit again soon.
A lovely video of iow I used to live there when I left London in late seventys now I live in Sydney Australia l know lots of people who live there my best friend Trevor towel from binstead we were grate mates and still are 45 years later to this day we are both water skiing mates Trevor skied all the way around the island when we were around 17 years old and he still holds the round island record what a achievement Saturday night out was 4/5 of us pile into a moris minor van few beers smoke rollups talk bollocks lots of laughter I o w brings back so many memories dancing on the Ryde Queen colonel bogies at sundown brookhouse at binstead Prince consort at Ryde that were the good old days I recommend I o w for everybody a great place to visit
Thank you for your comment and sharing your happy memories of the IoW. It certainly is a wonderful place to visit.
I live on the island, and im currently saving up for a small little 50cc moter, Honestly can't wait to get on the roads.
Envious - you do have some great roads there and a so much better than I last remembered many years ago. All two wheels offer a bag full of fun, but if you're new to riding, do take additional training, such as BikeSafe - completely invaluable that will stick with you for years to come. Trust me. 😉👍🏼 When you do get on two wheels, ride safe!
Just came back from a two night stay with my son, I rode an RE Interceptor and he has a Triumph Street Twin. I have spent many Holidays on the Island but only once by Motorbike (Honda 250 Superdream 1978) with the future her indoors, the roads have all just been resurfaced and were as smooth as silk. We had some great rides and the weather was brilliant, I would say unless you went up country this Island offers the quiet roads and twisty country lanes that we all dream of.
HI Peter, thanks for sharing. It was a number of years when I last visited the Island and the road surface was terrible. In two minds, I'm glad I went as really surprised most roads have been resurfaced and well done too. As you say, the roads are now smooth as silk. The IoW offers everything for every motorcyclist including those looking for something to whet their appetite for touring further afield.
great video. have been to the island many times but never on my motorbike. thank you
Glad you enjoyed it
Great video,was a biker in the 60s I also went to the island on an BSA 10 650cc for a week just loved it watching your video brings back some great memories thanks for putting it on it was great to watch
Thanks for your comment Raymond. Appreciated. Heart-warming to hear it bought some great memories back for you. Makes it worthwhile doing these videos. How different it must have been for you back then?
Ever since I drove round the island in a car, I wanted to do this by bike. Thank you for posting, great video !
HI Nod Man. Thanks for your comment and apologies for the delay as I've been offline. You most certainly should. ;)
Excellent video.
Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it.
Wow what a nice trip through the isle. I live in Vancouver BC which has its own beauty. This was a great video 👍
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your comment. I've always wanted to visit Canada and riding its roads has always been on my list to ride. A relative used to live in Edmonton. One day.
What a gem. I keep saying to my misses that we should tour the South Coast and this has just confirmed it. Top vid. Keep up the good work and stay safe
Hi Keith, thank you. That means a lot. You should. Looking forward to getting back to touring on two wheels once restrictions are safely lifted. Until then, keep safe.
@@o75uk already making plans. I think the return to the picos is probably still off so I'm planning lands end to John o'groats using A +B roads only. Starting in North Wales and taking 2 weeks. Just stopping in New places along the way.
Really enjoyed this THANK YOU,realised bout 20 mins in I was sitting here, moving as if pillion, turning corners and breathing in on the narrow roads! So funny to hear your WOW as the perfect gorgeous scenery hit you at each turn! Brilliant, Im really looking forward to being able to go over again , even more so after watching this :) Thanks again, All the Best
HI MiA K. I really appreciate your comment and it felt a tad immersive as if you were riding with me. The Isle of Wight really is a beautiful island to ride and it can be done in a day too. Do go - mores as the roads have been resurfaced which made it even more enjoyable. 👍🏼
@@o75uk hiya, happy to say have returned and been here for past week!! Your right the resurfacing has made a difference :) Its amazing how much there is to such a small island :) I love also how its kinda like stepping back in time X Ride safe All the Best X
Cowes to East Cowes chain ferry is the constant embarrassment and joke to islanders, it’s been suspended more than it’s been in service since it’s new craft was introduced, don’t expect it to be operational....
If you go to vent or sea front.....go right up to the end and keep going....it’s a wicked climb 😱😂😂😂
Absolutely brilliant , I venture to the island almost every year for a holiday (Ventnor),this year for the first time I'm going on my own and travelling by 300 cc Sym scooter .…..… a whole week to ride and explore at a leisurely pace .....
Hey Johnny Bluesky - thanks for taking the time to comment and for your subscription too. It's appreciated. Sounds like you're in for a lot of fun. I just hope the sun shines on your ride as much as it did mine. Plenty to see and do. Yes - take your time and enjoy!
Southend has had a pier with a train on it for donkeys years.
Love the isle of wight
Me too.
Another enjoyable vlog. Thanks .👍
I tend to do the channel tunnel which is only 2hrs away. An up to 48hrs ticket costs £30 return and a 5 day ticket costs £70 return. Often go for lunch in Brugge or Le Touquet after having a coffee and croissant for breakfast in Calais. A 48hr tour around Normandy is also very achievable without using motorways, but you may wish to use the £70 five day trip for that journey and include touring Brittany.
Apart from a few places the Isle of Wight looked very much like the south of the UK worth lots of hedgerows and trees obscuring the view but with better roads. Is that fair or just editing?
Never been there, past it on a ferry a few times. Interesting trip, like you all our Euro plans including a return to the Picos were cancelled.
Hello matey. It's amazing to find great little routes pretty much on your doorstep. All trips have been postponed until restrictions are safely lifted. Until then, it'll be time with the family then hopefully back touring later this year.
Great video, if your on the island again you must do the Downs Road to Brading - follows the ridge that divides the north of the island from the south, great to drive and some of the best views on the island.
Thanks for the tip. Certainly one for next time. That's if the Diamond Races is still happening. So impressed, I have some buddies wanting to join me next time.
You must go to Steephill cove.
Awesome video thank you. Can I ask what app your using to plan and save the routes.
Thanks
Hi Max, thanks for your comment. You’re welcome. Yep, ditched my SatNav when I came across #calimoto. I did a vid review not too long ago. Check it out 👍🏼
czcams.com/video/UkOMgx8oldo/video.html
Mint
Cheers! 👍🏼
This makes me want to get a bike
Get one: the freedom! 🏍💨😉
I wouldn't if I were you. It's totally addictive, spending your waking hours hankering for the next ride, dreaming about foreign tours and ending up spending all your money on bikes and kit at the expense of your family. Far better to live a safe, ordinary, run-of-the-mill life. 😁
I’m waiting for my replacement Driving license to come through still, did you have to provide anything when you got there or is just paying for ferry and boarding on and no questions asked
UK roads and driving laws. I'd advise to book if you need to head over at a certain time, but it's basically, turn up, check in, roll on to the ferry, roll off the ferry. Easy.
Looks great but £25 each way for a day trip is steep.
It was but worth it.
Seems rather expensive on the ferry for a day trip £50.00, a day trip from Dover to France by ferry (motorcycle) £20.00.
I agree. The Solent is one of the most expensive waterways to cross, but for me, I enjoyed it.
Great video, I'm planning a trip next month, don't suppose you saved your trip onto a GPX file did you?
I've just seen one of the other comments with your links. I'll have a little play with them with the idea of two nice afternoon rides around the island as I'm planning on staying for a couple nights too.
Hi Paul H, thanks for your comment. It's appreciated, and glad you managed to source the files you need. I wouldn't usually offer GPX files, as GPS devices can, from experience, interpret routes differently; I don't wish to be held accountable if someone's long-expected motorcycle touring trip takes them off on another route.
Awesome Vlog mate, in fact so good my Son and I have booked our ferry and accommodation for 8 and 9th July 2023. Travelling from Bridgend, South Wales to Southampton. Anyway you can send your Island loop route to me please. Can't wait to let my BMW S1000R loose on that military road!
Any recommendations as to route, route direction and POI will be gratefully accepted.
Hi Mark, Thank you for your feedback. It's appreciated, and it inspired you to book the ferry to the island.
As a Calimoto user, I've tried to share the routes here. I don't know if this will work, but if you can, then entirely to you how you use the map. If your SatNav interprets the routes differently, then I can't be responsible for that.
Isle of Wight, East Side from Fishbourne Wight Link Ferry to Chale, via Ryde Pier and Sandown: calimoto.com/calimotour/isle-of-wight-east-1-of-3-t-UoMl0AHoLD
Diamond Races Route: calimoto.com/calimotour/diamond-races-route-t-l0FbAk9nFa
Isle of Wight, West Side, but cross at East Cowes if the chain ferry is running (it wasn't running when I tried to use it), hence why I headed to Newport. You can buy tickets online. calimoto.com/calimotour/isle-of-wight-west-2-of-3-t-EpTGvqNoSv
Random roads within the Isle of Wight before heading back to Fishbourne
calimoto.com/calimotour/isle-of-wight-inner-island-3-of-3-t-7y3DVI19T3
I suggest viewing to build your own routes to suit you.
Enjoy and ride safe.
@@o75uk Thank you for the superb info.....Many Thanks 👍👍👍
@@markshakeshaft6204 You're welcome.
@@o75uk when your riding in Wales next time drop us a line. Be great to show you around.
Yes, I'll try and bear that in mind, Mark. You're lucky to have some fab roads, which I've ridden a few. What would you say is the best?
I’m going solo on my motorbike in a few weeks for the first time
Thanks for your comment. I’m sure you will enjoy the diamond isle as much as I did. 👍🏻
Sounds dumb but is there any chance of the bike falling over on the ferry lol
Thanks for your comment. I had the same thought, but the Solent was so calm, so side stand and popping it in first gear was fine. I’m sure the deckhands would bring out the straps if in doubt.
@@o75uk ah ok brilliant, booked for 19th of June with the gf, really excited, I’m a new rider and it’s our first motorbike trip :) hopefully I do my vfr proud 🤣
@@BodybuildingSteve Be careful you don't get the touring bug or you'll be doing the Picos de Europa in northern Spain before too long. Enjoy. Ride safe.
Southend pier also has a train. fyi
Learn something new everyday. Thanks. 👍🏼
Such a shame the road race never materialised.
Yes, it is a huge shame. It would have worked wonders for the Isle of Wight. Hopefully, its flame is still flickering.
The only downside is that there it can be very active anti-biker. Some pubs wont serve bikers and i have personally had verbal abuse on more than one occasion. Just be aware
😳 oh! Far the opposite from my experience, that said it was one pub! I hope it's not common place. Just leave their ignorance to one side and ride on. 😉👍🏼
Hi do you upload routes anywhere ? :)
HI Keiran, I don't unfortunately but do list the roads names/numbers in the video to give you a gist of where I've ridden, then you're free to ride your own ride.
Good video but sound quality not great.
Hey Neil, thanks for your feedback. Not sure what part of the sound quality you're referring to but I'll assume it's wind noise.
Mics, motorcycles and wind is never a great combination and we try and use every possible trick to reduce it; such as decent-sized deadcat in a space where there's not a lot of room in the helmet.
With other vloggers recommending Purple Panda, as used in this vid, like you, I didn't rate it. I have since gone back to my original mic which is warmer and reduces wind noise further.
Until I can find the perfect solution, this is what I will need to work with on my limited budget. 😉
What happened to Ventnor,not glimpse or a mention,boooo😞
🤔 give the 30-minute mark a visit. Ventnor is lovely. Riding down Zig Zag Road was intruiging, as was Shore Hill. Steep roads around there. 😬👍🏻
Diamond race proposal fell on its face just like all other motorsports on the island, the majority here just don’t want it, which is crazy as tourism has seriously declined over the last few decades.
If your coming over by motorbike, be prepared for some different driving levels by senior and not so senior drivers...
On a bike it’s wicked, get off the main roads and explore....
Yeah - the joys of time-sensitive videos. I was in two minds but all was looking so positive. I know bear that in mind when I do other touring videos. #alwayslearning I'm hoping to pop over again one day. I appreciate your comment. Thank you.
Woooo you miss the best 👎
Where’s the best? I may have to revisit. 😄