Commuting on the Isle of Wight

[automatic_jon]

I find myself deployed to the island for February and for two days a week I have no lift from the hovercraft, the buses are nice but dear and as I ride on the mainland I thought I'd give it a go as I've seen bikes on the hovercraft before now.
Does anyone have an idea of the cycling conditions between Ryde and Newport? I've been that way by bus before but all I remember were hills really, I can't think if the road conditions are death defyingly bad for bikes. I know that several people do the Ride the Wight each year so hopefully someone will know if I'm likely to kill myself on my way in. I tend to be limited to short, quick commutes around town so it'd be nice to improve my stamina as this is a little further than I'm used to.

 

[Paul_iow]

Its roughly around 7-8 miles from Ryde to Newport and once you get up the hill out of Ryde its not too bad, depending on which way you want to ride in. Where abouts are you going to be in Newport?

I dont know about bikes on the hovercraft as ive never taken mine on it but you can certainly take them on the fast cat from Portsmouth harbour to Ryde pier.

The roads are ok, there are some major pot holes since the snow, but generally they are pretty good. The main roads from Ryde are all either 30 or 40 with a small stretch of 50mph but there is a path alongside the road behind a bush so you dont have to ride on the road.

Any questions feel free to ask.

 

[automatic_jon]

I shall be heading up to St. Mary's hospital, opposite the prison. I was thinking of going the main road, certainly to start with as that's the way I know from the bus, although there's Wooton Bridge where I seem to remember a bit of a climb away from the river. I remember there's a route that goes around the back a bit and deposits you on teh same roundabout as the main road, any recommendations?

I'll go ask at the hover about bikes before I get my season ticket.

 

[Paul_iow]

There is a bit of a climb up through Wootton but its not too bad really. The main road is probably your best bet and probably your most direct route as well. There are a few back roads you can go along but id just go the main road. If you want directions just let me know but its basically just head up from the Hover/ferry and go towards Newport, cant get lost, lol.