Everything's bursting into leaf

This is the time of year that the Isle of Wight really wakes up and loses the last traces of winter.  Trees are releasing their buds, with a riot of mottled greens breaking out across the deciduous woodland across the Isle of Wight.

It's only a short time before the Randonee, which we're limbering up for.  More details here.

This time of year is also a fantastic time to have a wander through Ventnor Botanic Gardens to enjoy the flowers that are now starting to bloom.

Check out our listings to find somewhere to stay when you come over to enjoy the Isle of Wight in the fine spring weather we're revelling in at the moment.

And remember Wightlink, Red Funnel and Hovertravel are completely unaffected by volcanic ash so there's no question of a volcano disrupting your holiday to the Isle of Wight!

The Randonnee is getting ready for May!

We have a guest blog post this week, from Alan Rowe who is part of the Randonee organising committee.  The Randonee is the very well established round the Island bike ride. The word Randonnee is French for excursion and is used in the UK in cycling circles to describe circular rides.  The round the Island bike ride probably being the best example!

The Randonee takes place on 2nd May this year.

It's that time of year when Snowdrops peep out from the warming soil, likewise the Randonnee committee are beginning to 'awake' and set about the business of finalising this year’s event.

26 years since its debut, the Isle of Wight Randonee now attracts over 2,000 entrants from all over the country. The ride has become a 'classic' due to its free entry and informal nature, not to mention the pretty and varied scenery of the Island. This year we are streamlining the signing on process as we are expecting around 2,500 riders!

One of the joys of being on checkpoint duty is witnessing people’s personal achievements. For some, 100k is a mere morning’s ride.  Others finish with an exhilarated air clutching their hard won badges, knowing they have conquered their own Everest and vowing to return next year.

In the grey winter evenings, toiling over the nuts and bolts of putting the event together it is the thought of those happy faces that keeps you going. All we need on the 2nd of May 2010 is a bit of sunshine and a host of keen riders! We’re looking forward to seeing you there.

Al

For complete information about the event, visit the website at www.cycleisland.co.uk