Life In The Saddle

Many know the Isle of Wight for its spectacular road cycling routes, but one of the better kept secrets is the vast network of varied and challenging off-road gravel bike routes that is waiting to be explored. Last September, I launched the inaugural edition of The Wight Prestige , in collaboration with The Garlic Farm. The three day event offers gravel cyclists with a bespoke experience weekend: discovering hidden gravel trails, eating sumptuous locally produced food, and staying in one of the beautiful yurts at The Garlic Farm. A Weekend of Gravel Cycling on the Isle of Wight The weekend shapes up like this... On the Friday evening, riders are met off the Wightlink Fast Cat at Ryde Pier Head, and their baggage is transferred safely back to The Garlic Farm by electric cargo bike. Riders then have just a short warm up spin to get over the Downs and reach their base for the weekend at Mersley.   On arrival, guests check into their four person yurts (bookings must be made in a g...

In late September 2021, I welcomed an exclusive group of 20 enthusiastic gravel riders from across the country to my home soil on the Isle of Wight. The Wight Prestige #1 would be a weekend of fantastic food, countless laughs, and the best gravel bike riding that can be found on this little emerald Island off the South Coast of the UK… The click of freehubs, clink of beer bottles, and sound of Rory's Boom Pod signals the arrival of the first of the guests for the inaugural Wight Prestige. As they roll off the ferry at Ryde Pier, handing their bags to the e-cargo bike bag transfer riders, it is a relaxed and jubilant atmosphere as the sun shines down on the late September evening. We spin down the pier and along the seafront, sneaking out of town on hidden bridleways as the Friday afternoon 'rush hour' descends. Before long we are out on the Downs, and I am leading the small group up over the hill and down to the calm surrounds of the Garlic Farm on the southern side of the...

Fancy joining me for a weekend getaway of the best gravel riding the Isle of Wight has to offer? Fancy tasting the best gourmet food on the Island and experiencing a weekend stay in a beautiful yurt on the grounds of the famous Garlic Farm? Welcome to the Wight Prestige... 24th to 26th September 2021 The Garlic Farm on the Isle of Wight This September, make an Island escape. I have set up an incredible all-inclusive* weekend of riding, relaxing, and fantastic food with The Garlic Farm. Here's what is on offer… Groups of four will be welcomed to a cosy yurt at the Garlic Farm. Fuelled by fully-catered (garlicky as you wish) meals, we then head out on two days of fully guided and supported rides on the trails and country lanes of the Isle of Wight. Accommodation, mouth-watering restaurant meals, luggage transfers and support from local experts are all provided within the package. Gravel n Garlic... Let's Ride! What is Included? Accommodation  Accommodation in luxury yurts at The ...