With the weather forecast not looking too optimistic I packed a waterproof, map, sandwich, apple, chocolate bar and obligatory banana into the pannier and headed off to first check point on East Cowes.
On arrival I signed in and collected a check card (see above). This was my third IOW Randonnee and like the other two I just about managed to leave before midday. So it turned into a race as the day panned out.
Hills are a reoccurring theme on this 100Km route. The hills aren’t high, 165m max, but you do spend the vast part of the day shifting gears and spinning. At least the views are worth the effort.
There were six checkpoints in total, all were great places to chat and have a rest from the saddle. At Bembridge and Yarmouth you could grab a bite to eat and cup of tea, and regain some of the energy lost along the way.
In the end it took me just under 6 hours and I never once had to use the old raincoat!
