Huge turnout for annual Isle of Wight Randonnee event

In the wake of another successful event, organisers were keen to thank each participant for their generous donations, both online and at various checkpoints.

Free to enter, the family-friendly event was held on Sunday, April 30, between 9am and 6pm, and followed the Round the Island cycle routes in a clockwise direction.

Checkpoints could be found in Bembridge, Wootton, East Cowes, Yarmouth and Ventnor, and participants had the choice of taking on either a 100km or 55km ride.

The Ventnor Rugby Club team, comprising Bob, Jan, Kay, Indra, Ange, Roly, Karen, Warren, Bradley, Finn and Archie. (Image: Ventnor Rugby Club)

Cyclists in good spirits during the Isle of Wight Randonnee. (Image: Snapmyride/Lucy Boynton)

“It's only through the donations and badge sales that we can maintain the Randonnee in its current form, and more importantly support local charities,” said a spokesperson for the event.

“We’d like to thank the local community for their support, the businesses, schools and villages that let us use their premises, and the schools that provided feed stations for participants.”

Randonnee marshalls Alan, Nick, Jenny, Dennis, Tony and Hilary. (Image: Ventnor Rugby Club)

The Isle of Wight Randonnee attracted all kinds of participants. (Image: Snapmyride/Lucy Boynton)

The Randonnee was established by the Wayfarers in 1985 and uniquely follows a route around the whole of the Isle of Wight, accommodating minor roads and lanes where possible, enabling riders to take in and enjoy some of the best scenery the Island has to offer. 

In 2013, the route was changed to a clockwise direction, predominantly to alleviate congestion on the Cowes floating bridge.

Cyclists in action during The Isle of Wight Randonnee. (Image: Snapmyride/Lucy Boynton)

The Randonnee visiting Ventnor Rugby Club. (Image: Ventnor Rugby Club)