Lunch at Ventnor Botanic Gardens Cafe Isle of Wight

A 35 mile ride starting from Ryde Pierhead (Wight Link ferry, scheduled arrival 11:37 from Portsmouth Harbour, ferry terminal adjacent to railway platform.

Cycling 15 miles to lunch stop at Ventnor Botanic Gardens cafe. PRE-BOOKING of food is required - MENU to be CIRCULATED SOON (at the request of the proprietors).

The described route is available as a Komoot file.

After lanes to lunch we continue along the coast road 'undercliff' westwards to Niton, before heading inland to the village of Godshill. Probably a bit early for a tea stop but I am open to requests to park your bike for a quick look around. A short section of 'A classified road, then a climb on a fairly short, sharp uphill leading over Arreton Down, to a pleasant downhill, off-road into Combley Great Wood (Forestry Commission maintained) where you may see a red squirrel. Exit at a fairly quiet road, travelling eastward, and passing Havenstreet heritage steam railway, going under the railway bridge, before another gradual climb - probably the last one of the day. And down to Wootton Creek, soon keeping close to the north coast, off-road - generally a good surface - that takes us to the tranquil setting of Quarr Abbey.
https://quarrabbey.org., the suggested afternoon tea stop. After tea, only a short cycle back to the starting point, at the end of the pier.

Please ensure that your bike is roadworthy and you have sufficient equipment to make minor repairs such as a puncture.

All participants are ultimately responsible for their own safety and wellbeing and should be aware that the medical/first aid provisions are no different than if they were riding on their own or informally with friends.

I suggest bringing at least one small snack and liquid refreshment with you. Also sun cream, and rain jacket for all weather protection. Please make your own travel arrangements to Portsmouth and return home, thank you. I can try to help or advise.
Social media channels are available or you can contact me on WhatsApp.

Just a suggestion, but Trainline App is offering joint rail/ferry ticket. The train from your local Coastway station to Portsmouth Harbour Station, for connection to the Fat Kat pedestrian/bike ferry (22 minutes Solent crossing) - leaves 11:15 arrives Ryde Pierhead at 11:37. PLEASE note there is a connecting CHANGE of train at HAVANT (please help anyone that needs help lifting their heavy bike).

Lunch is at 1pm (not compulsory). I have been asked to circulate a food menu prior to the day. I plan, us having a relaxed afternoon tea stop, in the sfternoon. Finish time is a bit flexible, but I booked a 17:45 ferry return for myself.
I sincerely hope that you have a good day.
Sorry I am incapable of registering 'Ryde Pierhead' as start location on Meetup, so I had to compromise - start is at the car park at Ryde ferry terminal. I shall check participants recorded on Meetup are present at the start, before cycling off along the Pier.
I am available to try to resolve any issues, or listen to your suggestions. When we know who is coming we shall probably require one or two group leader volunteers.
Ray