Wight Prestige: New Isle of Wight gravel event promises challenging riding and excellent food
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Organiser promises 'an exclusive weekend of great food and guided gravel rides for teams of four'
A new event has been launced on the cycling paradise of the Isle of Wight. Over a weekend in September this year, riders will be treated to two days of guided, mixed-surface riding while tasting some of the island's best local produce.
A project between local endurance cyclist Tim Wiggins and the Garlic Farm, the Wight Garlic 'n' Gravel Prestige promises some of the best gravel riding the Isle of Wight has to offer with restaurant quality meals to follow each day on the bike.
Riders are encouraged to enter the event in groups of four with accommodation on site coming in the form of a cosy yurt at the Garlic Farm. Each day's riding will be fuelled by fully catered meals – make them as garlicky as you wish – and two different speed groups will head out on two days of guided and supported rides on the trails and country lanes of the Isle of Wight.
Accommodation, top-notch restaurant meals, luggage transfers and support from local experts is all provided within the package.
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'Cyclists love great food, great company, and the ability to relax and enjoy the ride. This event is all about showcasing what the Isle of Wight has to offer,' event founder Wiggins explained.
'The event combines great food and fantastic riding in a stress-free and inclusive package. The Wight Garlic 'n' Gravel Prestige aims to bring riders to the island who have previously not seen it as a destination, perhaps because of logistics or lack of familiarity with the terrain.
'The reality is the Isle of Wight is super accessible by train from most of southern England, and the riding here is simply exceptional.
'The end-goal of the event is to bring more visitors to the island; giving them such a superb experience that they naturally promote their stories from the event.
'It is my hope this event will become an annual feature, growing in participants and reputation year-on-year.'
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The Wight Prestige 2021: provisional event timetable
Friday 24th September 2021
17:00 - Riders are met at Ryde Pier Head; 16km guided ride back to The Garlic Farm
18:00 - Riders check in to The Garlic Farm accommodation
19:00 - Welcome drinks and meal at The Garlic Farm Restaurant
Saturday 25th September 2021
08:00 Breakfast at The Garlic Farm Restaurant
09:00 Two groups depart (two riding intensities) on 3.5 hour guided ride
12:30 Lunch at West Wight restaurant/café
14:00 Depart lunch stop (two groups) on 3-hour guided ride
17:00 Arrive back at The Garlic Farm
19:30 BBQ at The Garlic Farm
Sunday 26th September 2021
08:00 Breakfast at The Garlic Farm Restaurant
09:00 Two groups depart (two riding intensities) on 4 hour guided ride
13:00 Arrive back at The Garlic Farm
13:30 Lunch buffet
14:45 Baggage transfer / guided group leaves for Ryde Pier Head
Bookings and more information
Bookings: Phone - 01983 898477 or email - accommodation@thegarlicfarm.co.uk
Find out more and see what's included: thegarlicfarm.co.uk/wight-prestige
Price per person: £300
Bookings to be made by phone as groups of four (to share a yurt)
More information: facebook.com/events/141758087006598
