Cycling England: Brockenhurst to Brighstone

My latest bicycle touring update: cycling in England, Brockenhurst to Brighstone, on the Isle of Wight. 19 miles. I’ve surpassed myself on the mileage front. But hey, at least I passed the 100 mark for this trip. Just think, not that long ago, I’d be cycling 100 miles each day. But then this trip isn’t about distance. It’s purely to visit a few of my regular campsites before they close for the year. But I could quite easily get used to these sorts of days.

It was a rough old night last night. That wind was pretty strong. I’m not so sure we had the rain that was forecast, or maybe I’d been kept awake long enough by the wind that when the rain came, I’d passed out. I think I may be in for an even rougher night tonight. That wind is pretty strong. And of course, here at Grange Farm, it blows straight in off the sea. Setting up the tent today was quite a struggle. Hopefully it’ll still be up in the morning. At least I know with old fatty here inside, it’s not likely to blow away!

You Can’t Go Anywhere

As I was just coming out of the woods after leaving Long Meadow this morning. I bumped into a lady I recognised. I didn’t know her name, but I definitely recognised her. She was the mother of one of my son’s friends from way back when he was at school, back in the 90s. She was the manager at the posh campsite. The Camping and Motor Home Club. They don’t take tents at many of their sites. I think it’s beneath them! Anyway, how strange. You can’t go anywhere without bumping into somebody you know.

Ride Information & Updates:

• • Previously: Read more of my blogs
  • The route: View my journey
  • Videos: Check out my YouTube videos
  • About: Me

Follow & Support

If you’re enjoying the ride and want to fuel my next mile, you can always support me by buying me a beer. Subscribe to my blog and follow me as I travel around on my bike. Plus, as a subscriber, you’ll be among the first to receive news and updates on future tours. And, of course, you can always follow me on social media: Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, X, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. I’m also on Flickr, where you’ll find pictures from all my tours, along with regular photo updates that I generally publish each month.

If you want to find out if I’m away touring at the moment and check my location, visit the Where’s Garry page. And for an insight into the gear and logistics that keep me on the road, see my Life at 10mph Guide.

Cycling England: Brighstone to Bognor Regis

My latest bicycle touring update: cycling in England, Brighstone to Bognor Regis. 56 miles. I decided to come home today. Not that it was my plan, but due to circumstances beyond my control, I thought it was probably best. Although I hope to be off again tomorrow.

I wasn’t in any rush to leave camp this morning. It’s too dark, and I thought I didn’t have too far to go. But I changed my mind on what route I was going to take across the island. I decided to go on a detour and take a look at the campsite that I used to stay in at Adgestone. Just to make sure it was closed. And it most definitely was.

It was quite a sad sight to see it all overgrown and empty. But at least they haven’t built a housing estate on there, yet! I spoke to a lady whose house backed onto the campsite, and she thought it was a bit sad. Apparently, it’s still up for sale for millions, which doesn’t surprise me. It’s a big site. Why it closed is a mystery. Although it was probably in part due to the cost of getting to the island by car. And with a caravan, it must have been extortionate. It’s probably just as cheap to get a ferry to France.

Things Go Wrong

Anyway, after my little detour, I was going to get the Fastcat back to Portsmouth. As I cycled into Ryde, I could see the ferry just coming in. Great timing, I thought. I cycled hastily along the pier to get on it. I thought I’d made it and went to the ticket office. Only to be told that they’re not taking cycles at the moment. There’s a problem with the ramp in Portsmouth. It’s been like it for a few weeks and will be for a few more weeks.

How annoying, but not a major issue, I just cycled along the coast to Fishbourne and caught the ferry from there. But with all these delays, I decided it was the easier option to come home. I think if I’d have continued to my original destination, I would have had a really long day. And I’m not very good with those these days. As I said earlier, I hope to be back on the road tomorrow.

Ride Information & Updates:

• • Previously: Read more of my blogs
  • The route: View my journey
  • Videos: Check out my YouTube videos
  • About: Me

Follow & Support

If you’re enjoying the ride and want to fuel my next mile, you can always support me by buying me a beer. Or subscribe to my blog and follow me as I travel around on my bike. As a subscriber, you’ll be among the first to receive news and updates on future tours. And, of course, you can always follow me on social media: Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, X, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. I’m also on Flickr, where you’ll find pictures from all my tours, along with regular photo updates that I generally publish each month.

If you want to find out if I’m away touring at the moment and check my location, visit the Where’s Garry page. And for an insight into the gear and logistics that keep me on the road, see my Life at 10mph Guide.