The hottest day of the year for 11 riders who made it across the Solent this year.

The usual trip up to see The Needles started the day and the air was astonishingly clear today with outstanding views all the way to Portsmouth. It was then the climbs over the downs from Freshwater Bay and then quiet inland lanes.

This year we followed the official around the island route to Ventnor up and over Blackgang, a long but steady climb. Going off the route we took the very lumpy road to Shanklin where we split over two cafés for lunch.

Andy and Claire even managed a swim in the sea at lunchtime!!

The busy road through Lake to Sandown followed and then back onto the usual route to Bembridge and a brief stop at the loos and the shop for more water.

We took the normal route to Cowes where we rolled straight onto the chain ferry and stopped for ice creams and more drinks at the Cabin on the Green.

Feet were hot and legs were tired now, it was tough going in the heat but we stuck together well and made good progress back to Yarmouth where we arrived in time for the 17:05 ferry as planned.

Fantastic ride and company. Thanks for making it such a great day out