Cycling
© Copyright Neil Owen and licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.
Cycling is the best way to appreciate the Dorset countryside and enjoy your stay on Portland. And with the explosion in cycling heralded by Wiggo cruising down the Champs-Élysées to win Le Tour, it has found new popularity among road-cyclists wanting to test themselves.
For enthusiasts Portland has several category 4 hills, as well as some great segments on Strava (Zig Zag, the Lungbuster) and some punishing repeats. Portland provides a popular loop for cyclisits setting out from Weymouth, Dorchester and beyond. It is also an excellent base to explore these areas from. Almost all of West Dorsets 400 plus square miles is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it is at the heart of the Thomas Hardy’s Wessex.The coastline changes dramatically, from the fossil encrusted cliffs of Lyme Regis to the 570 ft Golden Cap and to the spectacular Chesil Beach.
The mazy network of trails and old quarries means Portland is ideal terrain for mountain biking, offering a heady mixture of heart pounding adventure and technical rides.
Don’t be put off if this all sounds too much though as there is plenty to for the occasional or touring rider. And with NCN26 connecting us to the mainland you’ve no excuse not bring your bike when visiting the area. Or…..
Electric Bikes
While there are few things better than riding through the English countryside, the many hills of various length and gradient can be exhausting to say the least.
Local outdoors activity company, Marshwood Trails, have come up with an ingenious idea to make things a whole lot easier: electric bike tours.
These guided tours are a great way to explore the stunning coast and countryside of West Dorset and their fleet of state of the art bikes make cycling an absolute breeze. Quiet routes on Portland and near Weymouth and Bridport have been carefully selected to introduce guests to the area’s spectacular landscapes and vibrant history.
Scheduled half day tours from £ 35 per person run throughout the year departing from various convenient locations. Tour price includes bike, helmet and pannier hire while child seats and tag-alongs are available for a small additional fee.
They can also organise tailor-made tours with a range of refreshment options and bike rentals. For more information, visit the website at www.marshwoodtrails.co.uk or call Martin on 07796 135256.
Cycleccino
Based in Easton, Cycleccino specialises in bikes, repairs and clothing, plus excellent coffee. As well as a bike-hire service, they also run regular group rides. To find out more www.cycleccino.co.uk