Jersey recumbent challenge  22-25 May 2009

Jersey recumbent challenge
22-25 May 2009

Jersey? It’s a very good place for cycling - at 9 miles by 5, you're never far from anywhere, but with over 500 miles of roads and lanes, there's plenty of ways of getting around. The maximum speed limit is 40 mph, a leisurely 15mph on 'green lanes' where cyclists have priority, and with the most sunshine in the British isles it all makes for very pleasant cycling. Wooded valleys, open sea views and a mix of gradients from flat to short and steep all add to the variety. Cycling aside, there are many other outdoor activities - surfing, kayaking, diving, walking along coast paths, lying on the beach, to name but a few. Jersey also has great sea food and a unique history; and the variety of natural habitats make it a good place to spot wild life.

2009? It is the first year since 1995 that Velo Sport Jersey will be holding a town centre criterium race on closed roads - and for the first time, there will be a race for recumbents. This year there is also a gap in the race calendar caused by Cycle Vision being combined with the World Championships later in the summer.

Recumbent challenge? It doesn’t have to be either - you can bring the Human Powered Vehicle of your choice, and if you want to come for a relaxing holiday, that’s fine by me. But challenges can be more rewarding, and there are plenty to choose from . . .

There is a full weekend of events, both racing and non racing. Some are organised by Velo Sport Jersey (VSJ) and the others organised by myself on behalf of the British Human Power Club (BHPC). All the events listed here are open to any recumbent or any other land based Human Powered Vehicle.

For some, getting to Jersey will be the challenge. But for those in the UK there are direct flights from many airports across the country, and ferry sailings from several ports along the south coast of England. However you get there, Jersey has a range of camping, self catering, B&B and hotel accommodation. With the Jersey Pound linked to Sterling, this’ll be your chance to travel over seas this year and not loose out to poor exchange rates!
Flights:
The cheapest flights are with Flybe from Gatwick airport, but there are also flights from throughout the UK operated by these airines: EasyJet British Airways Air Southwest Aurigny BMI
BMIbaby
Some disassembly will be required to pack your bike/trike on a plane. Let me know if you need any assistance with re-assembly or transport from the airport when you arrive.
Ferries:

The quickest way to get to Jersey by sea is to take the smaller ferry from Pool or Weymouth. The journey time is about 3 and a half hours from Weymouth and 3 hours from Poole. These services travel during the day, and the return journey is the same duration. There is also a larger ferry between Portsmouth and Jersey that takes a more leisurely 9 hours (plus a stop off at Guernsey on the way to Jersey). This ferry to Jersey travels during the day, and the return ferry is an overnight voyage. See condor ferries for more details.

Packages:

There are packages available from www.condorbreaks.com giving discounts on travel, accommodation and car hire - for example:
Some hotels and B&Bs offering 3 nights for the price of 2
Packages including ferry, camping and car hire for 2 adults. Additional people work out at significantly less than the return ferry fare!
Secure parking is available at UK ports if you want to drive to the port, and then go as a foot passenger on the ferry with your bike.
Where to stay:
Most of the events are in the west of the island - as are the best beaches! The parishes of St Peter, St Brelade and St Ouen cover this area. They are also handiest for the airport, whereas accommodation in and around St Helier is handiest for the ferries.
Camping is the cheapest accommodation. There are two good sites - one in St Martin in the east, the other in St Brelade. The latter is well equipped with hot showers, a swimming pool and a bar/restaurant. There are empty pitches if you want to use your own tent, or pitches with 'house tent' style tents ready pitched and available for hire.
If you prefer solid walls, there is self catering. Most self catering is let by the week from a Saturday to Saturday - see www.freedomholidays.com for more information. I have negotiated self catering for Friday-Monday at a new resort style development. Contact me if you are interested.
There is also a large amount of B&B and hotel accommodation - for a full list see www.jersey.com

There is more information about the courses and links to other websites. If you want to know more about the events, or want assistance in arranging travel & accommodation, I (Keith Davis) can be contacted by email or by phone on 077977 58505.