The Isle of Wight

Dom · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Sep 2004 Karma :

Anyone live/lived there? I'm looking at flats atm and you can get some nice looking places over there for way, way less than anywhere local-ish on the mainland.

Nice place to live? Cost much to go back and forth on the boat?

Ta. Thumbs Up

Clanger · Stirrer Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :

Well, I've been to three rallies over there, and I don't think I'll be going back anytime soon... there isn't a lot to see and do, and it is costly on the ferry (although I do think you get discount if you live there) £24 for me and the bike last time I think...which is crazy money!

I do know people who have a flat out there, and think they are selling it, if you're interested in speaking with them??
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Dom · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Sep 2004 Karma :

Cheers but it'd just be renting, I'm not looking (or able Laughing

) to think about buying anywhere atm. Tbh I imagine I'd wind up wanting to get the boat at least once a week which would take a serious chunk out of any moolah saved on rent. Hmm. Thinking

bazza · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Aug 2004 Karma :

You do know they don't run the TT there, right?
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Dom · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Sep 2004 Karma :

They don't?! Shocked

So there's more than one island off the coast of the UK? Surprised

Tonka · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jun 2008 Karma :

Well, it's kind of my neck of the woods Rolling Eyes

I've friends living in Shanklin - flat in a big block that is mostly second homes / rented. She is not exactly born and bred IOW but has lived there since her early teens and her folks now live in Cowes. I was over for Cowes Week which was great fun and busy, but a complete rip off in all the pubs and restaurants. I've stayed in Ventnor a few times and another friend has just decided to moor his boat in Yarmouth. I always get there via Lymington as it's closest for me.

It's a small world over there and a bit dead in the winter, but it all depends on why you're going to be there and where you're planning on living. The people I know over there love it as they're outdoor sports fans and spend a lot of time on the water in boats, on jet skis or diving. It's great for mountain biking and quite nice for walking too. Saw quite a few people surfing last time I was there and it's supposed to be excellent for paragliding / hang gliding, but I know nothing about those sports!

HTH!! Wink

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MarkJ · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Apr 2006 Karma :

We've got a site out there, the ferry cost about £60 return for me and the car Neutral

Nice scenery, things are a bit more expensive though. Not that it bothered me when work payed for everything Laughing

Dom · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Sep 2004 Karma :

garth · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Dec 2004 Karma :

It's full of inbred people who smell of wee and will hate you and your smelly polluting motorbicycle.

Very Happy

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Dom · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Sep 2004 Karma :

Cheers for the insight mate. Useful as ever. Razz

garth · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Dec 2004 Karma :

It was useful, you'll fit right in Razz

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D O G · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Dec 2006 Karma :

Problem is that there are hardly any jobs there.

Which means you have to do eth commute everyday, which is an utter cunt.

I lived/worked in Southampton for four years, and knew a lot of people who came over each day. It is expensive to do so - which negates any saving on the house/flat, plus, you are looking at 90mins commute at least, and that is if you live in Cowes.

It is also a bit of a bipolar community - i.e. the rich who have retired/semi retired there and own million pound yachts, and those who live in East Cowes council estate with no jobs and bad attitides.

Don't do it, it really is not worth it.

Dom · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Sep 2004 Karma :

Tonka · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jun 2008 Karma :

Dom · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Sep 2004 Karma :

Clanger · Stirrer Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :

Have you looked around Netley, Hill Head, Botley, Stubbington, Wickham...all pretty areas, close to the coast, but more importantly close to decent biking roads - what with A272/A31 and New Forest/West Sussex being on the doorstep...
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

garth · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Dec 2004 Karma :

Clanger · Stirrer Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :

Oooh...are you now?
I use BikeSmart at Taylors garage for all my biking needs... Very Happy

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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

Dom · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Sep 2004 Karma :

Tonka · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jun 2008 Karma :

My friends on IOW leave a vehicle either side so they can keep costs down travelling, as he works over on the Dark Side (mainland Rolling Eyes

). Would that be an option for you if you know folks in Portsmouth? At least you wouldn't have to pay for a vehicle every time you wanted to come back over here. Just a thought!

Why don't you think about renting something for just a few months at a time and have a scoot round the country if you don't want to put down roots anywhere in particular yet? You could rent somewhere up in Scotland for Spring / early Summer and have an absolute blast, as the roads are great up there at that time of year.

.....or you could become the official BCF Lodger and work your way around the country testing out all the best routes!! Very Happy

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'The core of a man's spirit comes from new experiences'
Suzuki SV650S (Clean); Yamaha XT250 Serow (Dirty)

Dom · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Sep 2004 Karma :

Clanger · Stirrer Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :

I live in Hedge End, I've not met you nor Garth...in fact unless i stop at the Hill or Loomies, I rarely meet any biker.

If you're seriously bored of the local roads already, imagine how you'll feel on a tiny island that is ever decreasing at a rapid rate.

Maybe you should do a little touring. Join the YHA, pack up your panniers and go off on different trips. Last Sept/Oct I explored Norfolk & Rutland in this way, previous trips I have done Alfriston, Arundel & Brighton areas, Chippenham, Devises, Hungerford, Marlborough area. Get out with your camera & bike, there's a lot of country to be explored! Idea

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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

Dom · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Sep 2004 Karma :

garth · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Dec 2004 Karma :

Clanger · Stirrer Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :

I have a fantastic book by the AA about the British Coast Line - it shows some brilliant tracks and castles and places to explore...I'm sure they must do a modern version at the library... it'd be perfect for a bike like the KTM.

Oh, and Loomies, I generally do on the way home from somewhere, rather than as a destination! Very Happy

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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss