Motorcyclists are being invited to wear red and take part in a 75-mile ride around the Isle of Wight this Sunday (8th November) to mark Remembrance Sunday.
The annual rideout, inspired by the national Ring of Red events, will see bikers travel clockwise around the Island in tribute to those who have served and sacrificed their lives in conflicts past and present.
Similar events are held across the country, most notably around London’s M25, where motorcyclists wear red to create a moving display of remembrance.
This year’s Island event will follow a largely familiar route, but with one important change – riders will set off at 08:00 rather than the usual 09:00, allowing more time to complete the journey ahead of the 11:00 silence.
The ride will begin on East Cowes Esplanade, near Shoreside Café, with organisers asking participants to be ready for a prompt departure.
Covering approximately 75 miles, the route will take riders through Wootton, Ryde, St Helens, Bembridge, Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor before continuing towards Niton.
A brief 5-minute stop is planned at Blackgang Viewpoint car park, after which the procession will head along Military Road towards Freshwater and Yarmouth.
From there, riders will continue through Shalfleet, Porchfield and Gurnard before travelling through Northwood and into Newport.
The ride is expected to take around 2-and-a-half hours, with participants observing all speed limits and traffic regulations throughout.
Motorcyclists will finish at Morrisons car park in Newport before making their way to St Thomas’ Square to join the town’s Remembrance Sunday observance at 11:00.
Organisers are hoping for a strong turnout, with all motorcyclists welcome to join the tribute, whether they have taken part in previous years or are riding for the first time.
Participants are encouraged to wear something red as a visible symbol of remembrance, helping to create a striking procession as the group makes its way around the Island.
The event will be weather-dependent, with organisers warning that the rideout will be cancelled on safety grounds if conditions are particularly severe. Any decision to cancel will be communicated as soon as possible.
Riders wishing to take part should arrive at East Cowes Esplanade in good time for the 08:00 departure on Sunday 8th November.
