TOTALLY FOURPHILLED

Big turn out this week – including all four Phils, recent aspiring cyclist Tania (who’s training for Ride London) and Dave who was back after last week for more of the same!
Victor said that Perranuthnoe was the destination and most present seemed keen to go. Beth and Matt fancied a longer ride and joined Phil B, Ian, Amanda and myself heading to Mevagissey.
We followed the usual route to the Norway Inn then misery for quite a few miles as we rode with heavy traffic to Truro (where was everyone going?). Finally the quieter road through Ladock and on to Fraddon turning off later to St Dennis. Somewhere around Whitemoor Amanda left us, as her mum was down, and we carried on to the ski station at Hensbarrow ( well it feels like a ski resort in summer!) before descending at speed into St Austell. I know it was quick because we were third fastest on Strava this year! The reason for this was that we were trying to catch a sports car that had overtaken us early on but was recklessly close. Traffic lights near St Austell would have given us some satisfaction were it not for the fact that they’d escaped en route. Disappeared. Gone.
Beth and Matt, who weren’t involved in this speed fest, left us at Pentewan and we carried on to Meva. Our regular cafe was now a smart establishment that only served breakfast at breakfast time. Sadly, in our haste, we chose a cheap joint further down. £5:95 inc coffee – however it wasn’t a breakfast either Phil or myself could happily ride on. Far too many hills for Ian and the pub at Philleigh couldn’t arrive quick enough – he had to be patient as Philliegh was still a long long way away!
A pint has never tasted better though it takes an unusually long time to serve in this pub – something to do with the pipes, the cellar, the brew and the heat. The second took just as long. Still we had plenty of time as we were getting up to the minute info on the Tour de France and at a very critical time. The pub door closed just as Simon Yates achieved his second stage win. But we’d not kept an eye on the time – “how long do we need?” 7 minutes minimum “how long have we got?” 6 minutes. The power of beer, we arrived just as the last car boarded but Ian was some way behind. The ferryman shut the gates and made his way up the steps. PLEEEASE! I pleaded as Ian appeared. I was astonished when he turned around, came down and let us on board. Wow! And we’re just old gits.
Can’t recall whether we stopped again in Devoran. I’ve no computer but it felt like about 80 miles for me. Lovely day in the clay country.

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