The long Sunday ride Sept 1st

Phil C showed little interest in returning to the wonderful cafe we stumbled across in Lostwithiel – that served massive portions of organic scrambled eggs and artisan toast. (I’d missed out on that delicious looking breakfast previously so felt we had to return.) Phil B is away so I expected the group to be just Ian, Amanda, Chris and myself. But Martyn was keen to join us and Beth too. Ray is here on holiday, as was Malcolm, and both were happy to come along as was Helston runner Steve who, like myself ten years ago, thought of joining the Wheelers for a ride whilst sorting out a running injury. So it was nine of us who left HQ heading for the King Harry ferry and we made the 10 o’clock by just seconds. The sun was shining and everyone seemed in good spirits – it’s always an inspiring start to a days ride – a little rest before the long climb out.
Philliegh, then the fast stretch of road to Tregony where Malcolm said he’d better leave us in order to get back for lunch. We climbed up the hill through Tregony and took a left turn that led us through the back lanes to Sticker ( a short 200 meter stretch on the main road ) and Polgooth bringing us out at London Apprentice. Too early for brunch we stopped at Charleston for coffee and cake sitting in the sunshine and fully embracing the holiday mood around. Lot’s of magnificent sailing ships provided an inspiring background to the sea shanty’s being sung some way below us. Time slipped by and Beth announced she was going to head back – and Ray said he’d better join her.

Now six, we took the back road around Charlestown past the junior school bringing us out on the road to Parr. Keen to keep to the smaller lanes we climbed up through Tywardreath. At the junction at the top I hesitantly suggested we might turn right and take yet another ferry ride. How I’d underestimated my companions! “Yes, let’s do that”. Wow, well done Amanda!

So we swooped into Fowey and had only a short wait for the Boddinick ferry. Another pleasant “cruise” and we were soon climbing again.

 

 

To save us from the punchiest climbs we headed inland on the Looe road only striking out to cross the Lerryn river when the landscape started to soften. There were still hills mind, but it wasn’t long before we were riding contours and not crossing them!Then downhill into Lostwithiel for a much needed refuelling.

We returned home via the route we’d taken a few weeks early, cutting across to Lanhydrock and Goss Moor, finally speeding ( as we do ) down the Ladock valley. As usual, a few went for a drink whilst the others headed home. A wonderful day out with good company. About 90 miles for most of us.

Robin

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