Another fine, sunny and almost windless day; everybody in short sleeves. After negotiating unprecedented levels of traffic, including a giant tractor, on the road up from Union Corner, there were eleven of us when we met at the Other Place. Suggestions of Poldhu had already been made on social media, and no-one demurred, so Poldhu it was.
An uneventful ride to Gweek (apart from the traffic) followed, although we did have a bit of a wait there as Kath was back somewhere apparently waiting for Phil (3) who was in fact with us in Gweek. Still, it gave us the opportunity to greet a number of passing (real) cyclists and to observe the unusual amount of traffic. We pressed on but were a bit nonplussed to find the road through Trelowarren closed, but the walking A to Z (aka Ian) was able to provide us with a number of suggestions, some of which related to a possible route and others were unrepeatable.
We eventually arrived at glorious Poldhu, which was as busy as anyone could remember, which probably accounted (at least in part) for the unusually heavy traffic today. Although most were delighted with their food, there was unfortunately nothing vegan on offer other than dry industrial toast with jam, or chips (seriously?). Black mark from me, I’m afraid, despite the otherwise excellent service and stunning location. Whilst we ate and drank, we took the opportunity to have an informal socially distanced club meeting at which Phil (3) agreed to be appointed treasurer, despite some fake news about someone else having indicated their willingness to do the job.
We eventually dragged ourselves away and laboured up the climb out of Poldhu. This even included Dean, who had earlier threatened to walk it on account of feeling a bit tired, having run two half marathons in the two preceding days: kudos. Needless to say, there was quite a differential in pace up the climb, so we stopped at the golf club to regroup. Sylvia took the opportunity here to empty what looked like an entire dune of sand from her shoes. Removal of that much sand from the beach is, I am sure, in contravention of bye-laws.
We took the usual route home round Culdrose and down Muddy Lane. The only events of note were John ejecting his pump on a fast descent, and Adrian becoming momentarily confused at one of the roundabouts on the Helston bypass and as a result stopping but omitting to unclip first. No doubt he benefited from a bit of a lie down.
Not a good day for Adrian as he also experienced a pinch flat after riding down a pothole lurking in the shadows under the trees on Hillhead Road. Although a couple us rode back to time his puncture repair effort help, he gallantly told us to carry on without him – a true gent. Still, the Hillhead Road time trial course has been noticeably improved by the painting of bicycles on the road in all sorts of colours – I wonder who is responsible.
A super ride – 74km for me.