Numbers were down at HQ this Sunday with only eight of us. Fred, Dean, Phil S, Don, Damien, Paul, Danny and myself. A ride to St Mawes was decided on after much discussion about which direction to go in the strong easterly gale. So, on we went via Mylor Downs, Devoran, Point, up Harris Hill and onto the ferry after negotiating the treacherous slipway at low tide. After the slog up the hill from the ferry we re-grouped. Another decision to be made. Stay on the road into St Mawes or hang a left. Our destination was the coffee truck at the castle. I suggested we take the route in along the sea front past Summers Beach and mistakenly thought we had to hang a left to do that. Fred didn’t disagree with me so on we went, the very long way round to St Mawes via Ruan High Lanes and a few extra hills adding 7 or 8 miles to the ride.
At Ruin High Lanes Paul decided a ride to Mevagissey was a good idea so he turned left as we turned right; on to St Mawes. Seven miles later we trundled into the village along the sea front, deciding refreshments would be had at Mr Scorse Gourmet Deli in the arcade as it would have been a bit fresh up at the castle. Very nice it was too, so much so that it developed into a two coffee/cake stop.
Once refreshed, on up the hill to the castle and to the ferry without any detours this time. Again, regrouping at the junction after the clime from the Ferry. Myself, Dean and Don turned back the way we had come, back down to Harris Hill ,Point and Devoran, Suicide alley etc etc. The others decided to put a few more miles under their belt and turned right heading though Penelewey, over the roundabout down to Bissoe, Cusgarne, Stithians, Halvasso etc.
A lovely ride in lovely sunshine, 41.5 miles and more importantly 3717 ft of elevation, phew.
Teresa