After a month of mud and soggy longs on wet saddles, at last the sun came out and the skies were blue again. The OGILs were chattering away on WhatsApp that it was Colin’s birthday so with the prospect of a nice day and some free coffees there was a good turnout at The Other Place. 12 in fact. Dean the Younger had already set off up Halvasso. Did he think the OGILs would not be riding far enough today? One of the rewards of having a birthday as an OGIL is that you get to choose which café we are going to. This also speeds up the usual faffing around making a decision while we get in the way of the odd passing driver. So Colin overruled Porth…… and decided on Porthleven. Damien was alerted by text and off we went over towards Porkellis. There was good “etiquette” by the leading group of 4 riders crossing the main Helston road but the same could not be said for the other 8. Luckily, no Kath today otherwise there would have been words! It was good to see Paul back again in the saddle after his efforts on the Covadonga in September but he was taking it quietly today and peeled off at Releath. On through Godolphin Cross up the long hill to the relief of Balwest and Ashton before the freewheeling descent of the scenic coastal lane towards Porthleven – except that a few of the usual suspects had the wind up their tails and disappeared at speed chasing the sprint for the village sign. We all arrived in one piece at the Harbourside cafe with Damien arriving a few moments later. It was delightfully empty. Had the last of the “visitors” finally gone away? Colin’s coffees were much appreciated although when a second was suggested by someone was that a bit much? But most still partook! We were spread across several tables so difficult to say what sparkling insights were shared but a great pleasure anyway while we overlooked the harbour on a sunny winter’s day. Cobblers to the cobbles today, was the general view so we climbed from the sea past the school and on to Sithney and then up to Truthall Halt where four of us paused to consider how the railway might be extended on to Helston and even reopened. Needless to say the others had long since got bored and buggered off. So I cannot report on their direction, or lack of it. As for us it was back through Coverack Bridges, Wendron and the usual way home. If not already mentioned those out today were Mr Chairman, Dean the Elder, Amanda, Ian, Phils 1 and 3, Jan and Steve. A beautiful day to be out on the bike. Thanks again for the coffees, Colin. 65km for me.
Simon