Wheelers are renowned for their sense of direction…..pull the other one! It’s got bells on!
Things started well last night at the Crown in Goldsithney. The landlady warmly offered us the tasty sandwiches sitting on the bar. They needed eating up after the wake for the oldest lady resident of the village who had died aged 102. As eleven of us set off several riders had entered into the festive spirit festooning their machines with tinsel and sparkling lights and balls. There were some superb arrays of lights on the local houses too. People had been spending their last pennies well.
Marazion was in keen competition. The gentle sound of the breaking of the waves accompanied us in the dark around Mounts Bay. There was a steady mizzly breeze in our faces as the sparkling lights of Newlyn and Penzance beckoned us.
As usual we paused in the main carpark to regroup. But after waiting a few minutes where were the remainder? Chicago Mike was on the case. “Ring Phil!” he commanded his phone. “No, no, he’s here”. “Ring Fred!” “You don’t know a Fred” came the voice in reply. Robin and Simon set off in search all the way back to Jordan’s Café. No luck. We were half expecting to find a body face-planted on the rocks by the cycle path.
Eventually we were all reunited at the Ship in Mousehole. The lights were as good as ever, including the cat, although some Scrooges were suggesting a revamp was needed. The pub was surprisingly quiet. But there was a brief debriefing over how the remainder had taken a deviation and managed to miss us. What time did the chippy in Newlyn shut? Phil 1 set off at speed to get his foot in the door. But just too late. We would not be eating fish and chips tonight on that street corner. Cat-astrophy! Two of our number were now looking worried. Would they be able to ride all the way home without food at brisk of getting the bonk? Desperate moments. Luckily the Flunky American Chicken and Kebab shop in Penzance saved the bacon and a safe return to civilisation was assured.
Fred, and Ian were offered lifts home and the also rans were Sparky Don, Jan, Phil 1, Robin, Ben, Sarah, Mike, Dean (the Elder), and hisself. It is such an enjoyable ride, even this year, and not to be missed.
Simon