Mother’s Day, clock changes and a niggly north westerly wind appeared to have an impact on numbers and only seven Wheelers reported to the start line for this Sunday’s ride.
Marazion was agreed as the destination and we set off in one group for a route that planned to go via Halvasso, Penmarth, Troon, Carnhell Green, St Erth route to Marazion. There was considerable difference in attire, with some convinced it was summer, others autumn and the remainder refusing to believe that winter was over! Needless to say, at some point on the ride everyone one was in the right clothes for the varying conditions.
The wind was quite a bit stronger than anticipated and going was slow, but we rode as one group (except Crane Garage hill 3 and a 4 😊) and safely negotiated our way to the Helston to Redruth road without incident. Conversation had been lively and Dave’s dad jokes were keeping the group entertained. However the wind had taken its toll and it became apparent that our average speed (10.2mph) wasn’t going to get us to Marazion in time for coffee/breakfast.
A quick bit of on road planning saw the destination changed to Gwithian and after a further bit of discussion (on the move) we changed the routing to Black Rock, Praze, Carnhell Green, Connor Downs, Gwithian Towans. As we dropped down the hill from Connor Downs Robin pointed out a ‘cut through’ that would cut out some of the hill to the Towans. Like Lemmings we followed and only realised we were going the wrong way up a One Way road when a driver coming the other way gesticulated furiously. Sarah was very put out by the driver’s attitude until it was pointed out that we were in the wrong ☹
Although busy (Mother’s Day) we were able to get a table indoors at the Sunset Surf café and refreshed ourselves with a variety of food and drink from the breakfast menu. We’d arrived at 11 o’clock and ridden 22 miles. A brief discussion about the route home and it was agreed to ride east and get back to Falmouth via Coombe, Pool, St Euny, Four Lanes and Stithians.
Wind assisted and with the sun shining we made good progress and stopped outside the Seven Stars in case anyone was in need of some hop induced lubrication. There were no takers, so we continued, went straight over at the cross roads and said farewell to Robin at the top of the steep climb out of the village.
The remainder of the group continued up to the quarry, regrouped and made our way to Union Corner via the donkeys.
Splitting at the roundabout, Dave, Trevor and I said goodbye to Don and Sarah and made our way toward the rugby club. Trevor and I finished the ride with a loop round the point and a climb of Swanpool hill. Nice ride with good company and a nice café stop. 50 miles, 4,000 ft for me, D
Post report note: Robin has pleaded not guilty to the offence of cycling the wrong way up a One Way Road. It was a No Through Road (no vehicular access to the main road at the far end – where we joined the main road)