Sunday Ride Report 29th June

Seven Wheelers responded to Robin’s suggestion of Roskilly’s for a destination on Sunday.  Described as “a route on new or less ridden roads, 20 miles with 1,500 feet of climbing at about 11-12 mph”, I looked for the hidden agenda otherwise known as “hills” between the lines. It sounded all right.  Not having been able to ride so much this year a rare outing on a Sunday club ride would do me good. So I made it eight when we linked up at the end of No Man’s Land Road.  

The lane out via Higher Tregarne to High Cross was a very pleasant variation out to Constantine. I can’t remember any cars. (This is on Dean’s Passmore Edwards route). On from Gweek through Mawgan round the ends of those two beautiful creeks and up the infamous Gear Hill (16% on the right hand bend). No pasties today at the farm as a reward. After Newtown the lane dropped into the valley before the next little hill at Tregidden. Robin was dropping hints we should keep our eyes peeled soon for some “familiar country”. Was he thinking of a bit of “rough stuff” riding like the recent OGIL excursion into the jungle? (He had asked me for the map reference.) Shortly after I did recognise the end of the track where the OGILs had escaped a few weeks ago. No “rough stuff” after all. After Lanarth some new lanes led us to St Keverne. Someone reminded us that it was almost five years to the day since we had joined a large crowd in the village square to see Raymond’s coffin pass. 

It was coffee and cake only unfortunately at Roskilly’s (kitchen closed at 11am not 11:30 as on weekdays).  Damian and his wife turned up on their own ride.  Where to for some more serious brunch? Out to the Coverack road then we retraced on fairly flat lanes back through Newtown and then to Gweek. It was like the Marie Celeste at the Black Swan. Last night’s unfinished pint sat on the table. The pub was closed! I had forgotten how far Trengilly Wartha is from Gweek but despite the extra hill it was worth it. 

Thanks to Robin for an interesting, well paced, and very enjoyable ride in good company. It was good to have several of the E-riders with us too. The idea of posting the destination in advance seemed to work well although I was surprised not to see more of the folk who are keen on this suggestion joining us at the café. But I have to ask, did everyone’s device show the advertised distance and ascent? Mine didn’t.  50 miles and 1,344 metres of ascent…but there’s no trusting these things and from HQ it was more likely 40 plus and 3,600ft!  Those who rode were Phil 4, Mike, Liz, Don, Trevor the Sec, Simon 2, Robin and myself.

Simon