After cycling over to Goldsithney under a threatening sky with the weather forecast predicting horrific high winds and torrential rains of biblical proportions, I expected to be the only idiot who thought it would be a good idea venture out on such a night and turn up for this our seventh annual pilgrimage to see the harbour lights at Mousehole.
While sitting at the Crown Inn with a glass of overpriced ale in hand I was secretly hopeful that no one else would be foolhardy enough to join me so I could sneak home before getting too wet, but I was soon joined by Bernie & Simon and a text from Robin informing us that he was mending his second puncture that evening and that he had sent Big Jim on to join us, so it was a surprise to see Robin arrive ten minutes ahead of Jim who even though being a good Cornish lad had somehow got himself lost.
Leaving Goldsithney just after six o’clock the five of us got underway to ride to Mousehole in what was now becoming heavy rain so it was no wonder that by the time we got to Marazion, Bernie had the commonsense to turn around before catching pneumonia. Forgoing the usual coastal path route the four of us pushed on in the driving wind & rain towards the lights only stopping for Robin to inflate his still punctured front tyre and to check the closing time for the fish & chip shop in Newlyn.
The harbour lights as usual were an amazing sight and with three of us diving into the Ship Inn to take shelter from the elements where we were surprised to find in such a packed pub seating for all of us. The clock was now running to see how long it would take Robin to permanently repair his tyre. Well common consensuses agreed that repairing a flat within the time it takes to queue, order and drink two pints was indeed a new Club record.
Leaving the splendour of the lights behind we hurried back to Newlyn to sample some of the best fish & chips available in Cornwall, and where we were also able to find seats to eat our supper. Leaving the warmth of the chippy it was back the way we came only pausing at the top of Marizion to say good night to Simon who returned to his car, while the remaining three speed up the A394 to Helston where we stopped in the Blue Anchor for a final drink before Robin & Jim left to return to Falmouth.
Thanks for everyone who braved the weather and hopefully with better conditions next year more club members will be able to join us, so make a date in your diary – leaving The Crown Inn, Goldsithney at 6:00 pm. Friday 28th December 2018.
Helston Trev