THE JAM POT HAD THE LID OFF

Six of us turned up at Union Corner for the ‘Half Hour Late OGIL ride’; although that may not be a good name as I would not wish to offend the glamorous ladies present (bearing in mind I was almost an interloper)!  A better title could be ‘Young Ladies in Lycra’ – rearrange the letters and that would be Lilys plus two blokes – perhaps I should give up now before I dig myself in deeper?  The six were Don M, Liz, Sonjia, Jane, Sheila and me (R75).

We set off on the familiar route through Lamanva and Treverva and up the Halvasso Drag to cross the main road by Crane Garage; and then onwards and occasionally upwards past Stithians Lake, Penmarth and Carnmenellis.  This was followed by more ups and downs and lefts and rights to the dizzy heights of Black Rock.  We then descended the somewhat switch-back hill to Praze-an-Beeble – although some parts are straighter enabling a couple of whoopee moments!

 We had a natural break stop at the conveniences and then it was more or less flat to Carnhell Green and then across the railway at the former station at Gwinear Road – once the junction for the Helston Branch and a Beeching casualty.  We soon crossed the Camborne to Hayle road at the edge of Connor Downs and then the bridge over the A30 – jammed solid with holiday traffic, before eventually descending to the village of Gwithian to regroup where we recalled an earlier stop nearby during an Audax ride. 

 From here it was a short hop to Gwithian Sands and our chosen destination at the Jam Pot café: we had a doubt during the approach, but it turned out to be open and very welcoming!  We were quickly served with our varied selection from the menu.  The coffee and walnut cake was truly scrumptious – Liz was at first worried that hers would not materialise, so I popped in to locate her rather ample slice.  The prices were very reasonable – mug of coffee and the cake for £2,50.  The coffee itself was a mere £1,00 – filter coffee and not instant!  The Jam Pot is an excellent coffee stop and one I am sure we will visit again.

 We headed back via Coombe to Pool and then up to Brea Village up up again to emerge next to one of the Carnkies (not the one with the ‘orrible hill) – passing below Carn Brea, again a feature of an earlier Audax ride.  We passed above the top of Lanner Hill and a view of Carn Marth before dashing down to Penhalvean where Jane left us and we headed down to Stithians. I parted company with them to return home, and the four remaining stalwarts headed to Falmouth.  This was a thoroughly enjoyable ride with excellent company and the benefit of just about perfect weather – I look forward to the next one!  Thank you all for a great day out.     Richard 75

One Reply to “THE JAM POT HAD THE LID OFF”

  1. Continuing our plugs for nice eateries or watering holes wherever we cycle… (and the Jam Pot was lovely – beautiful views and good food at ridiculously low prices; maybe I shouldn’t have told the owner how surprised we were – he’ll put them up?!) If you happen to be passing through Gweek and need a coffee, the new Boatyard Cafe is highly recommended. Not as cheap as the Jam Pot, but very nice cakes, some hot food, friendly service, and a garden overlooking the creek where five cygnets seem to be the resident wildlife. The cafe is open from 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Friday, and 10.30 to 3.30 on Sundays. No loos, but there is one in the boat yard on the way out. A useful pit stop if you are returning from the Lizard.

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