Despite the forecast poor weather which had postponed the planned Pathfinder, six brave souls were at HQ looking forward to a wet and windy ride. “Not too far”, “not too long”, “Muddy Beach” were just some of the requests and after a shorter than normal planning meeting our explorers set off for Helston boating lake.
Cabbage patch, Buddock, No Man’s Land and up to the cross roads gave us a chance to warm up, get the first soaking and talk about everyone who wasn’t brave enough to come out! Along to TOP, where we found John, who the Chairman reminded “the Sunday ride doesn’t pick up here!”
Dropping into Gweek we turned right up Chapel Hill and then left to take us into Helston past the recycling centre and up Gay’s Hill. Wet and wind-swept we regrouped at the Cottage Hospital and prepared to swoop down to the Boating Lake for a warming coffee and something to eat. Imagine the surprise, disappointment, and finger pointing, that on arrival at the café we found it closed! After a few grumps it was decided that Porthleven would be a good alternate. John led the way, using his bell to create a gangway as we rode through the Penrose version of Crufts. More rain, more wind, and more disappointment as first the Harbour View Café, then the Twisted Currant turned our adventurers away. Not to be deterred (we nearly were) we set off to Nauti But Ice, where with a bit of persuasion and smooth talking we secured two tables. Good service, hot coffee and a breakfast that was worthy of Robin complimenting the staff and our adventurers were able to dry out, warm up and look forward to a wind assisted ride home.
John left us at Porthleven, heading West to see some etchings and sculptures and the rest of us climbed up to Sithney and returned to Falmouth via Coverack Bridges, Wendron and Porkellis in ever deteriorating weather. Saying cheerio to Robin at Crane Garage, Fred at the bottom of Halvasso and Amanda at Argal crossroad, three very wet Wheelers said their final farewells at Union Corner having agreed that Ian and the Chairman had made a great decision to postpone the Pathfinder!
Today’s brave souls were: Our Chairman, Dean, Robin, Amanda, Paul, John and Danny
Danny (38 miles)