13 riders attended Jan’s Pathfinder yesterday. Sadly Jan was unable to ride having dislocated her shoulder saving a small child from being eaten by a grizzly bear (not true, but a lot better the actual reason!).
Ian/Dale/Robin/Phil 4/Trevor set off from HQ at 8am unexpectedly collecting Martyn and Margaret on the way near Carnmenellis as they were fixing the chain on their tandem. The chain break did trigger a fall but happily the only casualty was Martyn’s banana (collateral damage?). The tail wind resulted in an impressive average speed on the way to the rendezvous – more on that later…
The 13 headed out from Hayle Swimming Pool bang on time with Jan waving us off. Splitting 13 into 3 groups lead by Trevor, Robin and Phil worked well with the smaller, more manageable groups hooking up at the photo stops. Heading out via St Erth, crossing the A30 at Crowlas we faced the first climb up to Ashtown Farm where we stopped for the first group photo at that point overlooking St Michaels Mount.
Then down the valley to the B3311 crossing at Nancledra we enjoyed some nice shade before heading up again via Amalveor and the south west side of Rosewall Hill to the next group photo, this time with Godrevy lighthouse as the bachdrop.
From there it was a short wizz via Penbeagle, Halsetown and Balnoon down to the feed stop at Moomaid by the Lake where Jan was waiting for us. The staff at the cafe were a little frazzled owing to a large group ordering breakfasts before we arrived but to be honest, the lovely location/company/weather all contributed to a relaxed ambience for our long lazy lunch.
After lunch the route took us via Mount Douglas, crossing the A3074 at Longstone, past the golf club and St Uny’s Church, round The Saltings to that lovely little narrow off road bit leading to the station car park at Lelant!
The final leg took us back to the start point via the B3301 where we all posed for the final group photo before heading home in time for the tennis!
Those intrepid Wheelers who cycled to the start Ian/Dale/Robin/Phil/Trevor/Martyn/Margaret set off into the stiff headwind that propelled them to the start point at such speed (sigh!). It was that bad Ian/Dale/Robin/Phil needed to stop for a rest at The Seven Stars in Stithians!
Check out the photo gallery for more pictures.
Finally, many thanks to Jan for organising and Trevor/Robin/Phil for leading the groups!