5 Participants:
Tao Burgess, Josh Ham, Michael Jones, Steven Major, Gavin Pearson
15:03 Steven, Tao, Gavin and Josh near Rattery
()
Report to follow.
Friday 7 April 2006
19:00 - 21:00
Evening ride: Staverton
Sunny
4 Participants:
Dennis Ham, Josh Ham, Michael Jones, Joe Venables
Report to follow.
Sunday 9 April 2006
10:15 - 15:30
Day ride: Ugborough Beacon
Sunny
3 Participants:
Josh Ham, Michael Jones, Joe Venables
13:34 Joe and Josh on Ugborough Beacon
()
13:36 Joe and Josh on Ugborough Beacon
()
Report to follow.
Wednesday 12 April 2006
09:00 - 23:00
Tour: Cornish Coast
Day 1 Home to Tintagel
Mainly sunny with strong wind
30 miles (▲ 540m ▼ 565m)
3 Participants:
Josh Ham, Michael Jones, Joe Venables
Last minute cancellations from Gavin, Tao and Oliver left just three of us to set off from Buckfastleigh at 9am for the short journey to Liskeard. We parked the car in Liskeard station, unloaded the bikes and were ready to start our tour of the North Cornwall coast despite having some anxieties about the unsettled weather forecast.
The smell of the hot pasties we purchased at Liskeard proved irresistible, so we ended up eating them right outside the shop - and it was only 10.30! Fully charged for the day ahead we navigated through the back lanes to pick up the Bolventor road across Bodmin moor, stopping briefly to explore the Golitha Woods nature reserve before following the river Fowey through some of the most delightful scenery of the tour. Josh decided he wanted one day to own a property in this picturesque valley! Meanwhile Joe was having problems with his new SPD pedals: one side was a bit tight, so a few times when he tried to stop he ended up sprawled across the road!
At Bolventor we called in to the Jamaica Inn, made famous by the Daphne Du Maurier book of the same name, and settled down to a tasty meal in the Peddlars restaurant. Josh and Joe could only afford chips, but they got so many for their £1 that they couldn't begin to eat them all! A short section of the busy A30 brought us quickly to Altarnun, its quaint bridge and river bathed in early afternoon sunshine, and from there we began the slow climb to Davidstow moor, passing wind farms along the way that suggested just how exposed the moor would be when we finally reached it. It was a little breezy as we climbed, but as soon as we crossed the cattle grid onto the moor we experienced the full power of the north-Cornish wind. We sought temporary respite in the lea of a derelict airfield building, watching a nearby man doing his best to keep his feet on the ground while flying his kite, then proceeded in close formation across the moor what we thought was the main airfield base! In fact it turned out to be a creamery, the airfield having closed in 1945!
The final leg of the journey to Tintagel was somewhat cold with a stiff headwind and increasing cloud, so we explored a few of the shops when we arrived, including Granny Wobbly's Fudge Pantry, a sports and camping shop that boasted some very high-tech gadgets and the toy museum with its fascinating range of metallic Star Trek characters. Having purchased provisions for the night we rode out of the village, past the ancient church and along the rough track that leads along the headland to the hostel. A glorious sunset greeted us as we arrived at the secluded hostel, situated high up on the headland overlooking the sea. This was surely the most perfect youth hostel in the land!
There is one dormitory at Tintagel that the well-informed hosteller always wants to occupy, and that is the front dorm, half submerged in the hillside and offering the very best sea views from the narrow windows. On many previous visits Michael had failed to secure this dorm, but today we were lucky. It is a 6-bedded dorm, and because we had paid for six beds we were all able to have top bunks and plenty of space for our belongings!
Joe liked riding with no panniers so we decided to explore Tintagel castle next. We were able to look around most of the ruins and explore some of the caves and rocks by the sea before the fading light forced us to return to the hostel. Once settled in the warm kitchen we set about preparing our meals, Joe adding to the fare by opening a box of Nesquik chocolate milkshake powder for all to share! We finished an excellent first day with card games in the kitchen and chats with other hostellers.
(Previous recorded mileage was 31 miles)
10:12 Josh in the carefully-packed car on the way to Liskeard
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
10:44 Joe and Josh in the Liskeard Station car park, ready for cycling
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
12:07 Josh and Joe in the Golitha Woods nature reserve, 4.7 miles into the ride
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
12:19 The peaceful lane to Bolventor that follows the River Fowey
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
12:20 The peaceful lane to Bolventor that follows the River Fowey
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
12:24 Josh found this Dung beetle that he calls a "Shit beetle" on the lane to Bolventor
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
12:24 Josh Ham is proud of his Dung beetle
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
12:24 Joe tempts fate on the Bolventor road
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
12:24 Delightful scenery - the River Fowey, alongside the Bolventor road
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
12:47 One of the many Herdwick Sheep we found in a field by the lane to Bolventor
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
12:47 Josh very much likes the sheep
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
13:53 Joe's expensive phone is telling him he is in London! We were actually at the Jamaica Inn, Bolventor, just after eating lunch there, 11.1 miles from Liskeard
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
13:59 Leaving the Jamaica Inn, Bolventor, after lunch
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
14:38 Joe and Josh on the quaint bridge in Altarnun, 15.5 miles into the ride
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
14:38 Josh Ham at Altarnun
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
14:39 Joe and Josh at Altarnun
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
15:32 Josh refuels with some Fudge Shortcake on the approach to Davidstow Moor at Trevillian's Gate, 19.8 miles into the ride
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
15:50 This gentleman is finding his kite quite a handful with the strong breeze on Davidstow Moor
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
15:51 Joe by the derelict Bulk Fuel Storage installation on Davidstow Moor
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
17:51 Tintagel Parish Church, on the track to the youth hostel, 29.1 miles into the ride
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
17:55 The final stretch of track leading down to Tintagel Youth Hostel
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
17:56 Tintagel Youth Hostel as seen from the approach track
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
18:19 Outside Tintagel Youth Hostel after checking in
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
18:19 Spectacular sea views from Tintagel Youth Hostel, located right on the coast
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
18:21 Tintagel Youth Hostel, and our very special dorm partially buried
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
18:27 After taking a short-cut for our evening cycle to Tintagel Castle, Joe failed to release either of his feet from his new SPD pedals
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
18:42 Michael in the ruins opposite Tintagel Castle
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
18:43 View towards Tintagel Castle island
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
18:43 View of Tintagel Castle island from the mainland
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
18:54 End of the road - the door to the castle was firmly shut, so Joe took some video looking back to the mainland
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
18:55 View back to the mainland from Tintagel Castle island
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
Official video of today's ride - 2022 Full Remaster
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
2016 Video edit, enhanced in 2020, included only for quality comparison with latest edit
Map of today's route, with video points marked
Thursday 13 April 2006
08:00 - 23:00
Tour: Cornish Coast
Day 2 Tintagel to Treyarnon Bay YH
Cloudy with strong wind
37 miles (▲ 400m ▼ 460m)
3 Participants:
Josh Ham, Michael Jones, Joe Venables
The wind was still very much in evidence on Thursday morning - it had been blowing all night and had actually helped us all sleep soundly! After a good breakfast we proceeded with good speed to Delabole, passing close to the enormous turbines of the nearby wind farm. We had planned to look at the slate quarry, still worked today, but we didn't see any signs for it so decided to press on.
We stopped briefly for pasties and cakes at St Kew Highway, then sped on to Wadebridge for lunch. We were planning to ride the Camel Trail to Padstow, but since we had plenty of time we rode the section to Bodmin and back first, stopping at the garden cafe on the way back. There were several cyclists out today despite the rather unfriendly weather conditions. Back at Wadebridge the three cycle hire shops were doing brisk trade, with around ten cyclists a minute coming off the path from Padstow. We stopped occasionally to admire the views and wildlife of the river Camel, then arrived in the bustling fishing village of Padstow by around 4pm. Sadly the pasty shop that Michael remembered so well had sold nearly all its stock for the day, but we found a few left that took our fancy.
The highlight of our time in Padstow was a 15-minute speedboat trip that cost £4 each. We had never travelled so fast on water before. We got drenched as the boat turned into the wind, but it all just helped make the trip even more memorable! A waterfront cafe helped warm us up before we set off once again for the short journey to the hostel.
Our route took us past Harlyn sands. Even though the weather was still cool and cloudy we decided to enjoy the beach anyway: Joe and Josh ran across the soft sands and straight into the water, fully clothed, before Michael could say a word! It was just as well we were just minutes away from the hostel!
Treyarnon Bay hostel, situated beside its own unique bay, is quite large compared to the others we used on this tour, and it is distinctive in offering its meals service to non-residents as well as hostellers. We didn't have time to order hostel food, but Joe would have liked to do so. Our dorm was comfortable and quiet, so after a good meal and some expensive time on the hostel's internet service we settled down for another good night's sleep.
(Previous recorded mileage was 40 miles)
07:59 Great views from our dorm on a windy morning at Tintagel Youth Hostel
(Josh, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
08:45 Joe tests hie Nutella after a second spell in the Microwave - it went solid in the fridge overnight
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
08:46 Josh, doing more than his fair share by washing the dishes after breakfast, something he said he would never be caught doing on camera
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
08:47 Josh going beyond the call of duty by kindly clearing the table after breakfast
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
08:56 Josh and Michael in the kitchen at Tintagel Youth Hostel
(Joe, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
09:00 Tintagel YH, from an overexposed Camcorder shot
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
09:00 Tintagel YH, from an overexposed Camcorder shot
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
09:01 Great sea views from Tintagel Youth Hostel this morning, from an over-exposed Camcorder shot
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
09:41 Joe has to put his new bottle cage on for a second time outside Tintagel Youth Hostel, after first putting it on the wrong way around
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
09:42 Josh has fun on the soft grass outside Tintagel Youth Hostel
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
09:45 Our dorm at Tintagel Youth Hostel, definitely the best dorm in the hostel
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
09:58 Joe, Josh and Michael outside Tintagel YH
(Hosteller, Olympus C-60Z)
09:58 Joe, Josh and Michael outside Tintagel YH
(Hosteller, Olympus C-60Z)
09:58 Joe, Michael and Josh outside Tintagel YH
(Hosteller, Olympus C-60Z)
13:13 The start of the Camel Trail at Wadebridge, heading towards Bodmin, a detour that we are taking as we have arrived early in Wadebridge, 13.4 miles into the ride
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
13:23 The Camel Trail from Wadebridge to Bodmin
(Joe, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
14:08 Josh and Joe outside Bodmin Jail at the Bodmin end of the Camel Trail, 19.5 miles into the ride
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
14:27 Ice creams at the garden café, on the Camel Trail near Bodmin, 21.5 miles into the ride
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
15:06 Back in Wadebridge, the Camel Trail heads off towards Padstow, 26.2 miles into the ride
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
15:54 Joe and Josh on the busy Camel Trail from Wadebridge to Padstow
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
16:13 Great views from the Camel Trail along the Camel Estuary to the sea beyond Padstow
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
16:20 Joe buys a new bottle cage from the Trail Bike Hire shop at Padstow, 31.3 miles into the ride
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
17:03 The Speedboat, Sea Fury, that just took us on a 15-minute whizz around the estuary for just £4 each
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
17:39 Padstow Harbour
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
18:20 Joe and Josh feel the pull of the open sea at Harlyn Bay Beach despite the windy weather, 34.5 miles into the ride
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
18:23 Such is their determination to enjoy a beach on this tour that both lads go in wearing their cycling gear
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
18:24 Joe is completely unconcerned that he is soaked to the skin with still a few miles to ride to the hostel
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
18:26 Joe and Josh, prepared to ride the short distance to the hostel with soaking wet cycling gear
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
18:40 View to a rather misty Booby's Bay, not far from Constantine Bay and the youth hostel at Treyarnon Bay
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
Official video of today's ride - 2022 Full Remaster
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
2016 Video edit, enhanced in 2020, included only for quality comparison with latest edit
Map showing route taken today, with most video points marked
Friday 14 April 2006
08:00 - 23:00
Tour: Cornish Coast
Day 3 Treyarnon to Perranporth YH
Wet start, then cloudy
29 miles (▲ 630m ▼ 595m)
3 Participants:
Josh Ham, Michael Jones, Joe Venables
The weather forecast last night had led us to believe that today would be brighter than yesterday, and with decreasing winds we were so confident about the day that we decided to return to Padstow to sample the full range of pasties. The first drops of rain began to fall as we walked along Constantine beach, and by the time we reached Padstow the rain was constant. There were certainly plenty of pasties, but we did feel rather cheated of the promised good weather!
The light rain continued all the way to Bedruthan Steps, where thick mist ensured that nothing at all was visible of the sea or steps! Josh was in need of a morale boost so we settled into the cafe for hot drinks and good food. There seemed little point in going to the steps, but at least the rain had stopped by the time we had finished looking in the gift shop. We continued through Mawgan Porth to the enormous Watergate Bay, where Josh watched the surfers enviously and decided he'd like to take up surfing one day. Arriving in Newquay we went straight to Newquay Zoo, our main attraction of the day, and spent a couple of hours examining its many inhabitants. It's not as large as Paignton Zoo, but it has a different range of animals and kept us very well entertained. Joe fell in love with a bunch of around 20 otters, Josh was impressed by the roaring lion and we all thought the white peacock at the centre of the maze put on a very impressive display for us!
At 5pm it was definitely time to be moving on. We rode to the tiny village of Cubert and then took the back lanes into Perranporth. The hostel is located high on a cliff overlooking one of the largest beaches in Cornwall, so the views were very impressive. For our last night we were a little more adventurous with our meals, working together to produce three jacket potatoes with tuna, cheese and beans - only possible because of the introduction of microwave ovens to hostels! When Josh had finally finished chatting with the surfer-dude who ran the hostel the tide had moved out so we set off for an after-dark exploration of the beach.
09:51 Josh checks out the enormous rock pool at Treyarnon Bay
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
10:05 Treyarnon Bay YH
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
10:06 View of Treyarnon Beach, in front of the hostel
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
10:09 Constantine Bay beach, just 0.4 miles along the coast path from the hostel
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
10:14 Joe on the beach at Constantine Bay, 0.4 miles from the hostel
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
10:14 Joe on the beach at Constantine Bay, 0.4 miles from the hostel
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
10:15 Fun on the beach at Constantine Bay as the first raindrops start to fall on what was supposed to be a dry day
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
11:11 At least there were a good range of pasties for sale at the Pasty Presto shop, Padstow - both savoury and sweet - 4.8 miles into the ride
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
11:13 Pasties at Padstow
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
12:54 The cramped but cosy Carnewas Tearoom at Bedruthen Steps, run by the National Trust, 12.6 miles into the ride
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
12:57 Josh is gradually recovering his energy at the Carnewas Tearoom, Bedruthen Steps
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
13:15 Josh and Joe in the mist as we leave the cafe at Bedruthen Steps
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
13:15 Josh and Joe in the mist as we leave the cafe at Bedruthen Steps
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
14:05 Watergate Bay, 16/1 miles into the ride
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
14:09 Kite flying in a stiff breeze at Watergate Bay
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
14:56 Ice creams by the Lakeside Cafe, Trenance Gardens Boating Lake, Newquay, 19.8 miles into the ride
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
15:29 An Anteater, caught with Night Vision, at Newquay Zoo
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
15:33 Josh and Joe in the monkey area at Newquay Zoo
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
15:40 A Poison Dart Frog at Newquay Zoo
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
15:49 Josh with the Black Pigs at Newquay Zoo
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
16:04 An impressive Carpathian Lynx at Newquay Zoo
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
16:12 Humboldt Penguins at Newquay Zoo
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
16:15 This Tapir squirts at everyone passing by
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
16:16 A Grey Crowned Crane at Newquay Zoo
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
16:18 A delightful but noisy bunch of Asian Small Clawed Otters at Newquay Zoo
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
16:22 This White Peacock greeted us with a fine display at the centre of the maze at Newquay Zoo
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
16:32 An adventure playground keeps us amused for a few minutes at Newquay Zoo
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
16:46 A pair of Chapman's Zebras at Newquay Zoo
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
18:41 The tide is in as we arrive at Perranporth Youth Hostel, 28.7 miles into the ride
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
20:04 Panoramic views from the dining room at Perranporth Youth Hostel
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
21:10 The tide is on the way out as we look back to Perranporth from the beach
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
Official video of today's ride - 2022 Full Remaster
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
2016 Video edit, enhanced in 2020, included only for quality comparison with latest edit
Map showing today's route, with all video points marked
Saturday 15 April 2006
08:00 - 18:00
Tour: Cornish Coast
Day 4 Perranporth to Home
Sunny start turning to drizzle
18 miles (▲ 490m ▼ 440m)
3 Participants:
Josh Ham, Michael Jones, Joe Venables
Our final day dawned with some promising sunshine. Joe, who had won the award for slowest packer at the first two hostels, was actually outside first today, but since he then spent twenty minutes effecting bike repairs Josh disputed his claim for first place. Josh had been the clear winner at Tintagel, and Michael was first at Treyarnon, so eventually Josh conceded that Joe should be awarded first place today.
We explored some of the local shops and had a daylight walk on the enlarging beach before setting off along the coast path from Perranporth to St Agnes. The path provided plenty of challenges and offered spectacular coastal views. There was plenty of evidence of the extensive tin mining that once flourished in the area, including a horizontal disused mineshaft and the now derelict engine houses and vertical shafts near Cligga Head. The conical wire covers over the shaft heads are apparently designed to keep humans out but allow bats in! Our five-mile adventure took most of the morning and culminated with excellent views of Perranporth airfield, used by the RAF during the war but now used only for gliding and private aviation. Several planes took off and landed while we were there, many dropping parachutists nearby.
On arrival at St Agnes we ran into an RNLI motorbike scramble near the coast, which kept Josh interested for some time. Cloud had now blotted out the morning sunshine so we began to feel distinctly chilly as we ate lunch outside the little stores in the village. Our plan had been to enjoy the beaches along the coast towards St Ives, but by the time we reached Portreath, light rain was beginning to fall. We made use of the nearby cafe to buy Knickerbocker glories and other items, but the rain showed no sign of easing. Our enthusiasm for beaches began to wane, so we headed straight for Camborne station where we boarded the 1514 service to Liskeard.
This was Josh's first real train journey, and Joe had been looking forward to it all day. The hour-long journey gave us chance to relax, enjoy the view and get thoroughly warmed up before disembarking at Liskeard and loading the bikes back into the car. We decided to use the remaining time to enjoy an end-of-tour visit to Pizza Hut at Derriford. We hadn't had the best of weather, but it had nevertheless been an enjoyable adventure of some 117 miles over 4 days.
(Previous recorded mileage was 16 miles, which excluded the excursion to the beach at Perranporth))
09:12 View to Perranporth Beach from the Youth Hostel
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
09:12 Joe oils his chain outside Perranporth Youth Hostel
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
09:18 Joe Venables near the hostel overlooking Perranporth Beach
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
09:18 Caption to follow
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
09:18 Caption to follow
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
09:55 Perranporth Youth Hostel from the beach
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
09:56 Surfers enjoy the waves at Perranporth Beach
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
09:59 Lifeguards on duty on Perranporth Beach, moving with the tide
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
10:04 Josh on the enormous Perranporth Beach
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
10:16 A last look back at Perranporth Beach after our excursion, from near the hostel at Droskyn Point
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
10:17 Loads of Surfers at Perranporth, as seen from near the hostel
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
10:23 Shag Rock, from the Coast Path that leads from Perranporth Youth Hostel
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
10:34 The Coast Path continues from the hostel towards Cligga Head
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
10:56 Josh discovers a disused horizontal mineshaft, an adit, on the approach to Cligga Head
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
11:05 View back to Perranporth from Cligga Head Tin and Wolfram Mine
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
11:06 The Explosives Tunnel at Cligga Head, dating from First World War nitro-glycerine production and later used as Perranporth Operational Base during the Second World War
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
11:13 Cligga Head mine buildings
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
11:13 Cligga Head mine buildings
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
11:27 Josh and Joe enjoying spectacular views on the coast path between Perranporth and St Agnes
(Michael, Olympus C-60Z)
11:37 View back to Hanover Cove as we continue towards St Agnes
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
11:37 Joe on the Coast Path as we continue from Cligga Head towards St Agnes
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
11:55 A paraglider descends to Perranprth Airport, as seen from the Coast Path
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
11:58 A light aircraft comes in to land at Perranporth Airport
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
12:09 The RNLI Motorbike Scramble at Cross Coombe, St Agnes
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
12:16 View back to the RNLI Motorbike Scramble as we continue towards St Agnes
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
14:18 Joe enjoys a Knickerbocker Glory at The Atlantic Cafe on the seafront at Portreath
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
14:18 Josh having a late lunch at The Atlantic Cafe on Portreath Sea Front
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
15:28 Michael on the 15:14 train from Camborne to Liskeard
(Josh, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
15:29 Josh on the 15:14 train from Camborne to Liskeard at the end of his first tour, suffering only from slightly aching legs
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
15:39 Joe on the train from Camborne
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
17:32 A superb pizza to round off the tour, at Pizza Hut, Crownhill, Plymouth
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
Official video of today's ride - 2022 Full Remaster
(Michael, Sony DCR-TRV80E)
2016 Video edit, enhanced in 2020, included only for quality comparison with latest edit
Map showing approximate route taken today, with most video points marked
Sunday 16 April 2006
10:15 - 13:00
Morning ride: Easter Special
Dry
3 Participants:
Dennis Ham, Josh Ham, Michael Jones
12:21 Josh and Dennis somewhere in the upper reaches of Hembury Woods
()
Only three turned out for our Easter Special ride on the day after our Cornwall tour. We rode up the long hill through Hembury Woods, through the higher gateway and along the upper track to one of the delightful woodland glades. Here, Michael hid some cream eggs which Josh found quickly and Dennis found with a little help. We concluded our short excursion with a ride along several Hembury tracks.
Friday 21 April 2006
19:00 - 21:15
Evening ride: River Dart Adventures
Dry
9 miles
5 Participants:
Kane Edwards, Josh Ham, Michael Jones, Ben Parker, Joe Venables
Five riders turned up for a dry and sunny start to our evening ride. Kane, who has yet to buy his own helmet and bike, had to settle with Michael’s small Raleigh Lizard, which at its current state will be at the tip within the next month! Ben made a return to club cycling after a long sabbatical.
We had only reached Buckfast when Michael received a telephone call informing him of a rather embarrassing situation with one of his peacocks - it had found its way into a neighbour's bedroom! Michael reassured them that they needn't call the RSPCA and that he would collect the bird later.
Riding along the riverside path in Hembury Woods we all agreed that it was a wonderful evening for cycling. We crossed the fence and then began riding the travesty that was the track to River Dart Adventures. It was covered in fallen trees and slippery surfaces: navigation and precision was key to prevent injury! Fortunately no one suffered any problems and we were soon enjoying the quaint surroundings of the River Dart Country Park.
Michael was in no mood for stopping, and everybody found themselves going back uphill as soon as we arrived! Fortunately the track back through Holne Woods was a gradual hill that wasn’t too hard on the youngsters. The downhill tracks of Hembury Woods provided the perfect conclusion to a good ride.
[Contributed by Ben Parker]
Sunday 23 April 2006
10:15 - 12:10
Morning ride: Hembury
Sunny
7 miles
2 Participants:
Josh Ham, Michael Jones
Hembury Woods are quite large by any standards, and the network of tracks and paths can be hard to navigate. Josh decided that we should explore some of the tracks we don't use very often, and it wasn't long before we found ourselves on new territory. We passed plenty more tracks along the way that we'll have to explore another day. We paused for refreshments in one of the upper glades surrounded by enormous beds of primroses, then sped back through the woods along another tracks, returning to Crofters for lunch.