Club Runs 2006
Club Run Sunday 31st December
Last One of the Year
About 16 of us turned up. Welcome to newcomers Graham and John and our holiday visitor from Ireland. Bit of wind (meteorological and otherwise) but the rain held off. Managed to avoid accidents for a change. Too much carbon and too few mudguards seems to be the trend. Naming and shaming will follow soon.
Headed around the back of Penzance, then up the Bone Valley, which sorted a few people out. Regrouped at Gunard's Head before tackling the Zennor Hills. As usual, it was an absolute joy to experience the suffering, which led to more sorting out and more waiting before guided tour of St Ives council estate courtesy of John. Bit of a surge into Hayle, then an undignified stampede initiated by Dave to get first in the queue at the Godrevy cafe. Coffee and cakes as good as ever and waitresses as desirable as ever. Rhys marked his return from northern adventures by bonking and calling out his domestic breakdown rescue service.
Dispersal took place from the cafe and just as I put the bike in the garage the rain started pounding down. Don't forget, it's 9.00am at Camborne Police Station next week - bring some money for the ferry. [1/01/07]
Club Ride Sunday 10th December
Temptation - Bed or Bike?
Must be the threat of imminent festive food overload, but about 15 riders gathered at the Institute in what can only be described as damp conditions. Front and rear lights were doing their best to light up people's cheery faces, with the overall feeling being that riding straight home and going back to bed would be the sensible option.
Instead, Phil hit the front, leading a truncated tour of the Penzance and Newlyn environs. The others followed in his wheels, trying their best to keep their mouths shut in case they filled with water. John Payne was looking tasty on his hybrid, but failed to find any takers for an assault on Paul hill. Rhys was looking to sprint for signs, but no-one could be bothered to sprint.
It crossed the mind of certain individuals to adjourn to the warmth of the Long Rock Maccy D's, but, hardriders that we were, we pressed on to Marazion. Thence through the lanes to St.Erth. The Camborne/Hayle contingent headed for home, while Carbis Bay/Halsetown riders did the same. Luckily, no punctures. [Lloyd Peters 11/12/06]
Club Ride Sunday 26th November
The Steve Lampier Collection
Eleven Wheelers gathered at Long Rock, most of whom seemed to be wearing Steve Lampier's old kit. There was no enthusiasm for Land's End and little resistance to Goonhilly or Mullion, so that's the way we headed.
Marazion, Goldsithney, Millpool, Bal West and Ashton were quickly conquered,before we swooped down into Porthleven, avoided the cobbles, explored farm tracks, climbed through Helston town centre, visited the recycling centre, got thoroughly muddy because some people are mudguard refuseniks, visited Gweek, arrived at Goonhilly Earth Station too early, lost Dave and Steve, were rounded up by sheepdogs, and found Dave and Steve waiting for us at the Chocolate Factory.
Christmas cake came early for the more mature, discerning of us, the plebs had baked beans, but Steve struck the jackpot with the spicy apple cake.
Poldhu hill seemed to present no problems, Culdrose induced the usual friskiness, and things started to disperse at Helston. Don't forget, next week's ride starts at 9.00am from Camborne Police Station. [26/11/06]
Camel Valley Reliability Ride Sunday 19th November
Fun and Games with 2 Monster Climbs
Six Wheelers (Lloyd, Phil, Layton, Rich, Mark and Tony) hauled themselves out of warm beds to meet up with old rivals from Camel Valley at the Wadebridge Scout Hut. Ivor was in fine form, and in cycling kit, so it looked like a serious morning' s riding was in front of us. The roads were wet, but the rain held off. Suitably sustained by cups of tea, the peloton climbed northwards out of the town and soon Layton was getting carried away by the euphoria of being back on his road bike. His break was short-lived, but was immediately replaced by a three man group of Rich, Sam Hughes and Mark Barlow.
As we neared the road race course, a sudden surge in speed to catch the leading trio, accounted for Lloyd whose fine form of the spring and summer has obviously been diluted by sloth and debauchary in the autumn. The three were reeled in and occasional attacks by Mark Barlow were quickly neutralised. As we neared the northernmost part of the course, anticipation of the climbs must have finally got to us. Either that or Mark Millergill constantly asking if anyone else wanted a pee. A neutralised zone was declared and we all dismounted and pointed Percy at the porcelain, although there wasn't actually any porcelain in the wilds of North Cornwall. The main handicap to any Wheelers going off the front was that we didn't know the course, so we had to keep waiting for the Camels.
There followed an exilerating descent into Crackington Haven. The Camel lads assurred us that there was a cracking cafe there, but we were cruelly never allowed to test the veracity of this assertion. The first monster climb reared up in front of us - very steep and very, very long. Mark showed good legs up the hill, and it was a very reduced bunch of 7 who regrouped over the top. Phil and Layton were the unlucky Wheelers - Layton needs to ease off on the conjugals and I think that Phil was unnerved by learning that he's favourite for the hammer award once again.
The second monster climb out of Boscastle - it was very long but more gradual with sweeping hairpins reminiscent of the mountains - left the leading bunch well spread along the road, But once again things came together and we found ourselves battling into a rising headwind. Guy de Selincourt's invitation to some 'through and off' was spurned by the majority as tired legs were starting to take their toll and there was much tactical manouevering to stay at the back of the bunch.
With four miles left, Mark Barlow made his winning move, Guy scattered traffic and road works on the descent into Wadebridge for second, and the remnants of the leading bunch did our best to look as though we weren't trying. There was a suggestion that linked fast food, stop, way home, hamburger hill and MacDonalds, but this was quickly squashed by the more environmentally and politically sensitive team members, who were mindful of the thrashing they might get from their wives if they were late home. In a fit of enthusiasm we agreed that PZW ought to put on a similar ride after Christmas. [Tony Farnell 19/11/06]
Club Ride Sunday 5 NovemberParking ticket, mechanicals, sunshine and of course baked beans
We must have been 20 strong at Camborne Police Station. Paul was promptly issued with a parking ticket before we trundled out past the posh houses in Tehidy, down Portreath hill for a change and wended our way to Mithian, where Rich had a serious mechanical and was delighted to wait for a lift home after his exertions of the previous day, although I must say, this cyclo-x doesn't look very strenuous from Stu's photo.
By the time we'd descended into Perranporth and climbed up past the golf course half our numbers had already turned for home. Jeff was heard to mutter - 'this wouldn't happen up north'. Refreshments were taken at the Surf Centre in Newquay, but the surf babes gave us a wide berth, and I was the only one chatted up, but she was middle-aged. On the way back we encountered more mechanicals and bladder problems as we headed for the Ladock Valley where we picked up an unfit Chris Opie. Rhys won the uncontested sprint at Ladock. Dispersal started after Truro. My tip for next season - Jeff. Phil's peaking too early - far too much time on the front, hurting our legs. [6/11/06]
Club Ride Sunday 22 OctoberDay for the Hard (stoopid...) Men
6 numptys met at Longrock, Layton fully recovered from his bed room injury, John Payne, Rhys, Jon Morse, Grandad Dave and myself.
Decided on a lil' spin up the north coast road to Portreath, via St Erth and Hayle. 6 of us and only one set of guards, so well we were all fighting for the back. Got to Portreath and here Dave turned for home, He must have heard his sofa calling for him. John keen to get some miles in pressed on up the coast. Myself, Rhys, Layton an Jon pushed on for Camborne, It started bucketing it down near Tehidy. I don't like getting wet so I pressed on looked around and no Layton, sorry mate.... Went to Camborne, Jon turned off for his house, Rhys stopped at the station for his car (he was some chuffed he brought spare clothes with him), to leave me alone for the lonely moist ride to back Helston feelin good about myself as I have 2 bonus hours over the lazy buggers who stayed in bed.... hang heads in shame...... [Steve Lampier 22/10/06]
Club Ride Sunday 6 AugustBissoe
Not a bad turnout at Long Rock. Bissoe was the destination, and we started by heading out along the lanes to St.Erth. From here it was through Hayle, where we turned left at Lidl's for the coast road.
Stuart seemed to be having mechanical trouble, so we waited at the top of the climb to Hell's Mouth - familiar to Camborne club members as a dogging car park par excellence. No sign of Stuart, so we pressed on in the humidity.
Mike turned for home shortly after Portreath, the rest carried on through Mawla, and from there to Blackwater. It was then down the valley, through Chacewater and Twelveheads, to the caff.
No sign of Beavis and Butthead behind the till this time - the orders arriving fairly swiftly. At least, they did for the hard core cafe contingent of Lloyd, Steve and Phil. The others had decided to jib and head off, forgoing cake, beans and other comestibles. Such behaviour is just not on and risks bringing the good name of club cafe stopping into disrepute. Must improve.
The intrepid trio returned via the inland route, climbing ever upwards through Burncoose and Stithians to reach Four Lanes, and from there to home. [Lloyd Peters 7/08/06]
Club Ride Sunday 30th JulyLands End
Didn't count, but looked like about 15 outside the Memorial Institute at 9am. Ray from Doncaster, looking to get full value from his Cornwall guided tour odyssey, was on the start line for the second week running.
Dave suggested anywhere but Lands End, so we decided that was the destination. Through Varfell and into Gulval, and suddenly cycle logic were nowhere to be seen. Must have been the rain melting the poofy white shorts.
Up Bone Valley and down into Newmill, and the roads were wet but drying off. It was a fairly swift ascent to the top, then down the other side to Gurnards Head, where we made a left turn, into the wind.
From here we stayed on the coast road, bearing off on the road by St.Just Rugby club, where a group of four forced the pace to the top. Then it was the unexplored lane down Cot Valley, then out past the aerodrome. Dave was looking a bit tasty, as were Phil, Ray and Jeff, who split the group on the run in to Lands End. A second group consisting of Mike, Lloyd, Dave and Alex followed.
After failing to get our photo taken by the John O'Groats sign, we retraced to the Barn caff. Dave, the lightweight, failed to eat up all his beans on toast.
Phil wanted the climb out of Penberth, but the consensus was to go via Crean. From here the tailwind pushed us through St.Buryan, away down to Lamorna, thence to Mousehole via Raginnis hill. A high-speed run was made along the seafront 9and through the traffic) through Newlyn and Penzance.
A great summer ride. [Lloyd Peters 31/07/06]
Club Ride Sunday 23rd AprilAll Aboard for Padstow
Came back from hols to find 'phone message from Mark and email from Lloyd indicating club ride to Padstow, starting from Camborne at 8.00am. Such an early start exceeded credibility factor, but further call to Phil confirmed the worst.
So it was leaving home at 7.15 to make the rendez-vous. I think there were about 12 riders there, sporting some flash gear as a substitute for racing. Only Dave had mudguards, but he made up for this by being the only one with exposed legs. As we headed up the north coast, led by Lloyd, assiduously seeking out every possible hill to climb and descend, my mind began to think fondly of absent Stuart and his renowned hill avoidance techniques. One or two turned for home and an early Sunday lunch, but we were still nine strong when someone tried to pull a flanker and engineer an early coffee stop at Rhys's house - or was it a ploy to squeeze in an extra hill?
Finally, eight of us rolled down into Padstow and Steve Lampier took us to the most expensive cafe in the town - they didn't even have any loos. Nevertheless, refreshments were enjoyed as Phil entertained us with tales of Steve O'Rourke's amorous noctural adventures! Is that really true, Steve? Nobody seriously resisted the idea of a flatter route home, which included some serious through-and-off down the Ladock Valley. At this juncture I feel obliged to draw attention to two things. Firstly, Phil was seen at the front - a rare event indeed. Secondly, Rhys was missing his turns, then had the bare-faced cheek to take the sprint into Ladock. The only way he will be able to live this down is to appear on the start line of the PZW Circuit TT Champs at Leedstown on Tuesday evening.
When we arrived at Mount Ambrose I had hoped to be able to turn for Falmouth on my own to dawdle home at a more leisurely pace, but was horrified when everyone decided to take the Lanner Hill route as well. But even worse, when the others turned for Four Lanes, Steve Lampier insisted on accompanying me even further. Luckily he had difficulty keeping up on the hills. What a fine ride though. It was really good to do something a bit different, and the general consensus seemed to be that we ought to do something like this once a month. [23/04/06]
Club Ride Sunday 16th AprilEaster Egg Hunt
Easter Sunday, and about 15 riders assembled at Long Rock in the hope of resurrecting some form. Joining the ride from London Dynamo CC was Sam Woodhouse. Phil, aboard his new Time machine, was having trouble with his chain, and while the sun refused to come out, this was more than compensated for by the light emanating from Lloyd's new shoes.
The trail was blazed through Marazion, Millpool, Godolphin, and thence to Nancegollan. Here, the Cycle Logic contingent decided to take the short route to Mrs Miggins's, while the rest of the ride scaled the climbs up to Releath and Black Rock. Rhys, despite the poof chainset and frisbee attached to his back wheel, was looking a bit tasty on the climbs.
Onwards to Stithians reservoir, where the route-finding reins were handed over to Bob. He led us on a merry dance to Stithians, and from there back around to Carnkie, Wendron and Porkellis.
It was then that we knew that Easter had truly arrived - with Mrs Miggins at Sithney open after a long winter, and beckoning us in with huge slabs of cake. [Lloyd Peters 18/04/06]
Club Ride Sunday 12th MarchSpring is Here
There must be something on because only 4 turned out on this 'orrible wet and windy day.
Riding down from Camborne Andy, Dave and I made huge strides into the tail wind, we were going so hard we were dillusional and could have sworn we saw our club-mate Tonks going away from Marazion at pace. We arrived at Long Rock to find Tonks in situ at 8.55am now that is a sight worthy of the hammer award, we summized that his unusually early appearance is down to one of two alternatives: 1) he usually does extra secret training before meeting the chums but was put off this week by the weather or 2) that he thought the clocks had changed a couple of weeks early.
That was the only excitement the rest of the ride was crap, into a wet head-wind with Ellis sucking up to my back wheel as usual, so we went home after 2.5 hrs. It was such a short ride I logged it in km to make it seem longer. [Stuart Pickering 12/03/06]
Club Ride Sunday 19th FebruaryThe Day Nobody Fell Off
The wind it did blow, and so it was that the intrepid Wheelers set off for the barren wastes of Goonhilly.
Winner of the Ladies Cup, or should that be Only Lady Cup, Mel Williams was home to join us as we headed for Millpool, then to Godolphin and Carleen. Good to see Dave Morgan, in sparkling form, hiding in the bunch. The descent to Helston followed, where we made our way up the high street, heading for the long drop into Gweek. Here, the Cycle Logic lightweights disappeared and it was left to Tony, Lloyd, Steve, Mel, Phil, Paul, Jeff, Mike and Dave to head onwards. Paul punctured soon after, so the rest of us stopped to wait and admire the view.
Putting in a good dig on the front as we neared the dishes at Goonhilly, Mike was obviously scenting the coffee. Unfortunately, and no doubt due to the cracking pace, we'd arrived before opening time, so it was decided to carry on to the Lizard. We fairly floated down through Kuggar, negotiated the lumpy bits and soon found ourselves right on the cliffs at Lizard point. Phil, putting off the inevitable ride back into a block headwind, ordered more coffee.
The home leg was a battle into the wind. The split was made at Helston, where the Redruth/Camborne/Falmouth contingent went one way, the St.Ives/Hayle/Marazion hardriders another. Roll on some warm weather. [Lloyd Peters 20/02/06]
Club Ride Sunday 5th FebruaryEngland 47 Wales 13
Another cold but dry morning. Despite defections abroad and on holidays, 15 riders turned up, although Steve Cox had to be rescued after suffering a puncture at Ashton on the way down from Falmouth. Chris from Rhyl was on his final ride with us before returning north and Steve (Culdrose) came up with the most original excuse yet for missing his race debut at the Pursuits next week. But I'll let him tell you himself about that.
No doubt Mike was thinking that he could have had a few extra minutes in bed, as we rode out past his house, then doubled back towards St Hillary, before one or two hot-heads got frisky up Rellubus hill. Leedstown and Nancegolan passed uneventfully until Rich got a gap and used the opportunity to disappear home for an early bath!
At Smokey Joe's half of us continued, half of us stopped, Phil didn't have any money yet again, and beans on toast seems to be catching on.
Portreath hill was as enjoyable as ever, so enjoyable that Phil turned for home at the top, and the north coast as usual seemed to put everyone in team time trial mode. There was a split at Hayle, another at Crowntown, and I showed Chris the delights of Porkellis and Carnkie hill just to round off his stay in Cornwall. [6/02/06]
Club Ride Sunday 29th JanuaryBig Bonk Day!
A cold morning, but sunny and dry, so who's complaining? About 16 riders turned up. Chris from Rhyl back for more and Steve (Culdrose) in new PZW shorts. Welcome back to club RR champ, Layton. As usual wind and cafe dictated route choice.
No complaints but lots of chatter as we headed off through Goldsithney, Millpool and Godolphin. A rare visit to Breage prefaced a swoop into Porthleven, quick burst over the cobbles, glimpse of the sea, and on through Helston, and some riders turning for home. Goonhilly and Ruan Minor were soon conquered and anticipation mounted as we drew ever nearer to the chocolate factory.
Some resisted the left turn to Mullion, but the hard core swooped down through Mullion, only to find the cafe closed! Woe of woes! At least we didn't have Lloyd with us - but his anguished cry of last year was fondly remembered.
No alternative but to head back to Helston. Phil bonked big-time and Mark sneaked off back to Falmouth via Gweek when we weren't looking. Rarely has Tesco's looked so good. Rhys did his best in the eating stakes, but was easily surpassed by Phil who consumed a huge cooked breakfast. Layton and Steve (Culdrose) would have still been there eating toast now if we hadn't insisted on leaving. Dispersal took place outside. Fortunately, Steve (wunderkind) had been so impressed by my texting ability that him and Chris were kind to me up the hills through Gweek and back to Falmouth. Finally, Steve's off to France to improve his French this week, and to do a bit of bike racing - good luck Steve. [29/01/06]
Club Ride Sunday 22nd JanuaryWhat a Turn-out!
A massive turn-out of over 20 riders were greeted by a cold but fine morning, with small groups arriving from all over West Cornwall. Are there actually any active members from Penzance? Welcome to local newcomer Patrick and guest from Rhyl (sorry I never asked you your name).
As we headed through the back lanes towards St Erth, the temperature seemed to drop markedly, but fortunately this proved to be a temporary phenomenum. We headed through Hayle and up the north coast for a change, one or two riders pealing off early, and saw the Camel Valley rabble straggling along just after Portreath.
Suitably invigorated, we arrived at the Bissoe cafe more or less intact, with about half of us opting to stop. Drinks were drunk fairly quickly, but we had an interminable wait for the grub. The natives were definitely getting restless by the time it arrived. Rhys gained a definite psychological advantage for the coming season, not only by being served first, but also by size of his order - 4 rounds of toast and jam! Where are you Matthew?
Steve Lampier showed us how to avoid the big hills on the way back, then we nearly got mown down by an aggressive BMW, some one almost disappeared up a horses bum, and Steve (Culdrose) had a minor spill, but amazed us with his comprehensive tool kit when his cleat needed adjustment. As we passed Black Rock and Praze, small groups started dispersing homewards, which in some cases was a long way, especially if the two wunderkinds from Cyclelogic are with you! [23/01/06]
Club Ride Sunday 15th JanuaryWild and Wet
Incredibly, 8 riders, 1 photographer and 1 newcomer (welcome Patrick - hope to see you with your bike next week) turned up in the wind and the rain. Showing a confident grasp of new technology, Matt took the photos and left us to it. Mike was on time for a change, Phil was shamed into a last minute by an uncompromising text message from Mark, and only 2 Cyclelogics were man enough for the adverse weather conditions.
We lost our first rider almost immediately. Aggy came up with this unbelievable story that he was going to be picked up from the Heliport by helicopter! The lengths to which some people will go to to avoid losing face! The most windy spot was likely to be the Penzance promenade, so that's where we headed first of all, with a little cobbles detour just in case anyone had expensive wheels on. Then it was circling around the back of Penzance, through Gulval to Crowlas and St Hilary, where Mike and Phil headed for an early bath.
The rest of us took the took in Godolphin and Nancegollan, at which point Stu and Andy were seduced by thoughts of hot showers and Sunday papers (good luck with the tonsils operation this week Andy). That left 3 of us to explore the delights of Releath and Crilly - Steve (Culdrose) expressed delight at being led down a lane with grass growing down the middle!
At Wendron, Mark and Steve sped off towards Helston, and I trudged back to Falmouth via Porkellis and Carnkie. [16/01/06]
Xmas Club RidesLots of Activity
The weather being good, there were lots of rides over Xmas. Being old, I've already forgotten what happened on most of them. Other contributions/reports are required.
I can remember the fried breakfast at Smokey Joe's on Xmas Eve, but have no recollection of who sabotaged Chris Opie's wheel.
On New Year's Day we were outnumbered by Ben Pochee's elite training group down from London and failed to find a cafe that was open.
Finally, on the first Sunday ride of the new year, Steve Lampier insisted on riding all the way back to Falmouth with me, just to make sure I didn't have my car hidden somewhere en route. [16/01/06]
