Following the disappointment that Rob and Bren would be unable to make this ride, we were delighted to hear that Bonnie was planning to join us! Trev, Larry, Bonnie and myself set off from the free car park in Callington with a following wind through the quiet lanes via Stoke Climsland, Rezare with its village green and fontaine and on to Launceston for coffee at Tesco. We are always guaranteed a decent coffee there and enough time for a good chat and associated banter!
For the next leg of our journey, Larry ably led us through the backstreets and then on up the steep hill to the adjacent village of St. Stephen's where we turned left in the direction of Egloskerry. For the first mile or so this minor road was quite busy due to Sunday lunchers and golfers but, however, as soon as we turned off through Langore we didn't see another car for twenty minutes or so. By the time we had left North Petherwin we were cycling briskly along the northern bank of the River Ottery thanks to a roaring tailwind which took us very quickly to the rather aquatically named village of Canworthy Water. There is actually the afore mentioned river here, but no lake! Since Larry has been known to have dined here, we decided to eat our sandwiches in the shelter of the levee.
After more chat and bike maintenance we turned to head home and what a shock as we faced a really strong wind coming from a south by south-easterly direction. This was especially highlighted as we climbed up towards the A395 on the edge of Coldeast Moor. We had a short respite as we headed down through the trees to the picturesque Gimblet's Mill and up the steep climb to the ridge road where, instead of taking a left to Polyphant, we went straight across (sp Alturnan 1 mile) now we all agreed that this must have been a Cornish mile because it seemed to take us an age to reach the pretty bridge beneath the massive parish church! Up the hill into Five Lanes, where we decided to try The King's Head pub. It was a lively hostelry, and we've decided to add it to our repertoire!
The final leg of our journey was standard fare - back lanes to Plusha, five miles of the B road through Congdon's Shop and Coads Green and then lanes again through Linkinhorne, South Hill and Maders and back to the start. The return journey was particularly tough due to the wind, and we were all glad to be back in the car park. We had 42 miles on the clock and a 4.30 finish! Good company and a good day, thanks everyone!
Dave
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