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Pensilva--Cornish Lanes   10/2/19     Larry Clarke

18/2/2019

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On arrival at the Plymouth side of the bridge in wet conditions, I soon spied Trevor approaching towards
the start position. I think this is it I remarked. Well you can't blame anybody for not coming out today
Trevor.
So after crossing the bridge we took the New road route to meet up with the Callington road, & with the
wind & occasional rain on our upturn cherry cheeks, we made our way through Hatt at a brisk pace. Now
on country lanes Trevor noticed the lack of rain whilst going up hill. Must be some sort of Cornish thing
he remarked. Anyway I noticed how quite it was in the lanes, must be the abundance of potholes. After
climbing many hills we descended through Pillaton, & soon we were along-side the river Lynher. In a
while the weir came into view & with the river in full flow it seemed to have disappeared under the
torrent. Next we crossed the Clapper bridge, stopping to try & read the metal plaques. Not a good place to
stop on a bike, so soon on our way again & heading towards a ford, ready for Trevor to lead the way as
usual. As we got there we had never seen it so full of water, so I followed Trevor through, But I had to
pedal to keep going. Lucky Trevor, I got my feet wet of course, but the over shoes took the brunt of the
cold water. Then after a couple of hill climbs I suggested an alternative route. So a left turn was taken
with a steep drop to our left, rather like a gorge. Soon we passed through the village of St Ive, & on up to
Pencilver cafe for elevenses. We decided due to the weather, to keep this side of the Tamar & return
hopefully with the wind, & rain to our tails.
On leaving the cafe two young ladies were heading in dressed really for running in the summer time. Oh !
what to be the right side of 30years of age. Now we looked forward to a nice long descent all the way to
Rilla Mill. Then after crossing the Lynher river again we suddenly were faced with a steep uphill climb,
through Rilla Mill. I remarked to trevor, who in there right mind would want to live on the side of a hill
as steep as this. Anyway we soon turned right heading for Linkinhorne, & on the way I came across to
maidens running with their backs to us. So I shouted coming through, with which they jumped out of their
socks. So Trevor tried some calming measures as he approached from behind. Well I looked back
afterwards & could see them still running OK. So on through Linkinhorne after which at the top of a hill
climb I finally took my rain jacket off. Soon we came to Kelly Bray were Trevor liked my idea of going
on a detour, as it was still early afternoon.
So round Kit Hill on the B3257 now nice & level going with long views way across towards Launceston
in north Cornwall. After a while we turned left heading downhill & passing the gravel quarry with
massive earth moving equipment. Now asleep, it being Sunday. Soon we came out at Drakewalls, onto
the A390 & headed towards Callington, but turned very shortly after into the lane to Harrowbarrow.
Again nice & level all the way through Harrowbarrow, then shortly after turned right & heading towards
Callington. Soon we came to a turning left before an old mill, & here we went up the steepest hill climb
of the day. I always like to save the best till last. Then on over familiar roads all the way to Saltash, A38
bridge were I bad farewell to Trevor, & 42 miles on the computer.

Larry
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