Saturday 17th July, 2021 – Liskeard Ladies trip to Seaton for a dip in the sea

We did it! A seaside cycle with a proper swim, ice cream and sun-bathe! And somehow we managed to get home too . I loved this ride to Seaton. 22.3 miles with 634m climbing. Ten of us set off along the ridgeway to Pengover Green (where we took a look at the wild flower field) and Doddycross before crossing the A38 at Castle Motors to head down the shady Hessenford Valley and into Seaton. We parked our bicycles at the official cycle parking by the beach but at The Smugglers Inn end and made our camp on the rocks there while we transformed into bathing belles (of sorts) and headed into the beautifully flat and very refreshing water. What a lovely and unforgettable experience! A big thank you to Ann Marie and to Gail for both guarding the bikes and taking some snaps so we had proof . After a good 20 mins or so we came out for coffees, ice creams and a lovely sun-bathe. Geoff arrived to provide transport for Susie and Gail who needed to get back more quickly and the rest of us set off up the steep hill behind the beach cafe to take in those gorgeous views of miles of sparkling sea and of Looe Island. Once at the top we meandered along the ridgeway to Nomansland stopping only briefly so that Corinne (thank goodness!!) could fix Saphira’s broken chain. Up the narrow road past the golf club and down the B road to Horningtops. Here we decided we would take the lane down to the Looe Valley and up Lodge Hill into Liskeard. I personally was proud to be able to do this – think the last couple of times I have had to push up Lodge Hill – so, thank you, Ladies, such a great group to be with and a really delightful day out.

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Wednesday 7th July – Wednesday Cycling Buddies trip to Hayle

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 It’s here! The season of summer outings has arrived with a wonderful trip to Hayle for our Wednesday Cycling Buddies. Huge thanks to Anna for hosting the pre ride coffee for our eight cyclists – and then for organising an almost flat (yess! ) and wonderfully picturesque route wending it’s way through 24 miles of lanes and cycle tracks – with two memorable stops for refuelling! Our ride took us from Hayle north east to Connor Downs before curving south Leedstown and then to our coffee stop. Somewhere between the hamlets of Townsend and Relubbus we turned into a field and a delightful new cafe (name?) set among wild flowers that reminded us all of Brittany. After coffee we carried on down to Marazion with the iconic views of St Michael’s Mount before reaching our lunch stop on the beach at Long Rock. A little too much seaweed meant the planned swim was decided against but we enjoyed watching other bathers and wind surfers while we tucked into our cafe lunch boxes. The ride back to Hayle from Marazion is the prettiest – including a lovely stretch along the estuary at Hayle. A big thank you to Susie for organising our transport to and from Hayle and to Ann WB, Gail, Zoe and Charlie for driving. What a lovely day! Watch out for more summer outings on the Liskeard Velo website and our fb groups.

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Saturday 10th October – Liskeard Ladies ride out in two groups for Rule of Six with mobile cafe stop at Blunts car park

To see our route click here 19 miles and 418 m climbed. Pics below narrative

Eleven Liskeard Ladies on a mixture of e bikes and the more traditional sort – formed two groups to meet the new Rule of Six requirements – and then assembled at separate times; cycled in distinct groups; and although there was some overlap at the cafe stop – our two groups sat in separate areas of the cafe (in reality of Blunts car park!). A big welcome to Jules for her first ride with us.

It was a fairly straightforward process to comply with the new law, and cycling in two small groups was probably safer, but I think we all missed being able to sit down at the cafe stop and have a good natter with everyone. Still at least we all got out and the weather was reasonably kind – sunny for a lot of the ride and only more chilly when it clouded over.

Our route was a clockwise oval from Liskeard, up to Rose Craddock, across to Gang and then along that lovely rolling ridgeway to Blunts. Here Geoff and Pete, masked and gloved, had set up their cafe and did their best to persuade our group of health conscious cyclists to partake of cake and chocs, etc. Here too we met Steve and Sue, local resident cyclists (and also fans of e bikes) who had just returned from a lengthy cycle round the Outer Hebrides. Sue was very interested to know a little more about our group.

From Blunts we cycled towards Tideford and down to Tilland Mill then up the hill to Doddycross, into Menheniot (one of the few local villages to have their lovely clean loos open) to drop off Deb, and back to Liskeard.

A big thank you to everyone for helping implement the current rules for cycle groups; to Geoff and Pete for providing us with refreshments; and to Megan for leading one of our groups. Am already wondering what new challenges our November ride might bring!

Saturday 5th September, 2020 – Liskeard Ladies tackle the Ride of the Seven Hills – and keep smiling!

Our route stats: 16.7 miles; 544 m climbed.

Am just so impressed. The aim of this ride had been to visit some villages we don’t normally see on our rides but when we tested the route in the car we realised the reason we don’t visit them is that they are on a very hilly route. Nevertheless, all nine of us agreed at the start we would take it slowly and ‘give it a go’. We knew there were options en route for returning to Liskeard fairly easily – although in the end none of these were taken.

The route took us past Liskeard Station and in a series of ups and downs in a southwesterly direction to Trevelmond and then St. Pinnock (as per the club number 2 scavenger ride and well worth a visit); then along a further lane with another hill out to the Taphouse/Looe road; here we turned left, breaking into groups so that the traffic could pass easily and looked for the turning back towards Churchbridge and Duloe . Some respite now and a charming road with glimpses of the sea to our right, before a steep hill down and up into Duloe – for our mobile cafe stop with Geoff. Mindful of the Covid restrictions, cakes (and cups!) were all pre-wrapped but it was great to have a good old cuppa and a piece of cake in the sun – and I for one was very relieved that all nine of us had made it to this stage.

After our refreshments, the better road made it easy for us all to find our way home. Connie was able to take her leave and head head South ; Gail was able to cycle away a bit early to get home for another sporting fixture; and our official ride headed back to St. Keyne, where Carol could leave us; and then down the hill and back into Liskeard.

Everyone had excelled themselves – so proud of this group!

Enthusiastic turnout for first Liskeard Ladies and Easy Rider Group Rides since Lockdown – 1st August, 2020

It was great to be back again for these two cycle groups.  Liskeard Ladies were able to form two groups – one led by Ann WB for a 35 mile spin; and one led by Megan/Ann K for 15 miles.  The Easy Rider men did a similar shorter distance and all three groups made Olive and Co. at Siblyback Lake their coffee stop, taking care to move on or apart when there was a danger of overcrowding.  (Narrative continues below pics.)

 

For the shorter Ladies’ route, click here   15 miles and 420m climbed.

On this ride the ladies wiggled their way (slowly and chatting gaily) through the lanes to Pensilva and then sailed down the road through Crows Nest and past Commonmoor and on to Siblyback.  The group had been pleased to meet up with four Callington Cycles Riders at Foredown to compare notes on Lockdown cycling and show off our new cycle jerseys.  This very pleasant delay, however,  gave us a good excuse for not attempting to cycle round Siblyback Lake, which we decided could have been tricky given its popularity at the moment – so we opted to head straight to Olive and Co.  Here we met up with Susie and Debbie S who had been enjoying a walk round the lake before sampling the delicious ‘cinabuns’ , one of Olive and Co’s specialities.

The other groups joined us and Megan, sensibly took a small group back to Liskeard to reduce numbers at the cafe.  The club was feeling its way a bit with this being a first ride for some members but it was just wonderful to catch up with friends not seen for so many months.

Obviously,  it is difficult for the club to make too many formal plans at this stage but The Liskeard Velo mixed group would be enjoying a 40 mile spin the following day and the club will proceed with its normal group rides for the coming months as far as is permitted.  We look forward to seeing as many members as possible.

 

June 2020 – Velo Lockdown Scavenger Ride No. 2

For our route click here  30 miles (50 k)  850m climbed

For the second in our series of club Lockdown scavenger rides we found ourselves exploring lanes and villages (for me unseen before) and hunting for clues in the general direction of Lostwithiel and Lerryn and then heading back to Looe (for some wonderful take away fish and chips).  There were a few ups and downs but really a lot of easy cycling along ridges with wonderful views and interesting features such as creeks and fords –  so again it was a very doable ride of approximately 30 miles with under 1000m of climbing.  Do hope you get the chance to follow it – the route directions are on the Downloads section of this website.  If you use my Strava route you will need to bear in mind that I started from home which is a little way out of the centre of Liskeard (and also that we took a bit of a shortcut on our way down to Looe).

May 2020 – Lockdown Velo Scavenger Ride

For our route click here  30 miles (50 km) and 840m climbed.

This was the first of the 2020 club scavenger rides set by David for members to undertake with a household member or friend during Lockdown – with a few clues to collect along the way.  Approximately 30 miles, this route initially climbs to Minions after which there is a lot of easy cycling through villages and along lanes that we would not usually have used.  Particularly pleased to find that Pillaton and Blunts are joined by a single road.  Some lovely views across to Dartmoor on the way.

 

Week end of 1st and 2nd February, 2020 – Ladies ride with breakfast at The Highwayman; and Mixed Group ride to Kit Hill – with much talk of new bicycles – and lots of us taking part.

Info about our routes:  Saturday:  15.5 miles;  339m climbed;  Sunday:  25.5 miles;  340m climbed.  (Sorry, cant get routes to load from Garmin Connect today).  Narrative underneath pics below.

Not sure what kind of pep pills we have all been taking but it has been wonderful to have so many turn out for our February rides – eleven on both Saturday and Sunday – wonder if we will be able to keep it up 🙂

Saturday was a shortish ride because we had been expecting poor weather but it was great to take in a bit of Siblyback and to do a little extra link out from Doublebois towards Redposts and back along the part of the cycle track to Dobwalls that we don’t normally get a chance to use – and we appreciate The Highwayman now being open to serve breakfast.  Just what we needed.  Thank you Ann WB for leading.

Sunday was a ride of two groups.  With Ian leading we all went out to Pensilva, Golberdon, Kelly Bray and clockwise round Kit Hill up to Louis’ café.  And after enjoying a substantial brunch for most of us, one group continued on with Ian to Calstock and then home.  Our group came back, while our legs were still working,  the way we had gone – but just a lovely day for all of us.  A big thank you to Ian for organising.

Sunday 19th January – bright sunshine and icy roads for a short trip out to Lanhydrock

For our route click here:  28 miles and 607m climbed

Well, it was a much shorter ride than planned.  The frosty start to the day meant that the ride start was delayed until 11 am and then we kept mostly to the main road to avoid any lingering ice.  But what a beautiful day and the ride out to Lanhyrock Cycle Hub Café was well worth it.  A lovely day out.

January 5th, 2020 – On the Twelfth Day of Christmas my true love brought to me Twelve Cyclists Cycling ….

For our route (22 miles and 860m climbed) click here

Our first mixed group ride of the year – and twelve of us, including our two e cyclists, enjoyed a jaunt along the Draines Valley to Jamaica Inn (coffee and  toasted tea cakes) before taking in the views on our way back over the rolling moorland that runs alongside Colliford Lake.  Home by 12.30 – a perfect way to put this Christmas to bed and to get 2020 under way.

Our next mixed group ride is on the 19th January to Lostwithiel and Looe.  Full details of all forthcoming rides , as well as membership details,  on our new website http://www.liskeardvelo.org.uk.