I am finally on my way on the Lands End to John OGroats ride.
I woke reasonably early and had breakfast in the YHA. Over breakfast I chatted with a couple from London I had met the night before. They were on a walking tour along the north Cornwall Coast. TiThey made the observation that most of the people using YHA’s are in their fifties or older.
I rode from St Just to Lands End. There is not much to say about Lands End except that it is to most southerly and west point of the British Isles and the place is a bit tacky. I had the obligatory photos taken.
I let the Garmin navigate for a while. It took me through Penzance on the way to St Ives. St Ives is great place. I spent a very pleasant week in the place back in 1977.
My route then took me to Hayle where I stopped at bike stop to check my tyres. The owner checked out the Rolloff and noted the cable housing was not properly fitted. I must have do that when I repaired a puncture on my first day in London. A good pick up. I managed to buy a cycle map at the shop. This turned out to vastly superior to the Garmin.
The next part of the route included some very spectacular scenery with rocky cliffs and sandy beaches. The road included lots of ups and downs. So of these were very steep.
A coffee stop I ran into two German blokes on motor bike – a BMW Sports Tourer and Triumph Tiger. I guess one day I will get an Adventure bike. The Triumph Tiger looks the go.
My destination was Perranporth. I checked into the YHA which is perched high on cliff over looking the Atlantic Ocean.
I made my way down to the town a beer and dinner. I had a couple of pints of Tribute, one of the local brews. I watched Lleyton Hewitt winning in his first match at Wimbeldon. I suspect he could cause further damage this year.
During my meal I chatted to a couple form Sunderland. We spoke about the changes to the city, including the demolition of Hendon where my father grew up. They couple seem to be surprised that I would wish to claim any connection to the area of the city. A funny thing – perceptions.
When I got to the YHA I found that I had the room all to myself – a bit of a surprise given this is the start of the peak tourist season.
Link to Garmin
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/332993873
Link to Fickr
billrider2013 