The Black Pig and Seaman Staines PG Again

I did feel a little underprepared for my stint at sea on The Black Pig (Captain Pugwash's boat) - nobody had mentioned this rather salty salient fact near the end of a truly epic day. I was all set for another epicurean trundle through Cornwall hinterland sampling vintage Cider and the odd full fat original cornish pasty - in fact I had the first true Cornish pasty at about 9.30am as we started just after 8.00am and van drivers get cranky at the first whiff of a foaming cappuccino and hot beige indulgencies.

The riders meanwhile had four seasons in one day - fab morning with rolling hills scenic views and fresh blood with George taking a very prestigious front of peloton role (good man good pace shielding the riders from buffeting wind - cycling thing).

Lunch was complicated and scheduled and re-scheduled. But boy it was worth it - I had the best seafood stew with samphire and petals (almost salad). A big bad boy hill was the post lunch horror. Hugh (Nicks brother had joined us) and they all did have to dig deep to summit Bodmin. Torrential rain did not dent the enthusiasm and fuelled with a Bake Off extravaganza they passed the Devils Cauldron and descended towards Fowey. The bikers had already boarded the Black Pig (ferry) and I squeezed Tango (Orange van) onto the car deck and was looking forward to refreshment below deck in the galley. Roger the cabin boy told me to stay with my vehicle ! Then Seaman Staines came along with his card payment device and gave me the nod ..... no charge for you sir. Goodbye to George at St Austell station and then on to the hotel for a well earned beer, Massive respect to the chaps on the bikes. (Some are now already on ebay). Here are a selection of pics which need little annotation.

Here is Nicks instagram link and fund raising link

https://www.instagram.com/nickapperley?igsh=MXE5b2t2ODl6bzdobQ==

https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/1930/nicks-fundraising/

Comments

Just getting a bit nervy !

Hello you lovely readers - Its just a few days before the start of this epic bike ride being undertaken by the courageous Nick Apperley who has been diagnosed with MND and is now raising money for three MND charities. The extremely sad news of Rob Burrows death this week further emphasises the need to find a solution to this desperately cruel disease. These blog pages are to record briefly with photographs and commentary on how the ride is going for those who wish to follow the hi's and low's of this ride online. Should you not have already sponsored Nick and now wish to sponsor him then please head over to :- https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/1930/nicks-fundraising/ The timetable is approximately depart 9th June Sunday morning from The Ufford Crown PH at 8.45am Do please add any comments suggestions below and we will try and ensure they are passed on to Nick to add to the encouragement.

And we are Good to GO !!! what a send off from Ufford

Well the sun was shining and the turnout was fantastic for what turned out to be a carnival of friends and family wishing the cyclist "bon voyage" ! a squad of the boys school mates and a few more experienced seasoned cyclists (older) all put their lyrca and fancy tops on and escorted Nick to start the epic route to Saffron Walden which was our first stop. (Compliments to the Strava team - fab route). Major drama with minutes to go being the silly van man put the flashing lights on the van roof and put the van key on the roof at the same time. Where was the key ? omg what a drama queen - having had a minor paddy everybody helped look and a very kind person pointed out they were on the roof ! phew.... Polly called "order order" and then with a few short speeches delivered the claxon sounded and leg one set off at a sparkling pace. Thank you for the kindness of the big box of fruit and cookies from well wishers. Supporters on the roadside some who we missed with t

The "trike" and security issues !

Just two days to go and I still haven't packed but importantly I have cut the grass anticipating it will grow whilst we are on the road. The attached picture is of Nick on his 3 wheeled chariot out on a training ride. One of the concerns we have had was the security of the Trike overnight and if you hadn't seen the news today a mechanics van of racing bikes were stolen from outside the team hotel. Actually the good news was other competitors stepped in and gave them some spare bikes but we would not have the same luxury as Nicks Trike which is a very rare beastie. The link to Nicks fund raising page has now been improved so it will jump straight to the page without copying and paste. https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/1930/nicks-fundraising/

Suffolk to Sennen - Nick's 3 wheeled adventure !

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