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

What three words !

Its a funny thing about discussing technology with the youth and saying how the jump from buying your trainline ticket or Ryan Air flight but printing out the hard copy ticket or boarding card eventually goes to "ooh lets risk it and take a chance on the phone". Then you get power anxiety and buy a battery booster pack, Today we have walked to the very end of the Lands End cliff and then had a quick dunk (note not swim) in the clear blue cold jelly fish and seaweed infested bay. (The nerve receptors to the crown jewels screamed in protest and decided a retreat was required). A few pints of cider sat in sunshine with the stragglers and the mood lifted. Then came the Clarkson bombshell from one of the gathered ...... have I mentioned about putting "bum - shit - bastard" into the what three words app for my location ? and then told it doesn't quite work like that. Once the person annon had been alerted to the principle and gone "ok got it its brilliant...

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...

Super Cool ex RAC support van

Just three days before we leave East Suffolk and head into the undulations of West Suffolk ! The support van has been kindly loaned to us by Christian and Abi and I have promised to remove all evidence that it has been in any Costa drive through's and any of the Greggs Deli emporiums. You know that joke "how do you tell the difference between a Greggs sausage roll and a Greggs vegan sausage roll" .... yes you know the answer but I am not going to tell you the answer in writing just in case the lawyers are scanning for any such scandalous deformation 😎 The van has some special livery and further photo updates of the artwork and safety warnings will be posted. I have just collected my Suffolk to Sennen XL T shirt which seems to be a snug fit. I think Des Kerridge got his team to sew an XL label in a medium just for a laugh. (Note to self post adventure no crisps or chocolate for at least a month). Please do visit the sponsor page and see just how much has been raised an...

Suffolk to Sennen - Nick's 3 wheeled adventure !

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