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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/


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