Cornwall

Blue Knights England VIII tour of Cornwall
Mar 30-1 April 2007
The Cornish people are very proud of their history and roots, according to Cornish legends, St Piran who was a celtic monk sailed from Ireland on a millstone in the 7^th Century landing near to Perranporth (Pirans Port!) A cross shown shown above marks the site of his first church, St Pirans Oratory which I snow buried beneath the sand. Piran became the patron saint of Cornwall and St Pirans Day is celebrated on March 5^th.

Seven members of the chapter rode down to Newquay in Cornwall for a tour on the bikes of all the tourist sites. The distance from our Start point of Hinckley Police Station was 274 miles. We were blessed with great weather the whole week-end apart from high winds on the return journey.

The route we took was a mixture of motorway,dual carriageway and A roads to break up the long drag of motorway riding. We stopped of at Thor Motorcycles near Bodmin to look at the Custom Bikes, this is reported to be one of the largest outlets in the South West.

Upon arrival at the hotel we settled in and went into town in the search of a suitable Chapter HQ. Paul Webb now named our ‘Beer Master’ located a CAMRA ale house which was owned by a biker and the door staff also being bikers we immediately felt at home. The pub was excellent with a DJ on the Friday and live music on Saturday night. We of course sampled all the real ales just to ensure they were up to standard!

Saturday Morning saw us leaving the hotel for a days touring around Cornwall. We had adopted David and Marcella who live in Belgium and are Scotland I members, the nine bikers were expertly lead by our tour guide Doug Marshall. We rode along the unclassified roads and the B3285/B3301 via Peranporth (where St Piran landed in Cornwall) via Portreath into Hayle and St Ives. We stopped off for a compulsory Cornish Pasty in St Ives and a walk along the beach. You must remember we live in one of the most land locked Counties so a walk on the beach is compulsory for us land lubbers!!

We then headed out to Lands End via the B3306 passing the sites of the old tin mines at Pendeen, riding through St Just into Lands End. We were all impressed with Lands End, they have spent a lot of money on the visitor centre and well worth a visit. After many pictures and Tony Maslin had his rock climbing session we departed for The Lizard Point via Newlyn and Penzance. Upon arrival we parked at the sea front and ate fresh fish & chips just about enough room in our bellies from the Cornish Pasty earlier!! David & Marcella were impressed with the scenery and food so far.

Doug continued his mystery tour of Cornwall into Helston and out to the Lizard via the A3083, as we rode over the Goonhilly Downs the heavens opened up for the first and last time of the week end. It wasn’t rain but hail!! The convoy of bikes continued and upon arrival at the Lizard the weather had picked up. The scenery was stunning. Here we had more food in the shape of a Cornish Cream Tea, wow it was excellent, we sat in the café on the cliff edge watching the sun shining on the sea…….bliss...................................................

Upon our return to the hotel we had just enough time for a shower before the evening meal…yet more food. From the evening meal we went straight back into Newquay Town Centre to drink a few beers and de-brief on the days ride. David & Marcella having by this time got the taste for the local ale. We met a colleague who originates from Cornwall who had recently retired from the job in Leicester and settled back into Newquay. A great week-end was had by all.

We rode back home via Bourton on Water and the Cotswolds before all ‘bomb bursting’ in all directions on the A5/B4114 junction back to our home locations. We all decided that we will return to Cornwall next year to discover the areas not yet seen. Roll on Kernow 2008!