The Vintage Motor Cycle Club
VMCC Section
Cornwall
Phone: +44(0)1283 540 557
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Our fifth rally week was another good one. Entrants came from all over - Derbyshire, Bristol, Leicestershire, Wales and France.
The weather was very good on the whole with just Monday starting very wet but ended up quite nice. There were sixty five entrants with around fifty to fifty five signing on most days. Although we didn't provide an official breakdown service, one of our members travelled the route in her van and very kindly offered a lift back to camp if required. We nicknamed the van 'Van of Shame'. It was called on twice this year with a third rider refusing to go in it!!!!
Each year we aim to support local charities during the week through collections, raffles etc. This year our charities were :- Cornwall Blood Bikes who provide a valuable service transporting blood around the County for transfusions, operations and much more and the other charity is SANDS ( Stillbirth And Neonatal Death Support) who provide invaluable support to mothers and families who have endured the loss of a very young baby.
Sunday North Cornwall Run
The weather today was excellent and about 58 riders signed on. We travelled along the North Cornish Coast to Watergate Bay and Mawgan Porth then heading to Wadebridge and along the A39 to St Kew Highway for a coffee stop. From here we rode over Bodmin Moor to Jamaica Inn, made famous by Daphne du Maurier. After here we explored more of the moor and ended up at Padstow Harbour for a break before retuning to camp.In the evening we had a pint and natter in the Summer Night's House and a quick game of last person standing where all monies went to our charities.
Monday - West Cornwall Run
During the night and first thing Monday morning, the heavens opened. Understandably this put a lot of riders off venturing out today. However, those who did had an enjoyable run heading West and riding through the seaside town of Portreath onto Hell's Mouth café for coffee. Continuing on through the rugged scenery and windy road we stopped at St Just for lunch. St Just is approximately 8-10 miles from Lands End, so this was an ideal opportunity to deviate from the route and have a quick visit. After St Just the next stop was Marazion where St Micheal's Mount can be seen across the water and visited if the tide is out.
This evening we had a bingo session organised and run by our Van of Shame lady.
Tuesday. East Cornwall Run
Back to good weather again and around fifty plus riders signed on. Our first stop was at a small village hall in St Withiel just off the main A30. We were treated to scrummy cakes. From here we rode near Bodmin and Lostwithiel onto the fishing village of Looe for lunch. Our tea stop was at Polkerris where there is a pub and café on the beach with lovely sea views. Then back to camp for and evening of music from the Lost- e- Yukes. A ukulele band playing songs of the 60's and 70's.
Wednesday
Day of leisure and BBQ in the evening
Thursday - South Cornwall Run
Another good weather day and again around 55 riders singed on. This run was probably the longest of the week. Not through mileage but because of the narrow roads, but it was still very enjoyable. There is some lovely scenery around West and South Cornwall. Our first stop today was at Penryn. A little harbour not far from Falmouth. The lunch stop was at the Lizard, which is the most southerly point but doesn't get as much attention as Lands End and its free. There are some good pasty and ice cream shops here. From here we rode through the little twisted roads of Cadgwith and onto King Edward Mine, which is not far from Camborne, for our final stop before retuning to camp.
This evening we were entertained with a quiz. Questions were provided by one of our members, Gerald and also by Rod Hann who also conducted the evening. Thanks to them both.
Friday - Mid Cornwall Run
The final run of the week was a short one to enable campers to pack up their cares and woes (and bikes) ready for the return to normality on Saturday. The weather was good and quite a few riders singed on. Our first stop of the day, at Woods Café, was hidden in Cardinham Woods on the outskirts of Bodmin. From here we rode through the parish of Lanhydrock, Lostiwthiel and onto Charlestown for lunch. Charlestown is often used by film producers when they want square riggers in their films. From here it was back to camp. This evening we had fish and chips, a few drinks and a good natter about the week.
We are pleased to report that we have had another very successful rally this year. Unlike last year, the weather was in our favour with all but Tuesday being dry, sunny and warm. On Tuesday we woke up to mizzle and that's the way it stayed for the whole day. In fact it was said that we encountered 50 shades of grey over Bodmin Moor. Read into that what you will!!! This year our charity was FLEET (Front Line Emergency Equipment Trust) and a well deserving charity it is. On Saturday evening a paramedic from the Trust came and gave us a talk on the ins and outs of the charity. Watch this space to see how much money we raised for them throughout the week. We are pleased to announce that we raised £362.01 during the week for FLEET. Well done to everyone and thank you.
Of course, before all the frivolities of the evening we all had to register and obtain our welcome packs. This operation was supervised and carried out by David Millgate aka.... the Tin Miner. The photo below is, hopefully, self explanatory.
We left the campsite and headed for our coffee stop in the lovely little village of Lerryn where the River Fowey runs through the middle. Here, if you are brave enough you can almost walk on water. There are steeping stones across the river to the other side of the village. From here we headed for the South Coast of Cornwall, through the fishing village of Looe and onto to Seaton for lunch.
(Left) Brian Riddle doing a very good job organising parking at Seaton
(Right) Arriving at Luxulyan for a tea break before heading back to camp.
Leaving Seaton we rode through Dobwalls and Respryn, stopping at the pub in Luxulyan for an afternoon break.
In the evening we met up in the Summer Night's House for a game of bingo which was organised by Janet Pascoe who was also the bingo caller.
Today we rode to our coffee stop at Hell's Mouth Cafe via Perranporth and St Agnes then to Portreath and along the coast to Hell's Mouth.
Just about to turn the corner in Portreath and ride up the hill along the coast to Hell's Mouth.
Once previously when we were here, a car had gone over the cliff into the sea. Fortunately no one was hurt. No such drama this time. On leaving Hell's Mouth we rode near St Ives and onto the St Just for a pasty.
Roger, Clive and Barry enjoying the pasties. Barry is looking guilty - he's probably hidden his!!
In the afternoon we went to Penzance and Marazion then onto a roadside cafe, Smokey Joe's in Scorrier near Redruth for a cuppa and cake.
In the evening we all met up for a pint and chat to catch up with old friends and colleagues and meet new ones.
Today, as previously suggested, was pretty rotten, weatherise with muzzle and fog greeting us on waking up and continuing for the rest of the day. Despite this, around 30 bikes went off looking for the beast of Bodmin! Our first stop was at St `kew Farm Shop on the A39. On leaving here we headed for the moor. At one point there was a choice between going through a ford or over a bridge and yes some were brave and caused a splash on their way to lunch at Collliford Lake just off the A30 not too far from Jamaica Inn.
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| Will they???? | Yes they do!!!! |
The afternoon saw us riding further over the moor through the little village of Mount onto Cardinham and then a road at the back of Lanhydrock Estate, down the old A30, under the famous iron bridge, passing Screech Owl Centre and onto our afternoon break at Chapter 1 in Indian Queens. Then back to camp.
In the evening we enjoyed a light hearted quiz testing our knowledge of music, motorbikes and general knowledge. Thanks to Rob Gould for his patience as quiz master.
This was a free day to rest and recuperate. In the evening we all enjoyed a BBQ in the rally field and a lot of friendly banter.
Another good weather day dawned and we headed for our first stop at Griggs Country Store in Sticker near St Austell. WE went via Newlyn East, St Michael Penkevil, Tregony and Sticker. On leaving Griggs we headed for St Ewe, Gorran Haven travelling over a gated road where the views of the sea were pretty spectacular. Having ridden through Portholland and Portloe we ended up at St Mawes Quay for lunch. The afternoon ride involved a trip on the King Harry ferry on our way to Scorrier and our second visit of the week to Smokey Joe's, then back to camp.
This evening Rod Hann gave a very interesting and informative talk and demonstration on motor bike wheel building.
Friday saw us exploring Mid Cornwall in dry sunny weather. We headed for St Erme, Probus, Grampound Road and St Stephen where we visited Hawkins Motorcycle Museum and were made very welcome with complimentary tea, coffee and cakes.
Some of the bikes displayed at Hawkins Motor Museum
On leaving here we rode to Sticker, Tregony, Veryan and Portholland ending up on the quay at Mevagissey for lunch. From Mevagissey we went straight back to camp to allow time to load our bikes on trailers and in vans and pack up all the camping gear ready for the journey home tomorrow.
In the evening we enjoyed fish and chips and said our good byes until next year.
This rally could not ave taken place without the time and deification given by all the team. However, it wouldn't happen at all if it wasn't for all the old and new entrants who venture down here each year.
Thanks to all of you for another great year and here's to 2019!
Another International event with members joining us from France and Wales as well as all over the country. This is our fourth year of running the rally and until this year the weather has been perfect. However, onward and upward as they say. Sunday dawned and it should have been the East Cornwall Run. Torrential rain made the roads dangerous with standing and running water, mud and twigs so we took the decision to cancel this run.
Monday – South Cornwall Run
Although still light rain and drizzle at the start, the day was much better. We even saw glimpses of blue sky and sunshine. Shadows on the road— WOW!!!!! Over 60 bikes and riders signed on for the today’s run. Taking account of pillion passengers 70 mad biking enthusiasts went exploring the lanes of South Cornwall. After a few wrong turns our first stop was at Penryn at the Quayside Café. Teas, coffees and bacon sandwiches served with great efficiency and much appreciated. We then rode off around Helford Passage and the Lizard, ending up at Coverack for lunch. Coverack was the village devastated by floods earlier in the year and it was great to see how much they had recovered and getting back to something like normal. After leaving Coverack we headed through Helston, passed RNAS Culdrose to a lovely roadside café, Smokey Joes, near Redruth, for a welcome cuppa. From here we rode back to camp.
Waiting at Monkey Tree to go on Monday’s run
Penryn coffee stop
Now where did I put my bike keys?
Tuesday – North Cornwall Run
Weather report – better than yesterday, but not as good as last year. Despite this 60 riders signed on and ventured into the Cornish weather. Trouble was….it was mizzle which really is wet rain!! Anyway we headed for the lovely village of Blisland and a coffee stop in their café. The village is the only one with a green and the church, pub and houses surrounding it. The church is the fifth in a hundred best churches and was favoured by John Betjamin and recently visited by the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall. The pub is also an awarding winning CAMRA pub of the year. From here we ventured across the moor. Swopping pleasantries with the sheep, cattle and ponies as we made our way to Tintagel – home of King Arthur. After a restful lunch break and the weather threatening to improve we rode along the north coast, sometimes in thick fog, to Trevose Head and visited the lifeboat station there. Unfortunately there had just been a shout and we missed out on the opportunity of going on the boat. The RNLI was our chosen charity to support this year and we were lucky to be given ice cream by Kelly’s of Cornwall to sell with all proceeds going to the RNLI. We rode back to camp in lovely sunny but windy conditions.
Bikes parked at Blisland
Blisland village shop
Ice cream being sold at Trevose Head for the RNLI
Wednesday – Leisure day
A day off riding and would you believe the best day of the week, weather wise. Every cloud has a silver lining and this meant that our BBQ evening was dry, warm and a great success, as in previous years. Some colleagues rode the previously cancelled East Cornwall Run, others explored the County in general while some visited one of our member’s narrow gauge railway which runs around his garden. A good day was had by all!!!
Enjoying a chat at the BBQ
Enjoying a chat at the BBQ
Enjoying a chat at the BBQ. Its starting to get a bit dark and chilly now.
Thursday – West Cornwall Run
We were pleased to welcome Rod and Carol Hann on today’s run which took us to the west of the County and almost to Land’s End. Heading out of camp we rode towards Chacewater tentatively going through two fords. After the recent downpours its a wonder they were passable, but they were. No swimming involved! Approximately 15 miles further on we stopped at Stithians Lake for a drink and chat. Our lunch break was in St Just, only a few miles from Land’s End. After here we rode through St Ives and Hayle and stopped at Hell’s Mouth café for yet another break. Lovely sea and cliff views from here. Camp is our next stop.
Stithians Lakeside Café
Lunch break in St Just
Hell’s Mouth Café
Enjoying a break at Hell’s Mouth Café
View around Hell’s Mouth Café
Friday – Mid Cornwall Run
It’s the last day of the rally, so its a short run to enable us to get back to camp and load the bikes for the journey home tomorrow. After fives days I’m fed up mentioning the weather – but I’m going to. It was awful. Strong winds and rain overnight resulted in strong winds and rain in the morning. By the time the run started the rain and wind had decreased and it was just mizzle. The run went through the coastal town of Mawgan Porth and onto the Birds of Prey Sanctuary for a coffee stop and a display from the birds. From here we rode our way through the lanes to Fowey, a lovely seaside town and port where the occasional cruise ship docks. Then onto the famous Charlestown for lunch, Charlestown is known for its tall ships and is used for filming in Poldark. From here it was straight back to camp. Although the wind had dropped, the rain lashed down again. Some colleagues went home early because of the weather but those who didn’t enjoyed an evening of fish and chips and a good natter about the week.
Thanks to all who were involved in putting this event on and a big thanks to all who attended. Here’s to next year. It won’t be long.
The following photos are of the bikes in Charlestown and were taken by Nigel Pamment, a member of the public who came to see the bikes.
Clive and Roger approaching Charlestown lunch break
Bikes parked in Charlestown
Riding into Charlestown
That went quick!! Another very enjoyable week with friends and colleagues from around the County, Country and even Continent. The weather was good. Not as good as the previous two years, but still good. One of the best days, weather wise, was Wednesday, which was also our BBQ day/evening, so we couldn’t have asked for more.
Sunday was Clive’s West Cornwall Run. We should have ridden though Perranporth, but there was a triathlon going on and last minute changes were made to the route. We rode through St Agnes onto Porthtowan and Portreath, along the coast to Hell’s Mouth café for a stop. Here we experienced the skills of all the emergency services, police, ambulance, air ambulance and coastguard helicopters when a car was discovered on the beach, having gone over the cliff. Fortunately, no one was in it. From here we continued through St Ives and onto St Just for lunch. The afternoon had us riding near to Land’s End, Penzance, Marazion onto Stithians Lake for tea and back to camp. Unfortunately there are no pics for this run. If anyone has some please forward them
Monday was Roger’s East Cornwall Run. The morning stop was at West Looe, overlooking Looe Island. To get here we took the back roads around Bodmin. From Looe, some made there way to Duchy Nursery for lunch while others got a frantic phone call in Looe telling us to go to Lostwithiel instead as the nursery had had an influx of two coaches and were unable to cope. We did get a letter of apology form HRH later in the week!!!! From Lostwithiel we rode back to Cornwall Services on the A30 for a rest and fuel stop and then back to camp. Again, I’m afraid no pics, so please forward if you have any.
Tuesday was Len’s Easy Rider Route, so called because due to the roadworks on the A30 it was difficult to plan a route that would cut across Bodmin Moor through all the twists and turns. Today we rode to Cardinham Woods which is just outside Bodmin. Here we indulged in cake and cake and cake and some even had treacle tart. In fact the café complained they had none left after we departed. From here we rode over part of Bodmin Moor to the famous Jamaica Inn. From Jamaica Inn we went straight back to camp.
Enjoying lunch outside Jamaica Inn
George and Dave getting ready to leave while Van shows them how to do it!!
Wednesday was a free day. Some spent time tinkering with their iron horses while others were compelled to take in some retail therapy. Our chief marshal Pete has a train set in his back garden. Yes..a train set in his back garden and this afternoon he opened it up for the little boys to come and play with. Actually, it’s a big train set and it’s great fun. Thanks Pete. In the evening we had a BBQ on the camp site. As previously mentioned, the weather was superb and a good time was had by all.
Enjoying the weather while waiting for the food to be cooked.
There’s Dick admiring Roger’s Ariel outfit and Ken’s speedway bikes.
Thursday was Sid’s South Cornwall Run. On this run we went through two fords and were surprised to see how low they were because the rain had been relentless during the night but fortunately had stopped by the time we were due to ride out. We just skirted Falmouth and onto Penryn for coffee stop.
Penryn Quay
Leaving Penryn we travelled the coast and onto the Lizard for one of Ann’s famous pasties
All parked up at The Lizard
After leaving The Lizard we stopped at Cornwall Gold near Portreath for a break and following on from there, we finally managed to ride through Perranporth, the place we missed on Sunday, and what do we find?….A Merv moment!
Does anyone know this waif and stray?……………….
………………..It’s Derek, in Perranporth, fixing his broken clutch cable.
Friday was Mike’s Mid Cornwall run. Today we travelled around the St Austell area and onto Hawkins Motors in St Stephens where there is a museum of classic and vintage motorcycles. We were also provided with complimentary tea and pasties. Yum! Yum!
Here we are, enjoying our pasties at Hawkins Motors
Our bikes outside Hawkins Motors
From the motor museum we continued onto Mevagissey by way of Tregony, Portholland. After Mevagissey it was straight back to camp to start loading the bikes and getting ready for our fish and chip supper. More Yum! Yums!!!
The Rally Committee would like to thank everyone for attending the rally and making it such a success. Thanks also to everyone involved for all their hard work during the preparation of the event. Here’s to 2017
Well what can we say. Another brilliant year and the weather?… Couldn’t have been better. Warm, sunny and dry. This year our main sponsors were Kelly’s Ice Cream of Bodmin.
Bill, Janet and Kelvin on marshalling duties with their hi-viz vests
We were also supported by Barnecutts Bakery and Barnet Fayre who both provided cakes and goodies for quiz prizes. Thanks to all concerned. A huge thank you must go to Celia and her team for all their hard work, but a special thank you to all the entrants, without whom, it would be a pointless exercise. People came from Holland, Belgium, France and Wales as well as all counties North, South, East and West.
East Cornwall Run Roger’s run took us through the Par to Fowey tunnel. This tunnel used to be used by the trains for transporting the clay between the quarry and the docks at Fowey. It is now used by lorries and is closed to the public. We were granted special permission for the event.
Leaving the camp site
Riding through the tunnel
From here we caught a ferry across the river to Boddinick
On the ferry after leaving the tunnel
Then went on to Lerryn for coffee, Seaton for lunch and the stannery of Lostwithiel for a tea stop.
South Cornwall Run. Sid’s run, as it states, took us to the South of the County. Along the way we negotiated two fords and rode around Manaccan, Porthallow and Coverack, stopping nr Gweek for coffee and The Lizard for lunch.
Lunch at The Lizard
Leaving The Lizard
The afternoon stop was the Cornwall Gold Centre and then rode along the North Coast between Portreath, Porthtowan and Perranporth before returning to camp.
Marshall Rocky waiting for the bikes to arrive at the Gold Centre
Roger, Gilbert and Clive enjoying a break
North Cornwall Run. Len’s run had us riding up the A39 to Wadebridge where we turned off and headed for the coastal village of Polzeath and a coffee stop at a camp site there.
Enjoying a tea break in Polzeath
The views coming into Polzeath were quite something to see. From there we made our way along to coast to Port Isaac (Doc Martin country) and onto Tintagel, famous for King Arthur.
Enjoying lunch in Tintagel
After lunch we found ourselves on Bodmin Moor weaving our way between the sheep, cattle and ponies, through one ford and over a river before stopping for tea break in the famous fishing port of Padstow.
Mad Merv racing through the ford!!
Clive braving the ford
Some were sensible and went over the bridge
West Cornwall Run. Clive’s run took us right down West! There was a coffee stop at Hell’s Mouth Café and then onto Hayle and St Ives, ending up at Land’s End for lunch.
Coffee Stop
A break at Hells Mouth
Bikes at Land’s End overlooking the sea
On the way back we rode through Mousehole, Newlyn, Marazion, where we could see St Michael’s Mount, onto Penzance and Stithians Reservoir for our tea stop.
Stithians Reservoir
Stithians Reservoir
The Roseland Run. Pete’s run, as it says, took us around the lovely Roseland Peninsula. We stopped for coffee at Griggs Garden Centre. Some of us even encountered some cattle herding on the way to the lovely fishing port of St Mawes, where we parked for lunch on the quay side. The afternoon has us riding on another ferry crossing the River Fal to enjoy a tea stop at Chasewater Garden Centre.
We are awaiting photos for The roseland Run
The sun shone, the rain stayed away and everyone descended on Cornwall at the Monkey Tree Holiday Park near Newquay. Members came from Devon, Dorset, Kent, Hampshire, Lancing, Norfolk, Glamorgan, Cardiff, Caerphilly, Reading, Bristol, Oxford, Derby, West Sussex, Northumberland, Shropshire and even France. I hope I haven’t missed any area out. A total of 58 bikes and riders originally entered. Unfortunately, four had to cancel before the start. We also had a high number of pillion passengers which was nice to see. Each day some of our older members from Cornwall Section started the runs off. There total age amounted to 350 years.
On Friday, Roy Whittaker, assisted by Ted Clayton, waved the flag for 47 bikes to start the West Cornwall Run. We travelled the lanes of West Cornwall, taking in Penryn, one of Cornwall’s ancient towns, from where, in Medieval times, granite and tin were exported. Gweek, on the Helford River was where we stopped for lunch. There is a famous seal sanctuary here and sick and injured seals are cared for and released back to sea. Having visited Portreath and St Agnes, Healey’s Cider Farm was our final stop of the day. Enough said!!!
Ted, on the left and Roy getting ready to start the first run of the week-end
Here come the chief marshals, Bill & Janet, ensuring everyone is behaving themselves
Gaby from Dorset enjoying the roads of West Cornwall
Ted Clayton waved the flag, again, on Saturday for 47 bikes to the start of the North Coast and Moorland Run. This day we visited St Endellion Farm Shop, skirted around Port Isaac, or is it Port Wenn, onto Colliford Lake Tavern, just off the A30 for lunch and finished with a tea break at the Screech Owl Sanctuary. One of the places we rode through was Slaughterbridge which is the site of King Arthur’s last battle. A large inscribed granite stone marks the place where King Arthur died. (see photo below). We also rode passed Jamaica Inn, made famous by Daphne du Mauruer’s story of smuggling.
Sunday saw the East Cornwall Run. On this route we travelled through the famous Clay Country, stopping at Wheal Martyn Clay Museum for coffee, skirting around the town of Fowey, passing the Lanhydrock Estate and riding through the Glynn Valley to the Halfway House for lunch. After lunch we visited the seaside town of Looe and the stannary town of Lostwithiel before heading back to camp. At Wheel Martyn Museum, one of the Cornwall members, Ken Westaway, put his speedway outfit on display. Some couldn’t resist trying it out, or at least standing on it.