rod mclaughlin

My advice on cycling in Cornwall (01 jul 12)

DON'T.

The bike maps show a route winding around the UK's Southwesternmost county from top to bottom and side to side. It's like a giant San Francisco - the dangerous major roads follow the main valleys. This leaves the minor roads - and the bike routes - climbing up and down minor valleys. Though the hills are small (up to about 30 metres), the valleys are steep.

I had to push my bike on many occasions. I needed the workout though, having spent so much time indoors in Britain's rainiest June since 1860:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/9368041/June-was-wettest-since-1860-and-dullest-for-20-years.html

The minor roads are steep (up to 20%) and have earth sides. They are mostly wide enough for one car. Even on a bike, you sometimes have to reverse into a turn-in to let a tractor pass. 

It was good to get to Devon - over the Tamar Bridge from Saltash - Plymouth on Armed Forces Day. I just saw the last plume of smoke from the Red Devils air display squadron.

Portland

London