Hypothetically, if somebody might retire a few years earlier than expected and move down to Bodmin Moor, but then amongst other things offer accommodation which would appeal to motorcyclists doing a bit of touring, what would you expect over and above the usual comfortable warm and friendly accommodation? Obviously the surroundings and proximity to the best scenery, beaches and riding roads Cornwall can offer is important, but for more basic motorcycle related things, I’m thinking: A dedicated Secure Dry Garage/Store to park bikes. Hanging racks for riding gear. Tumble dryer and drying racks. Washing machine. Various Paddock stands and tools for a bit of maintenance. Availability of consumables like Engine Oil, coolant, etc. Hose and bike washing gear. An address to ship stuff to you might not want to carry on the bike but might want whilst visiting, like walking boots etc. ? ? ?
From my experience, your first bullet point is definitely top 3 along with drying facilities for kit, including boots. Most of what you have thought about is, IMO, nice to have. Thought of doing something similar in Spain but Brexit put the kibosh on that. Andy
Not trying to piss on your chips and im sure there are one or two but the last place in the UK i would think of going for a biking or driving of any description kind of holiday is Cornwall. Unless of course they've banned Caravans , congested single land roads and holidaymakers since i last visited.
I didn't ride in Cornwall much - or much beyond the Western edge of Dartmoor - but when I lived in Crediton some of the most enjoyable riding of my life was done there. The worst part on going back on the 999 was all the traffic calming on the Exeter - Crediton road. Yeah, the grockles are a pain, but I used to ride into and around Dartmoor - the 'back' way, as it were, and almost never met anyone else. In that mercifully-short season I took alternative, longer routes and discovered hidden gems. Like every time. Certainly enough for a week or two; that you miss on the main roads (like everywhere else, I suppose). Like you read about some ancient monument and it turns out a bit of an anticlimax, but the scenery you ride through on the way is fabulous. Anyway - and therefore - I'd suggest a database of alternative routes.
I'd say location is really important with this! If your location is too remote / isolated it might make things more of a challenge for your business. I'd recommend trying to find accommodation which is staggering distance to a good pub, where a group can relax with a pint at the end of a ride, have a warm meal, and meet with some friendly locals. Good luck with your venture.
Thanks all. A lot needs to fall into place for this to happen, and it's at least 2 years away, The location thing is interesting, as the Motorcyclists bit would only be a small part of our plan, and a remote location is key for the rest. For my sanity I also need to be able to tow my boat to Dartmouth or Kingsbridge occasionally too. We go to Cornwall a lot, walking on the moor and the North Coastpath, but only go out of season and normally gravitate towards Wadebridge/Padstow, so that end of the moor would be our favoured location. We've missed two remote houses down there in the last year or so, because we'd have to sell our current place first, so are now making a sustainable plan rather than jumping at it and being disappointed.
Bike hire? Not everyone would want to ride their own bike down to Cornwall, which is a long and boring journey from most of the UK. Or you could hire out enduro bikes so people can green lane on the moor (if it’s allowed?). You might not need to actually buy the hire bikes yourself but could come to agreements with local companies where they pay you an introduction fee. Ditto off road tuition for anyone new to that sort of riding. Mountain bike hire/trips? Canoe hire/trips? Shooting (massive legal ballache to set up so outsource to a local company)? Bodmin Moor is also one of the best dark sky sites in the UK, so buy a decent astronomical telescope (an 8” dobsonian is relatively inexpensive, easy to set up, simple to use and gives great results). If you charged guests a fiver each, you could probably even get the local astronomy society to run stargazing nights in exchange for a slice of the action.
Thanks Z The bike hire is a good one. The Dark sky bit is already part of the plan actually, not only for the astronomy, but for the nighttime wildlife including Bats.
Are you sure you can’t be tempted by one of these? I’ve got one and it’s awesome, so on many a dark night I can be found out in my local park, fiddling with my 8” instrument while trying to find Uranus. Joking aside, £500 is great value for something that will give guests an interesting topic to write about in a Google review.
It's a great idea for when(if) it happens. But I have this within 15 mins walk, and a couple of very enthusiastic contacts who are always very welcoming. https://gostargazing.co.uk/events/locations/clanfield-observatory/
