A scones and spanners kinda bike meet

Published: 20 April 2017 Updated: 20 April 2017

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The Chequered Flag Café opened its doors just 18 months ago and in the short time since has grown to be a hub for Cornwall’s biking community. Located on the A38 between Plymouth and Liskeard, this ‘Ace of the South West’ is easily accessible from both directions and is a must stop for anyone exploring this part of the country.

For owners Robin and Karen Partington it’s all about the people; by finding out what bikers want they’ve created a unique destination that is so much more than a café. Beyond the Tourer, Cruiser or Mini Moto breakfasts (depending on your appetite) of the largely dairy and gluten free menu, there’s a library stacked with all manner of bike-related titles plus a TV and GoPro player for rider training groups to carry out post ride debriefs.

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The attention to detail is something to behold, but what really makes Chequered Flag stand out is the DIY community workshop. A slot costs just £20 an hour, which covers use of the ramp, a full range of tools and, should it be required, Robin’s invaluable engineering experience.

Training is available for those who want to learn the basics, such as checking oil, adjusting chains or bleeding brakes and if you break down or are have the need for fettling on the forecourt then tools, tie wraps and tape are available for use free of charge – just be sure to pop in to the café for some coffee and cake when you’re good to go.

The self- service bike wash is soon to be equipped with its own ramp which will prove a godsend for anyone with dodgy knees, a bad back or who simply don’t enjoy grovelling on the floor.

Women riders are especially welcome and encouraged to engage via specific maintenance courses and a dedicated clothing section; there’s even a seam- stress on the team to ensure that kit purchased has the perfect fit.

Bike night is every other Saturday from 7-10pm, but Chequered Flag hold a variety of events throughout the year and are always open to anyone who wants to hold one of their own.

Where is it? Plymouth Road (A38), Liskeard, Cornwall, PL14 3PG

When is it? Every day except Monday, see the website for special events.

Contact: 01579 344434 / www.chequeredflagcafe.co.uk

Looking for the perfect two-wheeled companion? Visit MCN Bikes For Sale website or use MCN’s Bikes For Sale App.

By Justin Hayzelden

Products Editor, shed enthusiast and tournament winner. Justin has been a regular contributor to MCN since 2009, working as a road tester, roving reporter and feature writer. He has built up a wealth of experience in putting the latest machinery through its paces, as well as subjecting every aspect of motorcycle kit to the rigours of real-world riding. A lifelong two-wheel enthusiast with a deep passion for motorcycles, Justin first hit the streets at 16 on a Suzuki TS50X and has since owned more bikes than he cares to remember. A spell as a London courier saw him cut his biking teeth on some of the country’s busiest roads and as an instructor he has striven to give many a novice the grounding to do the same. Justin has ridden on four continents (so far), both as a solo rider and as a tour guide, tackling terrain from the perilous mountain roads of the Himalayas to rugged South African dirt tracks, sweeping North American highways and the glorious passes of the European Alps. He likes nothing more than an early start for a full day in the saddle and takes great pleasure in sniffing out those roads less travelled – to Justin, every bike is an adventure bike. When not testing products, Justin can usually be found in his shed, where he maintains, restores and rebuilds not just bikes, but anything mechanical that comes his way. He currently owns a 2010 Triumph Sprint 1050 ST, 1998 Yamaha TRX 850 and is running a 2024 Harley-Davidson Pan America CVO as a long termer.