Bit of a stupid post title. I’ve never been to Blackburn before, at least, not on my bike. And when I thought it up, I thought it was a cool tie in with the Tour of Watopia Stage 5 from earlier this week which kicked my ass. But no, even there I failed. That ride was Three Sisters. Man. Fail.
Anyway, this route was (for once) planned ahead of time. And unlike many prior Sundays, I was up nice and early (read: 7am) due to going to bed early (11pm) thanks to having consumed too much wine (1 glass) at a party yesterday afternoon.
Heading out towards Blackburn, things get quite hilly. These are not mountainous climbs by any stretch, but rather long(-ish), fairly low gradient climbs that my legs can just about handle. I have to say, that ToW Stage 5 ride really kicked my ass. I’ve been struggling ever since, and am very grateful tomorrow is a confirmed rest day.
The long, gradual climbs into Blackburn weren’t so bad. Slow going in parts, but for me, the worse part of it all was the traffic. Even early morning, there were cars getting close. And we’re talking busy single and dual carriage ways here, so fast speeds and polluted air. Not pleasant. I think were I to go that way again, I’d go via Ribchester. Far less busy.
Once I was in Blackburn, I had two sights in mind. One being the train station, and the other being the ice arena.
Well, the train station was a let down. Not quite like Preston’s Victorian powerhouse. And the ice arena wasn’t much to look at, either.
So on I went.
Two sights that were a little more interesting were the Cathedral (I didn’t know Blackburn had a cathedral), and Ewood Park, home of Blackburn Rovers. It’s amazing how close some of the houses are to that ground. Must be lively on match day.
In many ways Blackburn is really, really similar to Preston.
Which is to say, there’s not a whole lot to look at once you’re there, and it’s more a place people go away from to somewhere else, rather than come to visit.
On the way home I went via Hoghton, stopping off at a bench with a wonderful view (above) for my 30km banana. Unfortunately there was no bin in sight, so I had to take the skin with me.
Also, at around the 20km mark I really needed a wee. And I couldn’t find anywhere suitable to go until I got home. So the second half of the ride was a bit tetchy, particularly with some of the pot holes and crappy road surfaces that Preston provides. Getting a body judderer when you have a full to the brim bowel is no fun at all.
Anyway, once home it was still very early.
I managed to get out to the farm shop, get a cup of tea, wash my bike, and that was all before lunch.
So it is quite nice to be up early, though it was quite cold setting off. As I write this, the weather is up to 13c, so likely a lot more pleasant than it was earlier.
Still, can’t complain. Enjoyed this one, for the most part.
OK, so rest day ahoy. Maybe take two. I don’t know. I feel absolutely bushed this week. Not so much mentally, but the legs are protesting when I ride, and I think maybe a prolonged two day recovery may be better for me overall. I do know the weather is supposed to turn again soon, so the other part of me doesn’t want to miss out on outdoor riding days, whilst I have them available.
Tough decisions.
