Yesterday I did a few hill repeats, but felt like I’d rather just do a proper ‘straight up’ climb. I guess it’s a different approach required for both, but for me, I have always preferred finding a rhythm and sticking with it, rather than doing short sharp efforts.
However, Skynet may disagree.
Anyway, I planned out a route in my head today before setting off. I’d head out to Longridge, down to Ribchester, then back up Gallows Lane, cross back and head up to the top of Jeffrey Hill. After that I’d descend and head home.
As I left the house, the heavens opened, so I got a good soaking for my troubles. That then led to a wet ass and worse, soaking shoes for the remainder of the ride. Bad times. It’s only now that I remembered about my shoe covers. Ahh well.
Got a bit lost trying to find Gallows Lane. I’d got the route in my head, not the satnav. Fortunately I did find it, but without it plotted into the Garmin I didn’t have the ClimbPro to assist in pacing. As such I just stuck to ~3.5w/kg where possible. There is one steep bit where I was out of the saddle, but the rest went fine enough. Looking back at the stats I’m surprised to see it lasted 7 minutes… seemed shorter, but not in a ‘hey I’m ace that was fast’ kinda way, more just… dare I say, enjoyable?
From there I cut back across and headed back towards Longridge.
I thought I was further up than I was, so was surprised to recognise the roads and realise I was much further down.
As below, you can see it was very wet out. It only got wetter still heading up. By the time I hit the top I was pretty dead.
At this point I’ve done six days in a row, and it felt like it when I finally made it up there. Dead man riding.
However, it was a solid end to the week. Albeit a very wet one.
On the way back home the sun came out, though the damage was well and truly done.
I’m absolutely looking forwards to a good rest day tomorrow. Much needed. In more ways than one.
