Finally, having been off work now for about 3 weeks, I managed to tick off the one ride I absolutely wanted to do during my break. That would be hitting the Trough of Bowland, and today I opted for the easier side of the climb, mainly because I didn’t want to come back on the busy main roads later in the day.
Weather-wise, today was a scorcher. Well, by England standards. It was hot from the off, and I was keen to get this one in the bag as early as possible so as not to be out in the afternoon sun.
However, I think I messed this up and have at least a mild amount of sun stroke. I have a thumping headache as I type this, and can assure you I have been nowhere near alcohol today. Even with plenty of cream I feel like I’m quite badly sunburned also.
As best I recall, the climb pro had three climbs listed on this one. I can safely say I remember two.
The ride elevation graph above shows it best.
There’s the initial climb from just off the A-roads up into the top of the Trough, and then from there you descend a decent length before starting the true Trough climb. The shark fin-esque grade really shows how much harder this one is in reverse.
I will say I loved the climbing today. No question, I feel I ride-managed both well, though perhaps could have more fully exerted myself on the second. It’s a 50/50 split between a green segment and then a red segment – meaning easy / hard. It’s not blood red, not like the opposite direction, but I misjudged how much to hold back on the easier bit, comparative to how short the harder section is. Anyway, not disappointed, I gave a decent if not world beating effort. Good enough.
And the scenery. Wow. So beautiful. With barely anyone around today I was free to climb in the middle of the road, and in the still and calm air I felt super peaceful. And sweaty.
The few downsides today were in getting sun burned – pretty sure that’s the case anyway, my skin is itchy as hell.
Then on the descents I faced a couple of issues.
Firstly, keen eyed viewers will spot I was wearing my Assos jersey today. The crash master. Well, I felt like I needed to rid the jinx.
But yeah, coming down the first climb into the heart of the Trough I was definitely more brake happy, never letting myself go fully. Once bitten, twice shy.
But on the shark tooth descent, I’ve had a very hairy skid down there the last time, and this time I was super cautious. Anyway, two cars came and ruined my descent from then on. At one point I stopped, waited for about 2 minutes, then went off again, only to catch them back up. Useless.
Beyond that I messed up my route today. I was planning to come back on the flats but due to a technical mishap on my part, I loaded the wrong route and so came back via Chipping. Whoops, unnecessary / unplanned additional climbing.
Anyway, aside from the headache and tiredness, I couldn’t have asked for a better ride today. Just all round loved it.
