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Christmas Peace
Blog Date - 26 December 2013
There's not much better than a ride out on Christmas day. After doing the family thing and the presents thing most people like to settle down to a massive meal. Me? I made the most of that one day a year when almost every shop is closed, everyone is stuffing their face and watching the Queen on TV. I got my little (and somewhat rattly now) 125 out and took myself off to see what I could see.
It was cold but dry with occasional sunshine. First off Chorley came and went then the A6 took me to Preston. Normally I'd avoid any town centre like the plague but as I'd only seen a handful of cars out on the road curiosity got the better of me. I want you to imagine your local town or city centre in your head. It's always bustling, moving, busy and alive. Even if you venture there at 0300 you'll still see some life. The main shopping road was all but deserted. One man walked his dog, a lonesome car drove past but otherwise the sun shone on empty footpaths and locked up shops.
I was reminded of a movie set. It brought to mind disaster films where all the people have died or fled. I rode around, down side roads without cars blocking access, past deserted offices and shuttered newsagents. Even the fuel stations of the supermarkets were secured with barriers. It was both refreshing and yet disconcerting to see a place so devoid of human life and all that goes with it.
The empty streets of Preston. I can't think of a time when I've seen it like this. Spooky and interesting.
Out on the main roads again there were a few more cars but still only a mere sprinkling. I rode to Lytham St Annes and parked on the coast by the windmill. It's mad busy here, relatively speaking as there's 2 cars on the car park and a handful of people out walking in the slowly setting sun. It's chilly cold and everyone is swaddled in thick coast and fluffy seasonal hats. I has a drag on my e-cig and decided to take the motorway back because it would not be long before the risk of ice after the sun set. The motorways were again quiet. Not deserted like the town centres but still so peaceful.
The setting sun and a bustling car park at Lytham St Annes.
What a way to spend Christmas afternoon. I'm not a fan of stuffing myself with Turkey and roasties. There was nothing on the TV that made me want to stay in. Whilst some may think it sounds lonely I'd had a morning with family and I've seen and will be seeing friends throughout the holidays. I'd had a most pleasant, calm, peaceful and interesting ride out. Now, what nonsense can I watch on the TV and what sweet food shall I fill my face with tonight?
Reader's Comments
D Walton said :-
I love to ride on Christmas day. Like you say the roads are empty. Far better than sitting around with spoilt children breaking new toys.
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