The Rapha Festive 500

don't do it bro, december is fucking grimmm up here.

edit: if you insist, at least stick to the east. Colder but much drier.

We were thinking about doing Strathpuffer this year but we the reality arrived everyone was quick to make their excuses :)

I’ve been thinking about that.

Long way there.

i think @JB did that last year right ?

Yes, I did it last year single speed. I did two big loops from Camberley. All I will say is that it was fucking cold. Also, single speed was perfect from a rhythm perspective and just being able to switch off mentally, however it wasn't so great in the Cotswold's and Chilterns - obviously.

I spent a lot of time doing 200+km rides last year though so it wasn't actually that bad. Amey, unless you've done a lot of long distance stuff this year... then beware. 500k is no small feat... unless your name is @hippy or @skinny

https://www.strava.com/activities/812858232

You went home? that doesn't count then.

Cheque's in the post. ;)

Whatevs @fussballclub - totally counts. Validated and everything. :-)

I reckon you get at least double points for going home, then having the motivation and mental toughness to go out again. Especially at that time of year (although the idea of spending Christmas on my bike and away from all the family stuff appeals enormously).

Yeah it’s a long way.
Sod that.

Lazy student... 8-)

yes, bloody impressive.
i'm not that interested in long distance stuff, but i'd like to do 400 for my 40yo birthday. did going back into london help with more lit streets and the extra 1/2 degrees ?

The hardest part is getting a Garmin to last for the whole ride...

I'll be in Western Australia this year with the sun on my back.

Enjoy freezing suckers.

No, because Camberley is not that near London. Tbh, the whole route was pretty remote - intentionally. Without a doubt the hardest bit was between Camberley and Salisbury during the second loop. It was fucking stupid cold. Proper cannot feel your toes cold.

Gonna have some actual fun doing this and do it all off road.

#skincancer

That's a cool idea.

Oh wait, I hate riding in the dirt.

Prays for a week of rain before Christmas...

Endless circuits of the local pump track.

Good points @JB I was going to message you anyway ..

I havent done anything longer than 150 miles this year, maybe I'll do it in 2 rides instead of one, I was going to draw the long route with bail out points (was planning 27th onwards).

Good idea if you wanna get rad(er)

Far more feasible.

I did it in 4 loops, each one shorter than the previous. (180, 140, 100, 80). Really helps mentally to start the next one. :)

https://www.strava.com/activities/812226487

You know riding with other people or abroad doesn't count?