The Rapha Festive 500

I could technically do this in 2 rides (plus some pootling). One into London and one home again. The ride home would be with my sister who also wants to take part, so that's something.

I'll probably start with the best intentions and end up enjoying the festive period off work too much...

I have a few pals who do it most years, one of 'em came 14th last year I think. They say it's great fun but very tough, especially if you're doing it alone or without someone in the pit.

We were going to do a 4x team. It was going to be me riding 23hrs while the others drank all the whisky. Little did they know I was going to syphon away all their whisky on the drive up...

I'm pretty certain I'm going to attempt this, mainly due to good childcare options over this period. Really not sure I'll manage it but worth a go.
Think I'll have to adopt more of a little and often approach.
How does the admin side of things work?

Sign up for the challenge on Strava, ride your bike, upload rides on Strava. Simple :)

I'm definitely doing it, weather allowing. I'll be based in South-East France (Drôme) between Christmas and NYE so could either do it little by little or in less, bigger ride(s). We'll see.

Ah ok, that's really very simple was expecting more admin.

I'll be in London and Dorset, obviously weather might be a factor.
The new non chronological feed will be a bit annoying for this too.

Get the Veloviewer browser plugin, it restores the chronological feed.

just too easy. come to alsace.

i managed to do it last year at my gf's parents place. With a 7 months old at the time, admin was definitly a challenge. factoring in the weather (-1 degrees and snow in a mountainous area ) and my raynaud, all added up. Not forgetting all the wine and game drunk and eaten late into the night.
In the end, it evens out at 62.5km per day, so that's the way i was looked at it. there were 2 or 3 daytime 60-70k rides, but mostly it was an early morning 30 k here, and an evening 30k there...
If i try and do it this year, i'll be getting a strongheadlight so as no to restrict riding options with night falling at 4pm.

My main issue is the day I will loose traveling down to Dorset. Unless I can some how wangle some sort of child collection/ lift and ride some of it.

It's best to assume that there will be one lost day somewhere in time anyway. hopefully you'll also be enjoying some due celebrations.

So, what dates actually count towards this?

from the 25th to 1st both included, so 8 days.
edit : bolloks.
it's 24th to 31st.

That's annoying I thought it was going to be 24-31

rapha festive is never an easy affair unless southern hemisphere

Has it changed? Always used to be 24th > 31st non?

I'll be in London and Dorset, obviously weather might be a factor.

Let me know if you fancy company when in Bmth #notgrooming

i think you;re right, my bad. don't know why i had this in my head.

That's annoying I thought it was going to be 24-31

It's normally this isn't it ?

Sure, my dad is Queens Park way and Mum lives near Wimborne.
Usually go out towards Corfe Castle via Lytchett come back on the chain ferry.
Got any good routes for a flat-ish something in the New Forest?

Although obvs everyone will be out on the 1st for KOM's right!?!

Nice , I'm in Southbourne, so not far from Queens Park at all. Yeah NF is probably better if you want to eat the miles with fewer hills. I'm not aiming for the 500, but can hopefully get leave from the family and kids for at least one 70 miler or so.

Sounds good, I warn you I'm not long back on the bike so I'm not in full Boonen mode.

I'll supply the coke if that helps?

dibs