The Rapha Festive 500

I don't know how accurate the sensors are in these things but the grrl's Wahoo said -1C too. There was definitely evidence of ice in the dark corners.

Has there been a reason given for no roundel this year? Every ad seems to be full of comments expressing disappointment at it.

Probably just getting too expensive? Pretty sure they announced it a long time ago though. Shouldn't really be a surprise

Any idea how many are normally issued?
It seems a little odd given that they have presumably had their best year for some time.

Thank you m9

They announced before last years though, so pre pandemic, but no reason they couldn’t have changed their mind in the last year.

That little patch of fabric did make it feel more special. Without it it feels like just another Strava challenge (this is probably just be my own shallow view...). Kind of fitting that the first year without a patch is the first year they allow zwift rides to count, though.

I always wondered if there could be a F500 hand signal/wave to riders as you pass. Something subtle but identifiable, so it’s still a friendly wave if the other person is unaware/not taking part..... ?

Indians use this to ask if you have eaten

Does it require a special gesture? I thought this was enough...

It seems a little odd given that they have presumably had their best year for some time.

I don't know what makes you think that but Rapha have been making huge losses and as far as I know still haven't made a single penny of profit.

No longer posting our roundels is part of much wider programme of cost cutting. This was the situation in October of last year, before a global pandemic came along which I'm sure has affected them in various ways too:
https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/rapha-roll-back-discounting-try-halt-losses-441389

in conclusion, private equity made the baby jesus cry

I’m suggesting the boom in cycling from the pandemic probably didn’t hurt them.

Probably. We don't know yet AFAIK and they still had to sell rather a lot of kit as of last autumn to even make any money.

But I think the days of them pissing money up the wall to build the brand are gone I'm afraid. RCC is a case in point, they can talk about community all they like but it's gone from being a good value coffee subscription to paying for the privilege of being allowed to buy the latest kit.

Of course but it’s clear they’ve made substantial changes. Whether that has the desired impact who knows.
I’d just question whether, given the changes this isn’t one they could have gone back on, at least for this year to somewhat appease.

https://www.madebycooper.co.uk/products/custom-patches/woven-cloth-badge?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhJG5ye_K7QIVLhoGAB3IMgLwEAAYASAAEgILuvD_BwE

We can make LFGSS Rapha 500 roundels surely?

LFGSS design obvs.

Yeah I did give this some thought.

Yes

http://www.willesdencyclingclub.co.uk/ride-500km-in-8-days-from-xmas-eve-to-new-years-eve-for-charity/

Hoping someone will now do it on a Boris bike

Weather forecast is looking kind for it this year in Northamptonshire, I think I’ll get the posh bike out for most of it.

Jinxed. Eight days of ice now a certainty.

I’d like to have a crack at it on my track bike. Anyone got relatively flat routes they could recommend?
I live in Camden so if they started or were easy to hit from north London that would be handy! I’m thinking I’ll try heading out to Essex via Epping rather than the hills and generally crappy roads of Hertfordshire. And maybe throw in some loops of Regent’s Park for some cheap miles. But I’d be grateful for any pointers.

Bear in mind you’re not allowed to leave the tier 4 area :)

The tier 4 area will see you quite far!