The Rapha Festive 500

Got 155 left to do in the next two days, if the snow stops it should be fine.

Did a very cold one this morning in blizzard conditions, although I think snow is preferable to rain.

Yep that was me, nice to meet you. And, thanks!

Saw @HoKe doing Regent’s laps on the perfect winter bike the Look L96 LOL

451/500 50km of errands tomorrow and that will be me. Did 130 out to the Chilterns today, some flooded sections which made my feet colder. Still better riding than not riding.

Lots of whywhywhywhywhy and singing to myself on the ride today, I think I've finally lost the plot.

@omash27 well done for finishing, and I'm glad your tier 4 200 km was good too.

Did 244 across the first 3 days, but then got the dreaded positive rona result back. Could have probably kept the pedals turning to reach 500 easily, but an iffy cough in particular convinced me otherwise. Onto next year it is. 🙄

Wise decision. Well done on the first bit

Dec 24: 88
Dec 25: 76
Dec 26: 82
Dec 27: 82
Dec 28: 39
Dec 29: 78
Just 55 to go.

How do you keep your feet warm?
I've got Shimano Goretex winter cycling boots.
Great for waterproofness, poor on heat retention.
Tired merino rich socks.
Tried 'Heatholders ultimate thermal sock: Lite', (notional 1.6 tog).
Tried a pair of each of the above at the same time.
By about 12 miles in toes getting uncomfortably cold.

Thank fuck for that.

https://www.strava.com/challenges/rapha-festive-500-2020

Dec 24: 154k
Dec 25: 76k
Dec 26: 43k
Dec 27: 107k
Dec 28: 103k
Dec 29: 63k gravel + some other bits and bobs on the SS

So I'm done but the slacker next to me isn't. She's probably got 12km left on the clock.

How do you keep your feet warm?

As above - warm boots, warm socks and (magic ingredient) electrical heated insoles. Many have taken the piss about me having battery packs attached to my cycling boots. Many have poured scorn on having them at all in some weirdly masochistic display of machismo. However, I finish my rides with toasty warm feet, and they're wimpering in pain from frostbitten toes, so I still count that as a win.

Hola!! (My winter beater no?)

Today was my last day to get in some laps to complete the festive 500 today.

Much better around clockwise, as there was less drafting and more KM too.

Looks like @veganjoseph is going to do it in one go, singlespeed: https://www.strava.com/activities/4535186582

I have used those chemical hand warmers in my socks just above the ankle and having a little room around the toe box of the shoe.

I know that nobody wants to hear any positivity here but today was much nicer. Did some easy laps of Richmond Park & Regents Park with a bit of cycling around the city. Felt way warmer today than I have done on previous rides and no cars tried to kill me. 101km today and 107 to go

no cars tried to kill me

That is the biggest win

no cars tried to kill me

Ah, I see you remembered to put the handbrake on.

He’s already done over 200 miles on the 24th, he a fucking monster.

Probably nothing new here but these are things I find do actually help;

• Shoes with space, let them fit with air in there.
  
• Woolie Boolies.
  
• A front mudguard and flap (if it’s wet).
  
• Wear some overshoes but don’t expect miracles from them (waterproof overshoes under tights if it’s wet).
  
• Wriggle your toes, let them know you care. And get out of the saddle for different blood flow.
  
• Quit jumping in puddles.
  

Well, this mornings snow almost had me scuppered. Luckily touring bikes and gravel king slicks can achieve almost anything so I was able to hastily put together a largely off road, snow safe route and clocked up another 65km without ever being more than 3km from home. Lots and lots of laps, felt like I was in a one man cyclocross distance competition (attempts at Pidcock style bike slings and all). All good fun waving to the same dog walkers for the 3rd, 4th, 5th times etc.

85km to go technically, 125 according to Strava thanks to the phone dieing on the 24th. Got a plan to slay the beast tomorrow, might make up the "missing" kms if feeling strong.

3 Attachments

I know right? He's a dick!

Done!

5 Attachments

Weather looks much nicer in the bay than it has been down here over the last few days! I should be finished tomorrow, hopefully.

We had quite a cool summer so far. Today I set off at 11 degrees and it was mild until mid day. 25 when I arrived home. Last year around the same time we had crazy bush fires and temperatures in the 40s, where every ride had to happen before 10am unless you enjoy the feeling of being air fried.

Crashed out on ice (suggested dislocated shoulder) from strava