The Rapha Festive 500

Chalked up 251 so far.

Yesterday was pleasantly savage, South London > Oxted > Edenbridge> Hever > Bough Beech > Ide Hill > Sevenoaks > Star Hill > Biggen Hill > Crystal Palace > home. Think I’m on ~79 GI, legs shredded this morning.

Headed to Richmond Park for some casual laps this morning; aside from no riders saying good morning when passing, thought it was ok - some vehicle gates were closed, so perhaps concentrated more vehicles into some stretches? Was nice to see so many people out on a huge variety of bikes, using the park - big group of Brompton’s on a Boxing Day outing - and only one other fixed, who overtook me at quite a lick. Hello if on here!

@kjlem (comedic) selfie from Ide Hill;

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The Mist. (65/500).

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Chalked up 251 so far.

Wow, that's good going.

Not feeling it

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@Squaredisk From previous experience, and knowing how my head works, figured I’d get ontop of things early. Chasing on doesn’t bear thinking about 😬 Plus mild weather in the SE definitely motivated me to put the early shifts in!

And you’re likely all sick of the origin story, but it’s probably the biggest thing I did when I worked at Rapha. Completely unintentional, and I had no idea it would go global, and be where it is today.
Anyway here’s the bit from Rapha’s The Extra Mile, where somehow I’m pulling the same face. It’s an excellent book btw, a lot of info and stories in there.

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Nice work everyone, the weather looks grim on the pictures...

Photos, you say?

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Lovely road that, not far from me!

Good views of Old Winch Hill blocked today then!

Forecast seems to be the same until Sunday ☹️

Joined the thing. I've done a massive 79km. Nothing today. Not hungover but also not arsed about riding. Going to try and ride @youramericanlover version of the Cantii Way on the weekend.

okay ill be back for another 100 around richmond despite the bad vibes

had no idea you started it!
must be cool seeing people all over the world doing it now

Legend!

Wow that is an incredible achievement.

Thank you for creating it, I've really enjoyed the two years that I finished it and wouldn't have ever thought of something so original myself.

Very cool achievement @Chopsicle.

Tbh I had assumed most pros headed to sunnier climes for winter training.

Rapha peaked at that time, cycling was still cool. It was srs bsns. I love looking back through the old videos from time to time.

This one is one of my favourites

https://youtu.be/R8GoL8UzIj0

The BC video is one of the best. Personally, the 500, this vid and the brevet range at the moment all sum up the good things about Rapha.
I think those that put down the idea of the 500 forget that original idea and the suggestion of just getting out and riding whether you hit 500km or not, like a lot of ideas it gets twisted into something else.

It’s a pretty mild one compared to years gone by, I won’t get anywhere near 500 but did make it out for some gravel soup.
Anyone in Dorset fancy a ride Saturday? @pifko? I don’t have much in the tank far less legs currently 🤣

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The more F500s I ride the more I don't want to end the streak. Started in 2014 and haven't missed one. Yesterday was the first ride outside in 2 months, it's all been on the turbo this fall. Had 2 punctures and was wetter and muddier than a gravelride. Good times.

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I had no idea - thanks for sharing (and creating!)

Another 100km today.
Freezing fog up to Merthyr and then climbed above the dankness into the sun.
Enjoyed the blue skies but also a lot of ice on the roads out towards Talybont along side the reservoirs. 300km down. ⚙️48-19

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Beautiful day for a vitamin D pill.

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Greystive 500. (125/500).

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Yes, the greyness was never ending today - edit; @Daithetooth bet that was cold, but sure looks beautiful . Alarming number of drivers with no lights on. Still, a fairly pleasant 60k out Cudham/Clarks/Layhams Lane. Was planning to take it easy in Regents Park, but persuaded by a mate otherwise, and am grateful for :) He took a couple of snaps, and was amused by my high-tech deck;

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