The Rapha Festive 500

gotta do 52k more.. feel so tired though. Gave up on the fixed only mission, have ridden single speed, currently the idea of riding 30 miles tomorrow morning is really not sitting well with me. fuck you rapha and your commemorative roundel.

I'll be doing this Windsor Loop tomorrow at closer to that pace if you're interested. PM me if so.

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3836541

The combo of not being able to ride for the last two months because of work, family staying for a week, and me really getting into port and Stilton over Xmas meant almost no riding. Got out for a couple of rides the past few days with heavy legs.
Pretty on-track to finish this tomorrow, 329km in a day is doable, right?!

A3 !? u mad? I find Windsor ride really boring; it feels like riding in London 90% of the time .. some good lanes between Ascot and Twyford; the resident expert is @umop3pisdn

This coffee shop in Henley is worth the ride from London .. mahosive pork and stuffing baguette and flat white for £6

I find Windsor ride really boring.

So did I, however I must confess that 1/5th of it were my commute before Shepperton, it get a lots better by the time I pass Twyford and Henley but ultimately, it's pretty dull and flat (compared to Surrey that is), it's a very long way to get to the nice part when you can reach the South Down at the same distance via Surrey.

I think it's better as a club ride rather than a solo/companion.

Didn't stop at that coffee shop sadly, it was too cold!

Stopped at a pretty remote little cafe today and had a fantastic bit of cake, and a very nice hot chocolate - well worth popping in from the cold to enjoy.

75% done, only 125km to go tomorrow, need to find a nice and steady one for I and the girlfriend.

@dbr I've been told I've got errands to do tmw, so indoors it is for me.
Enjoy a perfect day out, all.

Yeah, was thinking I would probably go through the park rather than A3. I went over the footbridge by Teddington Lock for the first time, heading out of Ham Gate and then down through Bushy Park.

Was a bit slow but significantly more fun to ride.

Thing is, I'm that side of town and have already been Surrey Hills twice in the last week.

Maybe try Kent, but don't really fancy that many hills at the mo.

I'm all ears if your man @umop3pisdn has some recommendations

Do it - 120km of RP laps sounds fun.

Sitting on a turbo trainer for 5 hours might be a bit more entertaining.

This is my plan for tomorrow:

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6698703

Ha! I couldn't even bring myself to do a lap today.. just went and looked at some deer.

might do something like this http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6709834

Maybe try Kent, but don't really fancy that many hills at the mo

Good to see you're really getting into the spirit of the Epic 500..

Strava not uploading tonights 41 miles, : ( . If it does only 29 miles to do tomorrow. Regents Park pm when it's warmer. #hadenoughofdodgingice

Think you just need proof, i.e garmin logs or something.

Never understood why people ride when its icy unless they are commuting.

just got in and uploaded this evenings ride. fucks sake!

koreb pls

Oh, don't worry I weighed it up carefully. Just laps of Battersea Park. There were several frosty sections which were fine if you rode smoothly. Other bits were dry and it was possible to carve corners @ speed. Not icey like this years Hell of Ashdown. Wouldn't catch me in the Kentish lanes @ the moment.

That's amazing, do an epic 1km ride to and from the newsagent in full winter garb.

No, that's it. I'm 6 pints up and half a gram. Boo fuckin hoo.

So I have got 39km to do. Sufficiently little that I just need to nip out and get it done.

And now it seems likely I'll be out on Saturday because there is a 200km qualifier for PBP, and whilst I don't for a moment think I am up for that, it would be a shame not to give some of the qualifiers a go.

I fell into a (geared) train doing RP this morning early doors. Really enjoyed it, and have gaffer taped up by shoes, which led to warmer feet.

ha! just did exactly that, victory lap of the block.

Problem for you London lot is that you've got a good 30-40 miles to do before you get to the good stuff. Between Twyford and Windsor is nice enough, if very flat, the Chilterns north of Henley and Marlow are very nice.

Thanks for the cafe recommendation @amey, don't often stop in Henley but i'll add it to the list.

I rode out to the Chilterns and Tring a couple of weeks back intending to try the Cog cafe. It was shut. Great planning by me.