I’m sort of surprised at myself for even considering the completely-random-in-terms-of-training Rapha Festive 500, but there it is; the idea has been gnawing at me now for the last month. I’ve been wondering if I should attempt it, and more importantly, advertise it here for the world (i.e. the 20 of you who read it) to see.
I don’t really know what I’m concerned about anyway – The Festive 500 is a challenge to ride 500 km (inside or out, I gather) in 8 days. It’s not all that difficult and I know a few people who ride as much as part of their weekly mileage anyway. The problem is, it has to be done between Dec 24 and 31, which causes all sorts of logistical issues; hangover avoidance being the main one, but there are others, I’m sure.
And then there’s the little issue of whether pumping up your mileage by well over 200% this early in the season is even advisable.
Finally, if I’m going to do this, it better be sunny. I have a friend who does the Festive 500 every year in Vancouver and ends up riding most of it in the wet and cold. Luckily, it’s nearly always sunny in the south of France, but if the Mistral blows, all bets are off.
Anyone doing this?
The Vicious Cycle 
Hi, did itin the firat covid year as logistics were easier dueto less relatives related events. I am sure wheather will be nicer as Hamburg or Vancouver. Maybe i will do it the week before Christmas. Or you doitib one go. Some friends do it..but with tailwind and train back
At least you are used to the long rides. 100 km seems like a double marathon to me these days!
Gerry, I’ve considered trying to do it in recent winters but the weather in Scotland has not been very kind. I haven’t needed to do it that much that I’m prepared to get wet and cold on successive days! However,……I’ve entered the Tour of Flanders sportive on 1 April (250km) and am thinking that a good volume of miles would be helpful early in the year. So am hoping for some dry days over the festive period, with 500km (outdoors) as my target. I think you should do it!!
It would probably not be a bad thing for you to do, given the distance you’ll be needing to ride 3 short months afterwards. And you might have the same weather in Belgium, so may as well practice for that, too!
Snow’s forecast for us, so may be on skis instead?
NO
You’ll do it anyway, I’m sure….by default.
LOL
It would be theoretically doable here even with our short days but it would need really good weather for me to contemplate actually doing it.
Miracles can happen!
I’m considering doing it again. Waiting to see if I’ll have enough time off between work commitments and Christmas stuff. Oh and the weather had better be nice too! 😁
At least it’s summer for you! That’s right, isn’t it…?
Yes it’ll (hopefully) be warm and sunny!
I’m proud to be one of “The Twenty”! It’s kind of like PigPen, the filthy kid from the Peanuts comic strip, when he says, “On the contrary, I didn’t think I looked that good.”
Charlie Brown:
Look, let’s rehearse the scene at the inn. Frieda…
Frieda:
I can’t go on, there’s too much dust. It’s taking the curl out of my naturally curly hair.
Charlie Brown:
Don’t think of it as dust. Think of it as maybe the soil of some great past civilization. Maybe the soil of ancient Babylon. It staggers the imagination. He may be carrying soil that was trod upon by Solomon, or even Nebuchudnezzar.
Pig-Pen:
Sort of makes you want to treat me with more respect, doesn’t it?
Frieda:
You’re an absolute mess. Just look at yourself.
Pig-Pen:
[looks at himself in Frieda’s mirror and smiles] On the contrary, I didn’t think I looked THAT good.
N.B. I’d be even prouder to be one of The Sixteen, but that ain’t never gonna happen.
(Turn sound on and enjoy. https://thesixteen.com/)
Tony, when you come over to sing with the Sixteen, make sure you drop by for a ride!