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?