Festive 500

[dbnm]

Who's gonna do the Rapha Festive 500?

https://www.rapha.cc/us/en_US/stories/F500-a-challenge-by-half

I think there will also be a Strava challenge for this.

[Mzilliox]

so whats the actual challenge? something about 500k, but in what amount of time?

[dbnm]

500km (311 miles) between December 24 - December 31.

[Mzilliox]

500km (311 miles) between December 24 - December 31.

oh, that sounds fun, but ill be out of town bikeless over that period.

[Bentley]

Did not see a link to sign up

Ray

[easyE]

Done it in years past, good challenge esp if you're in a colder region. Might try and do it on dirt this year!

[livingminimal]

Attempt it every year. Sometimes I finish it, sometimes I dont. It's a good way to keep the mileage up and fight off seasonal depression (if that's a thing for you).

Also a good way to start into January and February, the two worst months of the year, with some decent base building.

[cgolvin]

Did not see a link to sign up

Ray

Try here: https://www.strava.com/challenges/rapha-festive-500-2018

[chiasticon]

Did not see a link to sign updo you even Strava, bro? ('cuz that's where sign up is)

hoping to do it. as with every year, success largely depends on the weather. last year, it was in the single digits almost the entire week. first time in seven years I haven't completed. then again, I had a broken hand and couldn't ride anyway!

fingers crossed, better luck this year. but with the weather we've had so far... :help:

[velofinds]

Did it last year but stayed home. This year we're traveling to my parents' -- but I do have a bike there. Predictably, weather (late Dec in Colorado) and free time will be the main obstacles/variables.

[AngryScientist]

i participated the first few years it was even a thing.

for the # of miles/year i typically do, and the fact that i'm a cold weather wimp it was a real challenge. havent done it in years though - my time is better spent these days. fond memories though.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8VvR_KDyMo0/TvfqKznOF2I/AAAAAAAAATI/HPYltBEXSJE/s800/IMG_0269.JPG

[Joxster]

I'm clocking off work on the 18th and not back in till the 7th of Jan, my plan is the get in 1500 miles, although the family seems to be filling up my time off with can you be in for this delivery etc etc

[cgolvin]

Out here it's really not much of a challenge unless you do it in one or two days. I admire the folks who complete it in the face of tough weather.

I will likely do similar to the last couple of years, round trip to Santa Barbara plus some local rides. Good excuse to take some time off over the holidays if nothing else.

[MattTuck]

Didn't they used to give out a patch if you finished it? or was that the thanksgiving one?

Do they still do that?

[cgolvin]

Didn't they used to give out a patch if you finished it? or was that the thanksgiving one?

Do they still do that?

Yes, you get a 'roundel' for completion. This year Rapha will instead donate to a charity (forgotten which) if you opt for the 'digital roundel'.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4874/31227616717_5d76a92d89_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/PztGuM)#Festive (https://flic.kr/p/PztGuM) by cgolvin (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nivlog/), on Flickr

[Bentley]

do you even Strava, bro? ('cuz that's where sign up is)

hoping to do it. as with every year, success largely depends on the weather. last year, it was in the single digits almost the entire week. first time in seven years I haven't completed. then again, I had a broken hand and couldn't ride anyway!

fingers crossed, better luck this year. but with the weather we've had so far... :help:

Generally I'm not into all the houha but this caught my eye. i have the app now i have to make a decision.

Im old school

Ray

[azrider]

Didn't they used to give out a patch if you finished it? or was that the thanksgiving one?

Do they still do that?

I've never heard of these.........patches......you say......

I completed one of these 'tests' few years back and with completion had the opportunity to buy a pretty sweet jersey but i've never heard of patches..............

I can't keep up with the times I guess............. :p:p

[R3awak3n]

they still give out patches I am pretty sure.

might be a rapha50 year but I will surely try again :eek:

last year weather was aweful

[Clean39T]

Think we could get the mods to promote a Paceline 444 in April?

444km in the month and you get a patch with the dancing banana on it?

:hello::hello: :banana::banana::banana: :hello::hello:

[philhan89]

I adore winter riding. Its a lost season. Its harder to get up and motivate yourself during this time. But the work you put in is so rewarding, especially if the weather is not on your side. Makes the beer taste better. With that being said the Festive500MILES is a challenge that i look forward to every year.

[SlowPokePete]

I would love to do this, but am reminded of what it took to do a 300+ mile week last summer, on vacay...

I hate signing up if I know I'm not gonna make it.

But maybeeeee.

SPP

[SlowPokePete]

OK so in seven minutes I rethought the whole thing and changed my mind.

I'm in.

SPP

[chiasticon]

Generally I'm not into all the houha but this caught my eye. i have the app now i have to make a decision.the idea is to get you to go outside and actually ride in the winter (and hopefully buy some of their kit to do so), so inside rides don't count. and they want to approve the data before giving you a free patch. kinda difficult to do that if people are sending in images of their Cateye computers or something, lol. so Strava just makes that process easier for them. plus then the digital roundel/donation to a charity option is possible.

I've never heard of these.........patches......you say......

I completed one of these 'tests' few years back and with completion had the opportunity to buy a pretty sweet jersey but i've never heard of patches..............usually you sign up on their website, they send you a link later to submit your riding for approval, they review it and send you a patch.

the patches are cool but between this challenge and the Rapha Rising one, I have a stockpile, with no idea what to do with them.

[pdonk]

I wish I had the time to do 500k in a month in the summer.

500k the darkest, wettest/coldest week of the year - good luck with that.

Maybe when I retire, in about 30 years.

[b33]

OK so in seven minutes I rethought the whole thing and changed my mind.

I'm in.

SPP

LOl. Good man! I myself am too realistic to know I could never do those miles given the weather.

[mhespenheide]

Patches? We don't need no stinkin' patches.

[dbnm]

This is my strava if you'd like to follow along

https://www.strava.com/athletes/2432361

[azrider]

I hate signing up if I know I'm not gonna make it.

OK I'm in.

this made me lol

[azrider]

Y'all are going down..........

If you want to keep track of fellow Paceliners who sign up for challenge then join the "Paceline" Club and you can filter entrants by club members only.

[cgolvin]

Thanks for that! Joined

[cgolvin]

Patches? We don't need no stinkin' patches.

With apologies for the pedantry, the actual rendering should be "we don't need to show you no stinkin' patches"

[azrider]

With apologies for the pedantry, the actual rendering should be "we don't need to show you no stinkin' patches"

this made me chuckle

[cgolvin]

Elsewhere someone posted a Brompton for sale, and part of their sales pitch was "I did Festive 500 on it in 2014". Chalk up another one for "as long as you're riding a bike, any bike, it's all good"

[velofinds]

Y'all are going down..........

If you want to keep track of fellow Paceliners who sign up for challenge then join the "Paceline" Club and you can filter entrants by club members only.

Left the Strava club when I realized it was basically impossible to map Strava names to Paceline user names -- making the club pretty much useless in my book.

[mhespenheide]

With apologies for the pedantry, the actual rendering should be "we don't need to show you no stinkin' patches"

:D

No worries. I'm usually the person correcting other people's grammar and spelling, so I'm all for being corrected and being closer to being right, in the long term.

[Jimbo251]

I would love to do it.
I've attempted it three times; failed each time. The problem is it starts on Xmas Eve. If I'm lucky, (given family stuff) I'm might get a 30 miler in on Xmas eve, nothing on Christmas day.
So, that leaves me with 280 miles I need in 6 days and 3 of those I'm working for 10 hours each. Just not gonna happen.

I will however, in the spirit of the 500, get out as much as I can over the Holidays and ride outside in crappy weather.

Congrats to all you guys that complete it. Your tough.

[galgal]

Hmmm. How many laps of Central Park, NYC would this entail?

[R3awak3n]

Hmmm. How many laps of Central Park, NYC would this entail?

51 laps

[galgal]

51 laps

Doable! Unless it starts snowing or sleeting or by the 45th lap you never want to set pedal in the park

[R3awak3n]

Doable! Unless it starts snowing or sleeting or by the 45th lap you never want to set pedal in the park

thats me after 5 laps :)

[azrider]

This looks promising......and you actually get coupon to use towards purchase instead of stinkin “patch” [emoji1787]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181212/83be82ea7c3b6141a02fa1f817f4074d.jpg


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[velofinds]

Except no one on this side of the Atlantic wants anything from Le Col.

[RocketPockets]

51 laps

And it would be 94 laps in prospect park. The most I ever rode at prospect park was 31 lap = 100 miles (160km).

[R3awak3n]

Except no one on this side of the Atlantic wants anything from Le Col.

lol, my thoughts exactly.

And it would be 94 laps in prospect park. The most I ever rode at prospect park was 31 lap = 100 miles (160km).

and that is impressive. I don't think I have done more than 8 laps in PP. I usually get sick of it after lap 5 or 6 (if I am ridding with someone I can get a few more in)

[RocketPockets]

lol, my thoughts exactly.



and that is impressive. I don't think I have done more than 8 laps in PP. I usually get sick of it after lap 5 or 6 (if I am ridding with someone I can get a few more in)

I have done it 3 times. I would love to do it Central Park but it doesn't seem like a good idea with all the tourists.

[azrider]

Except no one on this side of the Atlantic wants anything from Le Col.

Porque?

[R3awak3n]

I have done it 3 times. I would love to do it Central Park but it doesn't seem like a good idea with all the tourists.

only time to ride central park ever is after 9pm, then its excellent.

[galgal]

And it would be 94 laps in prospect park. The most I ever rode at prospect park was 31 lap = 100 miles (160km).

That is indeed seriously impressive! I've never done more than 7 in Prospect Park when tedium before fatigue kicks in. And obviously I wasn't suggesting 51 laps of Central Park were doable in a day, the Festive 500 is a week, yes? So 7 a day, factoring in distance getting to and fro. Do 4, go get something to eat and warm up on Columbus or Amsterdam. Do next 3 and head home to enough Coq du Vin you have cooked to last a week and a glass or two of Bordeaux. Not a bad way to spend a week if weather and circumstances permit:)

[R3awak3n]

That is indeed seriously impressive! I've never done more than 7 in Prospect Park when tedium before fatigue kicks in. And obviously I wasn't suggesting 51 laps of Central Park were doable in a day, the Festive 500 is a week, yes? So 7 a day, factoring in distance getting to and fro. Do 4, go get something to eat and warm up on Columbus or Amsterdam. Do next 3 and head home to enough Coq du Vin you have cooked to last a week and a glass or two of Bordeaux. Not a bad way to spend a week if weather and circumstances permit:)

next week looks to be in the 40s in NYC so maybe the week after will too... I will be upstate though so prob 10 degrees less making it less appetizing. Also family in town but I will still attempt this

[velofinds]

Guys, I will be in town the 29th through 31st so if you want to do some laps together to make this less boring, HMU -- you (both of you) know where to reach me :)

[NYCfixie]

Hmmm. How many laps of Central Park, NYC would this entail?

500k aka 311 miles / 6.1 (loop size) = 51 laps

You can do it as long as you avoid the tourists...and the yellow cabs...and the handsome cabs....and the horse poop...and the runners...:bike:

[NYCfixie]

Doable! Unless it starts snowing or sleeting or by the 45th lap you never want to set pedal in the park

make it fun and do it on a fixed gear. It's not like you need gears (even on the Harlem hill).

[R3awak3n]

Guys, I will be in town the 29th through 31st so if you want to do some laps together to make this less boring, HMU -- you (both of you) know where to reach me :)

Ill be upstate so if you are up here holler :)

[azrider]

Sheesh.....trying to make arrangements to help accomplish this goal and it's still looking like it's gonna be tough.

8 days
313 miles
Roughly 40 miles a day

No wonder only 21% of participants completed it in 2017.....

21%?!?!?! :eek:

[SlowPokePete]

The weather outlook seems positive for my locale.

SPP

[dbnm]

The Festive 500 starts tomorrow.

Who's in?

[jonnyBgood]

I've attempted it the last several years. Completed a few and came close on some others.

Crazy that the last week it's been in the lower to mid 50's and yesterday it snowed on and off all day and starting Tuesday it's supposed to be in the low 20's ALL week...

Great way to keep motivated all week

[dbnm]

A mixed bag here.

[Aldus]

Weather here is looking decent enough and I have the free time, so I'm going to give it a go.

This should also force me to eat (mostly) right for a week during one of the hardest times of the year to do so.

[R3awak3n]

A mixed bag here.

Apart from the snow day, that does not look bad at all but the best days to put in miles are eve and xmas.

Here where I am starts with maybe snow tomorrow, no day will be over 37 degrees... oh no, friday will be 40 but rain.

This should be fun

[m_moses]

I’m going to give it a go. Except for Tuesday and Wednesday, the weather looks pretty good here in southeast Texas.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181223/adeb515859860e8c52f3a5243f52b0d8.jpg


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[73Bronco]

I plan on doing 80 tomorrow to start things off right. That should help me to stay on it instead of starting off short from the get go. Looking forward to the challenge!

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[dbnm]

Good luck to all those attempting this!

[marsh]

12 mile commute this morning, in the 20's. Super icy wind killed me, I don't think I would have wanted to go much further. I don't know if this is gonna happen.

[jambee]

I always skip a year. This year us one of these years.

I find that it gets in the way of spending time with the family. Here in Germany Xmas is 3 days. Christmas Eve, day and 2nd Christmas Day. So you really gotta prepare the family.

Did it last year though. It's hella fun as a goal one can accomplish in a short time.

Happy holidays.

[zacstanley]

30 miles miles rainy one way in the dark for a half day of work. I guess I'll do the 30 home as well. Clothes drying in front of the space heater.

[R3awak3n]

50 miler - 80km in the bag. Starting strong this year. Was cold but I think probably the warmest day of the week.

[dbnm]

I did a solo 65km ride. A lovely day here in NM.

[SlowPokePete]

The weather outlook seems positive for my locale.

SPP

OK, so what if it snowed and I got a flat...still did 51 miles/82 km.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4873/44634621840_f7b517c10d_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2b1d72w)December 24, 2018 Festive 500 Day 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2b1d72w) by SlowPoke Pete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4821/45728349014_5956c84eb8_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2cERK1A)December 24, 2018 Festive 500 Day 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2cERK1A) by SlowPoke Pete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4916/45538859725_112b3d471b_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2co7yrT)December 24, 2018 Festive 500 Day 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2co7yrT) by SlowPoke Pete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

SPP

[SlowPokePete]

Another 51 miles starting at 5am...

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7808/31521395587_5c9244b368_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Q2roHH)December 25, 2018 Festive 500 Day 2 (https://flic.kr/p/Q2roHH) by SlowPoke Pete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

SPP

[zacstanley]

Getting it done.

[R3awak3n]

I got another 50km (32 miles) but my stupid garmin only recorded 20. Yesterday was the same thing, keeps giving me a corrupt file but then I usually can run it through fit tools and works (worked yesterday), today it worked but lost 12 miles. Annoying, at least was not a longer ride and loosing it all.


Anyone run into this problem before? I might do a hard restart but so annoying to have to setup the garmin all over again

[Clean39T]

I got another 50km (32 miles) but my stupid garmin only recorded 20. Yesterday was the same thing, keeps giving me a corrupt file but then I usually can run it through fit tools and works (worked yesterday), today it worked but lost 12 miles. Annoying, at least was not a longer ride and loosing it all.





Anyone run into this problem before? I might do a hard restart but so annoying to have to setup the garmin all over againRun a back-up app on your phone, and delete one or the other post-ride..

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[TheseGoTo11]

OK, so what if it snowed and I got a flat...still did 51 miles/82 km.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4873/44634621840_f7b517c10d_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2b1d72w)December 24, 2018 Festive 500 Day 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2b1d72w) by SlowPoke Pete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4821/45728349014_5956c84eb8_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2cERK1A)December 24, 2018 Festive 500 Day 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2cERK1A) by SlowPoke Pete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4916/45538859725_112b3d471b_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2co7yrT)December 24, 2018 Festive 500 Day 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2co7yrT) by SlowPoke Pete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

SPP

Well done, SPP. That's the stuff that makes it memorable.

[R3awak3n]

Run a back-up app on your phone, and delete one or the other post-ride..

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I may have to. Its silly that I am going beyond to get this silly achievement but if I am out there in 20 degree weather I want this damn badge :banana:

I need to get out on a ride here but today is even colder and I am just procastinating.



also props SPP. 5am departure time, you are crazy

[dbnm]

It's snowing a wet snow here. Not sure I am getting out today.

My main focus is to hit 6214 miles (10,000km) for the year.
Right now, I am at 6061 miles.

This is killing me.

[marsh]

Is the software up to date? My FIL's car Garmin had a glitch where it couldn't find our home address. I plugged it in and went to garmin.com/express and updated. It works fine now.

[R3awak3n]

Is the software up to date? My FIL's car Garmin had a glitch where it couldn't find our home address. I plugged it in and went to garmin.com/express and updated. It works fine now.

It was up to date. I did do a hard reset and today it worked perfectly so maybe all it needed was that. All is good in the garmin world.


Day 3, I am up to 165km. Family leaves today so next few days will come the big miles. Was 24 here today but looks like it is going to warm up to low 40s

[zacstanley]

27 degrees in West Sonoma County this morning. Managed to pull off 104.5 miles. Once the sun got high it was a gorgeous day.

[SlowPokePete]

Rode my age in miles today (54) which puts me at the half way point.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4850/32605765408_b686cc024d_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RFg567)December 26, 2018 Festive 500 Day 3 (https://flic.kr/p/RFg567) by SlowPoke Pete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4883/46427222122_216a400161_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2dJBDCW)December 26, 2018 Festive 500 Day 3 (https://flic.kr/p/2dJBDCW) by SlowPoke Pete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7802/32605764188_18b9e15820_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RFg4J5)December 26, 2018 Festive 500 Day 3 (https://flic.kr/p/RFg4J5) by SlowPoke Pete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

SPP

[azrider]

Rode my age in miles today (54) which puts me at the half way point.

Very nice mr. consistent......you got this thing in bag. I knew I wasn't going to be able to get out on Christmas day (up till 3am night before wrapping presents and then spent all Christmas day putting together Lego's......but no complaints;)) so I was lucky to get out today while kids were down.

Impressive showing from Paceline so far. Who is this Uncle Tex guy making us all look bad ? :p

[zacstanley]

27 degrees in West Sonoma County this morning. Managed to pull off 104.5 miles. Once the sun got high it was a gorgeous day.
.....and some picture proof:

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4865/46430550502_292e50e016_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2dJUH3N)IMG_20181226_121614 (https://flic.kr/p/2dJUH3N) by zacquillestanli (https://www.flickr.com/photos/garycaribou/), on Flickr
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7834/46481763281_e7d33a2bfc_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2dPrbPK)IMG_20181226_120920 (https://flic.kr/p/2dPrbPK) by zacquillestanli (https://www.flickr.com/photos/garycaribou/), on Flickr
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4844/46430550172_50a27e4811_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2dJUGX7)IMG_20181226_145301 (https://flic.kr/p/2dJUGX7) by zacquillestanli (https://www.flickr.com/photos/garycaribou/), on Flickr

[muz]

I haven't started yet. I am thinking of riding back to back 200k's the last two days, so need to do about 100k tomorrow.

[73Bronco]

Did 50 and 30 miles yesterday. I don't like rain in the forcast.

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[SlowPokePete]

55 miles early this morning...5:30 am start.

342/500 km done.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4885/44673464760_c59a938e26_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2b4DbF3)December 27, 2018 Festive 500 Day 4 (https://flic.kr/p/2b4DbF3) by SlowPoke Pete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7879/45577307445_9bd12e38c2_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2crvBBB)December 27, 2018 Festive 500 Day 4 (https://flic.kr/p/2crvBBB) by SlowPoke Pete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4883/31550552427_27288fd4e1_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Q51Q2R)December 27, 2018 Festive 500 Day 4 (https://flic.kr/p/Q51Q2R) by SlowPoke Pete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4875/46490333821_fb96cd6cb2_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2dQc7xF)December 27, 2018 Festive 500 Day 4 (https://flic.kr/p/2dQc7xF) by SlowPoke Pete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

SPP

[R3awak3n]

I am about halfway done. 240km I think. Gonna try to get the rest done the next 3 days.

Pictures so far

https://scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/6649cd68230eccaddd5d27e53939f438/5CCD2435/t51.2885-15/e35/47032534_1472887209533746_9175697838622880297_n.jp g?_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com

https://scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/7b3226fd2c0cc5e7fcb4011ac63b0df8/5CBD9ABF/t51.2885-15/e35/47134392_364338551010959_6394379452332825892_n.jpg ?_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com

https://scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/dc020656b239ddfec0686164d06d05eb/5CB4BC21/t51.2885-15/e35/47693007_2437814959566068_8836673859679170334_n.jp g?_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com

https://scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/189c4ccf44f9ed4b8bbd1f67f57cb2a3/5CD3E959/t51.2885-15/e35/47434736_165202111110854_6306519101983841890_n.jpg ?_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.cdninstagram.com

[dbnm]

101km for me today.
Cold. Windy. Sunny. Cloudy.

[zacstanley]

You guys are keeping me inspired! I'm at 343km.

[dbnm]

GRRRRRR UGH GRRRRR
I am just 90 miles from my yearly goal of 6214 miles.

This just happened.

up to 8 inches of snow and 60mph winds

[azrider]

Slow 40k in prep for bigger day mañana.....fingers crossed


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181228/c1f7635906ce853a40e953da937c14b8.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181228/ab4b42328bde18dbd52c723e31f57885.jpg


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[azrider]

101km for me today.
Cold. Windy. Sunny. Cloudy.

Good stuff. Love snow covered mountains in the desert.

[TheseGoTo11]

I adore winter riding. Its a lost season. Its harder to get up and motivate yourself during this time. But the work you put in is so rewarding, especially if the weather is not on your side. Makes the beer taste better. With that being said the Festive500MILES is a challenge that i look forward to every year.

Well said and agreed. My family thinks I'm crazy, but the winter miles are maybe the most satisfying of the year.

[TheseGoTo11]

Left the Strava club when I realized it was basically impossible to map Strava names to Paceline user names -- making the club pretty much useless in my book.

I'm Uncle Tex, FWIW...didn't know the club thing existed in Strava until I saw azrider's post.

[R3awak3n]

I am wimping out today, its rainy, was suppose to be warm but its cold.

So my only chance to make this is to do a coupe long rides, so why not do my 1st and only century of the year on Sunday.

[dbnm]

High winds and a wind chill of 7F here so I won't be riding today.

[zacstanley]

393km down. California isn't making this very on hard on me.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7848/46504295661_81ac1472cb_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2dRqEV4)IMG_20181228_121212 (https://flic.kr/p/2dRqEV4) by zacquillestanli (https://www.flickr.com/photos/garycaribou/), on Flickr

[SlowPokePete]

I banked enough miles/km's to take Friday off with the rain, but as the song goes, "That's what fenders are for ..."

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7801/45597014805_4d4b6990c6_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ctfBVF)December 28, 2018 Festive 500 Day 5 (https://flic.kr/p/2ctfBVF) by SlowPoke Pete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4913/45597015215_2bb09c62c5_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ctfC3K)December 28, 2018 Festive 500 Day 5 (https://flic.kr/p/2ctfC3K) by SlowPoke Pete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7852/45597014885_723e048f39_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ctfBX4)December 28, 2018 Festive 500 Day 5 (https://flic.kr/p/2ctfBX4) by SlowPoke Pete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

SPP

[R3awak3n]

another 80k in the bag. 185k to go. But will try to get 160k done tomorrow which will also be my first century (miles not km) of the year. I should have done it today because the day was beautiful but wife needs me today so gotta do what you gotta do.

[dbnm]

It's 20F here and I am heading out. Hoping to get 60km. We'll see.

[R3awak3n]

It's 20F here and I am heading out. Hoping to get 60km. We'll see.

good luck!

[Alan]

Have been riding every day after taking the first day off. Weather in Cincinnati has been cooperative. I have ridden 8 out of the last 9 days so my quads are a lot sore etc but I am carrying on. Rode 50 today in 34 deg weather but not much wind so a good day.

Alan

[SlowPokePete]

I finished today.

76 miles put me at 502km.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7914/46465761472_36c4ba6aa8_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2dN2b3u)December 29, 2018 Festive 500 (https://flic.kr/p/2dN2b3u) by SlowPoke Pete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4897/45604502345_b317fc4d72_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ctUZHc)December 29, 2018 Festive 500 (https://flic.kr/p/2ctUZHc) by SlowPoke Pete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4813/31577739567_87775f5f97_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Q7qaPD)December 29, 2018 Festive 500 (https://flic.kr/p/Q7qaPD) by SlowPoke Pete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7803/46465760402_b237d86b7b_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2dN2aJ3)December 29, 2018 Festive 500 (https://flic.kr/p/2dN2aJ3) by SlowPoke Pete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7855/31577738597_82ae081b0b_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Q7qawV)December 29, 2018 Festive 500 (https://flic.kr/p/Q7qawV) by SlowPoke Pete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

SPP

[dbnm]

Just got home with frozen feet. It's 26F.
Just 238/500 completed. I won't make it.

[dbnm]

There's a group of guys riding today, Portland to Seattle, in the rain.

Check out this guy's instagram stories.
https://www.instagram.com/fransencomesalive/

Looks awful.

[73Bronco]

I finished up today and find myself in another dilemma. I'm at 5910 miles for the year. It sure is tempting to knock out 90 tomorrow!

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[R3awak3n]

Plan was to do 160km today so that tomorrow I would have an easy last day. Got up at 6:30 and it was snowing, ride was going up to the catskill mountains which means even more snow and colder (it was 20 degrees already). So I switched it up, roll into farm land.

It was quite the day. at 20 miles I was descending, slipped and hit the deck. Helmets are awesome. Head hit the floor, but I am fine, I was not going super fast, will get replaced though. Leg took all the damage, a couple scratches on the potenza shifter but oh well.

Then of course at 45 mile mark, flat tire.

Knocked out 101km and even with all the problems it was probably my favorite ride of the festive500 so far.

https://i.imgur.com/e9chs3a.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/8dPfxhB.jpg?1

[godfrey1112000]

506.34 km
Freezing rain tomorrow

[azrider]

Kudos to all you gents who got this done. I'm sitting at 460km and forecast is for temps in 30's with rain. Sorry but for this desert rat that's COLD.

Also kudos for the stamina. This week took more effort than I thought it was going to take, and that's with a pretty solid year of riding.....or what I thought was solid year riding.

[fa63]

I am sitting at ~400km, but tomorrow is a travel day so I won't make it to 500... Still fun though, plus my legs are feeling great; thought I would be fatigued but I have only been getting at stronger along the way :-)

[dbnm]

I just got home from a 81km ride. Frozen. Feet frozen. About 30F here and the last ride of the year. 319/500 completed.

But more importantly, my goal for the year was 6214 and today I hit 6219.

Done!

Good luck to all those still riding!

[m_moses]

Knocked out 101km and even with all the problems it was probably my favorite ride of the festive500 so far.

Glad to hear you’re okay and that you enjoyed your ride in spite of the fall and weather.


Kudos to all you gents who got this done. I'm sitting at 460km and forecast is for temps in 30's with rain. Sorry but for this desert rat that's COLD.



Also kudos for the stamina. This week took more effort than I thought it was going to take, and that's with a pretty solid year of riding.....or what I thought was solid year riding.


This is what impresses me. I finished yesterday with 544km but I didn’t have to contend with cold temperatures, snow or very much rain. I’d say it was a cakewalk compared with the conditions many of you had to endure.

The extra miles really do take its toll. I feel like I’ll need a week to recover.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[R3awak3n]

I just got home from a 81km ride. Frozen. Feet frozen. About 30F here and the last ride of the year. 319/500 completed.

But more importantly, my goal for the year was 6214 and today I hit 6219.

Done!

Good luck to all those still riding!

you need some winter shoes. Was 20 here for a few hours then went up to 28 and my feet were coldish at the end but never frozen. Winter shoes are amazing.

[dbnm]

you need some winter shoes. Was 20 here for a few hours then went up to 28 and my feet were coldish at the end but never frozen. Winter shoes are amazing.

You are right. I do need winter shoes/boots. The Giro Empires with Rapha overshoes work above 45F and not so good below.

[R3awak3n]

You are right. I do need winter shoes/boots. The Giro Empires with Rapha overshoes work above 45F and not so good below.

Yeah thats exactly what I had before I went to winter shoes. With wintershoes I can wear whatever sock till like 35 and under I put a thick sock and its good till low 20s.

[AngryScientist]

my hat is off to all of you folks.

nice work.

i've turned into a cold weather wimp, and just can't find any motivation to ride in below 45F temps. no interest at all.

on a plus note, it looks like new years day is going to be sunny and mid 50's around here, so i may sneak a ride in then.

bravo all of you hard men!

[dieonthishill]

Just cranked it out in one go. Torrential downpour for 13 hours of the ride, freezing temps, windy with 50mph gusts at times.

https://www.strava.com/activities/2044981590

Now I die.

[R3awak3n]

:eek:

[Alan]

Weather in SW Ohio was very cooperative so was able to finish riding 6 days in a row. My rides varied from 45-60 mi per day so very steady. Rain out tomorrow and then annual New Years day ride on Tue.

This was fun but not so easy to ride 6 days in a row.

Congrats to all who finish!!!

Alan

[TheseGoTo11]

Nice work, all. Some epic-sounding efforts to get it done!

[dbnm]

I watched the Brevet II with aaronpass and the others. Amazing ride. Hardcore.

[AngryScientist]

Just cranked it out in one go. Torrential downpour for 13 hours of the ride, freezing temps, windy with 50mph gusts at times.

https://www.strava.com/activities/2044981590

Now I die.

alright. you win.

nice work!

[m_moses]

Just cranked it out in one go. Torrential downpour for 13 hours of the ride, freezing temps, windy with 50mph gusts at times.

https://www.strava.com/activities/2044981590

Now I die.


That is amazing. When you recover, it would be great to hear more about the ride.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[R3awak3n]

I am so sore from my tumble yesterday ahah but I have come this far so its time to finish this thing.

[zacstanley]

I have a 11 miles to go and I'm rewarding myself with a mountain bike ride after a half day of work today.

[azrider]

Couldn’t get that close and not knock it out. 511K done and dusted. Congrats to finishers and aaronpass I’m in utter disbelief you did it all at once. Wow.

Guess theme to this year was flat tires. Do yourselves a favor and never buy Forte Gotham tires.....they’re neither durable or comfortable :mad::mad:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181231/d7e053768bad0a27a3748f244443a627.jpg

Saw a ton of these

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181231/65d69333186d694d9f47e822ade14d8e.jpg

For the desert......that’s COLD

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181231/f6f5a3f0fcb25818448ab1f9c94b4b68.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181231/801a9f66b3cdb17489ee8c75efae11b8.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[benadrian]

Just cranked it out in one go. Torrential downpour for 13 hours of the ride, freezing temps, windy with 50mph gusts at times.

https://www.strava.com/activities/2044981590

Now I die.

DAMMMMMMMMNNNNNN!

Due to hosting family I sat it out this year. However, I did watch all three Godfather films in the time period, so I feel like I completed a different endurance challenge.

[azrider]

However, I did watch all three Godfather films in the time period, so I feel like I completed a different endurance challenge.

My best buddy (also avid cyclist) responded to my texts with similar sarcasm while he was back in the midwest visiting in-laws:

Me: just did 60K
Buddy: I just had 6 STAG beers....i didn't know STAG still existed

Me: Baam.....60K!!
Buddy: Baam.....fast food for breakfast AND lunch

Me: slow and steady 40K
Buddy: I've not moved from this couch in 5 hours

Me: 50K today or bust
Buddy: I'm so hungover I need to start drinking again ......it's 10am


Its what I'll remember most from this years Festive500

[R3awak3n]

I am done as well. 80 something K last ride of the year and don't want to ride bikes till next year :banana:

Congrats to everyone who done it. I will prob sit out next year, my wife was like "good, congrats, now you never have to do it again"


today did not snow but my favorite picture from yesterday
https://i.imgur.com/JNcA74M.jpg?1

[dbnm]

Congrats! And great photo.

[zacstanley]

22.2 miles of glorious brown powder got me to 518k. Best ride I did all week.

Congrats to all and especially those hearty PNW folks and basically everyone not in the southwest or California.

Happy New Year!

[cgolvin]

Just returned from a round trip to Santa Barbara to finish off at 699km (had I realized I would probably have ridden a couple of times around the block). It's not much of an achievement considering the conditions that many of you have overcome to complete the challenge, though a couple of my rides included some pretty nasty headwinds for extended periods. What I like better than the 500km is the fact that these rides put me over 500k feet of elevation for the year.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7898/46496048652_07d1957efd_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2dQGpnf)

[cgolvin]

Plan was to do 160km today so that tomorrow I would have an easy last day. Got up at 6:30 and it was snowing, ride was going up to the catskill mountains which means even more snow and colder (it was 20 degrees already). So I switched it up, roll into farm land.

It was quite the day. at 20 miles I was descending, slipped and hit the deck. Helmets are awesome. Head hit the floor, but I am fine, I was not going super fast, will get replaced though. Leg took all the damage, a couple scratches on the potenza shifter but oh well.

Then of course at 45 mile mark, flat tire.

Knocked out 101km and even with all the problems it was probably my favorite ride of the festive500 so far.

https://i.imgur.com/e9chs3a.jpg?1

https://i.imgur.com/8dPfxhB.jpg?1

Super impressive, Paulo! And nice snaps to boot. Now enjoy a rest day — I plan to start the new year by washing my bikes.

[R3awak3n]

Super impressive, Paulo! And nice snaps to boot. Now enjoy a rest day — I plan to start the new year by washing my bikes.

Thanks Charles!

I need to do the same thing. The reason I almost always used the same bike (7 out of 8 days) is because its so dirty and I did not want to dirty the other bikes. Tomorrow will be a wash party.

Also congrats on the 500k elevation, thats seriously impressive.

[livingminimal]

Knocked it out in seven days this year. had a 74 miler, 63, and a 57, the rest was 30s or a mish-mash of multiple shorter rides in a day. Good times, super glad I completed it. I needed to this year. Kudos to my fellow finishers!

[SlowPokePete]

Rode all eight days...612km all together.

SPP

[Clean39T]

Just cranked it out in one go. Torrential downpour for 13 hours of the ride, freezing temps, windy with 50mph gusts at times.

https://www.strava.com/activities/2044981590

Now I die.

Dude. Incredible.

How did you hear about this one?

I'm trying to get plugged into the Rando scene in the PNW and am looking for resources there. Working on OMTM too (and am on the list) but still don't have a proper bike for their rides.

[R3awak3n]

Dude. Incredible.

How did you hear about this one?

I'm trying to get plugged into the Rando scene in the PNW and am looking for resources there. Working on OMTM too (and am on the list) but still don't have a proper bike for their rides.

What bike do you need for this exclusive club?

[Clean39T]

What bike do you need for this exclusive club?Something with fenders and fat tires.

I'll use my Kirk 29er to start...


http://www.omtm.cc

Check out Dustin Klein's vids on YouTube.

[livingminimal]

Something with fenders and fat tires.

I'll use my Kirk 29er to start...


http://www.omtm.cc

Check out Dustin Klein's vids on YouTube.


DKleins content is the best on YouTube man. Every video is gold. Doing an OMTM ride is on the bucket list.

[benadrian]

Dude. Incredible.

Is that a Shellac reference?

[R3awak3n]

Something with fenders and fat tires.

I'll use my Kirk 29er to start...


http://www.omtm.cc

Check out Dustin Klein's vids on YouTube.

but like that is required? or just recommended?

you had that felt :)

also those routes on that site look awesome, into it. I could swear I have passed by the picture on the site main page.

[echelon_john]

👍🎸❤️

Is that a Shellac reference?

[chiasticon]

kudos to all who finished! (especially aaronpass! yowza!) :banana:

I finished it up for the seventh time. missed it last year (broken hand) so had to this year. just did the slow and steady approach of 40ish miles a day, except 60 on the second to last day and 10 on the final (in 35 degrees and raining, hence 60 the day before). temps were around 40 and 50 for three days, and closer to 30 for another three days. but mostly dry. all in all, a lot better weather than I've seen for it in the past.

now, just have to try and carry on with this sort of motivation for the rest of the winter... :bike:

[Clean39T]

but like that is required? or just recommended?

you had that felt :)

also those routes on that site look awesome, into it. I could swear I have passed by the picture on the site main page.

I know, I know... :crap:

There's been a good discussion of what tires/volume are needed for some of these different routes. I think the Kirk Disc Cross would have been fine for many too. But I'll get there eventually.

[livingminimal]

kudos to all who finished! (especially aaronpass! yowza!) :banana:

I finished it up for the seventh time. missed it last year (broken hand) so had to this year. just did the slow and steady approach of 40ish miles a day, except 60 on the second to last day and 10 on the final (in 35 degrees and raining, hence 60 the day before). temps were around 40 and 50 for three days, and closer to 30 for another three days. but mostly dry. all in all, a lot better weather than I've seen for it in the past.

now, just have to try and carry on with this sort of motivation for the rest of the winter... :bike:


We have a cold front in SoCal right now, I got up and did about 25 miles in 34F temps (per my Wahoo) it was briisssskkk, but yeah I hear you, I dont want to commit the sins of the past and lose any fitness I've put together.

Also next year I want to do a big one on Xmas Eve (100+) and then nothing on xmas day but a short recovery ride, then just do the average thats remaining the rest of the days, weather permitting...

[zacstanley]

We have a cold front in SoCal right now, I got up and did about 25 miles in 34F temps (per my Wahoo) it was briisssskkk, but yeah I hear you, I dont want to commit the sins of the past and lose any fitness I've put together.

Also next year I want to do a big one on Xmas Eve (100+) and then nothing on xmas day but a short recovery ride, then just do the average thats remaining the rest of the days, weather permitting...

I did one 60 mile commute two ways in the rain and one 100 mile ride. It made the rest seem pretty relaxed and fun.

[dbnm]

I did not finish.

My last two rides (44 miles, 50 miles) were done in temps under 30F.

Brutal.

[R3awak3n]

We have a cold front in SoCal right now, I got up and did about 25 miles in 34F temps (per my Wahoo) it was briisssskkk, but yeah I hear you, I dont want to commit the sins of the past and lose any fitness I've put together.

Also next year I want to do a big one on Xmas Eve (100+) and then nothing on xmas day but a short recovery ride, then just do the average thats remaining the rest of the days, weather permitting...

I will probably not do it next year (my wifes request) but I am with you. Put big ride on xmas even, short ride on xmas then just normal rides the rest of the way. Leaving 80k for the last ride sucked because was cold and I was sore and really did not want to do it.

[SlowPokePete]

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7841/31656872307_fe9f2699c5_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/QepKee)2018 Festive 500 (https://flic.kr/p/QepKee) by SlowPoke Pete (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156678813@N02/), on Flickr

SPP

[chiasticon]

Also next year I want to do a big one on Xmas Eve (100+) and then nothing on xmas day but a short recovery ride, then just do the average thats remaining the rest of the days, weather permitting...honestly everyone has to find their own balance with it and life. some have off work all week, some only xmas day. some people have to do different family things on xmas eve/day, complete with hours of driving (in my case). some are away with family all or part of the week, etc... and that's before we even get into weather limitations...

for me, this year it was best (and kept the wife happy) to just keep it mostly steady at 40ish miles a day. but other years, I've jumped around a lot, as you've said. one big downside of focusing on big rides though is you're then dead to the world after. which makes surrounding family even more annoyed with the situation, and you enjoy the holidays less. small-ish rides every day (or almost) leave you with plenty of energy to still socialize and spend quality time with family. works for me, at least...

[livingminimal]

honestly everyone has to find their own balance with it and life. some have off work all week, some only xmas day. some people have to do different family things on xmas eve/day, complete with hours of driving (in my case). some are away with family all or part of the week, etc... and that's before we even get into weather limitations...

for me, this year it was best (and kept the wife happy) to just keep it mostly steady at 40ish miles a day. but other years, I've jumped around a lot, as you've said. one big downside of focusing on big rides though is you're then dead to the world after. which makes surrounding family even more annoyed with the situation, and you enjoy the holidays less. small-ish rides every day (or almost) leave you with plenty of energy to still socialize and spend quality time with family. works for me, at least...

Totally, I think for me its all about how the bookend weekends play a role. Can I take extra time off work? I did this year. I ended up with back to back 5 day weekends, essentially. Every year is gonna take a re-assessment based on schedule, weather, etc. I would like to do it on more of a steady rate though, post xmas eve/xmas.