It's that time of year again: The Holidays are coming, and the scent of pine needles and mulled desperation fills the air. Why not ditch the whole thing and spend some quality time with your bike instead? Well now you have an excuse, with the launch of Rapha's annual Strava cycling challenge, the Festive 500.
Inspired by Rapha designer Graeme Raeburn's epic ride home for Christmas in 2009, the rules are simple enough: ride 500km / 310.686 miles in the eight days between Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. But actually completing the challenge is a tricky proposition, with family commitments, inclement weather and turkey hangovers all conspiring to keep you on the couch instead of out on the road where you belong.
By way of encouragement, Rapha have once again laid on some excellent prizes. Everyone who completes the distance gets a coveted woven badge, while the rider who submits the most creative documentation of their challenge will win a trip to Steamboat Springs in Colorado to collect a custom-built Moots bike.
There are prizes for best film and most epic failure too, so you don't even have to finish to win - as long as your excuse is cunning enough. Going by previous years the standard of entry will be exceptionally high, but really this challenge isn't about the prizes - it's about defying the elements and getting out on your bike.
Rapha have also released a range of Festive 500 kit, available to buy on their website. It's smarter than a Christmas jumper, and probably a bit less sweaty on a bike too:
Last year only 18% of the 72,000 riders who signed up finished the challenge, so Rapha have helpfully put together some tips from past riders to help you out. From bourbon bidons to fitting a child seat to your bike, you can check out their advice here: rapha.cc/feature/how-to-finish-the-festive-500.
Or simply heed the words of CANYON//SRAM cyclist Mieke Kröger: "Let the Christmas cookies be your fuel for the ride..."
For more details and to sign up, visit rapha.cc/feature/festive-500.
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