Rapha Festive 500km 2026

[sevenfourate]

*Not sure the best forum category for this. Please move if required.

Anyone planning / thinking ahead for this ? It’s never appealed or really registered before - but for some reason it just crossed my mind: and I’m keen !

*I don’t do indoor cycling. So mine will be an outdoor attempt. Hope the Weather is kind…….

 

[cyberknight]

I have only done it on zwift and it was hard work , kudos to anyone who does it outdoors in these climes .

 

[Dorset Boy]

The key is a big ride on Christmas Eve. The closer to 100 miles the better as you then break the back of it on day one.

 

[sevenfourate]

The key is a big ride on Christmas Eve. The closer to 100 miles the better as you then break the back of it on day one.

I was actually musing / contemplating having a couple of early frost days - and then being ‘80’ miles down before you’ve even started.

Your idea sounds a great one. All being well I’ll aim to get out early on Day 1: and get ahead of the game 👍

 

[N0bodyOfTheGoat]

With the "sudden stratospheric warming" weather event looking likely last time I checked, an outdoor Festive 500 could be a massive challenge this year compared to many years.

 

[13 rider]

Doing it entirely outside is a challenge and you can easily fall foul of the weather ,don't take chances with the ice for a challenge . I did do it for several years but since they allow indoor rides to me it's no longer challenge just who has time to churn the miles out indoors

 

[sevenfourate]

With the "sudden stratospheric warming" weather event looking likely last time I checked, an outdoor Festive 500 could be a massive challenge this year compared to many years.

Do explain ? Is the long term UK forecast over Xmas Dire then ? Beast from the East II ?

 

[N0bodyOfTheGoat]

Do explain ? Is the long term UK forecast over Xmas Dire then ? Beast from the East II ?

I'm no weather expert, but yes, "beast from the east" could be on the cards.

Met Office YouTube has at least one recent video all about this freak SSW event currently in progress.

 

[sevenfourate]

I'm no weather expert, but yes, "beast from the east" could be on the cards.

Met Office YouTube has at least one recent video all about this freak SSW event currently in progress.

Oh Wow ! Time will tell……

.*About to check out the Met Office YT channel 👍

**THIS REPORT 😳


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRGIGVSeHvs

 

[steveindenmark]

They should have the Rapha 300 for those riding it all outside. It would still be a challenge.

 

[Pblakeney]

I did it properly (outside) twice. It was unpleasant I’ll admit but I felt better for doing it.
Then I got a trainer and wouldn’t consider doing it again. Doing it indoors is cheating imo, and not the point.

 

[Dorset Boy]

I did it properly (outside) twice. It was unpleasant I’ll admit but I felt better for doing it.
Then I got a trainer and wouldn’t consider doing it again. Doing it indoors is cheating imo, and not the point.

Except it isn't cheating as the rules expressly allow indoor rides.

At the end of the day, very few people would do 500 kms in any 8 day period at any time of the year, so indoors or out, it is a challenge for most people.

I would agree that outdoors in northern Europe is harder than indoors given the weather challenges, but the point is to get people exercising at a time of year when they might otherwise not be.

 

[Pblakeney]

Except it isn't cheating as the rules expressly allow indoor rides.

At the end of the day, very few people would do 500 kms in any 8 day period at any time of the year, so indoors or out, it is a challenge for most people.

I would agree that outdoors in northern Europe is harder than indoors given the weather challenges, but the point is to get people exercising at a time of year when they might otherwise not be.

They changed the rules when the numbers dropped due to people like me getting smart trainers. They are trying to stay relevant.
It goes against the original ethos in my opinion. Other opinions are available.

From 2010 - "This year, riders across the globe will be squeezing themselves like oversized elves into tights and overshoes and heading out to go the distance, leaving the turbo trainer in the garage."

https://theradavist.com/rapha-the-festive-500

 

[Dogtrousers]

*Not sure the best forum category for this. Please move if required.

Anyone planning / thinking ahead for this ? It’s never appealed or really registered before - but for some reason it just crossed my mind: and I’m keen !

*I don’t do indoor cycling. So mine will be an outdoor attempt. Hope the Weather is kind…….

There's a thread that had been used in the past under CycleChat & Recreational Rides
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/rapha-festive-500-anyone-doing-it.243396/

Personally I think this is a better place for it.

I did it once, in 2020, when I had to stay at home over the whole period due to Covid restrictions. I cheated by living in London with lots of gritted roads and the opportunity to choose flat routes in mild weather.

I have to say it got to be a real grind (mentally as much as physically) and I don't think I'd attempt it again - but I'm unlikely to get the opportunity as I normally have other things occupying my time. Mind you I don't think I'd even be capable these days.

Personally, I don't care where other people do it: indoors, outdoors, in the south of France, in the Hebrides, up a hill, on the flat ... That's their business and none of mine. It doesn't affect me at all. As for people who have never done it at all seeing fit to comment on how they think it ought to be done - they really should mind their own.

 

[ianrauk]

The sensible thing would be to split it into 2 challenges. Those for indoor and those for out.