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news
Rapha Explore - Picture Marius NilsenRapha’s Festive 500 returns – and for 2020, virtual rides count
Rapha’s Festive 500, which challenges cyclists around the world to ride 500 kilometres in the eight days between Christmas and New Year, is returning for its 11th edition – and with this being 2020 and restrictions on movement in place in many countries around the world, virtual rides will count.
> Winter survival: riding in the the ice and snow
While Rapha is partnering with Zwift for Festive 500 training rides as well as rides during the challenge itself, the North London-based business told road.cc that virtual rides can be done on any platform, as long as they are uploaded to the dedicated Strava group to enable them to be counted towards the total mileage.
Launching the forthcoming edition, Rapha said: “In a year that has tested the resolve of every one of us, it’s tempting to hunker down for the festive period. But resist that temptation, and there’s a far more satisfying way to see out the year. All that’s required is one last display of determination and defiance.
“Now in its eleventh year, the Festive 500 is a riding rite of passage. And just like any worthwhile undertaking, going the distance in December is tough no matter where you ride. But the sense of satisfaction you’ll feel upon finishing is sweeter than any festive treat, so all in favour of a holiday season you’ll never forget, sign up now.”
As in previous years, Rapha has launched a dedicated and limited edition Festive 500 range of accessories – this year inspired by rain radars – including men’s and women’s technical t-shirts (£55 each), a beanie hat (£35), cap (£20), snood (£15), socks (£15), bidon (£12) and musette (£20) and you can find out more here.
Rapha added: “From poetry to patisserie, computer games to cartography, the variety of riding on the Festive 500 is matched only by the array of entries to our annual awards. For a little added motivation before the challenge, take a look at this selection of the most memorable entries ever to the Spirit of the Festive 500 Awards.”
You can find full information for the Festive 500 here.
Simon joined road.cc as news editor in 2009 and is now the site’s community editor, acting as a link between the team producing the content and our readers. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, he has reported on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, the latest developments in the bike industry and the sport’s biggest races. Now back in London full-time after 15 years living in Oxford and Cambridge, he loves cycling along the Thames but misses having his former riding buddy, Elodie the miniature schnauzer, in the basket in front of him.
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11 comments
I ride outdoors all year and I've completed the Rapha 500 a few times when work hasnt got in the way, but it's simply super that it's open to everyone who isn't sure where the front door is any more. Well done you. Next year I hear Strava will be including imaginary rides too - for people who just like to visualise the conceptual act of riding whilst tucking into an extra large pizza.
Never done the Festive 500, though it appeals. Aside from getting out, a lot of people seemed to enjoy receiving the physical badge to mark the achievement. Rapha aren't doing one this year, which they're getting a lot of complaints about (even though I seem to recall they said last year that they wouldn't be) - many people would be perfectly happy to pay to cover the costs.
VIrtual rides count....what about self-identifying rides? I woke up at 5 to go riding this morning, but it was raining and cold so I stayed in bed for once...Does this count?
Thought the whole idea of the festive 500 was to get you out ?
Cue thousands of bell ends rigging a turbo up to a washing machine drum and claiming to have done it in one ride, at 30mph.
A salad spinner is enough...
Bit of a blunder I feel, the nice thing about the festive 500 was it got people out of their sheds for a few days. Strava's been dull enough as it is this year, now naefucker will be leaving the house over Xmas. At least they'll be done quickly enough, don't think I've ever seen anyone ride slower than an ~indicated~ 45kmh on zwift
I suppose its easier to allow it than keep fielding questions about why they dont. I dont know it feels alot more achievable if you include virtual rides, part of the challenge was getting out there at a time when youd traditionally sit on the sofa for a week.
but am I the only one disappointed they dont actually make festive 500 jerseys anymore ? do they sell more £55 tshirts than they would £90 jerseys ?
Tbf I'm such a curmudgeon that I believe there should be a seperate listing for indoor and outdoor rides on strava the same way running/swimming is. Distance and elevation should actually mean how far and high you've gone, you haven't ridden uphill no matter how many times you say you've played the alpe du zwift level, Nigel
It's weird they don't split it up more visibly, virtual rides are actually flagged differently in Strava to outdoor rides anyway. As someone who enjoys both it's a bit of a pain but, meh, so what - it's only a place to log stuff for me; people seem to get all bent out of shape about Strava either way..
I mean on the one hand I don't really care that much about what others do, but then strava does play on the competitive aspect of things and it's a useful tool to spur one's self into putting more effort in - have a look at the club weekly leaderboard on Friday and see you're at the top with 350km, but Nigel is snapping at your heels so better get out there this weekend! But wait, Nigel hasn't left the house all week and he's ridden a mere 8 hours in a "group" being paced by a bot at 40km/h and that's somehow equal to my effort