Seattle in December is wet, cold, and brutal. Yet 32 riders still signed up to ride a ‘festive’ 500 km.
Eight days, 500 km, Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve: There’s no right way or wrong way to ride the Festive 500, says Rapha. It’s about getting out on your bike in the cold, with friends, and going on an adventure. Since 2010, cycling brand Rapha has been organizing this chilly, wintry, and brutal ride.
And every year, a handful of registered riders take on the extra challenge of riding the 500km distance in one go.
“For the last three years, many of those all-at-once attempts have taken place in Washington state as part of Rapha Seattle’s brevet rides,” Rapha wrote. “The first two editions were between Portland and Seattle, but last year’s route took riders into far more remote backcountry on the iconic Olympic Peninsula.”
This film follows those riders’ story: riding 500 km around Olympia, Wash., beginning on a cold Christmas night. Thinking about taking part this year? For a little last-minute inspiration, watch the 2019 Festive 500. You won’t be disappointed.
Rapha’s 2020 Festive 500
Good news! You don’t have to live in Seattle to attempt this challenging ride. This year, sign up for the Festive 500 on Strava. You can join a team or ride by yourself. Rack up those miles, explore ideas for your Festive route, and, after it’s all over, collect a digital finisher’s medal.
What are you waiting for? Pump up those tires, grab your most festive vest, bike lights, and some nog, and pedal through the holiday.
