11/24/2022 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/24/2022 06:01
Now coming into its 13th year for December 2023, the Festive 500 has become an institution for many cyclists. The concept is simple. Clock up 500km on Strava between Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve for kudos, camaraderie, fitness and that all-important digital finisher's badge.
For many of us, the festive period means time off to spend with family and time on the bike takes a back-seat until the new year. However, a growing number of riders are taking on the challenge of ending the year on a high with the Festive 500.
Indoor rides on the turbo trainer count towards your goal, but there's still something special about riding outside when many others have gone into hibernation.
Winter cycling can be beautiful and rewarding. Getting out on two wheels to enjoy frosty mornings, red skies at sunrise and crisp, clear days refreshes the body and mind at a time when it's tempting to slow down and wallow in front of TV box-sets.
It can take some planning to get those miles in but, from experience, it's really worth making the extra effort.
Living on the South Coast of England, the weather can be unpredictable and I've experienced everything from freezing fog and ice to unseasonably mild and sunny days. I've had the luxury of planning rides over the full eight days and I've had the pressure of completing it in only three days too.
Here are my tips on getting that 500 km ticked off so you can start the New Year with a smug feeling of accomplishment.
500km in eight days seems like a lot, but it's only just over 70km per day, allowing one full rest day.
The two main challenges will be fitting your rides around family commitments and dealing with adverse weather. Getting out early means that you can spend the rest of the day doing 'normal' Christmas stuff, although it does mean you might need to cut back on the mulled wine.
Adverse weather shouldn't be too much of an issue if you kit up appropriately. Plan your routes in advance so that you know the distance will add up to that magic 500, but be flexible. For example, if torrential rain is forecast on one of your longer days, you might need to switch it with a shorter one. Fog and ice can make road riding extra hazardous so, if you have an off-road capable bike, why not hit the trails and bridleways instead.
During the colder months, the increased rainfall can wash more dirt and grit onto the roads and storms will blow loose leaves and branches down. If you have the luxury of a bike with disc brakes, you'll be grateful for the more reliable stopping power in wet, muddy conditions. Whatever bike you ride, there are a few things you can do to get it ready for winter riding.
The Christmas morning ride is the highlight of the Festive 500. There's hardly any traffic on my local roads but I do see a growing number of runners and cyclists, some decked out in tinsel or Santa hats. Even with fewer cars on the roads, it's important to make sure you can be seen.
As always, make sure you have front and rear lights. Setting them to blinking mode can make you more noticeable to other road users, especially in fog or low light. Since it's Christmas, you can also have a bit of fun and wrap battery-powered fairy lights around your bike, or even yourself.
I'm obsessed with checking the weather forecast, even just before I head out on my ride in case it's changed from what it said the previous night.
Experience has taught me that layering is key. If you can keep your core warm, you're less likely to experience numb fingers and toes.
With all these layers, expect to do more laundry than usual. I use a sport-specific laundry detergent which helps to protect weather-proof finishes.
Innovative insulation explained
Cold fingers and toes can be painful and potentially dangerous if your digits end up too cold to operate your brakes and shifters. Keeping your extremities warm starts at the core so make sure you check the weather and layer up accordingly. Make sure you're not wearing anything that's too tight as it could affect circulation and if you start to feel that tingle, give your hands and toes a wiggle or shake your arms to get the blood flowing.
Once you've got your layering right, finish your outfit with some key accessories to keep the cold out.
Some cyclists find that when the weather's cold they don't feel like eating and drinking as much, but it's still just as important as it is in summer.
If you can find an insulating bottle that fits your bottle cages, carrying your favourite warm drink can be a morale booster. Some sports drinks you might normally drink cold, such as chocolate protein shakes and electrolyte tabs, can actually be just as delicious served hot.
During the festive season, there's lots of delicious food readily available at home which can be wrapped and stuffed in jersey pockets. I prefer solid food rather than gels when it's cold so I take a combination of energy bars and small squares of Christmas cake. If you struggle with wrappers in winter gloves, just remember to rip the tops before you set off.
Quiet roads, winter sun, an excuse to eat more tasty treats... Whatever appeals to you about riding through winter, the right kit and preparation will ensure that you can beat the weather and enjoy some festive fun on your bike. Join us on Strava and share your photos by tagging us on Instagram. Just get out there!