[Closed] Annual Festive 500 Thread

Decided to stay faithful to my ice cream truck as it's the only bike I've ridden all year and also the local terrain(West pennies moors)..done 3 rides totalling 150k with over 10,000ft of climbing..got a feeling I'm going to fall short on the 500 but it's getting me out there and in my book that's better than doing any on a turbo.

I’m on 250km so right on track. It looks like the worst of the weather will have passed by tomorrow.

This is my first attempt and I’m not as fit as I would like. But I’m enjoying getting out grinding out the km.

225km after today. Hope to get 100km done tomorrow in 2 separate sessions as the 29th I doubt I'll have much time to get more than an hour in.

Well done everyone sticking at it. This is no walk in the park!

Mole - whereabouts are you?

Tapped out a further (flat) 50km on Zwift this evening. Leaves me with 62km to go now. If Zwift/indoor riding wasn’t allowed (like normal) there is no way I’d be getting many km’s in, so I’m pleased it is. However I am under no illusion that it’s the same as battling the cold, dark, ice and mud fest of British trails and roads at this time of year. Chapeau to those doing it “properly”.

MrSparkle-Heaton,Bolton.

Just over half way for me, with 253km in the bag. 110km outdoors.

But very much this.....

“ If Zwift/indoor riding wasn’t allowed (like normal) there is no way I’d be getting many km’s in, so I’m pleased it is. However I am under no illusion that it’s not the same as battling the cold, dark, ice and mud fest of British trails and roads at this time of year. Chapeau to those doing it “properly”.

Absolutely. I'm under no illusions I would manage this outdoors as I don't really do road riding.

Started today and did 30km on some interesting sections of road. There's no way I'm going to get the 500 done as my surgeon will be just a bit upset if I undo all his good work. First ride since 6 November and it felt good.

Sitting at 262km now. Will pace the rest out at 60-70km per day.

First year actually trying this. No way it would be possible without the trainer.
Did 2 days of 68km on FulGaz Dec 24/25 (it didn't get above 0C both days here), then managed to get out for 2 solid rides (137 and 100km) outside this weekend.
Quite happy at 376km over the first 4 days. Likely day off tomorrow to let the knees get a break. Looking at those numbers now need to balance out the indoor and outdoor riding by the looks of it!
Finally getting close to meeting the goal after half assing it in the past!

Just wrapped up with my final 62km. Pleased to have done it, although does feel much less of an accomplishment doing it indoors.

I was vaguely thinking of an early road ride before the hordes descend on every tourist spot going. However the weather is that horrible mix of almost zero degrees and wet with extra bits of slushy melting snow in places which is perfect black ice territory.

So I'm still in bed.

Dangerous day to be out to be honest, horrific conditions on the roads. Managed 2 hours but was already getting a bit hypothermic so glad I didn’t push it any further.

Did 30km this morning at 6am before meeting friends to do an additional 70km. Finished now for the day with 390km completed in total. May do 30km tomorrow morning, 25km on Wednesday and then finish off the last 55km on Thursday.

Sitting at 305k so pretty much on schedule, would never have got this far without Zwift.
So 2x100k day or 3x70k....hmmmmmm

I'm on 288km after today. Was a proper mission this morning; hail, wind freezing cold rain. And to boot my overshoes have failed, hoping I can find an old pair or the next few days will be even more difficult. On the face of it 3x 45 mile rides sounds easy enough, but I think it'll be anything but with the forecast showing 3c maximum.

Planned to do 100k today but had to get off the bike at 35k this morning, couldn't get the motivation to turn the pedals! Might have a second try at getting some time in this evening, doing an organised event usually works. Hoping it was just the shock of being up early as my legs don't ache at all, might look at the bike setup too.

now 275km, had planned on a decent road ride today, reality, snow and 40km on the mtb instead. Forecast for the next few days is suggesting I am not going to finish this year.

Another cold one this morning average temperature was -1C. Was quite a nice training ride my legs felt much better than yesterday. So 95k left now but I also need another 100k by the end of the year to get to 16100k 10000miles. Hopefully the weather will play ball. 3 x 65k rides should do it.

90km ticked off today in cold wintery showers to bring me up to 400km, one more ride (or maybe two) will see me over the finish line. I may finish with a day to spare!

273KM and I'm having to throw in the towel. Was aiming for another 80km today but after 20km my knee was in bits so I'm abandoning and taking a few days rest. ****'s sake.

I finally got out the door at 1pm, headed into town where I knew the roads would be fine. Ventured into the lanes for a bit, there was still some slush around but actually it was all rideable, virtually zero traffic and the mudguards and overshoes kept out all the crap.

Only 77km (and my legs are really feeling it this year for some reason, got no zip at all, it's all just plodding along) but that takes me to 394km done with 106km left to do.

Think I'll have a rest day tomorrow then do it all in one go on 30th leaving a day of leeway in case it doesn't all go to plan.

Well, having taken the option to ride with Mrs Dubs over the weekend, instead of grinding out 100 Kms on my own, I’m going to abandon at 150 ish. Back to work for the next three days, and whilst I probably could get a couple of hours in a day, I probably won’t!

Chapeau to everybody completing 🙂

Good going everyone who got out today. I set myself a goal of a minimum of 40 miles and a possible of 100km. I rode out to Southport to not see the sea (local joke) and got 71 miles in. That leaves me 51 miles to do so I am hoping to put this ****er to bed tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

Mole - I know it well. Slaked my thirst in the Doffy a good few times.

67Km once again on Zwift added this afternoon, so 114 to fit in around work shifts for the next two days, which will add ~30 from the commute.

The dilemma is whether to stick with the 28mm 4 Season rear tyre, given the ice warnings, or match up the rear with the other 38mm Gravdal while removing the mudguard.

Much better this afternoon so just knocked off another 45km. Puts me above the 300 mark so that's 67/8km per day left. That's doable.

Good man Mrsparkle! 38mile on the fatty today..pretty grim again with added slush and ice to slow things down even more. Feet are suffering with cold on every ride so far.

Had to abandon at 40km this morning and get rescued as unforecast snow storm meant I couldn’t feel my hands or feet. 140km still needed, might have to accept defeat and turn to Zwift

43km in the snow this morning leaves just 67km to finish the challenge for the first time ever!

hats off the the outdoor massive. you are harder than I am.

up to 307km as of now. this mornings 17 mile into work was horrendous.
60 miles planned for tomorrow, and a steady finish on NYM

oh, and all outside................. ace

Well done ton, hope you finish it off.

Went out yesterday afternoon hoping to get at least 50km, perhaps 60 to leave me with just a couple of hours' easy spin on NYE after tomorrow's 200. A seized pedal bearing and two punctures later, I came back cold, pissed off and 40km closer to finishing.

Spent yesterday evening rebuilding pedals and setting my converting my road wheels to tubeless.

I was looking forward to a rest day today and given my aching body and heavy showers it's going to stay that way. Instead I'm studying Northumberland County Council's gritting route map in preparation for an icy start tomorrow morning, and dreading having to get up on Thursday and knock out another 60km :-/

You know that old saying about ‘if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans’? Well overnight snow scuppered my 51 mile road ride to finish so I ended up crawling round an on/off route on the Singlespeed. Two and a half hours to do 20 miles. Absolutely shagged after. Still it did look very nice at times!

https://twitter.com/darwendashers/status/1343911412939313152?s=21

Nothing for me today. I did briefly consider getting the MTB out for a quick loop in the snow but rapidly decided it wasn't worth it as the snow was melting almost immediately.

Went for a walk instead and sure enough what started as lovely snow rapidly became ice then slush then mud over the space of about 3hrs.

Braved the elements again today. Was a bit snowy slushy. It really is a battle against the elements at this time of year. Up to 477km completed now. Two days to go so should be easy but I still want to bag another 117km to meet my annual mileage target. Serves me right for leaving too much todo in December.

54km done this morning leaving just 46km to go, I should get those in tomorrow leaving NYE as either a day off or just ride for the sake of it and claim 8 days riding. I might break out the mountain bike and then I've used all my bikes (summer Enigma, winter Focus, commute/gravel Tempest and MTB BFe) All outdoors too 😁

433km down, with a windy, sleety and damp 87 today. Probably finish it off tomorrow, maybe a rest Thursday, or get back in the CrossFit gym while it’s still open.

Woke up and it wasn't as bad as feared, so picked the only road guaranteed to have no snow or flooding thus a 120km out and back to Bristol.

Leaves only 100km to go, in two days which normally wouldn't be an issue. Will have to see what the weather is like for the next two days and whether I can actually complete.

In. Your. Face. Winter.

[img] [/img]

46Km left to do tomorrow, did a bit more after work than planned, including a 45min social group ride that went way beyond it's advertised pace.

Well done Merak.

Another gentle local 35km today to test my new tubeless setup puts me on 274km, so if tomorrow's 200 goes to plan, I'll only need another 26km on Thursday to complete, which is more bearable than 60km the day after a 200.

Looks like it'll be a cold one tomorrow - only above freezing for 2 hours, and that's in town 😬 Two 100km loops planned so I can come back to the van and make some hot food/coffee and eat "inside".

72km done today in heavy snow with extreme hand pain for the last 20 mins takes me to 399, all outside. 65 yesterday evening was one of the nicest rides I've done in a long time, deserted roads, cold but still, such a nice ride, definitely wouldn't have headed out at 6.30pm on a cold December evening if not for this challenge.

Yesterday morning got cut short due to even the main roads near Wolverhampton getting inches deep in snow in a very short time.

Should easily do it, although judging by the cold out there tonight, tomorrow morning is probably a no no. Got to try and squeeze an extra 40km in somehow to get my annual total up to 10000km

I take my bespoke waxed cotton cycling cap off to anyone who does this.

It's no mean feat especially this year given the freezing conditions we're having.

I've decided, external circumstances permitting that I'm doing this in sunshine next year.

The west coast of Scotland is just not cricket for this kind of endeavour.

Just done another 47km to take my total up to 482km, heading to Sherwood Pines tomorrow, so two loops on the SS will get me over the line. Hurray!

115km left for me. The plan is early ride on my own tomorrow for 30km followed by some fire roads with Mrs G. Leaving 30-40km for early morning on NYE.

I have mixed my rides between the road and some of the gravel tracks, canal and bridleways.

Well done to everyone who has already finished.

started yesterday with 200k left to do, hit Zwift with the intention of getting 100k in (and ticking off the volcano 25 laps achievement), got carried away ended up doing an old money century 😮
30k left....I got this.

Just done another 47km to take my total up to 482km, heading to Sherwood Pines tomorrow, so two loops on the SS will get me over the line.

As Fred would say "A good effort".

That’s me done too. It’s been pretty tough so pleased to complete. The freezing fog this morning was a nice touch I thought...
Good luck with finishing everyone else who is still going. 👍

https://twitter.com/darwendashers/status/1344256092730241025?s=21

https://twitter.com/darwendashers/status/1344257325243248640?s=21

I think I’m making a bit of a meal of this but another 100km ticked off. Abandoned the flats and went up on the South Downs and it was so much more fun. First couple of hours with the frost on the roads were done very cautiously. Views from Butser this morning were breathtaking. Nice change not to get absolutely hammered on by the sleet showers of the previous two efforts.

34km to go, had a SS metric century planned for tomorrow but might give myself a break and just do what I need to.

24k left for me to do today. All done outside. But in Houston Texas so that puts me on par with the zwifters I guess..

Someone from my club is doing a charity 500km ride on zwift today in one hit! Just checked and he is at 350km at the moment.

Upto 467km, and might have overdone it, a little discomfort in one knee. Will see what it feels like tomorrow.

Bottom bracket went on the fat bike so fixed my road bike up which I've not rode for ages and did 35mile on it which in all honesty I didn't really enjoy..the roads are a right mess and I've not missed the close passing vehicles. Anyway decided to take the dog out instead this morning and fix the fatty up this afternoon. Not getting in the distance before tomorrow now but I'm just going to carry on as I'm off until the 11th. Well done to all who complete.

That’s me completed,(536km) what a relief. Was another cold one today with lots of icy patches about.

Conundrum for me now is if I bag another 58k tomorrow that would bring my annual mileage up to 16,100k/10,000 miles. Snow forecast tomorrow so I might not bother.

Nice stories to read here. My status:
150k done on mountain bike
150k done on road bike
100k done on turbo today, just to recharge cos was really feeling tired.

Got 100k to do tomorrow.

Good luck all, and super respect to those who haven't reached for the turbo, wherever you are.

For balance, I've been out every day on the bike since the 24th.

I've only done about 75km though, all on the MTB.

Looking forward to being able to get back to Mallorca next year!

All done, finished it all off on the SS at Sherwood. Really pleased to have finished!

Finished today with 75km on the hardtail round the Cotswold lanes. Lots of ice, slush and mud so glad I didnt take the winterbike (it still needs lots of TLC from the preceding 430km).

Well done to all who attempted, inside or out. No idea how anyone uses a turbo for enough time to do this kind of distance- I would rather get cold toes and windburn!

i am gonna fail with only 30 miles left to do

bike broke today while out on a ride, managed 62 mile, but had to spend the last 10 mile smashing the left crank back on with a brick. lost the crankbolt on my square taper bb.
and i dont have a spare bike.

bit fed up after my efforts.

anyone got a xl bike i can borrow ??

@MrSparkle your sparkle appears to be missing in the last picture. Today was character forming?

120km done today, leaves 73km for tomorrow. Legs are feeling it but I'm better off than a mate who did one more loop this afternoon round his estate to tick over the 500km and was knocked off! Only badly bruised but his bike is a write-off. He was planning to go out tomorrow anyway so didn't need to do the extra 3km, such bad luck.

62km left to do tomorrow 🤞

Finished it with a day to spare with the rather nicely judged 501km! (all outdoors)

106km needed and it turned out at 106.8 on the Garmin but I guess the rounding of previous rides has added up too. Had a bit of a near miss towards the end - indicating to turn left off the road onto the canal towpath and because it was a very tight narrow junction to drop onto it and also quite icy, I swung wide (still indicating left), turned in...and the car that had been behind me was trying to pass on my left. She slammed on and I asked which part of the indicating left she'd failed to understand. Close call. Ironically, I was trying to get onto the towpath to get away from the shit standards of driving, it hadn't been my intended final route in.

I’ve decided, external circumstances permitting that I’m doing this in sunshine next year.
The west coast of Scotland is just not cricket for this kind of endeavour.

@Merak - I did that in '17 and '18, went to Gran Canaria. A few of us had had enough of the shit weather, the expectations to be running around between family and dealing with the abysmal driving that seems more prevalent over Christmas. Was lovely, riding in shorts and short sleeves every day. Bloody hilly out there, it was normal to have 3500+m of climbing in a 100km ride but dry roads, warm weather and lots of decent little cafes everywhere somehow made up for all of that! Various friends and acquaintances have done Majorca, Lanzarote and Malaga for the duration as well.

Finished off before dinner, despite the setback of losing ~25% of my outdoor distance towards the tally today, when my commute home didn't save!

Ton...56cm cannondale synapse any good for you? Bolton based.

Last 28km to do tonight. Will square that off in the next hour.

Anyone else with 100k or more left?
I feel like I left my homework until the night before listening to you guys 🙂

I have 61km to do tomorrow. Today was the first day it felt like hard work. Dodging the ice on the roads this morning then again on the mountain bike this afternoon.

Mole
Free Member
Ton…56cm cannondale synapse any good for you? Bolton based.

Mole, thanks very much for the offer, but i have resigned myself to the fact i will drink beer all day tomorrow instead.

cheers man

Sandwich - the face was frozen but the sparkle still remains! 😉

Mole - top man for your offer to Ton. 👏

I'm done too. 60km today in the Gloucestershire slush took me to 514km with a day to spare. I've been solo so far but a mate fancies a ride tomorrow so I'll add a few extra km's on top. Well done to everyone who has completed and keep going to those nearly there.

No worries Ton..you got closer than me and I shall raise a glass tonight & tomorrow with you!

Conundrum for me now is if I bag another 58k tomorrow that would bring my annual mileage up to 16,100k/10,000 miles.

And the correct answer is: 'but of course, chop chop...' 😉

I've 97km to knock off (ooops, poor choice of words) tomorrow to complete the 510km - all outside. Coincidently, I also finished my arbitrary and quite contrived 12x12 (12 half marathons x 12 imperial centuries) on Tuesday. Happy with that as I started riding and running again during the last week of April 2020 after my c5/c6/c7 were rearranged Volvo vs bike stylee last year...

Happy New Year everyone 😉

Sorry to hear that Ton mate 🙁 440km more than most though.

Picked a cracking day for my 200 today - freezing but bloody gorgeous. Sticking to gritted routes for my first 100km loop worked brilliantly. Should have done the second loop in the same way - thought it would have melted by then but don't think it got above freezing in some places, and there was plenty of ice on the lanes. Kept things interesting though, and I survived unscathed.

Just 23km to do now but won't count my chickens.

All done now, 501km all outside. Feel quite pleased with myself, the weather certainly has been against us. Just got to do 46km tomorrow to take my distance for the year to 10,000km.

Well done everyone for at least attempting it, even if it didn't work out for some.

Freezing cold in the New Forest this morning but tapped out the last 40km I needed. Ended on 510km / 5200m ascent.

I’ve just kept chipping away at it. My longest ride was 101km (x2) but I got out every day for a couple of hours at least. Most days I was back before the kids were up so it’s not really interfered much with family time. No way would I have had the motivation to go out in the dark / sleet / cold otherwise so it’s been good to have a target.

Did the full 506km on the turbo as working and have 6 month old baby. Got up at 3:30am yesterday morning and did 97km in 3:10 then went to work. Came home and got straight back on the turbo for 109km also in 3:10. Some tightness in left hip but glad I finished yesterday so can relax with a couple of glasses of wine tonight. Well done to everyone trying and completing it. Outside looked really Baltic!

Managed to box it off yesterday. Bloody good job, woke up to a dusting of snow that has now melted then froze so no chance of riding today. Done the challenge a few times now and this was definitely the coldest. All three rides this year I’ve set off in sub zero temps and the mercury never really raised much.
First ride
104 miles 167km 19.8mph coldest -1 av. 1
Second ride
123mile 197km 18.8mph coldest 0 av. 1.5
Third ride
105mile 170km 19.4mph coldest -4 av. -2

I finished my 500 this afternoon. Split the ride today. All outside and enjoyed some fantastic rides and some sketchy icy roads like today.

Well done to everyone who has finished.

Time for a beer or 5.