Goal Achieved! Finisher of Rapha 500

Yesterday I achieved my goal of finishing the Rapha 500. I road 516 kilometers to pass the 500k goal of the competition. What a great way to end 2011!

Some highlights:

  • Road a century with friends and family on Boxing Day
  • I had a personal best for longest ride at 212 kilometers
  • Road with a new friend discovered through the Rapha 500
  • Helped a friend achieve a personal best and finish her first century
  • Managed to keep it rubber side down and finish with no mechanicals
  • Discovered several new cycling buddies on Twitter and Strava
  • Managed to stay awake to see the New Year’s fireworks

Rapha 500 Progress

Here are some photos from the rides:

Stopping at Catfish Corner for a photo

The gang at Catfish Corner

Just me and the cows

Discovering quiet country roads on Rapha 500

Fireworks ringing in the New Year!

Thanks to Rapha, Strava, my family and friends. The Rapha 500 was epic!

Ride Number Three For Rapha 500

Ride number three for the Rapha 500 was outstanding. Accompanied by friends and family, the ride was 100k heading on a loop southeast from Dallas.

Sadly, my Garmin and my iPhone died during the ride so I only recorded 39 miles.  Oh well!

 

Ride Number One For Rapha 500

Ride number one for the Rapha 500 is done!

I went 132 miles, about 212 kilometers, on December 23rd.  With a route that I figured out online the night before and jotted onto a piece of paper, I headed south from the house in a 22 degree wind chill.  Definitely winging it, but I figured that would be half the fun.

This was a solo ride as my buddy Ben was a late scratch.  We had planned to do it together but he is nursing an ankle injury and had to sit this one out.

 

Getting Prepared For Rapha 500

My goal for the Rapha 500 is to not only get the patch, but also to kick the crap out of the 500k mark.  Why not, right?

My buddy Ben and I are going far on the 23rd.  The theme of the ride will be to celebrate “Festivus” from Seinfeld fame.  We will start with an airing of grievances and feats of strength.  Then we’re just going to pick a direction and roll.  We’ll do a little mapping ahead of time but we’ll be exploring new roads so we’ll keep things pretty flexible.  My wife will be locking in “Wife of the Year” for 2011 as she has volunteered to come and pick us up wherever we finish.  This ride should be epic.

On the 24th I’ll join the Wild Stallions for their Christmas ride.  My friend Christy organizes the Wild Stallion rides a couple of times a week and always has a good group.  This ride will probably be 30-40 miles so I’ll look to add some on the end to get closer to 100k.

A Christmas List for Cyclists

Getting a cycling gift for the cyclist in your life is always special.  More than getting them something they need, you’re also letting them know that you support the time and effort they spend on their bike.  And we know it can be a lot of time.  The support you’re showing is truly special and priceless.  So now you want to show it by getting them a present.  But what do you get the cyclist in your life for Christmas?
Problem solved.

Here is the readyforplanb.com Christmas list for cyclists:

  1. Give the gift of warmth.  For cyclists hitting the road this winter, the best place to start is on their feet and hands.  These overshoes by Rapha are perfect for keeping toes nice and warm no matter how ugly the weather gets.  Or swing by your local bike shop and grab some nice gloves.  Overshoes Price: $60.00
  2. Entertainment for indoor sessions on the trainer.  This can be an iTunes gift card, some audio books or a training DVD that simulates a ride.  A good one would be the 2011 Epic Rides Virtual Ride DVD Rouge Roubaix LA.  Price: $30.00

New Goal – Rapha Turkey Takeoff Challenge on Strava

Strava and Raphahave combined to challenge cyclists to burn 9,000 calories in five days, starting November 23rd and going through Sunday, November 27th.  Once you enter, all participants will load their GPS data onto Strava.As a vegan, I don’t need the help taking off the turkey but I love a good challenge so I am in.  My estimate is that I’ll need to ride around 225 to 250 miles to hit 9,000 calories.Let’s see if I can pull it off!