Day 6 - 29th Dec (Afternoon)

After my frosty return back home from Royston I had a short turnaround before heading out on my planned route down to Saffron Walden. Given the road conditions I experienced on the way through the Shelfords I decided to make new plans.

My new plan was to stay North of Cambridge where the road conditions were more favorable.

I'm not a big fan of the Busway trail but doing small segments is ok from time to time.

Decided to venture into St Ives for a snack break and to enjoy the lake view of the bridge which I really enjoy.

After a brief stop at St Ives I continued on and went on to complete the planned route without any hiccups. The only issues I had was cycling into the suns low glare as it makes it difficult to see the road conditions.

Route - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18268341

Recording - https://www.strava.com/activities/815001649

Accumulative Mileage - 235.8 miles (379.64 km)

Day 6 - 29th Dec (Morning)

After a night camping out in my friends man cave I stocked up on breakfast and headed out into the frosty morning...well I would have had I not left my helmet behind in his kitchen. It was only when I noticed that my glasses were missing did I realize what I had done.

Todays ride is the return segment from Royston back home to complete the 70 mile loop.

The original route had me going via the A603 and up grange road. However, I decided to venture out to Harsten and then Great Shelford. Everything went fine until I started my descent down Granthams Road. The road was covered in frost and there were limited places where I could handle the brakes to slow my descent. With only a few opportunities to brake I was able to make it safe and sound to the junction of the A1307 where the conditions were clear of frost.

Overall the route back home was mostly clear of frost or ice. What I did encounter was painless to pass over.

Once home I made a well deserved cup of tea and rested a bit before heading out.

Route - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18169142
Recording - https://www.strava.com/activities/814600603

Accumulative Mileage - 172.9 miles (278.37 km)

Day 5 - 28th Dec

Today's ride was initially intended as a 70 mile ride loop via Old Warden Aerodrone. Instead it turned out to be a 50 mile ride to Royston to visit a colleague. As I was staying overnight I was cycling with my backpack containing a change of clothes, shoes and a few small items. I tried to keep things to the minimum in order to not to be burdened too much.

Forecasted temps were around 1 degree with winds around 5-10 from the South.

Route

The ride started quite frosty with light fog. Things really got frosty and foggy as I headed south of St Neots Rd to Comberton, but the road was passable. I could tell how frosty it was because the tears from my eyes was freezing on my face like horizontal icicles.

Overall the ride was quite enjoyable with no real issues on road conditions. The foggy weather did eventually dissipate as the Sun came out to play.

The scariest part of the ride was when I to venture onto the A505 for about 1/2 a mile. Many cyclists will know that the A505 is a death trap waiting to happen and many have perished on this dual carriageway. I knew this segment of the road quite well and took my time finding the right time to get going. I had only a few vehicles pass me without trouble and looking back in my mirror spotted an opportunity to move over to the right hand lane to tackle the roundabout to exit off the A505. Thankfully everything went as planned and I was on my way into Royston town center.

Arriving at my friends place I was able to relax and get out of my damp gear and clean up (with a hot bath).

Had a nice relaxing evening watching films, drinking beer in front of an open fire.

Route - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18169142

Recording - https://www.strava.com/activities/814600620

Accumulative Mileage - 172.9 miles (278.37 km)

Day 1 - Xmas Eve

First ride of the challenge in the books. It was only a short one as I only had the morning to play as I had to pack and head over see my Folks.

This ride is my Recovery Sunday ride as it's quite a flattish ride where I can spin out high cadence.

What I can say is that it was a tough one as the winds were blowing pretty hard from the West. There were times where I felt like I was putting out more than ever, but not really gaining any additional speed.

As cyclists we all know that if you brave the headwind in a ride your likely to get your reward when you head in a direction with the wind on your back. The ride was mostly headwind at the start and tailwind in the end, just how I like it.

Completed my target mileage and made it back home feeling good for the rest of the challenge.

Route - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/16505072
Recording - https://www.strava.com/activities/810026182

Accumulative Mileage - 31.8 (51.2 km)

Challenge Accepted

A few weeks ago I was scanning my Facebook wall when I noticed a post from Rapha. It was a challenge to ride at least 500 km in the eight days between Xmas Eve and New Years Eve. After my ride to work challenge in November I felt I needed another one to motivate me to ride during the coldest days.

So here I am on day before the challenge begins and my bike is ready with a new set of Gatorskins.

My ride plan for the next 8 days is all in place.

On the first day I've got a short 32 mile ride planned as I only have a few hours in the morning before driving over to my Mums for a Xmas Dinner lunch.

Xmas and Boxing Day are both out of my Dads place just south of Bury St Edmunds in some slightly new territory. They are 38 and 46 milers.

The following day is a free day with no ride planned, yet!

Next up is a 70 miler which pit stops in Royston where I'll stay overnight and complete the remaining 20 miles in the morning back home. Here I'll spin out another 40.

Following two days include a 62 and a 60 mile rides.
a Total mileage for all rides is approximately 348 miles.

Let's hope for good weather and zero incidents so that I get to enjoy the challenge in its entirety. I also wish the best of luck to all other challengers.