Two things: first, Rapha have opened the book on their Festive 500 cycling challenge with an excellent video.
And second, can someone please get the team at Rapha a box of crayons for Christmas? Their Festive 500 page is unseasonably gloomy this year. Who designed it, the Grinch?
But first, the Festive 500: this, if you've not heard of it, is a challenge to ride 500 kilometres in the eight days between Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve (24-31 December).
Rapha have been running the challenge for well over a decade now and it's become an annual tradition. You can rack up the distance outdoors on the road but virtual miles count too. It's a great way to keep motivated and in shape amid seasonal excess, and usually with some prizes on offer too.
The Festive 500 was the brainchild of former Rapha designer Graeme Raeburn, who set out to cover 1000 kilometres over the Christmas period. He managed it, but in doing so realised this distance was about twice as far as he would have liked to ride. And so the Festive 500 was born.
Over the years, it's become a rite of passage and an iconic challenge which has captured the imagination of followers world over.
Camaraderie and community, motivation and mistakes are all part of what makes it such a special challenge - and as ever, Rapha will be rewarding the rider who best captures the spirit of the challenge.
This year's challenge is now launched, with Rapha creating a beautiful short film paying tribute to the dedication of its cyclists.
Check out the video and sign up for the challenge at content.rapha.cc/us/en/story/festive500.
The Festive 500 Collection
As ever, Rapha have knocked up some limited edition kit and accessories to accompany this year's challenge. It has to be said, this year's collection is the drabbest in living memory with nary a hint of colour to be seen.
The Festive 500 page draws on a similarly austere palette. Why so serious Rapha?
Anyway, if you'd like to celebrate this Christmas with a black merino hat, black socks, black bidon or black cap, you can knock yourself out at content.rapha.cc/us/en/story/festive500.
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