No BAD Weather, just BAD clothing - Festive 500

Cyclists can be quite devoted to their favorite weather forecasts! Some of us even have multiple forecast apps on our smartphones and multiple weather bookmarks in our browsers - or maybe that's just me. I have started to learn which sources are the most accurate and where to find the best hourly details. I can also try to fool myself by shopping around for the most optimistic forecasts, as if ignoring the reality of a prediction for bad weather could make it go away!

Now the only optimistic forecast I saw about today was that it would positively be miserable and raw. But I'm no fool. Remember my number one rule, courtesy of Fear Rothar, is "Better looking at it than for it".  My frequent riding companions know that I also have very strict rules about tempting fate, by discussing weather during the ride. The phrase that will get you moved to the top of my * list is "At least it's not raining/sleeting/snowing" while we are riding together under very threatening skies. Other banned phrases include "It could be worse" and "Now we'll have a tailwind".  But some have confused a ban on tempting fate, with going out unprepared. Let's be clear. Not carrying a jacket is tempting fate, just as much as saying "At least it's not raining." Looking for the brightest forecast, so you can get yourself out the door, should never preclude carrying or actually wearing raingear! It's not bad weather, it's bad choice of clothing!

Grace, Finally Achieved!

If you've been reading the blog from the beginning (not that long ago), you may recall that last December, Fear Rothar and I took part in Rapha's Ride to Redemption. Actually, if you read yesterday's entry, you may be aware of this as well! But for those who don't know, and just want the Reader's Digest condensed version, or those with short memories...

Last December Rapha ran this little challenge to do 500km in the last 9 days of 2011.  They called it the Ride to Redemption. Fear Rothar and I decided to have some fun with the theme and came up with all sorts of irreverent redemption themed rides. We planned a ride to Redemption Rock, Purgatory Chasm, Purgatory Falls, Mt Grace, Paradise Lost Lake, Pagan Hill, Brimstone Lane, and World's End, along with a few short local rides to nearby redemption centers. We both managed to get well over the 500km, and do most of the rides, but uncooperative weather caused us to replace two of the themed rides with others with lower elevation, or in the case of the final one, when we were just exhausted, with a much less ambitious one.

Well, the arrival of our patches last week prompted me to think about those two rides. That and my new challenge which involves accumulating altitude...

A Heavenly Ride to Purgatory Chasm

According to my very extensive research on Wikipedia, Purgatory is the condition of purification or temporary punishment by which those who die in a state of grace are believed to be made ready for Heaven. We mapped out this ride last December as our final ride in the Rapha Ride to Redemption challenge. However by the time the final day came around, we were already fully redeemed - and the weather was pretty miserable, and we ended up bailing on the temporary punishment that day.

Well we finally got our Festive 500 patches last week, and it reminded me that I should go do this ride.

Unlike December 31, it was certainly a heavenly day today, as seven of us rolled out for this hellishly hilly (the temporary punishment) ride to Purgatory Chasm.

 

Presidents and Purgatory

Astute readers may recall that at the end of the Festive 500 challenge last December, John and I declared ourselves so far beyond redemption that we felt no need or desire to serve additional time in Purgatory (Pamela had already been to Purgatory Falls, NH earlier in the week), so we bailed on our planned final ride from Framingham out to Purgatory Chasm. This is probably why we didn't win! That and the fact that we didn't have epic blizzards to ride through. But try as I might to ride in snowy conditions this year, global warming seems to have arrived in New England, and we've been blessed with some pretty amazing winter cycling this year.

But it is also a presidential election year, and we've been bombarded with news stories that try my patience and insult my intelligence and make me feel I'm in some sort of presidential purgatory. I'm really hoping to emerge into a state of grace soon. So seeing as how I like my theme rides, we decided President's Day would be a fine day for Purgatory.

OK, for real this time...

Yes, I must live under a rock. I don't watch reality television - so I'm not terribly current on the whole public vote-for-me thing. I just signed up for facebook to get some photos from a friend last summer. But we have had the website for a while, and I would occasionally get a query from someone asking if we had a mailing list or a way to notify folks of updates. I finally realized that blogging would be the best way to 1) get me to post photos from trips and rides in a more timely manner and 2) allow folks to subscribe or get notified when we have something new. So we started the blog.

It was quite timely as the Rapha Festive 500 - Ride to Redemption came soon after, and gave me something to write about for a while, and provided some inspiration for using the new camera, as well as a chance to possibly win some swag.

Dear Rapha,

John and I lost some weight doing the Festive 500. We need new, smaller clothes. Please send the following in size small for Pamela to replace the now too big and worn out items

before Redemption

after Redemption

• ladies small shorts
• ladies small winter tights
• ladies small rain jacket

and for John

before Redemption

after Redemption

• men's medium shorts
• men's large tights
• winter hat (he claims his head is smaller now)
  

Thank you for challenging us but now nothing fits!

January 1 - Restrospective on Redemption

There will be a public vote to decide the top three for the Rapha Festive 500 on Rapha's facebook page on Friday the 20th January.  

Rapha ran this crazy challenge for the last week of 2011 called the Festive 500 - Ride to Redemption. The challenge was to ride 500 km between December 23 and December 31. We took the challenge quite literally and kicked it off by Riding to Redemption Rock on December 24, and tried to stick with a somewhat irreverent take on the redemption theme throughout the week. We invited others to join and had some company along the way. The challenge provided great motivation for Pamela to make use of her new camera. Here are a few highlights from the week. Click on the daily blog entries for complete stories and many more photos.

We had great company and help along the way. Our riding companions during the challenge logged 2740 kms at well, so maybe we should really get to count 4182 kilometers worth of redemption.

Grand Total - Pamela - 838 km,  John - 609 km
  

December 31 - Recuperating from Chasing Redemption

Total - Pamela - 838 km,  John - 609 km

Dec 31 - Pamela 29 km, John 29 km

Dec 30 - Pamela 74 km, John  88 km

Dec 29 - Pamela 105 km, John 28 km

Dec 28 - Pamela 110km, John 51km 

Dec 27 - Pamela 130km, John 44km

Dec 26 - Pamela 96km,  John - 100km

Dec 25 - Pamela - 75km,  John - 75km

Dec 24 - Pamela and John - 164 km

Dec 23 - Pamela - 55 km,  John 30 km

Chasing Redemption is hard going, especially for someone with such a cheeky attitude.

December 30 - World's End 2011-style

Last May, we survived Harold Camping's predicted rapture and had a rapturous good time doing the East Coast Rapha Gentlemen's Race. Today, we rode to World's End and, yet again, it did not. We'll see what 12/21/2012 brings and whether the Mayans had it right. Maybe we'll plan to do this route again on that day. If I have to be somewhere when the world ends, this is as good a place as any - actually much better than most. It is an absolutely beautiful spot. I'm so glad it has been preserved and is maintained now by the Trustees of the Reservations.

December 29 - A Pagan Celebration

Last week, when we came up with our list of Redemption Rides, we had a few obvious choices like Redemption Rock and the two Purgatory rides, but some of the others required a bit of literary license. I must admit Pagan Hill is one. It is actually Pegan Hill , but this, the highest spot in Natick, does so fit with the original meaning, that we call it Pagan Hill. As one of the local hill-climb training spots, it also seems like a natural place for a band of druids to cast spells that make cyclists dance up hills effortlessly.

December 28 - From Purgatory to Paradise

After the disgrace of Monday, I worried a bit that today's ride to Purgatory Falls might also not go as planned. But the weather gods cooperated somewhat, allowing for a glorious ride from Purgatory to Paradise and beyond. I say somewhat because the high temperature for the day, 50F, occurred in the wee hours, while it was hosing down with rain, incidentally. Then the temperature fell throughout the day, approaching freezing when we finished, but it was clear and sunny. And while the roads were wet from the evening downpour, they weren't icy thanks to the 50F overnight temperature. Dressing for these conditions (temps falling) was challenging, but we all managed to select the right combination of clothing. BTW, I mentioned my desire for some Rapha women's tights in yesterday's entry. Well, Zabeth came through for me. She had accidentally ordered an extra pair when Rapha was having a sale, so she passed them on to me at the good sale price. And I absolutely love them! Rapha can still send me a pair for free- ladies - size small, please.

Today's route includes some of my favorite roads. Years ago, John and I put together a 200km route for the local brevet series. Over time, some of those roads have gotten busy, so I have proposed replacing the middle part of the 200km with this route. I think it will happen this year. Hopefully the riders won't hate me for replacing the busy roads with some quiet, scenic (which translates to hilly) roads. There are some magnificent views along the route, but I will say that riders have to work hard to earn them. 

The reward at the top of the toughest climb

December 27 - Paradise Lost Lake and Beyond Redemption

The Festive 500 - Ride to Redemption continues. Today, John had to go back to work, but I continue to enjoy freedom from proper employment. A few weeks ago I started leading a social pace ride out of Ride Studio Cafe on Tuesdays, so today's Redemption Ride was just my Tuesday Social Pace Ride, meaning I would likely have a bit of company. We started with a total of eleven riders, with a few planning to cut off at some point for a shorter ride, but most planning for the full distance. It was another amazing December day, not quite as sunny as yesterday but an almost balmy 40F at the start. I was definitely dressed lighter than in previous days. If only I had a nice pair of the Rapha Ladies Winter Tights... Maybe I can win some in this contest!

December 26 - Disgrace and Redemption

To translate Robbie Burns,  "The best laid schemes of mice and men / Go oft awry"

Seeking the Abbey of Sisters of Divine Mercy of the Assumption of the Immaculate Epic Conception, we found this one

Followers of the blog may be aware that we made some ambitious plans last week for the Ride to Redemption challenge, completely ignoring the fact that it is actually late December in New England, a time and place that is often much more suitable for cross-country skiing than cycling.

Today's planned route to Mt Grace is a challenge even in the best of conditions. It has loads of climbing and descending, and is a bit on the long side for the amount of daylight we currently have. We had shortened it with a remote start, but this did mean loading up and driving to the start. We further complicated logistics by arranging to test-ride a Seven tandem, which we'd need to pick up on our way out of town.

December 25 - Fire and Brimstone for the Unredeemable

December 25 is the day most of the western world sets aside to celebrate consumerism, allowing most folks a day off work to consume lots of food and exchange lots of items into which the giver may have invested great thought, like a manger scene snow globe, that will likely be returned the next day and exchanged for something the recipient really wants, like Air Jordan sneakers.

Having achieved Redemption yesterday, we chose to seek out Fire and Brimstone. But rather than descending into a hot, fiery hell, we climbed up to Brimstone Hill where it was so brutally cold, that we would have been quite happy to roast our toes on a bit of fire.

Since this holiday seemingly honors shopping and consumption, the folks who work so hard in all the shops and cafes are given the day off work. However, in recent years, more and more businesses (CVS, Dunkin Donuts) have decided to take advantage of lack of competition on the day, especially for the potential customer who has truly waited until the last minute and considers a bottle of shampoo and a pack of batteries to be an appropriate gift. But even the ever-accommodating Rob and Patria, of Ride Studio Cafe, our usual coffee and ride-launching point, decided to take a break and closed early on Saturday and completely on Sunday. So we decided to open Cafe Blayleys before the ride to serve espresso drinks and provide a warm meeting place.

December 24th - Ride to Redemption Rock

It all started innocently enough. John and I were talking about a theme for the upcoming Festive 500 rides, when we realized Rapha had already provided the theme for us: Ride to Redemption. John suggested we simply Ride to Redemption Rock out near Mt Wachusett. Next thing I knew, we were also talking about riding to Purgatory and Brimstone and Grace, but I'm getting ahead of myself. Before all those other rides we would kick off the week with a long, hard, hilly ride to Redemption! When we planned this 90 mile ride, starting from Ride Studio Cafe, for the eve before the day when everything is closed, little did we know the temperature would never even think about rising above freezing. But given the long hard day and the early sunset at this time of year, we figured we should get an early start, so we planned an 8:30AM departure from the Studio, which meant a 7:30 AM departure from home, which meant a 6:30 AM alarm. Oh that hurt.

 

December 23 - Seeking Out Redemption Centers

The first day of the Festive 500, Dec 23, started grey and dreary. We've got lots of long hard rides planned for the rest of the week. Today should just be an easy ride - save something for tomorrows ride to Redemption Rock. But I think I will seek out some inspiration. I'll ride the Green Queen, my workhorse fixed gear commuting bike with a pannier so I can pick up some coffee beans for the weekend. 

First off, how do I take a self portrait?

Redemption Rides

As we posted previously, Rapha has another crazy challenge for the last week of 2011 called the Festive 500 - Ride to Redemption. The challenge is to ride 500 km between December 23 and December 31. We are taking the challenge quite literally and kicking it off by Riding to Redemption Rock on December 24, and sticking with a somewhat irreverent take on the redemption theme throughout the week. We'd love company.

Some rides will leave from Ride Studio Cafe in Lexington, Massachusetts, USA. Others have a remote start, since we don't need to ride the 500km all in one day! The longer rides will start earlier to maximize daylight. We plan to be back before dark, but it might be a good idea to bring lights, especially for the longer rides. Definitely bring a camera and a spirit of adventure.

Please download the GPS track and/or cues and let us know if you will join us, especially for the rides that don't start from RSC. (Email pb at blayleys dot com)

Since Ride Studio Cafe (and almost everywhere else too) will be closed on the 25th, we will serve espresso drinks at our place before the ride (coffee from 9, ride at 10). Send me email, pb at blayleys dot com, and I'll give you the address. And for folks who have no other obligations for the day, we will have a potluck after the ride. Let us know you are staying so we can coordinate food.

So here's the schedule, including links to RideWithGPS routes. The weather could get temperamental with all this forward planning, so check back for potential changes. As you can see, we have over 500 miles (which if you do the conversion is way more than 500 km) of rides, so Pamela will be well and truly exhausted by the end of the week! She'll probably need a massage. 

• Saturday, Dec 24 - Redemption Rock
  from Ride Studio Cafe
  8:30 AM sharp
  90 miles
• Sunday, Dec 25 - Brimstone
  from Watertown, MA
  10:00 AM
  45 miles
  potluck after
  Email pb at blayleys dot com if you are riding
• Monday, Dec 26 - Mt. Grace
  from Westminster, MA
  9:00 AM sharp
  90 miles
• Tuesday, Dec 27 - Paradise Lost Lake
  from Ride Studio Cafe
  10:00 AM
  60 miles
• Wednesday, Dec 28 - Purgatory Falls, NH
  from Hollis, NH
  10:00 AM 
  60 miles
• Thursday, Dec 29 - Pagan Hill
  from Ride Studio Cafe
  10:00 AM
  50 miles
• Friday, Dec 30 - World's End
  from Hingham, MA
  10:00 AM
  40 miles
• Saturday, Dec 31 - Purgatory Chasm, MA
  We're tired, so we've made two options. We'll be doing the short ride.
  Purgatory Chasm
  from Framingham, MA
  9:30 AM
  65 miles
  or for the truly hardcore who need a last minute century!
  Purgatory Chasm
  from Ride Studio Cafe
  8:00 AM sharp
  105 miles

Rapha Ride to Redemption

Rapha has another crazy challenge for the last week of 2011 called the Festive 500 - Ride to Redemption. The challenge is to ride 500 km between December 23 and December 31. We are taking the challenge quite literally and kicking it off by Riding to Redemption Rock on December 24 following this route. We will start the morning off with our noses against the window of Ride Studio Cafe at 8 AM, awaiting their opening, to get espresso and scones, before heading out to ride at 8:30 AM sharp. This will be a fun, hard, spirited and festive ride. Folks are welcome to join us. We will be on our tandem. We plan to be back before dark, but it is 90 hard miles. It might be a good idea to bring lights. Definitely bring a camera and an spirit of adventure.

We are planning other rides as the week goes on, including rides to Purgatory, Brimstone, and World's End. More details to follow.