Every year on December 24th the Festive 500 begins. An initiative of clothing brand Rapha to inspire you for a final push on the pedals. The challenge is actually quite simple. Make as many kilometers as possible during this period, actually 500, to complete the challenge and earn the badge. Some people do it in one go, usually in two days. Others take the full 8 days. It’s all good. Once you complete the Festive 500, you can relax and enjoy the fritters (or if you’re already driving 200km on the 24th, you can relax and enjoy the Christmas dinner). To help you a little, we’ve added a few longer routes in Netherlands made, as inspiration for the Festive 500. Do you have any more inspiration yourself? Share it with us!
Festive 500: Tour of Flevoland
One of the most enjoyable routes for the Festive 500 is the edge of Flevoland. You follow the dykes of the youngest Dutch province. One thing is certain: the fight with the wind will be the biggest challenge in completing this round with a bit of good luck. We have the start and finish at Landal Waterpark Veluwemeer Once you have set it up, you have a great base for your holiday in this holiday park. Next year, we plan to take a few trips from this park ourselves. So who knows, you might have some great extra tips for us!
North-South
Perhaps one of the coolest challenges is to make the route a bikepacking adventure. We have mapped the route from the Dutch North Cape (near the Wadden Islands) to the picturesque Sluis in Zeeland. A beautiful route that takes you past the most beautiful highlights of the Netherlands. At least, that is how we have mapped it now. Of course, it is similar to LEJOG in England, where you can also plan your own route. After all, it is just an inspiration. Take a look at Bikepacking Holland, Maybe you could include the overnight stays in that way as well?
Fixed gear to Le Coffee Ride
This classic route in Zuid-Limburg combines the best of several worlds. You drive from Fixed Gear Coffee to Le Coffee Ride in Stavelot and back again. You can do that in two days, including an overnight stay. Or you can just go back and forth in one day. In our route, we have of course made room for the Redoute. And if you’re in Stavelot anyway, you really should stop by Stockeu. But anyway, that’s up to you. Tip: You can do it quite well from Landal Castle Estate de Cauberg.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.