Every year on December 24, the Festive 500 begins, an initiative of clothing brand Rapha to inspire you for one last 'push' on the pedals. The challenge is actually quite simple. During this period, make as many kilometres as possible, actually 500, to complete the challenge and earn the badge. Some people ride it in one go, usually then in two days. Others take the full eight days. All are fine. If you complete the Festive 500, then you can eat your oliebollen (or if you ride 200km on the 24th, you can have Christmas dinner with peace of mind). To help you out a bit, we have a few longer routes in Netherlands as inspiration for the Festive 500. If you have any inspiration of your own, please share it with us!
Festive 500: Round Flevoland
One of the most fun routes for the Festive 500 to do is randje Flevoland. You follow the dykes of the youngest Dutch province. One thing is for sure, battling the wind is going to be the biggest challenge to finish this round with some good cheer. We have the start and finish at Landal Waterparc Veluwemeer laid. Then you immediately have a nice base, even during a holiday in this holiday park. We ourselves will also be riding a number of routes from this park next year. So who knows, you might have some extra tips for us!
North-South
Perhaps one of the coolest challenges is to do the route in a bikepacking adventure. We laid the route from the Dutch North Cape (near the Wadden Islands) to picturesque Sluis in Zeeland. A beautiful route that passes by the most beautiful highlights of the Netherlands. At least, as we have laid it now. Of course, it is similar to LEJOG in the UK, where you can also plan your own route. After all, it is only an inspiration. Also take a look at Bikepacking Holland, maybe that way you can also add the overnight stays?
Fixed gear to Le Coffee Ride
This classic ride, in southern Limburg, combines the best of several worlds. You ride from Fixed Gear Coffee to Le Coffee Ride in Stavelot and back again. You can do it in two days, with an overnight stay. Or you can just go there and back in one day. In our route, of course, we made room for the Redoute. And if you're in Stavelot anyway, you really should go over Stockeu. But well, that's up to you. Tip: you can easily tackle it from Landal GreenParks Kasteel Domain de Cauberg.
