I have always had a soft spot for the final weeks of the year, whether I’m on or off the bike. The world seems to slow down, the days grow shorter, and the sunsets become eternal spectacles. As for fellow cyclists, only the most hardened enthusiasts venture out into the chilly weather, either because they’re immune to the cold or refuse to succumb to indoor training. Among cycling aficionados, there’s a long-standing challenge: completing 500km between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. And, of course, I was determined to make it my third consecutive victory.
December 21 - 200km Winter Solstice Ride #
December 24 (Christmas Eve) #
My local cycling club teammates decided to squeeze in one last ride of the year – a leisurely spin around Solingen and Monheim that would cater to both gravel and road bikes (“let’s not let tyre width divide us”). A surprise mulled wine stop at a camper van in a car park, added an extra layer of fun to the ride.
We gathered at our usual starting point on Solingen Central station, but instead of simply seeking refuge from the cold within its walls, we bravely set off into the chilly morning air. As it turned out, we had the entire city to ourselves – just a handful of riders venturing out into the frosty dawn. The route took us through frozen fields, over ice-rimed puddles, and past our teammates’ wispy breaths as they rode alongside. After a spirited sprint through the final town sign, we rewarded ourselves with hot fruit drinks and mulled wine.
A fantastic ride, thanks to all my club mates! This effort not only warmed our bones but also put us one step closer to reaching our New Year’s Eve goal of 500km.
December 25 (Christmas Day) - Tech toys and sunsets #
The day turned out to feature not one but two rides. First up was an excursion with my girlfriend to put my new USB-powered espresso machine through its paces – literally, as we took it on a real-world test at -5°C.
We rode to a nearby lake, where the crisp winter air and serene surroundings provided the perfect backdrop for a coffee stop. Freshly brewed espresso from a portable machine paired perfectly with homemade cookies, making for a truly wonderful break.
The chilly temperatures proved to be a great motivator (let’s call it this way, of course we weren’t freezing at all), as we hopped back on our bikes after our pit stop. Although it was sunny, with zero clouds in the sky, we had to push against the cold, quickly finding the sweet spot between lazy-cold and windchill-cold.
After returning home from our morning ride, I couldn’t resist squeezing in another spin – partly to catch the sunset on the Rhine, but also to put in some extra kilometers towards my 500km goal. So, I set off on a solo lap around Solingen, passing through the rolling fields near Langenfeld and eventually joining the scenic Rhine path in Monheim.
As it turned out, I arrived just in time to witness a breathtaking sunset – with the sun appearing almost as large as Mercury’s orbit would suggest. The sky erupted into a kaleidoscope of pinks and oranges as the light faded quickly.
Once darkness descended, my bike lights proved their worth, illuminating the winding back roads and gravel paths that led me home. The ride was a perfect blend of exercise and appreciation for nature – with the added bonus of some valuable training miles.
December 26 - Quick Home Lap #
Afternoon sunshine and sub-zero temperatures proved too enticing to resist – I opted for a ride on my road bike instead of an indoor training session, which seemed like a far less appealing prospect. With just a short window of time available, I chose a familiar route that would take me across both banks of the Rhine, from Cologne to Düsseldorf and back again.
As I set off, the chill in the air was palpable, but my trusty road bike, equipped with aero bars, was ready for whatever lay ahead. Next to the frozen lakes in Hitdorf, the scene was tranquil – clearly no one was looking to take a dip today! Once across the Leverkusen bridge, I settled into a comfortable rhythm, pedaling northwards along the Rhine on a ’laser highway’ of straight roads, maintaining an average speed of 30km/h with ease. There were only a handful of riders out, but I enjoyed a pleasant exchange with a couple who were discussing their strategy for reaching the coveted 500km mark.
After a brief stop to take in the scenery at the icy lake near Castle Benrath, have I mentioned the sunset?, my ride came to an end – another 75km under my belt and a sense of satisfaction from a job well done.
December 27 - Takes of Lights, Cookies, Sunsets and Coffee stops #
December 28 - Easy money on the home lap #
December 30 - Get Festive 500 done #
