Events: 2023 Rapha Festive 500 Days Three, Four, and Five

Ride Distance: -- Miles/ 266 Remain

It is stated that the Delaware River is the largest undammed waterway east of the Mississippi. Keeping this in mind every time the river jumps its banks helps make sense of the unpredictability of the Delaware. Meander amongst river towns and it is hard to miss flood markers from “The Big One of 55” to recent challengers. One might even run into a witness. 

The goal for this year’s Rapha Festive 500 - an eight day challenge to cover 500 kilometers - has been to explore as much of the Delaware Canal State Park pathways as possible. In true Festive 500, the first few days chugged along, even featuring an unexpected ride on day two. But then, as unpredictable as the Delaware River is, the Festive tossed curves.

To have an obstacle or two thrown into the gauntlet that is the Festive is expected. There are obligations, weather issues, and engagements. It’s expected to have to navigate at least one of those hurdles across the eight days. But to have multiple barriers, specifically in the middle portion of the Festive, turned out to be too much, and the plug was pulled to drain away all motivation.

Upon waking on day three of the Festive a heavy fog rolled in. So, too, there was heavy congestion and a hurricane cough. It wasn’t the worst situation, but it was hard to find justification to hop atop the asphalt bike and chip away miles for the Festive. By mid-morning the fog lifted slightly. Meanwhile the energy drained from the body. Getting a ride in would only prolong illness, so a rest day was ordered up. But the worst was yet to come.

Overnight and into day four, a strong storm system came and drenched the area. No doubt the Delaware was eager to jump its banks to swallow the canal. Sure enough, social media was full of posts showing the broadening of the river. The rains continued through day four as did the illness. Skipping two days is elimination around here; there’s no enjoyment in hoping for a 100-mile day at some point. It was at that point the Festive slipped away once again, from under a blanket while watching cyclocross, to the sound of heavy rain lashing the windows. 

Though the Festive is over, I still ride as if it is still possible. Even in defeat the challenge is motivating. Each mile covered from here on out is a bonus. Long ago, the bike was packed up after the solstice and life took a break from riding. That thought process has evolved to continuing to ride, especially the eight days from December 24 - 31. I knew early this Festive was going to be challenging, but there are those who live along the Delaware River who recognize the warning signs where a situation is just not worth it: Flooding rains, the typical holiday illness, nearly a dozen closures along the towpath, cold temperatures. How many more signs would I need to decide this Festive was over for me?