Rapha Festive 500: Day 8 Thank You Rapha

Dear Rapha,

     I'd like to thank you sincerely for offering up the Festive 500 challenge. I am grateful this opportunity arose and I'm grateful I had the courage and strength to do it. Initially I decided to do the challenge to win the espresso machine. I have a deep passion for making and drinking coffee, so the opportunity to win the beautiful Rocket Espresso Machine, Chris King Tamper, and Espresso Cups was like offering a free ticket to heaven simply by riding my bike. But, after delving in to the project I realized that I had forgotten about myself, forgotten about the things that I love, and the things I have to offer the world. I have been unemployed for 7 months, and that's what happens when you don't have work, you forget who you are and you begin to not feel well. This opportunity to ride my bike 500km was an opportunity to look deep inside myself for courage and strength, to remember that I am good and beautiful, remember that I still have things to give to this world.. And I am truly grateful for that! It is a blessing to have those feelings back! Thank you! I am also grateful for the wonderful products you make and am looking forward to getting a job soon so I can afford more wonderful Rapha gear! Especially the jeans in size 32! Also, if the continental is looking for riders, please consider this my resume, I have no job so I would love to ride for you!

Thank you so much for everything, looking forward to maybe brewing coffee on my new Rapha Espresso machine!

Sincerely,

Nicholas Louis

Rapha Festive 500: Day 7 Tribute to Cyclocross

Beautiful Shot of My Bianchi Cavaria

With 95% of the Rapha Festive 500 complete, I only needed to log 25km (15miles) today. My initial plan was to drive up to Donner Summit in Lake Tahoe to smash around in the snow to get fun pics. Unfortunately I slept in an opted for a bit different of a ride. I rode my road bike and my fixie, it was only appropriate to complete the Festive 500 with a ride on my cross bike.

Epic Conditions to Finish the Festive 500

My route went directly off my porch in to the American River Canyon featuring two big climbs and a nice jaunt through Oldtown Auburn to ice the cake.

Today's Route Map

Poached Section, Topo View

One mile out my door I descended in to the American River Canyon poaching a horseback trail to the bottom. On the way down I ran in to a few horseback riders who were a bit unhappy about my presence on their trail..  I greeted them with a smile and hopped off my bike. Like a true Jedi cross racer I threw the bike on my shoulder, dodged the hecklers and hopped back on my ride to complete the descent. It was a slick move, the Belgians would've been proud of that one!

American River

This is a shot from the poached section, it captures the beauty of the area.

Confluence at The Base of The Canyon

Once at the river level, I smashed out to the confluence and up to the first climb.

Lake Clementine Loop

This area is called the Lake Clementine Loop, a 9.6km (6 mile) loop with 243m (800ft) of climbing. At the base (seen in blue) a dirt trail goes out 2.4km (1.5miles) climbing 106m (350ft). There is a green gate where the dirt ends and a pavement section begins. The pavement then goes up 167m (550ft)/2.4km (1.5miles) to the top. Once at the top it's all downhill, a 4.8km (3mile) Super-D descent section to the bottom. This portion of the ride is best on a full suspension mountain bike, but I don't own one of those.. I do however own a sick cross bike and don't hesitate at putting that bad boy to work. While I did not set any records on Strava, I wasn't the slowest down that section either, pushing it as fast as I could.

Looking at Lake Clementine From the Paved Section

Portion of The Descent Section

Lots of mud available today. Was nice to splash through the puddles and get some dirt on the bike and shoes.

Stagecoach Seen on Day 5

This is the climb I chose out of the canyon, Stagecoach which I feature on day 5. I wanted to mix it up with a different climb out, but due to time constraints I needed to take the fastest route home.

From Stagecoach Looking South

Route Profile

Oldtown Auburn, CA

Heading home I was about 1 mile short to complete the Festive 500 so I did a loop through historic Oldtown Auburn. This is a great interval loop with a sweet hill for sprints. The hill sprint is highlighted in blue. From here I went home with a great sense of joy, I was just so happy to complete this Rapha challenge.

Thank you for reading today's blog, please join me for a summary on day 8 of the Rapha Festive 500!

Happy Riding!