Rapha hit us with a challenge: to ride 500km (311+miles) in 8 days during the Xmas Holidays.

We did it in 6. Why? Cuz we can. And seriously, why not?! 

I rode fixed,front brake only, Robbie Parras rode fixed, with no brakes,(he’s a crazy mutha) and Joseph Orellano wanted to ride fixed, but wrecked his Bianchi a month earlier. He decided to use a buddy’s road bike. We went everywhere- west, north, east, south- you name it. Los Angeles is a whole new world when viewing it from a bike.

Day 1: 50.8 miles

Day 2: 90.5 miles

Day 3: 25.2 miles

Day 4: 22.2 miles

Day 5: 102.5 miles

Day 6: 43.3 miles

Total Elevation: 11,447 feet

My ride stats are at my RideWithGps: http://ridewithgps.com/users/17816/routes

IT’S A WRAP!

We completed the Rapha Festive500km Challenge on day6 with a nice climb to Los Angeles Griffith Park Observatory, one of the best lookouts to LA.

Total ride for day 6 is 43+ miles.

My ride stats are at my RideWithGps: http://ridewithgps.com/users/17816/routes

Day 5 ended up to be the longest ride and most scenic, we touched many tourist spots and landmarks across Los Angeles: From Panorama Ciy, we hit Sepulveda up to Muholland then down to Westwood, up Beverly to Sunset Blvd in Bel Air, found the Playboy Mansion, tried to get in through the gates, but quickly  got threatened by a talking rock! We then headed west through Brentwood to Santa Monica. Stopped at Venice Beach, crossed Marina del Rey, Playa Vista and flew to LAX. Rode around the terminal and headed back to Playa Del Rey and hopped on the Ballona Creek Path passing Culver City to Baldwin Hills. Continued North on fairfax, rode through the OG farmer’s Market and The Grove then to Miracle Mile- home of the Tarpits, LACMA, and The Petersen. From there we took 4th through Hancock Park and Westlake and ended at The Staples Center, home of the defending World Champion Los Angeles Lakers. We took a pic with “Magic” and touched the gates of Dodger Stadium. We then hit Silverlake, Hollywood, Universal City, Toluca Lake, Burbank, Noho, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys and finally back home.

 All these spots on one bike ride… this is why I love Los Angeles.

 Total ride for day 5 is 102.5 + miles.

My ride stats are at my RideWithGps: http://ridewithgps.com/users/17816/routes

Day 4 turned out to be another rest day. Got some new gear from my lovely: SWRVE pants and nikeLivestrong jacket. I went out for a joyride to test out my new stuff. The swrve pants are the bizness!

Total ride for day 3 is 22+ miles.

My ride stats are at my RideWithGps: http://ridewithgps.com/users/17816/routes

After yesterday’s 90+ mile ride, we were pooped, so we needed a recovery day. We ended up cruising around the valley on this Xmas Day, empty of cars and beautiful with sunny skies.

Total ride for day 3 is 25+ miles.

My ride stats are at my RideWithGps: http://ridewithgps.com/users/17816/routes

Day 2 done! Big Day! We did 90+ miles to the Camarillo Outlets and back, about 3,700 ft of climbing.  It was a cold night, I wish I had some real rapha winter gear to keep me warm. Hint. HInt. My light crapped out, computer crapped out, and my knees crapped out, and I also missed a family Xmas Eve party. Good news - My fiance surprised us with Xmas tree shaped cookies and I still was able to get to eat party leftovers(thanks mom)!

 My ride stats are at my RideWithGps: http://ridewithgps.com/users/17816/routes

Day 1 in the books: 51 miles / 2,114 ft. of climbing

My ride stats are at my RideWithGps: http://ridewithgps.com/users/17816/routes