The Festive 500 is a great challenge to take on during the Christmas period, but it is bloomin' hard work.

Riding 500km in 8 days, including Christmas Eve, Day and NYE, is a serious commitment. Especially when the in-laws are likely to pop over unannounced on a random day too, probably just after you've put all your winter kit on.

There are also lots of alternative options to the Festive 500 - like Cold Dark North's Festive 50 (ride 50km over the period, if you feel like it). We wholeheartedly support these initiatives too. 

## The Festive Fundred

If you want to do 'something' this Christmas, then we suggest taking part in our Festive Fundred event. 

There's no Strava link to sign up to, or any kind of badge to acquire, but it's a fun challenge to keep you busy between mince pies. 

The idea is simple. Do 100 'somethings' over the Festive period. What those things are is totally up to you. 

You can commit to riding 100km over the 8 days, or 100 minutes. Or commit to 100 steps per day (this one might be a challenge too far!) Whatever your plan, make it (very) achievable instead of stupidly hard!

Extra points for anyone who commits to eating 100 mince pies over the period. 

## Donate money, not quality family time! 

If you can't really be bothered to do something 100 times this Christmas, then donate some monies instead of your time. 

Either instead of or alongside riding 100km, why not donate £100 or a suitable multiple of 100 pennies to the charity of your choice. 

Other amounts are available, but £10 (or more) is a nice amount to donate to a charity in need. Warm fuzzy feels are much better than frigid frozen toes!

As ever, please tag us in your efforts and activities (@dirtywknd) so we can shout about how great you are. Especially if you donate to a charity that means a lot to you - we want to hear about it.

Have a wonderful Christmas break and NYE and good luck in all your festive endeavours.