Gnu Festive 500

500 km of cycling between Christmas and New Year’s Eve

The Gnu Festive 500 is the ultimate winter cycling challenge: 500 kilometres of cycling between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve – outdoors and in all weathers.

While others are lying on the sofa, you get on your bike, brave the rain, cold and wind – and rack up real kilometres on the road, off-road or in the forest. It doesn’t matter whether you cycle the 500 km in one go or spread it over several rides: the main thing is that you’re outside.

The idea behind the Gnu Festive 500

Inspired by the legendary Rapha Festive 500, launched in 2010 by the English cycling brand Rapha, the Gnu Festive 500 was created as an honest, original version of the well-known cycling challenge.
Since 2020, Rapha has also been counting virtual kilometres on home trainers – but that goes against the true spirit of the challenge. Our motto is: No smarttrainer. No screens. No indoor training. Just you, your bike and the elements.

500 honest kilometres – outdoors, in all weathers

The Gnu Festive 500 stands for authentic outdoor cycling in winter. It’s about endurance, passion and community. Whether you ride on tarmac, gravel or trails, you’ll experience the pure joy of cycling.
When you’ve clocked up 500 kilometres, you’ll not only have earned the respect of your fellow riders, but also your own personal badge.

Your reward: pride, community & an exclusive patch

Those who complete the challenge will receive a unique patch as a reward for their passion and true cycling spirit. A memento that shows you made it through.
But the Gnu Festive 500 is about more than just kilometres: every year, we combine the event with a charity campaign to support people whose challenges go far beyond sport. This is how we combine cycling and social engagement.

Join in – experience the Gnu Festive 500

Are you ready for 500 real kilometres between Christmas and New Year’s Eve?
Then be part of the Festive community, ride with us and experience what cycling in winter means.