12 Days of DIYgravel

* Curious what these mean? Scroll down.

* Curious what these mean? Scroll down.

Ho ho ho,

Are you looking for a little end of year motivation? Just like Santa down the chimney, here come the 12 Days of DIYgravel! Whether you’re deep into next season’s training or you’re looking for a reason to saddle up, here’s a late 2020, festive adventure.

Beginning RIGHT NOW and wrapping up on December 25, I challenge you to tackle these 12 unique rides in order as 12 straight days or mix it up.

The same DIYgravel rules apply. And that, of course, means there are some amazing prizes from my sponsors up for grabs.

All my very best my friends,

—Ted

* In case these 12 days need a bit more explanation:

  • 12 = 1,200 feet of climbing. 1,200 meters is acceptable if you’re feeling ambitious. Or 12 feet of climbing if you live in Florida and 1,200 feet would require 600 trips across the overpass

  • 11 = Listen to or sing aloud at least 11 holiday songs on your ride today. “Christmas Classics” playlist on Spotify if a particular favorite of mine.

  • 10 = Drop and give me 10! Yup, 10 mid-ride pushups. 

  • 9 = Bang out 9 intervals. Sprints, VO2s, or 9 minutes of threshold, your call — or ask your coach to add 9 intervals for you.

  • 8 = Create a route that involves 8 right hand turns. More is acceptable. Less is… less.

  • 7 = Welcome to the weekend! Today’s ride will involve the pursuit of 7 houses resplendent with holiday decor.

  • 6 = 60 mile Sunday. Or 60km if that’s of interest to you. 6 miles is cool too; this might be the optimal option if you’re fat biking.

  • 5 = Work hard today and earn 5 pieces of Strava hardware. PRs, crowns, trophies, any color, gold, silver, or bronze.

  • 4 = Another tour today: seek out 4 barns.

  • 3 = Bikes can be utilitarian. Be a good friend or neighbor and deliver 3 gifts to 3 lucky recipients by way of the bike.

  • 2 = If you’re doing this as a countdown, today is Christmas Eve so for goodness sake hopefully you have the day off from work… and therefore more time to ride! Take the day to visit two bakeries today. 

  • 1 = Merry Christmas my friends! Devote this 1 day to family and friends on this most festive of days.

Ted KingComment