The rules couldn’t be more straightforward so let’s make a handy list
- Complete 560 km from today until December 31, 2024 – only rides logged after this date count.
- Save the receipts! Track your progress through the Strava, Garmin or Wahoo Fitness apps.
- Once you’ve completed the 560 km (or more), post a screenshot from the Progress section of any of these apps to your Instagram Story, tag @wlcmagazine, and use the #560kmClub hashtag.
- By completing all of the above, you will automatically enter a draw to win a towbar rack for 2 bicycles!
- Don’t forget to share your accomplishments to inspire others.
With the essentials out of the way, let’s add a few details. So, why such a specific number as 560? Škoda, the partner and sponsor of the Tour de France, La Vuelta a España, the L’Étape du Tour de France, and many other globally renowned cycling races, is releasing a new fully electric Elroq model that can travel on a single charge – you guessed it – 560 km. The goal is to match or outdo that. You can make the trip in one go or do shorter ones that add up, both approaches are valid.
The prize, a sturdy towbar rack for 2 bicycles, is compatible with any modern Škoda model.
After you post your contest entry Story, we’ll feature it in the Story Highlights on the We Love Cycling Instagram and the winner will be selected randomly on the first day of 2025.
Zobrazit příspěvek na Instagramu
Don’t get intimidated, get inspired instead
The triple-digit distance might seem daunting on paper but take, for example, Czech Milan Silný whose approach might serve as an inspiration for anyone eyeing the 560 km challenge. Cycling has been in Milan’s life for at least 25 years. From occasional commuting and short trips, he slowly graduated to long-distance rides of 300+ km a few times a year, building up his stamina. Then a friend dared him to try something different.
Seeing that Michal, who is in his fifties, has the form, endurance and drive, his friend suggested doing over 560 km on a bike in one go. Together, they sat down at the map of Europe’s cycle highways and paths, selecting a route that would be adequately flat, convenient, scenic, and not too far from convenient amenities. Eventually, Michal decided to take a nearly uninterrupted cycling trip from Germany to Czechia – with the friend who set things in motion accompanying him in a car as a support.
His journey started at the Port of Wismar on September 25, 2024, at 9:41 a.m. and ended a day and a half later at Hradčanské Square in Prague at 10:08 p.m. He covered a total of 587,3 km. “There was the motivation to ride through beautiful places I hadn’t visited before with the wind in my back and sun on my face, the start was near the sea so was looking forward to it. Of course, it was raining nearly the entire time – and I truly hate cycling in the rain. But since it was a dare, I was not willing to give up,” laughs Milan.
And why the planned 560 km journey grew by nearly 30 km? “Our original plan involved crossing the Krušné hory mountain range in Czechia but, ultimately, we decided to go around it for purely practical reasons, which added the extra kilometres.” Given that Michal only took short rests in between the kilometres, one wonders how he fought off sleep on the nearly 36-hour adventure. “When riding in autumn and especially at night, if you sit down for just a minute, the cold will instantly wake you up and you’re good to go,” he quips. Despite all that, Milan made it to his destination without any major setbacks.
As you see in Milan’s case, the challenge is very much doable if you’re used to riding somewhat regularly. Also, unlike Milan, you don’t have to make the trip in one go (unless you want to) – what counts are the overall kilometres logged until the end of the year.
