I have yet to participate in a Rapha ride and once again wish I could give this one a try. Unfortunately, this is the season of Oscars, and I’ll be working that weekend. I suspect it will be great fun, and I urge those inclined to give it a try. Forty five miles should be perfect, and I’m guessing there will be a bit of hill climbing. Following is the text from Rapha.

Saturday, February 19th in Santa Monica, California we will roll out from Bike Effect, one of the most recent additions to our Retail Partner family. The ride? The Gauntlet. Despite the ominous sounding name this ride is open to one and all and purports to be a great ride up and through the Santa Monica hills. For those of us who are attending from the Portland, Oregon office we are crossing our fingers and praying for sunshine. Join us.

Ride Details:
• 45 Miles, starting and ending at Bike Effect. map
• Coffee at 8:30am – Ride departure 9am sharp
• Return to Bike Effect to view the entire Spring & Summer 2011 range
• If you’re in town send us a note: rsvp@rapha.cc