Each year, we encourage those that take part in the Festive 500 to commemorate their undertaking in whatever way they like. Back in 2016, Ruth Cousins completed the challenge and when we received her entry to the Spirit of the #Festive500 Awards, we knew we’d found our winner. “My Festive 500 story is quite simple, but very personal. It’s a conversation with my dad who sadly passed away from cancer that year. He is my creative and adventure barometer.” Ruth’s series of stunning, hand-painted postcards tell a story that touched all of us, riders and non-cyclists alike. Each had a powerful landscape painted on the front, and on the back was a message to her dad with updates from that day’s ride. “I never thought I’d win the prize. A lot of my artwork is about putting down a feeling in pictures, and my entry focussed on talking about my Dad and having the confidence to do so.” Her advice to anyone taking on the challenge? “I would encourage anyone to give it a go, make your own rules and reasons, enjoy it, embrace the weather and see how good it makes you feel. But remember you're in charge, it has to be fun. If the weather wins the day, eat cake, drink coffee and plot your year ahead.”