L'Eroica, Gaoile in Chianti, Tuscany 2014

After a thoroughly enjoyable L'Eroica with Lance, Merlin and Algy McCormack in Chianti last year, topped with a fantastic inaugural l'Eroica Britannia, a return for L'Eroica 2014 was a must. 

A team of three planned the route to include a last evening stop off in Champagne to celebrate a big figure birthday. All best laid plans have last minute changes. Non delivery of a new van left us using a trusty Volkswagen going by the name of Sharon.

Weeks of preparation saw a Hetchins SS, Hawkes and Holdsworth stripped, chromed or painted then rebuilt with period parts and brand new Brooks saddles. The Hetchins had some nice original parts that really didn't deserve to hit the scrap heap. Hours of cleaning and polishing by Road Rags' finest grease monkey brought them back to their best. A bit of elk skin here, new grease nipple there. Brooks saddles, period touches, everything was set.

Eurotunnel done its still a long haul through France and into Italy but 25 hours after setting off from that British cycling hub Bexley Heath we were in Gaiole in Chianti. The views are stunning and the warmth of welcome throughout this weekend runs deep in the veins of this village. 5000 cyclists descend for the ride at least 1500 from overseas plus family and friends. We were early arriving on the Thursday and enjoyed a few days of riding the hills, exploring the restaurants, coffee houses and bars. The sun shone, the food fantastic and the wines a delight. Saturday was a day of hustle and bustle amongst the numerous vintage bike stalls and registration for the following day. A few glasses of wine in the evening and a bit of pasta were followed by a later than planned night time bike check.

Come ride day, early morning preparations were swift, down to the village and by chance we joined the start queue at the front avoiding what can be a slow and chilly experience in the narrow streets of the town. A truly tremendous days riding. Fantastic views in warm late summer sunshine, the odd steep climb on the gravel paths and feast like feed stops along the way. Photo opportunities a plenty and a real camaraderie among the riders. The chalk path sections are the highlight I guess, just that little bit different to anything you experience during the rest of the year. Its a long old journey there and back for one days cycling but I cannot recommend it enough. A classic bike, retro clothing, and you are away. I went for our Hoxton with Chatsworth three quarter length trousers and a pair of Quoc Pham leather cycling shoes. There is Chianti at every feed stop but its wise to leave that to the latter stages. There is a large marquee that feeds all riders at the end, a great spot to swap stories with friends and other riders, before heading back into the town for a few well deserved beers, coffees and brandies.

Make the effort it really is worth it....

L'eroica 2013, Sunday October 6th, Gaiole, Chianti, Italy 7 Oct '13

An early morning start at sunrise for the boys in from England...the aftermath rains of hurricane Penelope had drifted on out of town and the morning was dry...an immediate boost to the spirits and it was in to town for the off as soon as we could...last minute bike checks, thinning out some unnecessary kit we went down to the start. A lot of banter in the queue. The Italians just loved the British lightweights on show, many an admiring comment passed on the chrome work of the Holdsworth, a wry smile about the Union Jack spray job at the rear, the Hetchins SS drew many a comment as a Hetchins always does.

It wasn't too long before bikes were checked to ensure they met the 'period' restrictions and we were off on a gentle climb to the first stretch of bianchi strada, the white chalk paths that make this ride so famous. A good little climb to get the blood moving and onto the flat run that showed the true beauty of this area. Until now everything had been shrouded in mist and rain. But first problem for the team. Merlins' derailleur burst apart and with bits all over the road he was in for a long day.

Chain shortened Merlin was down to a single speed set up, problems to be compounded with rubbing back wheel throughout the day. A stoic performance as we were only 10km into the ride. I would have been tempted to hail a cab from the next cafe... To rally the troops each stead was given a name. 'Sorry Lad' and 'Unnecessarily Shiny', made good early headway guided by the wise heads aboard. This ride is one of great beauty. The colours were vibrant, and the distance that you could see all around you on such a clear day was truly breathtaking. 

The ride is no gentle stroll but its not a race for most involved. You will finish its just a matter of time. Plenty of walkers on the steep sections but we managed to keep those wheels turning though the pace was pretty slow on the last few ascents. My merino 'Hoxton' was perfect for this ride, kept me warm whilst hanging around at the start, wicked away the sweat on the climbs. Italians loved the quality of the merino and the classic cut and colour. 

But its not just the ride and scenery, the hospitality is so warm and welcoming. Food stops consist of bread dipped in wine, salt and sugar, sounds odd but goes down a treat. Bread and olive oil with salt. Fresh walnuts, figs, grapes, cheeses. Water a plenty and just as much wine.

With the sun pretty strong we were keen to take on as much fluid as possible!!

As the end comes closer you can loosen the reins and have a little more wine and a little less water. Some great Italian ice creams also hit the spot. Cards were stamped by local officials and pretty girls.

The down hills on that gravel can be pretty tricky but its the up that gives the pain. As we get closer to home each village saw another bar or stall offering goodies. We also came across a good old British Mini parked in one of the many narrow streets next to it's more local sister from the time. With the Holdsworth in Chrome and Union Jack getting many an envious look.

It's a last few climbs and then one long descent home. Having led our little crew of Brits up the hills throughout the day Lance and I decide to wait for Algy and Merlin to role into town as one. The line soon breaks and its a sprint finish, confusion and before you know it I've missed the turning and am heading out of town!

Back to the support HQ for pasta and vino, stories were swapped. There were some unusual post ride team tracksuits on parade to add to the evening then its back to the Jolly Bar for coffees and brandies a steep walk to the hotel and late night swims in the heated pool...a great end to a truly great day....Thank you Tuscany, we shall be back for more...

L'eroica 24 hours and counting

What an absolute b*stard of a drive. In the car for 29 hours in total. UK fine, even London fine. Picked up the bikes from Mr.Bridger. Hit the Eurotunnel sooner than expected. Straight on to an earlier train just before 10.00pm. The drive starts well but before you know it Groundhog Day. In June I drove to Corsica with two mates for the start of the Tour through non stop rain. The only difference this time was the addition of thunder and lightning. Grabbed a couple of hours kip at one of the many service stations around 4.00am. Up, coffee, crack on towards the alps. Pay for the pleasure of the Mont Blanc tunnel. This drive never seems to end. French and Italian roads full of pretty easy going drivers until I hit the Milan area around late afternoon. Have to say the sat nav I have been leant is brilliant map and photo image at all interchanges, through the hills in back of beyond Tuscany, right to my door. 

Bed, sleep. Woken by big thunderstorm clattering around the valley. Lightning forking outside. Wake up to this beautiful view of the Italian countryside....

A pea soup soon to be followed by deluge after deluge of rain throughout the day..... met up with Lance, Merlin and Algy. Great pizza in the piazza..'Who ordered tomato, mushroom and water?' cried the waiter!

Registration amongst rumblings of the whole event being called off, though die hards said it would never be so. Health and safety wont be featuring tomorrow.

A great mix of nationalities signing up. L'eroica Brittania and L'eroica Japan being launched next year. Bakewell or Mount Fuji......

A good afternoon wandering around the numerous stalls and sheltering from the rain was followed by an evening of pasta, cappuccino and brandies sheltering from the rain......

Off to bed its gunna be an early start!!