Eroica Primavera
05-04-16, 06:35 PM
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Eroica Primavera
Just got back from this. You don't see much about it on line relative to the original L'Eroica event or the Calif version.
This is the spring Italian version. I think this was the second time they've done it. I also am pretty sure it is run under the Eroica logo by different organizers than the original event. In any case, I really liked it and thought others might want to consider it at some point.
I skipped most of the vintage festivities although they had all that. I did the long route (150km/9500ft elevation gain). Here is a link to the course https://ridewithgps.com/trips/824274...020.1454073100 It was a much smaller event than L'Eroica. Maybe 75 riders on the long route, 95% Italian, and most very strong riders. The route itself was excellent and, I thought, a better route than the 208K at L'Eroica (which was excellent nonetheless). This route seemed more scenic to me, had less time on bigger roads, and had a better balance/spacing of climbs, dirt, and small towns. There was minimal overlap with the shorter routes that eliminated obstruction by walking riders. The route was very well marked (although I still managed a wrong turn that added 7km and some extra climbing) and the support stops uncrowded and excellent except for a poor one at Pienza.
I rode this on the same vintage Marnati I used for L'Eroica but refitted with a Campy triple 52/42/36 and 1st Generation Rally RD with 14-30 freewheel. It worked well and I used that small ring a lot more than anticipated. Ran 32 mm Compass Stampede Pass tires (on wheels built with modern H+Son TB14 rims) and I have to say that the tires do seem to live up to the hype. They were fast on descent and have proven surprisingly durable on roads much worse than encountered at this event.
All in all, this was a really fun ride and one worth considering if an Italian trip is on your agenda. Tuscany in spring is just hard to beat and this route takes in the best of it.
This is the spring Italian version. I think this was the second time they've done it. I also am pretty sure it is run under the Eroica logo by different organizers than the original event. In any case, I really liked it and thought others might want to consider it at some point.
I skipped most of the vintage festivities although they had all that. I did the long route (150km/9500ft elevation gain). Here is a link to the course https://ridewithgps.com/trips/824274...020.1454073100 It was a much smaller event than L'Eroica. Maybe 75 riders on the long route, 95% Italian, and most very strong riders. The route itself was excellent and, I thought, a better route than the 208K at L'Eroica (which was excellent nonetheless). This route seemed more scenic to me, had less time on bigger roads, and had a better balance/spacing of climbs, dirt, and small towns. There was minimal overlap with the shorter routes that eliminated obstruction by walking riders. The route was very well marked (although I still managed a wrong turn that added 7km and some extra climbing) and the support stops uncrowded and excellent except for a poor one at Pienza.
I rode this on the same vintage Marnati I used for L'Eroica but refitted with a Campy triple 52/42/36 and 1st Generation Rally RD with 14-30 freewheel. It worked well and I used that small ring a lot more than anticipated. Ran 32 mm Compass Stampede Pass tires (on wheels built with modern H+Son TB14 rims) and I have to say that the tires do seem to live up to the hype. They were fast on descent and have proven surprisingly durable on roads much worse than encountered at this event.
All in all, this was a really fun ride and one worth considering if an Italian trip is on your agenda. Tuscany in spring is just hard to beat and this route takes in the best of it.
Last edited by Numbskull; 05-04-16 at 06:42 PM.
05-04-16, 07:08 PM
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Thanks for the report. I am considering this one or other small events like La Polverosa, La Mitica, etc. I'd like to combine a smaller event with a Florence to Assisi ride like Bartali did.
Events with 5000 riders have very little appeal to me. Except possibly Maratona dles Dolomites. That ride is crazy. 140km with 14K feet of climbing.
Events with 5000 riders have very little appeal to me. Except possibly Maratona dles Dolomites. That ride is crazy. 140km with 14K feet of climbing.
05-04-16, 09:16 PM
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Wow. Tuscany, in spring. On a bicycle (with a triple). 
A man can dream...
Seriously, something like this, with ~75 riders sounds a lot more fun than some circus/parade with thousands. Thanks for the tip.
A man can dream... Seriously, something like this, with ~75 riders sounds a lot more fun than some circus/parade with thousands. Thanks for the tip.
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● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
05-04-16, 09:49 PM
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Where are the bikes? 
Those photos of the Tuscan landscape look idyllic. I wasn't aware of this ride, so another +1 in saying thanks for the report. Another one for the bucket list.
Those photos of the Tuscan landscape look idyllic. I wasn't aware of this ride, so another +1 in saying thanks for the report. Another one for the bucket list.
05-05-16, 03:13 AM
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