Ed.

That is just so very cool. Totally amazing. Who knows, maybe before I'm too old and decripit I might figure out how to put it all together. The Torpado would be a natural, but a 47-22 bottom gear seems a bit daunting, LOL. (I wonder if they work a deal with Air Italia...)

non-fixie 

Thanks for all the kind replies. It was fun to be at the event and to do the report (it beats sticking photos in an album ). I hope also to have taken away some of the skeptisism about the event.

non-fixie 

I would not try this with that kind of gearing. We met an Englishman along the way with a beautiful original 1950's Rotrax, who had to walk up every hill with his 48-24 lowest gear. Which was probably a third of the total distance.

In 2013 I had 34-28 at my disposal, this time it was 36-28.

northbend 

Thanks for the report and what great photos!

paulkal

Thanks for the pictures. Looks like you had a great time.

Jadesfire 

That was a wonderful introduction to this event and an inspiring way to start my day. Thank you!

Ed.

Ummmm, a bit outside the range of Gran Sport derailleurs Hey, but maybe I'm still younger and dumber than the Brit!

USAZorro

Great report. Makes me want to go there even more. One of these years...

due ruote 

OK, I looked up that sandwich...never mind.

Fantastic report and it looked like an amazing event, weather notwithstanding.

Thanks for the vicarious experience.

non-fixie 

That is a beautiful setup, Ed! I'm sure they'd love to see that in Gaiole. But not something I'd choose to actually ride the L'Eroica, unless you've got Fausto Coppi's legs. I haven't.

I've been wanting to take my late fifties' L'Express but couldn't find a period correct setup that I can actually ride up these hills, so I chose seventies bikes instead. Many short cage derailleurs from that period can handle a 28T cog and a 28T chain wrap, which is just what I need.

BTW, the Englishman was in his early thirties, I think

SRFS1

Great report and pics! I need to put that ride on my list to do someday.

Peugeotlover

In Post #4 , on that beautifully restored Gloria, the 6th photo down, notice the different style (homemade) 'tire saver'. Quite simple and looks like it will work.

Ed.

OK, so maybe I can get by on the dumber part... (Or, better yet, old age and treachery.)

non-fixie 

non-fixie 

This is really going to be an informative thread.

While Lampredotto is traditionally served in a sandwich - I had to look that up too - mine came in a different form.

This is what I ordered in a restaurant in Volterra, out of sheer curiosity:



And this is what I got:



Soft meat, with a quite delicate taste. Nothing like the French Andouillette I was half expecting.

crank_addict

If interested, you might try paging forum member, iab

non-fixie 

Thanks, Paul, and the others, for your kind replies. But be aware that mrs non-fixie and I did the short route this time - the tourists version if you will.

The longer routes, however, provide a more serious challenge, to put it mildly. Fellow members @Numbskull and @Bikegeek1968 did the 209k route and you can find their first remarks on their experiences here and here. Judge for yourself.

Choke 

Nice pics, thanks. That is the one ride I'd really like to do...maybe someday.

Stevensb 

Great ride report @nonfixie. Good to see some food related content as well - starting to think the c&v lunch was a goner.

Brad

Numbskull

If you plan to do the 208K keep in mind it is hard. There are long sections of 10-15% grade with shorter 20% sections and gravel. Nobody at that distance particularly cares what you are wearing or riding.

By sliding the rear wheel all the way back and using an 8 speed chain I was able to run a 14-30 freewheel with a NR derailleur. That gave me 42 x 30 as a low gear. I'm pushing 60, am pretty fit (on pavement I can can climb 25%) but that was not enough gearing for the conditions that day (mud and the best line blocked by walkers) so I spun out, stalled, and fell twice climbing out of Asciano (although did complete the climb each time by getting back on). Everything else I could handle. Next time I'll probably run a Rally with either a triple or a newer retro-looking compact 34-48. Certainly there were guys climbing it with 42X28 and even lower but you are talking about very accomplished cyclists at that point. 98% of the people I saw on the hill after Asciano were walking.

I used 32mm Compass tires on new H plus Sons rims I laced up for this. They worked well. LOTS of other guys flatted. I wrecked a Brooks saddle and put a whole bunch of new paint damage and scrapes on my bike. I haven't yet stripped the components down to see what the abrasive paste did to bearings.

My advice is to try and think through what you are looking to get from the ride. If you want a test then do the 208K but set your bike up realistically for it. If you want fun and the vintage experience do the 75K and enjoy yourself. Be aware that the 135K still sends you up the worst hill on the route (the section after Asciano) so if you don't gear for it you will have a long walk.

Drillium Dude

I like this assessment, too. In fact, since I'll not be able to do this for a couple years, I like knowing in advance that I'll probably plan on he 75k route based upon your observations. I want the vintage experience without the extreme pain, scraped paint, etc

Congrats on grinding it through to the end!

DD

juvela

Thanks so much for this fabulous report non-fixie!

Your reports are always outstanding and much enjoyed here, but you have outdone yourself this time. Just great.

Love seeing all the cycles, cyclists, scenery, towns, food and reading the descriptions.

Those of us who did not attend could not hope for a finer correspondent.

non-fixie 

Thanks for this addition, @Numbskull. This thread needed it. Kudos on completing the ride! The 75k recommendation is a good one. I did that two years ago, when I was riding on my own, and I was mighty glad I did, instead of the 135k I'd originally registered for.

non-fixie 

Thanks! Come with us next time; with your talent for colorful prose I'm sure you can do even better!

You'd probably have enjoyed this 'Wonder' from St Etienne, BTW:

juvela

what a beauty! one can see that alvin cash has been at work once again.

speaking of les cycles gaulique -

were you able to make out much of the writing on the j. cizeron of toulon's lower headplate?

the last line clearly says toulon but the lines above it are too small to make out.