L'Eroica Limburg in July?
 

I was more than a little surprised by the announcement in various Dutch media this week that there'll be an 'Eroica Limburg' this summer. Apparently Jan Janssen will be joining on his 1968 TdF-winning machine.

http://myalbum.com/photo/mzNzEjMyZaHm/720.jpg

Just in case it's not an early April fool's joke I booked a room in Valkenburg for that weekend ... :)

They even have a website up: Eroica Limburg

And 'we' are now on the Eroica website as well. I think it's official. :)

http://myalbum.com/photo/iGoUM1a5pPi6/1k0.jpg

So, who's going? I fully expect all Benelux BF C&V members to show up in their finest de-mothed wool jerseys. ;)

Roll call! (feel free to add names here): @Zieleman, @pullup, @Elev12k, @CMAW, @Munny, @stevenc, @Italuminium, @paulkal, @Superia, @emy_knopfler, @Nerdy Norm, @bonzoxedge, @Dizono, @uberprutser, @compay, @Hajo, @Brands, @Doesbrand, ....

Normally I'll be there. Time to start thinking about bicycle/jersey combo!

On the Dutch Fiets forum I have read some interesting things about L'Eroica, regarding the way your bike has to be equipped and the required clothing ... the too commercial approach of L'Eroica has caused quite a stir over here, it has become too large and commercial, so I will not take part in this event. I have some other events planned for this year, including a short ride (40 km) which is co-sponsored by a local brewer, so afterwards we can all enjoy the first stage of the Tour de France while enjoying some amazing beers. ;)

Need to get fit... :(
2 other events on my agenda for the year, that will be much cheaper and, from experience, are very good.
I'll inform you, when times comes

I have nothing against Valkenburg but this turns into a circus
How comes that there isn't yet an Eroica Germanica, in Germany, an Eroica somethinkova in Czech Rep, an Eroica etcetera ... ?

That is certainly a fair criticism of the events.

I note that the registration for the two in Italy is relatively cheap (45 Euro for this May, about 70 Euro for the fall) while the California event is substantially more ($150-200).

Yes, I'm still hoping for that one too ... :)

As far as the bike spec goes, the rules sound harsh on first reading but the main thrust is in the spirit of times past. DT shifters and no aero or handlebar routed brakes, and you're good to go.

I've followed lots of discussions about L'Eroica on various forums, but what I've seen so far is that most of the flak comes from people who haven't actually participated in the events. And although everyone is entitled to an opinion, I do value those of the actual participants just a little more. ;)

Would love to see Jan Jansen in his 1968 outfit, but "unfortunately" I'm riding in Spain and France that week. On my Brands, which is far too modern for L'Eroica, having non-DT shifters and a Campagnolo Athena 11 speed groupset anno 2014. Maybe the Columbus Max tubing is even too modern too...

That's an interesting point. While I tend to agree with the observation (of commercial exploitation), I'm not so sure yet about the criticism part. The Eroica people seem to have a popular concept on their hands, and want to make that available to more than a few Italian locals. So far, they have been pretty successful at it, if I've read/heard the reviews from participants in the UK, Spain and California correctly. Good for them, I'd say.

So why not give 'Eroica Limburg' a chance?

WRT the price: I paid €68 for a ticket to 'Gaiole' last year and it was worth every penny.

Exactly. BTW, do I get to see that Holdsworth of yours this time?

Thanks for your quick reply! I'm sure your son's machine could be converted to Eroica spec in no time.;) Have fun in Spain and France!

Sounds like my kind of event!

Agreed. :)

This opportunity sounds so tempting.

We'll be in Bayern visiting our family this summer. :)

I've signed up for the newsletter.

I participated in a few tourist vs. of the Gold race 10 - 15 years ago so I know out of experience that Limburg is excellent cycling terrain. Hope they import the food from Italy, though ;). If it's not crazy expensive I think I'll go, depends on the exact timing of my touring plans as well. Wonder what they'll do for strade bianche.

That sounds great! However, this year I will be riding La Marmotte which is the day before this event. But I will certainly join next year!

I live about 40 miles north of Maastricht, and only through this forum I learned about the existence of this Eroica. I have a correct bike, must change pedals. Hope that lookalike clothing in lycra is acceptable.:)

There's the proof: Bikeforums C&V rules! ;)

I would not confuse "too commercial" with successful. These events have gotten incredibly popular and supporting 5000+ riders in these rural locations is an incredible challenge. There will be bottlenecks and chaos at certain places. I loved the vendors at the Italian event, is that too commercial? The 3 day party at Britannia was amazing, is that too commercial? L'Eroica California was pretty low key but did have an amazing concours bike show, is that too commercial? That they have franchised out to 9 locations now I think is wonderful, is that too commercial? I dunno, I am glad they have found a successful formula that people around the world seem to love. That is also proof enough to me that their rules are okay!

This looks good and it is even on a weekend I will be able to make it.
So I certainly will be attending and as it is the first time it will be hosted in the Netherlands I expect and hope it will be
not to crowded :)

5000 participants ?
Do you still enjoy it then ?

The Retroronde is limited to 1000 and I already believe it's far too much
I like events with at best a hundred of people