Scarbo

Now that I am almost finished fixing up my Raleigh I was thinking about doing this ride. Has anybody done it? What is it like?

nlerner

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...alifornia.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...alifornia.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...otos-here.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...ia-2016-a.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...de-report.html
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...out-rules.html

Wildwood

A bit further from you in Kalispell MT. Smaller and a great 2 day experience. Take a friend.

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...to-thread.html

look171

See you there next april.

I am getting my old Casati ready. Its been ready just like the way I hung it in my garage when It was decommissioned when my new bike came. I fear the long steep dirt roads. I hear they are so steep that many walked. The only thing I am going to do is to install a MTB Rear Mech to deal the large 28 tooth rear cog. My Super Record and 21 freewheel aint cutting it. This way, with the 42x28, I can pedal sitting down and grind it out instead of having to get outta the saddle and spinning the rear tire in the dirt. I think it will be fun

Lascauxcaveman 

Is it too early to start complaining about the rules?

rccardr 

Nah, never to early to complain.

I swore last year I would never do this ride again. However, as humans we tend to forget pain and remember pleasure, so after a great deal of soul searching and equipment review, am actually looking forward to April in Paso Robles. Just get a good, clean place to stay and a low gear-inch combo. Those gravel hills are tough, and a 42-28 would not be low enough for my 65 year old legs.

Scarbo

Great pics! I didn't know about this ride. I will look into it.

Wildwood

If memory serves from other (at least 1) thread that you have a thing for low pumps?
Didja catch this pic? Maybe there could be an award for best pumps? Shoes?

davester

I have done both of the previous Eroica California rides and am going again in April. A couple of comments on your post:

1. A 42x28 is within the official and real capacity of Super Record derailleurs so there is no need for an MTB rear. Some have even pushed them to 42x32 I believe, though making this work is hit or miss, depending on chain stay length, derailleur hanger length, chain length, etc. You can get 13-32 freewheels from IRD if you want to experiment with this.

2. You are not going to be able to grind up some of those hills with a 42x28 unless you are a youngster with thighs like tree trunks. The hills are darn steep and with limited traction to boot. Nevertheless, walking is no big deal since you'll have lots of company.

Last year I had a triple with 32T front and 28T rear and managed every hill without walking, but just barely. While making the second big ascent on the coastal route I did not observe anybody else that rode the entire way up.

look171

Damn, not goo to know as I am not taking off my Stuper Record crank. Maybe I will change that tune come February. I raced on that bike back in the mid to late 80s. I hate to do that to it as I may still ride it in anger come April. thanks for the tip

look171

Now you are scaring the hell outta me. I still ride up some of my local mountains with a 53x23 but that's lots easier since its on asphalt. I am running Shimano cassette so a MTB 32 maybe in the works. 9 or 10 speed with an old XTR RD?

Scarbo

Pumps aren't for riding, silly. They're for the party, afterwards.

Otis

I did it with a 43 x 26 low gear without walking. But I was only 54 years old then.

Scarbo

So, I have a 1972 Raleigh Supercourse, which is all original except for the freewheel I just put on (old one was 14-28; new one is 13-32; original Stronglight crankset: 52/40; Suntour V-GT Luxe derallieur). I take it that this will be acceptable?

Cassave

I rode the long course last year. It rained the night before so the gravel/dirt sections were a handful.
Low gears will be your friend. I had a 36/28 and used it often.
It is not for the casual rider.

I'm thinking the Coastal route this year.
Hope to see you there.

JoeBass

I attended the first year, and did indeed have to walk many of the hills with a 42x28. I'd have no problem getting up those same hills in the saddle if they were pavement, but combine those grades with loose dirt, ruts and poison oak branches that you have to dodge while you're riding, and it makes it difficult to find a good line and stay upright at slower speeds (Kiler Canyon). I hate to rain on anyone's parade, but for the cost of the ride, I wasn't thrilled with the quality and variety of the fare at the rest stops.

rccardr 

Well, yeah, there is that.

This year I'm thinking 650b's with 38's and a 48/34 crank with a Pastor Bob 13-34 freewheel.

If that won't get me up those hills, I'll just walk.

davester

True, the food does not come up to the standards of many California centuries or Eroica in Gaiole. However it's not bad and don't forget that this is a charity benefit ride, so some of your money is going to the local hospice.

DanBF

Are there similar rides but in the eastern US?

gugie 

Pumps? lookit that bicep!

repechage

I made the swap last year and quickly cruised the concours.

Still darn adjacent to tax time, if I get the spouse to gather docs earlier, I can make it.
I would aim for the middle length, a man has to know his pleasure limitations.

Wildwood

both of 'em!
Just a small city Montana girl, I'm guessin.

Scarbo

Yep. She's formidable, alright.

I'd bet she didn't have to walk her bike one little bit.

jcb3

I did the long course last year. Had the Peugeot with 28 teeth front - 32 rear. Still walked the last mile of Kiler and Cypress MT.

The challenge (as I see it) is that in isolation, most could probably ride up the dirt sections (ok a couple like Cass Winery may be impossible for normal folks), but Kiler is only 30 miles in and Cypress is half way, so there is a bit of saving something in the tank for later.

Whole route took me 10.5 hr on the bike

Wildwood

Truth be told.
I tried a tailgate session (from a respectable distance) but was easily dusted, my excuse was she had a female friend to help pace her.
You will find some strong local riders at this event. That's what made this one fun was the variety of friendly people you saw on the road for 2 days. As much about having fun as riding a vintage steed. With a BF connection, there are plenty to hang with. Even a silly old fart tagalong felt welcomed.