mech986 

Interesting way to rate oneself - my bike is 48 years old and I’m 64 so 112 bike-years here. Some of our Velo-retro riders would have you beat.

mech986 

As for the PB route, my understanding was it was created as more of an easier and scenic ride although I had heard rumors that Eroica did try to gain some access to the eastern hillside roads for some climbing challenge and additional elevation views. However, most if not all the land north of Cambria is owned by the Hearst Family still and not publicly accessible for liability reasons. Sad because any number of north-northeastern mountain roads from Cambria would have spectacular riding and views.

Might be interesting to consider blocking off some roads roads like Bridge Street in town that climbs north to almost Cambria Pines Road. There one would have to cross over a very short unpaved private easement to Cambria Pines and then could head down a slightly winding descent to Highway 1. Problem is the roads are used by local residents, are narrow and have some blind spots making riding and cars a potentially risky situation. There are a number of local streets to the west end and southwest ends of town which could provide some climbing challenge for the short ride but all have the same residential use issues.

Otherwise maybe there’s a way to ride counterclockwise up the Cypress Descent to Cypress Summit and then back down. I guarantee you that although that would only be about 30 miles and no ocean scenic view, it would be quite a challenge.

socaltrailrider

Will be the first time for me. Just refurbished a Bianchi Vittorio to ride in the event. Signed up for the Santa Lucia route. Looking forward to the ride.





1. Paul, socaltrailrider, Carlsbad CA

2. Route : 75 Santa Lucia (SL),

3. Primary Riding Bike - Bianchi Vittoria

3A. New info request this year - F/R gearing 35-48 crankset, 13-30 6 speed cassette, Conti GP4000’s, 25mm, Decent climber

4. Planned dates of arrival and departure and Where you be staying? TBD

5. Any additional activities - TBD

Choke 

I think a lot of people missed that turn, it wasn't all that well marked.

jeirvine 

I too would like an option between 30 miles of flat and 73 miles of serious hills. Maybe a shortened Santa Lucia route, removing a loop would be the ticket. Something like one of these:





Not having done any l'Eroica before, is this sort of thing OK, or discouraged?
-John

mgopack42 

They give you a card that you get stamped. I think that you need that card to receive the prize, which was a bottle of cheap wine last year. just try not to cut off any check points if you care about the wine.

jcb3

I was up there riding over Thanksgiving and looked at the route you suggest. You can't turn left off of Santa Rita Road to get back to 46 on Santa Rita Ranch Road - I believe that is a locked gate, so you would need to go all the way to Templeton anyway, so not much gain there.

Also note the portion from 46 on Santa Rosa Creek Road is a brutally steep hill at the end, before you wind down to where Cypress Mt enters. Way more than 20%.

Cutting it short and riding up Old Creek Road to 46 (rather than turn right on Santa Rita Road) is pretty hairy, a good 12-14% all the way, narrow and very twisty. I try to ride it Thanksgiving morning, to avoid traffic, which is usually ok.

https://www.strava.com/activities/2897978786

I won't comment on cutting the Eroica route short, I have always liked the company (even in misery)

Best of luck this year, I won't be making it, have other spring commitments, be back year after next.

Joe

hwheel72 

What is your BCD on your crank? Looking for a smaller granny? Currently I'm running 42/28t....

davester

That looks like a Campy Victory crankset. It has a weird (116mm) BCD that will only go down to a 35T inner chainring.

gugie 

Last year @Andy_K thought up a way to break Eroica.

As many have noted, the 36 mile Piedras Blancas route (up and down the coast, no real climbing) is pretty short and easy for those in reasonable shape, but all of the rest of the routes have signficant climbing, including the notorious Cypress climb.

But if you got up early and rode down to Cayucas along the coast, then turned around and rode back to Cambria, there's a good chance you'd get back in time for the Piedras Blancas start. Round trip Cambria-Cayucas is 36 mile, so you could get in 72 miles of beautiful coastal riding and avoid the killer climbs. Cayucas Pier as the sun comes up is pretty sweet.



BTW, Andy slept in and dreamt of riding to Cayucas and back.

I wouldn't call it cheating - you pay the same price regardless of the course you select, and it's not a closed course. You'd only "get credit" for doing the short ride, but that and a coupla bucks will get you a coffee at Starbucks...

Andy_K 

There's an old Zen saying, "When hungry, eat. When tired, sleep." I was tired, so I slept.

mech986 

So here is a link to 2020 Eroica California’s changes announced on their main page.

The Vintage rides’ Start / Finish and Festival will be at the Veteran’s Hall and the west adjacent Pinedorado Grounds in the heart of Cambria. Some modified routes for the Classic and Nova rides are already on Ride With GPS. There is a Farmer’s Market held in the east adjacent parking lot on Friday so I’m not sure how that will work out with any Friday Festival setup.

I will inquire as to whether there will be use of the Veteran’s Hall for Saturday festivities like either the Concours or maybe Swap Meet. That would provide shade, sitting, restrooms, and maybe some refreshments? Otherwise, I suspect it would be outdoors in both the Pinedorado Grounds and the Hall’s parking lot.

Here’s the official announcement:

Our new 2020 Festival Grounds

We are pleased to announce our new Festival Grounds and roll-out Start/Finish at the Veterans’ Memorial Building on the Pinedorado Grounds in Cambria. The Veterans’ Hall hosts the Friday Farmer’s Market and supports the local Lion’s Club, a beneficiary of Nova Eroica and Eroica California. Adjoining the Festival on Friday only is the local Cambria community Farmer’s Market where the locals shop for organic fruit, produce and more.

Venue & Start/Finish Location:
Veterans’ Memorial Building, 1000 Main St on the corner of Main and Cambria Drive.

https://mailchi.mp/982d464c062f/our-new-2020-festival-grounds-

If needed, I’m hoping to offer sponsorship of a large tent to provide shade. Sorta wonder though whether there’s room for it.

gugie 

Hmmm, how about a combined BF/CR tent? It could be a meeting place for everyone. Somebody brings an old school Polaroid camera, pix posted on a board...just thinking out loud here.

Manny66 

Im taking along a 10X10 canopy and a couple of chairs. Im IN if you want to set up a Bike Forums vintage area.

mech986 

it would be nice but I don’t know if the powers that be with either site would be ok with using their names or logos. Informally done might be ok.

gugie 

Pretty sure we can get CR approval, it’s pretty straightforward who to ask.

jackbombay

You just have to spell it wrong!

Byek Fourums heer.

socaltrailrider

That is correct.

daviddavieboy

If I finish the first person to ask can have the wine. I am not a drinker. I would like to keep the bottle. 😁

MrK.

I have not read this whole thread. I'm not sure if entry is even open anymore but we are looking for something to do in April. I have a 73 World Voyageur, completely original except tubes/tires. Would this be an appropriate bike?

Choke 

Registration is still open and yes, your bike would be fine.

Kabuki12

I have changed my riding plans as far as my bike selection . I am riding my new to me Medici 1982 I think . It has aero style brake levers that are older Gran Compe anodized. I am not sure what year the levers are , whether they are pre 1987 or not . I don’t want this to be a problem , I like to stick with the idea of the vintage theme.

mgopack42 

Look what I got in the mail yesterday! NOW I am ready for Eroica!

Classtime 

Levers are not a problem with organizers. (My 82 Pro Strada had non Aero Record brakes and levers)

Kabuki12

Thank you, I think I will leave the bike the way it is except for the freewheel which will be changed to 14-28 or 26 . I was pretty certain , unless this was a custom built frame only purchase from Medici, that the brakes were changed. The guy I bought it from gave me a box of early Campagnolo NR/SR brakes(plus 1 extra caliper ) +misc. parts for an extra $35. These Gran Compe brakes with the Modolo pads stop as good or better than any of my other bikes, even the Mafac Racers. I am certain the Mavic wheels( Aero Spokes) are also borderline for period correct. All in , I think the bike fits the vibe of Eroica . I don't know if you still own yours , but I would like to know the serial # . I went on CR and checked out the registry and near as I can tell, mine is 1982. This bike really rides nicely just the way it is , best $300 I have spent on a bike! Joe