Kabuki12

I might suggest that the short ride is pretty tame if you are able to ride but not sure about doing the longer rides. I would guess that you could do that even if you signed up for a different route. Since moving the venue to Cambria, the challenge is almost non existent on the short route. The scenery is beyond description and the roads are nice with rolling hills so there is a bit of a work out . I am hoping for a bit better fare at the lighthouse but that is not a big deal. The meal at the end of the ride was robust . I am looking forward to seeing a lot of you there, now let’s just stay healthy, ok?

Brad L 

My training was going well until mid-July. I'd worked my way up to 60+ hilly miles and then promptly caught a stomach bug that played havoc with my fitness level. The symptoms were similar to Covid at first, but tests ruled it out. I've been feeling good lately and am back up to 50+ hilly miles. It's difficult to get the long miles in right now as temps are getting into the mid-90s with close to 100% humidity. I'll get there.

The surgery I had on my scalp last April has still not healed properly. A portion of the skin graft didn't take and there's a small area of exposed skull. Yikes! The doc seems to be fine with me riding as long as I change the bandage regularly and keep it all covered while riding. He's scheduled a reconstructive surgery for early October, so it seems it'll be this way during Eroica. Fortunately, recent tests have shown no new cancers.

bikingshearer 

That is fantastic news. The form will come back (it sounds like it largely has) and the hole in your head will go away. But no new cancer is the most important thing and we are delighted for you. See you in September in Cambria, where you will have a great ride.

mech986 

A kickstart again to this thread with a reply copied over from CR thread. Only 3 1/2 weeks away now, but still apprehensive about whether Eroica will happen or not.

Our family will be coming with a couple of nurses to help with my daughter’s care. We are staying at the same large handicapped accessible VRBO property we stayed at in 2019, a very pleasant base of operations. We will meet up with BIL Ben and Julie for family time and some meals. We will likely do a lot of take out to avoid crowded restaurants and minimize any risks for us personally but that is our choice. We had planned to visit Hearst Castle again and Sensorio light / art exhibit in Paso Robles but am still unsure about crowded areas during this time. If not able to, then some local coastal sightseeing and a quieter getaway vacation.

I don’t anticipate any issues for the ride if riders are fairly dispersed or even riding side by side at speed, I’m doing that now in group rides. Assuming reasonable support at rest and summit stops including food and water, but plan to bring extra food and dry electrolytes mix to blend into fluids. It’s likely that sunny weather will see temps on the 72-108 mile rides inland after Cayucos rise, hitting mid 80’s or above in late morning and midday into Templeton and beyond so the middle sections of each longer route will be challenging from a temp and heat stress standpoint. The advice to take plenty of breaks and seek shady rest spots is important. Carry an extra bottle of water with lytes and even consider stopping where you could find a hose and douse to cool off may be needed. Overheating or heat stroke is no joke and can overtake you quickly if not aware. Get out of the heat into a shaded or air conditioned space if you feel the least bit off. Bring calcium and magnesium to help ward off cramps.

The other recommendation I can make is be sure you have comfortable gearing for 8-10+% grades on dirt or gravel, tires that can handle those conditions, and sufficient hill training to feel prepared. For you stronger guys and gals out there, it may not be a problem, but I’m taking Jon Spangler’s 2019 advice and have dropped my gearing further on my 72 Italvega Super Speciale to a 14-34 rear cluster to go with my 28T granny. I feel pretty confident I can climb fine with the secondary 28T-22T or 28T but it’s nice to know I have one further bailout gear just in case. This is especially needed because I’m riding taller 700C x 35 Rene Herse Bon Jon Pass Extralight clincher tires which have almost a 1/2” taller radius which adversely affects my overall gearing. But the ride at lower pressures (<60 psi.) is so much more comfortable for me.

I do miss going to Olea Farms for the olive oil fries and Cass Winery for the beautiful scenery ( both on the Heroic route ).

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

merziac

Guess I'm just gonna hold my tongue for now.

Brad L 

As a first timer doing the 81 mile route, will the start time for my route require a headlight / taillight? If so, I need to purchase one soon. Recommendations on a brand?

73StellaSX76

For the first 2-3 years when they started in Paso lights to be seen by were required as dictated by the CHP. I was even supplied a blinky light for the front on my first ride. I don’t think it’s absolutely essential to have one to light up the road but it may be smart to have one, I would definitely run a rear blinky. I use a Light and Motion Urban 350 which attaches to the bar easy enough and does the trick lighting up the road. I use it for commuting too. It goes in a pocket after I need it to de clutter the bars. Plenty of other similar brands work fine too. I use a generic but bright rear blinky,

SwimmerMike 

The sunrise is supposed to be at 6:49 and the start time is between 7:00 and 7:30, so I wouldn't be too concerned. There can be fog on the coast, but 30-45 min after sunrise it should be light enough to see and be seen. I'm contemplating the heroic, so I may need bring my lights for the start at 6:30 (they're not vintage, so I'll need to take them off in the vintage police show up).

Mike

73StellaSX76

Ah, of course, I was thinking April with its later sunrise. Front lights should not be needed. I’d still consider a rear light for the busier stretches.

merziac

Camera lights front and rear, GPS and helmet, 24/7, period.

All can be a plus in a crash/accident often winning a claim/lawsuit or fending them off. Just sayin.

Kabuki12

Someone on the CR list from Canada posted that he was unable to attend due to health issues and that the border was closed until September 21. When he emailed Eroica Ca. , he was told that it may again be postponed. I have heard nothing from them in this regard, anyone else know anything?

Thalia949

Living on the coast, I can attest to needing a taillight for the morning. Coastal fog is a reality, especially if the inland valleys are warm. Be safe and try to have on your bike. If not, ride with a group where some are present.

My main concern is for the heat and moisture variation from the start on the coast to the inland valleys. I'm actively debating whether to dress in a more modern kit and not my vintage wool kit. However, this seems counter to the ethos of the Eroica ride and part of the ride is that identity. Years ago, I remember leaving Gaiole in a light rain, being drenched by the time I finished the climb to Brolio, but by the time I rolled through Montalcino, I was dry again, helped by the wool. But I was mighty uncomfortable for a while.....

gugie 

I read the same, been whistling in the dark ever since.

merziac

Didn't even hear any foot dragging?

tgot 

So, there's a lot of total uncertainty, but my situation is clearer: I will not be riding the 2021 Eroica. I registered for the 82-mile option on 9/19, the regular, *not* Nova. I'd like the registration NOT to go to waste.

So,
IF the event happens as planned, and...
IF you have been postponing registration, and...
IF they allow me to transfer to you (and can process in a timely fashion),,,
...I can try to transfer my registration to you and you can enjoy the ride.

I wouldn't mind a few $$, or some drivetrain part(s) that would go well on an ItalVega Gran Turismo frame, but I put the $150 in the 'sunk-cost' category when I registered. Knee trouble has prevented enough training to make a ride like that feasible for me, and I'd like to see someone use the slot.

mech986 

later start after dawn won’t require a headlight but I always recommend a strong bright tailight no matter what the conditions for improved visibility to vehicles. good LED lights with at least 6 hour run time, maybe even one clipped to helmet too.

I know nothing official…yet. But certainly with the Delta Covid situation in the US, Europe, and specifically California, caution is still a good idea, especially in crowd situations. It’s not clear how many people are now signed up for September event, same (900+ Classic, + 200+ Nova), more, or less than that, and if Covid situation / numbers continue to not improve despite all efforts in California, cancellations may be happening as we speak. The other considerations are how much planning and logistics have been accomplished and how well can they be executed. That has been a question that hasn’t been clearly answered mk but one hopes it has been done.

sorry to hear that, nice of you to offer. If for some reason postponement happens, do you think you’d be ok for April 2022? What size Gran Turismo are you riding and what parts do you need? I may have spares to share.

Kabuki12

I just posted on CR list and now sharing with the Bike Forum . The response I got from the event coordinator when I inquired about the postponement " Yes I true we are going to make our decision ad announcement within next Monday". I gather this is a translation as the grammar is bit off , but sums it up. Stay close to the website for more information after Monday, to be continued?

Thalia949

I got an interesting email this morning from the Eroica Gaiole organizers this morning. I wondered if the English was not translated correctly and had to wait for my wife, who speaks Italian, to wake to read it and make sure the translation is correct.

The subject was to request that the participants to upload there medical certitificate - something that is required to participate. All fine, they ask for this every year.

But the interesting part was the last sentence - pasted below. I am assuming that all of the events are in question at this point. So if CA is cancelled, I would not be surprised.

If these conditions are not met, the cyclist will not be considered registered and will also lose the right to be reimbursed.

gugie 

Was this specifically requesting proof of COVID vaccination? What are the "conditions?"

Thalia949

No - the medical certificate needed for the Gaiole event has nothing to do with COVID. It was requested in years prior to COVID. It is basically a note from a doctor certifying that you are fit enough to handle the event. The organizers state that it is necessary for insurance reasons, the benefit is that you are covered by the event insurance in case of a medical issue.

I would suspect that it is also some level of indemnification for them as well - if one has a "medical event" during the ride, they can claim the person provided proof of health.

Brad L 

Postponement again or not? I’m starting to feel like Charlie Brown trying to kick a football.

gugie 

So, same as years before then.

gugie 

It would appear we'll know Monday, per previous posters.

gaucho777 

Almost three weeks out from my ladder mishap and a dislocated shoulder, and I still have to wait until next Thursday before I can get in for an MRI. My shoulder is still messed up, and I haven't been on a bike in nearly a month. Ortho doc says it's likely I have a torn labrum and/or rotator cuff. At this point, a postponement sounds pretty good to me.

mhespenheide 

I'll wait for Monday's announcement to hear about the event, but I've decided that I won't attend in September. I have a two-year old who (obviously) can't be vaccinated, and even though I am, I won't risk a breakthrough infection and his health.

I'm not a big presence on this board, but I did enjoy meeting a few of y'all the last time it ran. I've relocated back to the West Coast (Seattle), so I hope I'll ride it again once it's safe to. It really is an amazing course and an amazing day to ride with and be around fellow enthusiasts.