October 2–5, 2015
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Ride the white roads of Tuscany alongside former professional cyclist and yellow jersey wearer, Alex Steida, and thousands of other vintage bicycle enthusiasts. Challenge yourself by riding the steep unpaved roads of Chianti on a steel bicycle, reward yourself with exquisite cuisine and fantastic wine, and revel in nostalgia for a beautiful weekend. What’s more, you’ll also have the chance to buy a custom vintage bicycle, hand built for you by Italian frame builders Stelbel, in time to ride at L’Eroica. L’Eroica pays homage to the work of cyclists from the golden age of the sport, who rode long before the era of carbon fibre and electronic shifting.
Features:
- A pre–1987 vintage hire bicycle (free for RCC members, £150 for regular customers)
- The opportunity to buy a one-off custom vintage bicycle by Stelbel
- Full registration and insurance for the Official L’Eroica event
- Special guest participation from former professional cyclist and yellow jersey wearer, Alex Steida
- Full on-the-bike support from Rapha Travel
- Accommodation on double-occupancy basis with single supplement option available
- Other activities such as hiking and market excursions
L’Eroica is a celebration of the history and culture of cycling in a landscape inherently tied to the sport’s remarkable and romantic past. Created to safeguard cycling heritage, L’Eroica began in 1997 with a small but passionate group committed to a strict set of requirements for bicycles ridden during the event. Since, the race has become enormously popular, boasting a turnout of over 5,000 riders last year. For the days leading up to the ride, the entire region transforms into a massive celebration, just as much a social and cultural event as a riding one. Participants may contact Rapha Travel for advice on building their own vintage bicycle. Full entry to the event is included in the price of this trip.
L’Eroica offers four different routes:
- 2 long routes; 205 km or 135 km
- 2 short routes; 75 km or 38 km
Each participant has the opportunity to choose either a long or short route that best suits his or her fitness level.
Only cyclists with “L’Eroica” bicycles will be permitted to participate. Rapha is able to provide bicycles for members of the RCC on this event, if they choose not to bring their own. Riders must let the team at Rapha Travel know in advance of the event if they intend to provide their own bike.
L’Eroica bicycles are those with the following characteristics:
- Road racing bikes, built before 1987 (not cyclocross or time trial bikes)
- Steel frame (the only aluminium frame bikes permitted are ALAN or VITUS, with either screwed or glued joints)
- Gear shift levers on the down tube of the frame (the only bar-end shifters allowed must pre-date 1980)
- Pedals with toe clips and fitted straps (quick release pedals are not allowed, except Cinelli M71 pedals)
- Passage of brake cables outside the handlebars (the passage of cables inside the frame is acceptable)
- Wheels must have at least 32 spokes with a low profile (less than 20 mm)
Hotel:
Il Borgo di Vescinè http://www.vescine.it/en
In 2015, Rapha Travel is excited to partner with Il Borgo di Vescinè and the Paladin family for L’Eroica. In the heart of Chianti Classico, our gracious hosts have been producing outstanding wines from distinctive soils for generations. Their years of experience, investments in research and commitment to tradition have made them key figures in the region’s world famous wine industry. You’ll ride and relax in the “Gallo Nero” region of Chianti, a beautiful and evocative place, deeply tied to tradition and high quality winemaking.
Itinerary
October 2, Arrival day, Friday, Radda in Chianti
Our first day has us arriving at the Florence International Airport and heading straight to the heart of Chianti. We’ll make our way to the small, hilltop commune of Radda, deep in the Classico region. After settling in, we’ll take a late afternoon spin to Giaole, the starting village of L’Eroica, where we’ll tour the vintage bike museum and market. We’ll also take care of registration and acquiring our event numbers.
After spending some time preparing and enjoying the excited atmosphere, we’ll ride home to enjoy dinner and get to know each other ahead of the weekend’s riding. There’s no better way to connect with new club-mates and friends than over Chianti’s fine wines and delicious, local ingredients.
October 3, Day 1, Saturday – Radda in Chianti
Stats: 30–60 kilometres, 1,700m climbing
On our first full day in Tuscany, we’ll explore the famous, white roads of the Strade Bianche. The warm weather classic is known for its incredible scenery and its punchy ascents, where the current world road racing champion, Michael Kwiatkowski launched a decisive attack on Peter Sagan to win the race last year. We won’t shy away from those climbs, putting in a formidable ratio of vertical feet to mileage on the first day.
We’ll likely stop for an espresso, gelato or a quick meal in Siena or another Tuscan town, before we roll back to the hotel through the gorgeous countryside. Later, a meal to remember has been planned at Osteria, where we’ll feast on expertly prepared regional favorites like fresh, handmade pasta and locally-raised lamb.
October 4, Day 2, Sunday – L’Eroica event– the Race
Stats: 38, 75, 135, or 205km
Our second full day of riding contains the highlight of this trip, L’Eroica.
Each route has something special to offer, so every cyclist will be able to enjoy the beauty of Tuscany. We’ll start early, when the roads are still dark, and as the sun rises over the hills, we’ll prepare for a long and enjoyable day in the saddle, rife with impressive scenery and unparalleled culture. The food on the course is exceptional, and vendors get into the spirit of the event. Whether you’re taking the shortest or the longest journey, it’s not something you will forget soon.
The 38km option takes a shorter loop but still showcases some amazing cities and countryside. You’ll pass through Brolio early on before making your way to Pianella, the furthest point from Gaiole. You’ll then you’ll have a quick rest before finishing your ride and continuing the celebration.
The popular 75km route offers a challenge and a substantial amount of climbing, while still making for a fairly quick trip. In about four hours, one can make it through Radda for refreshments and delicious food, then Brolio, Pianella and Panzana. In between all these amazing cities, of course, is the real treat, the classic white roads and riding amongst great company.
For the 135km option, the challenging route ascends 11,000ft, taking you through Siena and the positively stunning Buonconvento. Riders stop for refreshment and outstanding food at Radi and Asciano. On this route, there are a few grades where the challenge is managing to stay on your bike, rather than taking it for a walk.
Finally, the daunting 209km ride presents the best the region has to offer in terms of scenery and fantastic cuisine. Riders leave before sundown and the last of them won’t make it home until 10pm. Like the early road racers who battled the classics in the glory days, they’ll set off to find a challenge and be rewarded by a long and unique day in the saddle.
October 5, Day 3, Monday
Our final day riders will have the morning to share stories and enjoy the village. After, we’ll provide transfers to the airport, where late flights will be taken home, fond memories in tow.
