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| L'Eroica - a ride for heroic bikes and riders |
For some years a wonderful cycle ride has taken place annually in Tuscany. L'Eroica allows cyclists to ditch the Lycra and carbon fibre and relive those glorious days when steel bikes and woollen cycling jerseys ruled. It's a ride I've long planned to do and I was delighted when it was announced that it would be coming to the UK. L'Eroica Britannia takes place on 22nd June as part of a weekend of events in England's beautiful Peak District. It takes place just a few weeks before the Tour de France starts in nearby Yorkshire - a great summer of cycling in England.
The image below was taken on the Tuscan ride and shows the real spirit of the event.
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| Image L'Eroica |
L'Eroica literally translates from Italian as 'the Heroes' and harks back to the glory days of Coppi, Merckx and Simpson, reviving the essence and romance of cycling. The ride uses trails and tracks of the Peak District similar to the historic dusty white (or sticky gluey when wet) roads of Tuscany, the 'Strade Bianchi’. Riders can choose either a 30 mile, 55 mile or the 'wo/man of steel' 100 mile route. Bikes must be pre-1987 (with a few exceptions on the short ride) and vintage cycling clothing should be worn. I've registered, but I understand that the ride is nearly full, so act fast if you want to participate.
For more information and to register, visit the L'Eroica Britannia website.
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| The Peak District - scene of the first L'Eroica Britannia |