I would rate L’eroica at Gaiole in Chianti as the holy grail for lovers of steel bicycles and retro bicycle culture. As has been well documented it is an annual event that commenced in 1997. It now attracts in excess of 5,000 participants and the town swells to over 15,000 over the week of the ride from all corners of the globe. Gaiole has a wonderful bicycle market the day previous to the ride and the event extends to all things retro bicycle culture.
Such is the success of Giancarlo Brocci’s concept that it has been franchised to Japan, California, the U.K. and Spain. And it is understood that negotiations are underway for the brand to spread to Argentina, South Africa and Australia.
For my first L’eroica I rode the 46km. On my 1953 Bianchi it was probably a wise choice as my gearing was not set up to tackle the gradients on offer. Though it rained on the day it was a huge experience with superb vistas, simple fresh food and excellent company.
marcfellman 