Wool, Steel, And Grit: L’Eroica Vintage Race Coming To U.S.

[leadin]A popular vintage-era bike ride is coming to America, and it’s time for cyclists with dust in their teeth to smile.[/leadin]

Gravel roads, steel frames, wool clothes, true grit…

These are words that have inspired a reverent group of historical bike purists to swing a leg over a lugged frame to ride Italy’s infamous L’Eroica.

Cyclists have been celebrating the bygone era of bikes in the Tuscan hills since 1997; when the event started with just under 100 riders. Now, with over 5000 riders each year, the Italian ride has become so wildly successful, it’s spun off a series of sister rides around the world, including Eroica California.

The April race will be the second running of Eroica California. Held in Paso Robles, it’s about the closest thing to Tuscany one might find in the States.

The event offers four distances, ranging from 38 to 120 miles, each with variable lengths of the requisite gravel road.

Registration for the April 8-10th event closes March 31. The cost is $175 through March 15, after which it will rise to $200.

Wanna ride the L’Eroica? Gotta look the part. Riders are required to ride vintage era bikes and dress in period-appropriate cycling clothing, including wool jerseys and shorts.

For more information, check out the 5-minute video below highlighting last year’s Eroica California.