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L'Eroica Britannia 2014
L'Eroica came to the UK and CCA were represented by James Mac, the Foulkes and the Ducketts. Any event which starts with a sign-on musett of Bakewell Pudding and a bottle of ale is always going to be good and this one didn't disappoint. The weather and location (Bakewell) were amazing and the organisers laid on the best of vintage Britain - penny farthings, a Tiger Moth fly over and a brass band - all we needed was a war and some rations and we'd have been laughing! After camping out and overindulging in some fine ales it was left to Rob Hayles to start the bikes rolling. Tim D (on his lovely Jack Taylor) with James Mac (on a Mercier i think?) set off at 6am on the big 100 miler (they may still be riding - it was hilly!), followed by the two handsome ladies - Lindesy (on my De Rosa - gutted - a trapped nerve put an end to my day), and Sarah D on the Whitcomb. I last saw them heading out of Bakewell wheel sucking a penny farthing. I was left with 4 kids and soaring temperatures - the weather was nice too.
Lindsey and Sarah had a fantastic ride. Lindsey managed to climb a steep 20 per center but was caught out at the top by the crowds and a pair of fine Itallian toeclips (no good twisting your foot in them love). She was however 'heroic' in ensuring she fell roadside first thereby protecting the lovely paint work on the De Rosa. Sarah's first ever sportive was a roaring success and she got round no problem with the crowds ringing in her ears and the bolt holding on her front mudguard rolling down the hill (blame the lousy mechanic, Sarah).
I have no idea whether James and Tim made it back or what state they were in - but in the spirit of this very fine sportive, they will be welcomed across the finish line with a pie and a pint! Awesome. It's coming back next year and we would thoroughly recommend it.
Iain
Lindsey and Sarah had a fantastic ride. Lindsey managed to climb a steep 20 per center but was caught out at the top by the crowds and a pair of fine Itallian toeclips (no good twisting your foot in them love). She was however 'heroic' in ensuring she fell roadside first thereby protecting the lovely paint work on the De Rosa. Sarah's first ever sportive was a roaring success and she got round no problem with the crowds ringing in her ears and the bolt holding on her front mudguard rolling down the hill (blame the lousy mechanic, Sarah).
I have no idea whether James and Tim made it back or what state they were in - but in the spirit of this very fine sportive, they will be welcomed across the finish line with a pie and a pint! Awesome. It's coming back next year and we would thoroughly recommend it.
Iain
Comments
Top write up!
If I have had to find and faults, the signage could have been clearer, especially at turns off fast descents, and some of the descents were scary, such as the one down to High Peak Junction, which was mud and loose gravel with raised railway sleepers across the trail. But all of that was far outweighed by the festival atmosphere, hospitality and brilliant scenery in Bakewell and throughout the ride.
The whole festival was utterly brilliant from the rides, the bikes, the food, the beer to the weather and the lovely enthusiastic people. One example of this was the reception for the last rider to come into the grandstand at about 8pm, a little old boy called Terrance on a Colnago who looked a little bemused by everyone shouting his name and wanting photos.
I understand the organisers have a 5 year franchise but it was so well received i suspect tickets will be scarce next year.
Photos to follow
With all the rough terrain both bikes took a bit of a battering (my Mercian), and Tim's tubs had to be rather nursed home after over-heating on a steep descent and becoming slightly unstable. I was nearly put out of the event when I lost the retaining bolt and bushing for my front cantilever on Saturday on a ride down the Monsal Trail- saved by bike jumble at about 7.30 in the evening, very lucky.
At the final stop at Chatsworth House we were told it was 6k to go - correct 4.5k back up to 300m and 1.5k down to Bakewell!
The whole festival was buzzing from start to finish with live music and numerous stalls and curiosities. On the ride there was more than enough food and drink to go round and I thought the signage was excellent. We even had time to take some photos, enjoy.
Hartington fair
View from Mam Tor
Hartington
Pimm's (already downed!) and potted meat sandwiches at Chatsworth House.
The whole occasion just looks like a 'cracking good event'.
Lovely write up guys.