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Eroica California returns to the Central Coast April 14 & 15, 2018

  • Ron 

On April 14-15, avid cyclists, vintage bike enthusiasts and fans will flock to California’s Central Coast for Eroica California – a weekend-long celebration of the culture, heritage and values that surround the history of cycling.

Held annually in eight different countries, Eroica has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. As the only Eroica event in the United States, Eroica California has seen continued growth and success since its inaugural year in 2015. Drawing roots from the Italian L’Eroica (The Heroic) event held each year in Gaiole in Chianti, Italy, Eroica California features vintage cycling with a Tuscan flare.

Eroica California events take place throughout the Central Coast of California, with the historic Paso Robles Downtown Park serving as the central location. The weekend kicks off on Saturday with the Concours d’Elegance. Riders enter their own vintage road bikes for a chance to win the esteemed “Best of Show”, while guests are invited to enjoy each of the unique vintage bikes on display, some dating as far back as the early 1900’s. The Concours d’Elegance is followed by a festival in Downtown Paso Robles, which features local businesses, vendor and artisan booths, and showcases cycling attire and gear from every era. Saturdaymorning will also include a screening of the film “Le Ride” which follows two friends as they attempt to recreate the original route of the 1928 Tour de France – the toughest in history. Saturday’s festivities conclude with a Tuscan style dinner that brings together local wine and craft beer, along with an authentic meal prepared by an Italian, Michelin Star Chef. Following the Tuscan dinner is a benefit auction from which all proceeds are donated to Hospice of San Luis Obispo County.

The main attraction takes place on Sunday morning. Riders choose between four different routes ranging in distance from 40 miles to the “Heroic” 127 miles, each featuring long stretches of gravel roads and varying in difficulty. The routes take riders through some of the region’s most scenic roads, winding through the picturesque Paso Robles wine country. Three of the four routes also take riders along the beautiful coastal roads of Cambria and Cayucos, California. The routes include rest stop locations featuring farms, restaurants and wineries, each of which provides the riders with gourmet food and drink for a truly authentic experience. Eroica participants are required to ride “historical bikes” or bikes preferably built in 1987 or earlier, but to take the vintage theme even further, many riders choose to wear authentic, vintage garb including wool jerseys, retro cycling goggles and lace-up shoes. Festivities on both days, including the Tuscan dinner, are open to the public and spectators are invited to watch the ride and welcome the riders at the finish line.

Registration for Eroica California is now open, and is expected to fill up quickly. Current registration prices are $100 for students and active military, and $150 for general public. For more information and to register, visit www.EroicaCalifornia.com. A portion of every entry will go to Hospice of San Luis Obispo County.

Tags: bike, California, craft beer, cycling, enthusiasts, Eroica, Gaiole in Chianti, Geography of California, Italia, Italy, Michelin, Orica, road bikes, States of the United States, United States
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