Heroes

 Today we became “the heroic” or L’Eroica. 

There is another famous bike event in Tuscany other than the Strade Bianche.  Since 1997 nearly 8000 cyclists gather in Gaile in Chianti on the first weekend of October to recreate cycling as it was; steel frames, leather chamois, wool jersey, leather flat shoes in toe clips. The only modern equipment allowed is a new helmet. L’Eroica is not a competitive race and riders can choose various route lengths, up to the authentic 209 km traditional race of old. The ride is mostly on the local white gravel roads or “white roads”. 

Today we got to experience some of those roads, especially the climb out of Gaiole in Chianti. The long course starts before daylight and the road is lit by candles. When the riders reach the top of that first climb they are greeted by the rising sun. We arrived in Gaiole in Chianti in time for lunch. No candles required. I like this village. Authentic, not crowded and it has a vintage bike shop, the “White Roads” where you can purchase an authentic retro wool jersey, coming to a bike ride in Boise soon.

After our heroic ride back to our villa, we enjoyed a quiet afternoon and look forward to supper at 7:30. Tonight is pizza night, so hopefully we will not have to digest a 5 course meal all night long.