Eroica Britannia by Meccanica Clothing
For the fourth year running, on the hottest weekend of the year Meccanica Clothing joined 4,500 riders and just as many non-cyclists for the latest Eroica Britannia.
Eroica Britannia is the British version of the classic Italian L'Eroica vintage ride, which began in 1997 to draw attention to the damage being done to famous Strade Bianchi (white roads) of Tuscany. Ridden on pre 1987 road bikes only, the British event took in three routes of 25, 50 or 100 miles through the quiet lanes and stunning trails across Derbyshire’s Peak District.
Whilst L’Eroica has tried to remain true to its roots of simplicity and strict adherence to the original rules, it has spawned a second Italian festival along with global events in California, Spain, Japan and South Africa which are pushing the spectacle to attract as many riders and show goers as possible. 2018 sees the inaugural gravel bike trail for 200 riders in California.
The British event is certainly the loudest being overtly family based, hosting a gaggle of attractions (including dog shows) plus boasting legendary DJ Norman Jay and 1980s band ABC on the main stage.
Founders Luciano Berruti (the face of Eroica) and Eroica founder Giancarlo Brocci were in attendance with the riders being joined by legends Chris Boardman and David Millar along with ABC front man Stephen Fry.
It is billed as The World’s Most Handsome Bike Ride and attracts riders from Australia, Japan, USA, China, New Zealand and Europe. We’ve included a good selection of photos, if you were there perhaps you are in one!
Next year’s ride dates – learn more here https://eroica.cc/
Eroica South Africa, 17 - 18 March 2018
Eroica California, 14 - 15 April 2018
Eroica Japan 19 - 20 May 2018
Eroica Hispania, 2 - 3 June 2018
Nova Eroica, 28 - 29 April 2018
Eroica Britannia 15 - 17 June 2018
L’Eroica Chianti 7 October 2018
Flying Bianchi on the Maserati Stand
Saturday Riders
Bikes bikes bikes - one of many stands
More vintage bikes
Detail is king
Saturday rider on 40's BSA
Hero's on hand to fix anything - thanks for the help chaps
Handlebars anyone?
Seriously? More handlebars?
Saturday The Guvnors Assembly prepare strategy
Our Merino Wool Jerseys can be surprisingly cool. Buy it here.
Man and machine - early 7:00 am start. It's 26 Degrees C
Our Milano friends from Boccondivino restaurant in Bra/Milan.
Men and machines
50 and 100 milers
Contemplating green
Glass of champaigne...
Before the off on 1950's Legnano Roma
Colourful
The MC waves all off
Chris Boardman at the start before being a thoroughly nice cyclist
Early morning start
1412 669 and 2433 start your engines
En route to Millers Dale
Lunch stop Bulls Head Monyash
Lunch in a box.. very nice
Monyash to Over Haddon - Derbyshire Peak District
Tissington Trail - worth a visit
No 3754 How did he do this in 30 degree heat...
5 km to go
3 km to go
Missed photo of the finish - but after the ride comes the pub
In Memory of Luciano Berruti, The Father of Eroica who sadly left us this year. Thank you for everything.
