EROICA BRITANNIA
Sportives aren’t confined to exhilarating out-andback courses. CP editor-in-chief Rob Spedding reflects on retro riding and more…
A sportive with a vintage twist and our pick of alternative events.
Eroica Britannia is the UK’s version of the classic Italian L’Eroica vintage ride, which has seen riders on retro bikes take to the Strade Bianchi (white roads) of Tuscany since 1997. In 2017, I took part in the fourth and largest Eroica Britannia against the backdrop of blue skies and searing temperatures.
Located in the stunning Peak District in Derbyshire, Eroica Britannia is held on quiet country roads and gravel trails to help recreate the Italian experience. Riders can choose from three routes – the 25-mile Tourist, 55-mile Sportsman and epic 100-mile Hero that features more than 8500ft of climbing. “That’s great,” you think, “but many events offer three distances. What makes Eroica Britannia so special?”
YOU CAN BUY A BIKE
To enter Eroica Britannia’s Classic rides you have to ride a pre-1987 bike with down-tube shifters and no internal cabling, and clipless pedals are strictly forbidden. (There is a Nova ride this year for modern bikes.) So if you don’t have an old bike in the shed, you’ll need to buy one. (There are some exceptions, which you can find in the race rules… but needless to say, if you want to ride 100 miles on a Brompton, be my guest!) For the 2017 edition, I bought a 1983 Raleigh Sprint off eBay for £50, as this model was the first road bike I ever owned ( youtube. com/watch?v=R5Uaq6FSA3I).
YOU GET TO DRESS UP
Another one of the rules is that you “…must be dressed in vintage or eraspecific clothing. Lycra and modern style clothing is not permitted.” I witnessed plenty of gents in tweed plus-fours, women in tea dresses and even one chap wearing a pith helmet. I opted for a fetching woollen jersey and shorts combination. Wool is quite warm when the sun shines… (I have to admit I saw plenty of riders blatantly flouting the no Lycra edict…)
OLD-STYLE BIKE PORN
One of the real pleasures of Eroica Britannia is seeing hundreds of simply stunning old bicycles. The organisers put on a ‘Best In Show’ event in which judges cast their eyes over some beautiful classic bikes and dish out rosettes. Better than looking at bikes in a field, though, is seeing them being ridden on the roads and trails.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FESTIVAL
The Speddings descended en-masse to Friden Grange near Buxton, Derbyshire, and ‘enjoyed’ their first- ever camping trip. You can bring your own tent, caravan or camper, or opt for glamping. Either way it’s a lot of fun. (I borrowed a caravan.) There was plenty for the kids to do and in the evenings you’re treated to live music – in 2017 Norman Jay and ABC were the headliners. A huge variety of streetfood vendors, fairground rides, workshops, stalls selling bike and nonbike goodies and a beer tent all combined to make the event feel like a huge friendly fete.
SENSATIONAL RIDING
I opted for the 55-mile Sportsman ride with just over 4000ft of climbing, and I felt that it was epic enough on a heavy old bike with – in theory – just 10 gears. The Sportsman mixed quiet roads with reasonably road bike-friendly gravel trails – the High Peak and Tissington trails are used. For 2018 the organisers say that they’ll be looking at the route as it did include some ever-soslightly-sketchy rocky sections. There were no epic climbs on the 55-miler but, if you’re riding a knackered old bike, even the slightest lump can feel Alpine. Feed stations were decent with cakes and, at the final stop, free beer.
CHILLED-OUT VIBE
For me, this was the biggest take home from Eroica Britannia. The friendly, inclusive atmosphere is rarely bettered. Perhaps it was the weather, or maybe just the fact that everyone was riding an old bike, but the whole weekend was incredibly relaxed and great fun. And that’s what cycling is all about. You can find out more about this brilliant event at eroicabritannia.co.uk
“One of the real pleasures of Eroica Britannia is seeing hundreds of simply stunning old bicycles”