EROICA BRITANNIA
FUN AND FRIVOLITY IN THE HEART OF THE PEAK DISTRICT
It’s not uncommon for the word Eroica to raise an eyebrow and always causes a couple of questionable pronunciations but in fact the Italian word L’eroica literally translates as ‘the Heroes’. I had kindly been invited to the fifth edition of this iconic festival which is held in the sublime surroundings of Friden Grange in the heart of the Peak District.
Friden Grange is the new home of the Eroica Britannia known as ‘The Great British Adventure’ and covers more than 100 acres of wild vistas, big skies and romantic woodlands. The Classic Ride is on Sunday, the main event of the chaotic weekend. You can choose between 30, 60, 100 miles over track, trail, forest and moorland.
Several years ago I was lucky enough to experience the Anjou Velo Vintage, the typically French alternative to this three day retro bike festival for devotees of yesteryear bikes, music, food, boutique camping and not forgetting the shopping. Recalling my time in the Loire Valley, I was reminded of everywhere being dominated by fun and frivolity in the spirit of eccentricity and uniqueness. It felt like we had been transported back to when people had fun, or more fun than we appear to experience nowadays. And the Eroica was no exception, albeit with a slightly ‘British’ undertone.
Make no mistake, Eroica Britannia is a challenge. Choose the Ride distance that suits you and your ability. You’ll marvel in the pain of the up, relish the joy of the flat and delight in the thrill of the down – cheered home by crowds of thousands. All in it together, collectively riding over 250,000 miles in the spirit of a time gone by.
Everyone is encouraged to dress up in a colourful bygone style, It’s a wonderful concoction of paisley, comical moustaches, sweet smelling pipe tobacco, plus four slacks, silk cravats and flat caps, and that’s just the women.
The floral ensemble’s and vivid makeup of the female participants is definitely a highlight, lifting the spirits regardless of the gloomy skies.
A retro clad rider approaches the finish
Heroic bikes are only permitted. Pre 1987 road racing bikes built both with gears and without gears are only allowed for the 100 mile route. Modern carbon racing bikes are strictly forbidden. For the 60 mile and 30 mile route reproduction bikes will only be permitted if they have vintage look and characteristic. Assembled using vintage components or replicated parts similar to the original. Strictly No Mountain Bikes or modern racing bikes.
Specific authentic bikes such as Pashley Guvnors, Speed 5s, Moulton and Bromptons can enter the 30 mile and 60 mile routes. These bikes are not encouraged for the 100 mile route. Other bikes such as military, postman and delivery bikes are allowed for the 30 and 60 mile routes. Gear shifters on the downtube or exception would be Sturmey Archer style gearing. Modern day integrated gear shifting within the brake levers are not allowed. Pedals with toe clips and straps. Quick release pedals are not permitted. While training shoes are not banned they are not in keeping with the ethos of the event.
Brake cables must pass outside the handlebars but other cables can pass inside the frame and tubular and clinchers with inner tubes are allowed. Participants must be dressed in vintage or era specific clothing. Lycra and modern style clothing is not permitted. Make the effort, you’ll feel better for it! Helmets are advisable but not compulsory. You can buy a vintage style helmet on their online store if needed.
After a late arrival Friday evening, we awoke to the noise of the dreaded rain pelting the canvas, it was expected and in typical British resolve no one
appeared bothered, everybody was here to immerse in all that is good about exploration on two wheels, the weather was immaterial.
First task was to check out the Bike Jumble which was mash of vintage and cycling. The bespoke artisan products were frenetically pawed over by a cavalcade of retro clad shoppers. A pick of the more unique included, The Model Cyclist (42, Gillygate, York, YO30 7EQ; 01904 671155) who hand paint personalised model cyclists, in their words ‘You provide the photograph – We do the rest’ These die cast metal cycling models are meticulously painted by hand in keeping with heritage of road racing from the 1940s and a short walk away was Classic and Vintage Cycles (Etherow House, Woolley Bridge Road, Hadfield, Glossop, SK13 2NS) whose vibrant display of vintage bikes was a hit with the masses.
Die cast cyclists from The Model Cyclist
As always amongst the vintage and contemporary was the domineering big boys of the cycling industry, albeit on this occasion they were being overshadowed by all things retro. There was plenty of choice for eats, if slightly pricey and the entertainment was never ending. As Saturday progressed so the crowds increased significantly. The fervour continued well into the night, the atmosphere was absolutely electric, a gathering of the best vintage talent on offer with lively dance-offs, sing-a-longs, high energy brass and driving drums.
The highlight were ‘The Sette Of
Odde Volumes’ who are a local threepiece band from the Peak District. Specialising in laid back songs from the swing era they performed a selection of popular classics in their own inimitable style. Paired with an ever expanding repertoire of curiously odd originals they brought together an eclectic mix of upright bass, archtop guitar, vocal harmonies, gypsy violin, ukulele cajon and mouth trumpets to produce a unique sound that wowed the crowds.
The Sette Of Odde Volumes’
After a rather sleep interrupted night the day had arrived, Sunday is the culmination of the weekend with the rolling departure of the Classic Ride from the main festival arena. An early start from many as each competitor departed to the echoes from the MC on the tannoy. The weather was gloomy, cool and the skies promised rain. I was due to ride but however for several reasons it wasn’t going to happen, firstly I was unable to source a bike that matched the stringent requirements and secondly I was nursing a knee problem (mainly down to my age!!).
I sat on a slightly battered straw bale, coffee in hand and watched as a congregation of vivid colours enthusiastically (if slightly apprehensive) pedalled through the start gate and into the unknown. As the morning progressed so the crowds and the noise amplified, everybody eagerly awaiting a loved one to return triumphant. Around midday the majority of the riders began to return, battered by the wind but buoyantly bunch sprinting to the finish line, the thronging crowds greeted each arrival with a chorus of applause and cheers.
The weekend was an absolute joy, the people, the entertainment, the location, simply everything works. CADENCE would like to thank the organisers for inviting us to immerse in this vintage explosion in the greenery of the Peak District. Top of your cycling wish-list should be a visit to Derbyshire and the Eroica Britannia.