2020 Eroica California registration early rate
#26
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Maybe we're saying the same thing, but for me, gravy =/= marinara.
Gravy takes a good portion of the day. Marinara is quick. Gravy is complex. Marinara is simple.
I'm not saying you can't have a good marinara, but it isn't the same as gravy.
I wasn't at Eroica and can't comment on what they used. But as you probably know, a great gravy can create a great meal.
Gravy takes a good portion of the day. Marinara is quick. Gravy is complex. Marinara is simple.
I'm not saying you can't have a good marinara, but it isn't the same as gravy.
I wasn't at Eroica and can't comment on what they used. But as you probably know, a great gravy can create a great meal.
But we digress, I'm not sure what they served at Eroica Cali was what you'd call Gravy. if you beg to differ, no problem. My locally appropriate Santa Maria tri-tip tacos were damn good.
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Gravy must be an east coast/Chicago thing, since it's not an Italian word. Or maybe it's New Jersey leaking out into the world. My Zia Julia didn't call it gravy, just sauce, but I'd put it up against any thing you call gravy. She took all day to cook it.
But we digress, I'm not sure what they served at Eroica Cali was what you'd call Gravy. if you beg to differ, no problem. My locally appropriate Santa Maria tri-tip tacos were damn good.
But we digress, I'm not sure what they served at Eroica Cali was what you'd call Gravy. if you beg to differ, no problem. My locally appropriate Santa Maria tri-tip tacos were damn good.
The digression is my point. I have seen many events degrade over time. In every case, the first thing to go is food quality. Usually it is somewhat subtle, but always the marker. Sounds like ECA went entirely out of bounds. That's unfortunate. Also, most events that went downhill sent out questionnaires asking how to improve. Although I doubt their sincerity. If you send the questionnaire, you know your event sucks, you know what brought them in in the first place, it ain't rocket science. I hope ECA improves next year, but in my experience, that is the exception and not the rule. Have a clear vision, execute it well. There will always be complainers, which will be inconsequential when most are well satisfied.
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I think this is an exceptional event. And I don't think EroicaCA went down hill. 2019 was a hiccup, they apologized and it will be sooooo awesome next year. I'm excited and planning: I think my Sunday bike is set. BUT, Do I ride my UberOS tigged fat tire road bike on Saturday, or keep things Eroica-like and equip a C&V with clipless, dual pivots, and indexed (not DT) shifting?
#30
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Maybe we're saying the same thing, but for me, gravy =/= marinara.
Gravy takes a good portion of the day. Marinara is quick. Gravy is complex. Marinara is simple.
I'm not saying you can't have a good marinara, but it isn't the same as gravy.
I wasn't at Eroica and can't comment on what they used. But as you probably know, a great gravy can create a great meal.
Gravy takes a good portion of the day. Marinara is quick. Gravy is complex. Marinara is simple.
I'm not saying you can't have a good marinara, but it isn't the same as gravy.
I wasn't at Eroica and can't comment on what they used. But as you probably know, a great gravy can create a great meal.
#31
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The digression is my point. I have seen many events degrade over time. In every case, the first thing to go is food quality. Usually it is somewhat subtle, but always the marker. Sounds like ECA went entirely out of bounds. That's unfortunate. Also, most events that went downhill sent out questionnaires asking how to improve. Although I doubt their sincerity. If you send the questionnaire, you know your event sucks, you know what brought them in in the first place, it ain't rocket science. I hope ECA improves next year, but in my experience, that is the exception and not the rule. Have a clear vision, execute it well. There will always be complainers, which will be inconsequential when most are well satisfied.
It's the old adage that it takes awhile to get a good reputation, but only a short time to ruin it. There will be a core group that will always return. I went for the first time 2 years ago because of what others on this forum said about it. Word of mouth is probably how others decide to do it as well.
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If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
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#32
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In my heart I know you're probably right. I hope you're wrong.
It's the old adage that it takes awhile to get a good reputation, but only a short time to ruin it. There will be a core group that will always return. I went for the first time 2 years ago because of what others on this forum said about it. Word of mouth is probably how others decide to do it as well.
It's the old adage that it takes awhile to get a good reputation, but only a short time to ruin it. There will be a core group that will always return. I went for the first time 2 years ago because of what others on this forum said about it. Word of mouth is probably how others decide to do it as well.
Rich and I on the way to the Lighthouse , courtesy of straightblok
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That email sounds very similar to the one sent a year ago after the first failed Dairyland Dare. The event was worse the following year. I hope the Eroica folks turn it around as it is/was a bucket list event for me, but will let someone else be the second test pancake...
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#35
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I'd do the ride again if it were exactly like this year, because it's a great chance to meet a bunch of great people, the bikes will always be orgasmic, and the Central Coast of California is spectacular.
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#36
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I don't think I ate any of the rest stop food except for some bread and olive oil. Spaghetti at the finish was fine and there was still free beer at 5:30. Then I got some nice deli food later.
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This was a bucket list item for me too, and I said in my survey that I didn't give a damn about the food.
I don't think I ate any of the rest stop food except for some bread and olive oil. Spaghetti at the finish was fine and there was still free beer at 5:30. Then I got some nice deli food later.
I don't think I ate any of the rest stop food except for some bread and olive oil. Spaghetti at the finish was fine and there was still free beer at 5:30. Then I got some nice deli food later.
#38
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#39
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But if something is uncommon, it peaks my interest. It just needs to tick the boxes otherwise it's just another ride.
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I didnt make it out this year as I had alot of other things interfering with the L Eroica date. Next year , I will be there for sure as I am a nut for old vintage metal. As far as the food goes, Like others have said already, food is no big deal to me so that aspect of the Ride hasnt discouraged me from attending.
The scenery and rustic roads alone are very appealing so next year is a Must Ride for this guy.
The scenery and rustic roads alone are very appealing so next year is a Must Ride for this guy.
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#42
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Or so I thought. By 2 weeks out, I was already planning to go back, and my goal is to cut at least 1 hour or more off of my ride/saddle time. The challenge, the scenery, the sounds of the Santa Rita and Santa Rosa creeks, the people, the bikes, Cambria/Cayucos/San Simeon and the entire Central Coast are what will bring me back, even better prepared to achieve this goal. IMO, none of the issues raised with the event are insurmountable and with proper planning and execution, most are correctable. I hope to be part of the solution.
The key is to be ready by say January 2020, and maintain yourself during the winter months, depending on where you live and your options for hill training and of course having your bicycle ready. I hope you do decide to come out and enjoy the entire event, weekend, or if possible, like me, have a nice vacation and explore California, my home state. Even if you do the shorter ride, however they configure it next year, I hope you will find Eroica California 2020 an excellent event overall to attend and ride.
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#43
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I've been to Eroica CA five years in a row, and it's been a great experience every time.
There have been wonderful people, amazing bikes, and beautiful routes each year.
The routes are challenging enough that deciding to participate has always helped me set training, weight, and equipment goals that begin long before the event (and last long after).
Signing up has also been medicinal at times. I had substantial injuries or surgery in 2014 and 2017 that could have greatly reduced my cycling the following year. Knowing I was signed up for Eroica was an extra motivator that got me back on the bike sooner, riding more miles, climbing more hills, and recovering faster for 2015 and 2018.
By bringing different bikes and choosing different routes, I've also learned LOTS more about vintage bikes and components, different era and country styles, and even single vs. tandem riding.
The rides are challenging enough that I learned more about gearing, and weight, and tires, and reliability of components, helping me become a better mechanic as well as a better rider.
And of course, one of the greatest joys has been reconnecting with old friends and making new ones each year.
Every Eroica CA edition has gone into life's storehouse of really memorable experiences, with ripples that expand ever outward.
I'm already signed up for 2020, and hope to see you there!
There have been wonderful people, amazing bikes, and beautiful routes each year.
The routes are challenging enough that deciding to participate has always helped me set training, weight, and equipment goals that begin long before the event (and last long after).
Signing up has also been medicinal at times. I had substantial injuries or surgery in 2014 and 2017 that could have greatly reduced my cycling the following year. Knowing I was signed up for Eroica was an extra motivator that got me back on the bike sooner, riding more miles, climbing more hills, and recovering faster for 2015 and 2018.
By bringing different bikes and choosing different routes, I've also learned LOTS more about vintage bikes and components, different era and country styles, and even single vs. tandem riding.
The rides are challenging enough that I learned more about gearing, and weight, and tires, and reliability of components, helping me become a better mechanic as well as a better rider.
And of course, one of the greatest joys has been reconnecting with old friends and making new ones each year.
Every Eroica CA edition has gone into life's storehouse of really memorable experiences, with ripples that expand ever outward.
I'm already signed up for 2020, and hope to see you there!
#44
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@davester, time to start planning that Marinica to Eroica ride...
#45
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I'm already registered and hard at work on planning. We need a catchy name. I momentarily thought "Marineroica" but that seems a bit lame, and a mouthful. Perhaps something on the order of "Gugie and Dave's Excellent Adventure", or "California Tour D'Eroica". Obviously more thought is needed.
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#46
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California CoastalRica? (depending on route)
Are you thinking mostly down Coastal Highway 1, or further inland?
Are you thinking mostly down Coastal Highway 1, or further inland?
#47
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I'm already registered and hard at work on planning. We need a catchy name. I momentarily thought "Marineroica" but that seems a bit lame, and a mouthful. Perhaps something on the order of "Gugie and Dave's Excellent Adventure", or "California Tour D'Eroica". Obviously more thought is needed.
Right now I'm thinking Davester and Gugie's Eroica Adventure...let it percolate.
I'm in too many boring Skype meetings at work that I just wait around waiting for my name to be called, so I came up with this strawman. Starts in Nicasio, just to have somewhere to start from, but Dave can figger that out. Sunday we finish Marinica and ride into SF, maybe crash somewhere. Maybe we stay on the Marin side, no matter, but the next day is Costanoa tents, which I've done before. From there it's Pacific Grove or thereabouts, then Big Sur or Lucia. I'm hearby pimping a credit card tour, fleabag hotels except for whatever grand palace we can AirBnB in Cambria.
I'm imaging a few riding down from Marin, pick up some people's in SF, the Peninsula, Santa Cruz, wherever people are coming from, and the train gets bigger and stronger along the way. For those that might see this as a bit too much to bite off, two people, two bikes, and a car, switch off and each rides halfway each day.
Discuss.
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#48
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Awesome! The planning's almost done already. Unless we severely shorten Marinica (which is around 70 hilly miles), I can't see riding into SF on the same day because that would probably put us over 100...not a good way to start a weeklong tour. Therefore an overnight in Marin is pretty certain. San Rafael to Pescadero (Costanoa) is pretty doable...70 miles, 4,000 feet.
#49
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Awesome! The planning's almost done already. Unless we severely shorten Marinica (which is around 70 hilly miles), I can't see riding into SF on the same day because that would probably put us over 100...not a good way to start a weeklong tour. Therefore an overnight in Marin is pretty certain. San Rafael to Pescadero (Costanoa) is pretty doable...70 miles, 4,000 feet.
At any rate, I put up the route as a strawman. I don't want to be on Hwy 1 above Half Moon Bay due to traffic - I used to live in Redwood City and rode over to the coast up and down all the major climbs, Kings Mountain is a tough climb, with the advantage that it crosses Skyline and becomes Tunitas Creek Rd - my favorite road going down to the coast off of Skyline, with the added benefit of going right by the Bike Hut - a must stop! I also routed us off of Hwy 1 until just before Costanoa for varietey - we'll have the Pacific Ocean hard to our right much of the rest of the way.
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#50
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I think the additional day as you suggest, with arrival on Friday, is a must. Otherwise we'll drive folks away with the high mileage/climbing demands. My experience is that on any tour you want to build in flex time and room for both short and long days. Time to block out some vacation days almost a year ahead of time.