Official BF Eroica California 2021 Roll Call!
#26
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SLO is about half way between SF and LA. As a Bay Area native, I, too, ,have always thought of (and heard of) SLO and environs as being part of the Central Coast. It feels more NorCal than SoCal, but it does have its own vibe. The few SLO natives I have known certainly do not consider themselves to be part of SoCal.
September is part of the dry season in pretty much all of California. Every year, at some point between June 1 and September 30, there will be one or two brief light rain showers, usually just enough to raise that dust-from-the-asphalt smell and to make the roads a bit slippery. I suppose it's possible we could get a gully-washer for Eroica weekend, but is extremely unlikely, as in I cannot recall that ever happening in my 63 years on the planet, all but seven of which have been spent in the Bay Area (and four of those seven were spent in LA). Historically speaking, major storms in January or February is an occasional thing (and more occasional all the time). Major storms in September is not.
September is part of the dry season in pretty much all of California. Every year, at some point between June 1 and September 30, there will be one or two brief light rain showers, usually just enough to raise that dust-from-the-asphalt smell and to make the roads a bit slippery. I suppose it's possible we could get a gully-washer for Eroica weekend, but is extremely unlikely, as in I cannot recall that ever happening in my 63 years on the planet, all but seven of which have been spent in the Bay Area (and four of those seven were spent in LA). Historically speaking, major storms in January or February is an occasional thing (and more occasional all the time). Major storms in September is not.
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#27
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I WONDER IF IT WILL RAIN THAT WEEKEND!?
I've since hung up my Gatorskins GP4 wheel set to save that little diamond tread. The Sedis chain and and Sachs 13/24 don't skip and if my new chain shows up soon for my RS, I can save the old grease and grime on my Medici for Sept. 12.
Eroica ready.
I've since hung up my Gatorskins GP4 wheel set to save that little diamond tread. The Sedis chain and and Sachs 13/24 don't skip and if my new chain shows up soon for my RS, I can save the old grease and grime on my Medici for Sept. 12.
Eroica ready.
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#28
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Well, I haven't ridden--really ridden since before the postponed/canceled 2020 version. Until today--eye opener--Solo miles in zone 2 will not prepare you for Kiler or those other two whose names I can never remember. I am so glad we have 6 months before D-Day.
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#30
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Santa Rosa. A long slog going up, especially in the fog, but the most delightful way to disappear off the trail and into a stream ridden ravine on the back side.
They haunt my dreams...
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#31
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this from a zone 2 guy that can't be bothered often enuff to dwell more in z3. still...an awesome area to ride. hope to get back up there before may this year.
#32
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I have a friend who is training & readying a Motobecane for Eroica. I’ve checked the Eroica website, Appears they haven't opened registration yet for new riders who had not registered for the postponed 2020 event. They have posted the new date but nothing else about it as far as I can find yet.
I’m starting to inquire about potential accommodations assuming I’ll be ready and the event will be doable from a public health standpoint. However, I won’t commit any deposits yet until there's much more commitment clarity from both the Eroica California organizers and state and local public health officials and health policy. California seems to be moving in the right direction so literally 6 months from now things could be a lot better. Here’s hoping.
I’m starting to inquire about potential accommodations assuming I’ll be ready and the event will be doable from a public health standpoint. However, I won’t commit any deposits yet until there's much more commitment clarity from both the Eroica California organizers and state and local public health officials and health policy. California seems to be moving in the right direction so literally 6 months from now things could be a lot better. Here’s hoping.
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vaccination rates have ramped up in California. Per Los Angeles Times vaccine tracker, as of today, March 15:Updated March 15 7:33 p.m. Pacific
11,785,750 doses administered
+367,243 yesterday
21% of Californians have received a dose
https://www.latimes.com/projects/cal...-distribution/
interestingly, the # of vaccinations given daily was under 200,000 a few days ago so as supply, appointments and demand now ramp up, we have a fighting chance to get more and more Californians vaccinated faster. With today’s expansion of who can be vaccinated and appointments in some areas already taken or stretching into late April, people and public health seem to be hitting a stride together in getting this massive job done.
other stats can be found regarding how states are doing overall and recent 7 day avg case wise.
Edit
11,785,750 doses administered
+367,243 yesterday
21% of Californians have received a dose
https://www.latimes.com/projects/cal...-distribution/
interestingly, the # of vaccinations given daily was under 200,000 a few days ago so as supply, appointments and demand now ramp up, we have a fighting chance to get more and more Californians vaccinated faster. With today’s expansion of who can be vaccinated and appointments in some areas already taken or stretching into late April, people and public health seem to be hitting a stride together in getting this massive job done.
other stats can be found regarding how states are doing overall and recent 7 day avg case wise.
Edit
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#34
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My 2020 registration should have rolled over as well, but I'm also waiting to see what happens. I've been getting in decent mileage but will need to ramp up the distance if I intend to go. I'll also need to add LOTS of hills as it's very flat when riding from home. I've had both vaccinations and hopefully the Covid levels have dropped significantly by Sept. I just need to stay relatively healthy. I have yet another type of skin cancer on my scalp and I'm unsure of the extent they'll go to to remove it. The last surgery left a 15cm scar and kept me off the bike for more than 2 weeks.
This will be my first Eroica event so I have a few questions:
1. Seeing the very nice bikes others will be taking, are these ridden on the longer routes with the potential to be covered in mud?
2. If so, do they get a complete rebuild afterwards?
3. Which tires perform the best in terms of durability?
Thanks in advance.
This will be my first Eroica event so I have a few questions:
1. Seeing the very nice bikes others will be taking, are these ridden on the longer routes with the potential to be covered in mud?
2. If so, do they get a complete rebuild afterwards?
3. Which tires perform the best in terms of durability?
Thanks in advance.
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vaccination rates have ramped up in California. Per Los Angeles Times vaccine tracker, as of today, March 15:Updated March 15 7:33 p.m. Pacific
11,785,750 doses administered
+367,243 yesterday
21% of Californians have received a dose
https://www.latimes.com/projects/cal...-distribution/
interestingly, the # of vaccinations given daily was under 200,000 a few days ago so as supply, appointments and demand now ramp up, we have a fighting chance to get more and more Californians vaccinated faster. With today’s expansion of who can be vaccinated and appointments in some areas already taken or stretching into late April, people and public health seem to be hitting a stride together in getting this massive job done.
other stats can be found regarding how states are doing overall and recent 7 day avg case wise.
Edit
11,785,750 doses administered
+367,243 yesterday
21% of Californians have received a dose
https://www.latimes.com/projects/cal...-distribution/
interestingly, the # of vaccinations given daily was under 200,000 a few days ago so as supply, appointments and demand now ramp up, we have a fighting chance to get more and more Californians vaccinated faster. With today’s expansion of who can be vaccinated and appointments in some areas already taken or stretching into late April, people and public health seem to be hitting a stride together in getting this massive job done.
other stats can be found regarding how states are doing overall and recent 7 day avg case wise.
Edit
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Well I am a bit nervous about my second round , I will know in about five hours. I’m not expecting any side effects. My daughter got pretty ill for about 24 hours. As I age I think too much about such things and it really serves no purpose. I guess I will just go to my shop and work, it always gets my mind out of the trap!
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Well I am a bit nervous about my second round , I will know in about five hours. I’m not expecting any side effects. My daughter got pretty ill for about 24 hours. As I age I think too much about such things and it really serves no purpose. I guess I will just go to my shop and work, it always gets my mind out of the trap!
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N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
#38
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This will be my first Eroica event so I have a few questions:
1. Seeing the very nice bikes others will be taking, are these ridden on the longer routes with the potential to be covered in mud?
2. If so, do they get a complete rebuild afterwards?
3. Which tires perform the best in terms of durability?
1. Seeing the very nice bikes others will be taking, are these ridden on the longer routes with the potential to be covered in mud?
2. If so, do they get a complete rebuild afterwards?
3. Which tires perform the best in terms of durability?
2: Potentially, but generally speaking a good wipe down is all that is required.
3: There are as many answers to this as there are riders, but in the past I have ridden Vittoria Rubino 28mm, Pasela 32mm, Rene Herse 44mm (650B) and Panaracer Gravel King (the slick kind) 32mm. In September I'll likely ride the 32's again on the Davidson.
Larger questions are gearing and brakes. The medium and long routes have steep hills with loose gravel in places. Unless you have the leg strength of Bartali or intend to walk, install the lowest gearing that will fit. For me, that's a 48/36/24 triple with a 12-34 cassette out back. Those steep hills have really steep back sides, so make sure your brakes are up to snuff. Everyone has their own opinion on this, but personally, I don't think you can have brakes that are too strong and well modulated for this event. First two years I used Campagnolo Record brakes with Kool Stop pads, and then centerpull Mafacs with new pads...and both years I felt the brakes were inadequate on the downhills. Third and fourth years went to dual pivot brakes (Shimano, then long reach Tektro) and felt much more in control. But that's just me.
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#39
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It's the downhill once you make it up.
It's gravel and reasonably steep once you get past the summit. But that's not the part that worries me.
It gets paved (kinda) after a few miles, and soon after there's what I like to call "the dropoff". Hairpin, downhill 18 percent grade, and when it straightens out, it seems to get steeper. Kinda like a free fall. The second year I did the ride I knew it was coming. @Spaghetti Legs sped ahead to pull over and video our gruppeto. I come by at a snails pace just past halfway of this video. The fear is palpable.
Make sure you have good brakes.
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I don't see myself doing Eroica during/after covid. My wife prefers the Rosarito to Ensenada ride. We get free lodging a mile away from the start and it's a great weekend vacation.
If the Eroica event happens please stay safe everyone and have fun riding.
If the Eroica event happens please stay safe everyone and have fun riding.
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Brad L the bike will get dirty and dusty. I wouldn’t ride a museum piece but don’t worry otherwise. I tend to use more cosmetically challenged wheelsets as the wheels will take a beating. If you dig up threads from the past 2-3 Eroica, lots of talk of tire choice. As far as gearing, 2018 I rode 52-42 x 13-28, 2019 used a vintage looking 50-34 x 13-28. It felt equally hard each time.
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N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
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#42
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I'm keeping this as a potential long shot. I've already committed some time off to other things between now and then, but I know I will want to get out and stretch my legs with my Frejus....
Regardless, I wish all who partake a lovely ride.
Regardless, I wish all who partake a lovely ride.
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#43
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Well I am a bit nervous about my second round , I will know in about five hours. I’m not expecting any side effects. My daughter got pretty ill for about 24 hours. As I age I think too much about such things and it really serves no purpose. I guess I will just go to my shop and work, it always gets my mind out of the trap!
My 2020 registration should have rolled over as well, but I'm also waiting to see what happens. I've been getting in decent mileage but will need to ramp up the distance if I intend to go. I'll also need to add LOTS of hills as it's very flat when riding from home. I've had both vaccinations and hopefully the Covid levels have dropped significantly by Sept. I just need to stay relatively healthy. I have yet another type of skin cancer on my scalp and I'm unsure of the extent they'll go to to remove it. The last surgery left a 15cm scar and kept me off the bike for more than 2 weeks.
This will be my first Eroica event so I have a few questions:
1. Seeing the very nice bikes others will be taking, are these ridden on the longer routes with the potential to be covered in mud?
2. If so, do they get a complete rebuild afterwards?
3. Which tires perform the best in terms of durability?
Thanks in advance.
This will be my first Eroica event so I have a few questions:
1. Seeing the very nice bikes others will be taking, are these ridden on the longer routes with the potential to be covered in mud?
2. If so, do they get a complete rebuild afterwards?
3. Which tires perform the best in terms of durability?
Thanks in advance.
1: Lots of very nice bikes on all routes. Some folks bring multiple bikes for the show beforehand and only ride one. Yes, they may be covered in mud, hit by gravel on the road, certainly dusty if nothing else.
2: Potentially, but generally speaking a good wipe down is all that is required.
3: There are as many answers to this as there are riders, but in the past I have ridden Vittoria Rubino 28mm, Pasela 32mm, Rene Herse 44mm (650B) and Panaracer Gravel King (the slick kind) 32mm. In September I'll likely ride the 32's again on the Davidson.
Larger questions are gearing and brakes. The medium and long routes have steep hills with loose gravel in places. Unless you have the leg strength of Bartali or intend to walk, install the lowest gearing that will fit. For me, that's a 48/36/24 triple with a 12-34 cassette out back. Those steep hills have really steep back sides, so make sure your brakes are up to snuff. Everyone has their own opinion on this, but personally, I don't think you can have brakes that are too strong and well modulated for this event. First two years I used Campagnolo Record brakes with Kool Stop pads, and then centerpull Mafacs with new pads...and both years I felt the brakes were inadequate on the downhills. Third and fourth years went to dual pivot brakes (Shimano, then long reach Tektro) and felt much more in control. But that's just me.
2: Potentially, but generally speaking a good wipe down is all that is required.
3: There are as many answers to this as there are riders, but in the past I have ridden Vittoria Rubino 28mm, Pasela 32mm, Rene Herse 44mm (650B) and Panaracer Gravel King (the slick kind) 32mm. In September I'll likely ride the 32's again on the Davidson.
Larger questions are gearing and brakes. The medium and long routes have steep hills with loose gravel in places. Unless you have the leg strength of Bartali or intend to walk, install the lowest gearing that will fit. For me, that's a 48/36/24 triple with a 12-34 cassette out back. Those steep hills have really steep back sides, so make sure your brakes are up to snuff. Everyone has their own opinion on this, but personally, I don't think you can have brakes that are too strong and well modulated for this event. First two years I used Campagnolo Record brakes with Kool Stop pads, and then centerpull Mafacs with new pads...and both years I felt the brakes were inadequate on the downhills. Third and fourth years went to dual pivot brakes (Shimano, then long reach Tektro) and felt much more in control. But that's just me.
But if there is rain or the course is moist, yes, there can be mud and debris. Depending on your level of OCD, a wipe down or light hose down may be all that's needed. If you fear any water ingress, then a good maintenance will be in order. If you've ridden multi-hundreds or a thousand training miles and culminate in a longer route Eroica California finish, consider treating your cycling partner to the same post race clean up / meal that you took part in. That way, you'll be confident that your training for the next Eroica will start fresh. Its up to you but I certainly double checked the derailleur pulleys, chain (because they are cheap to replace), wheel bearings, Pedals, and bottom bracket, especially if its drilled or relieved.
As for tires, I run clinchers and have been using Mavic MA-3 rims on Campagnolo low flange hubs with Compass / now Rene Herse 700C x 35mm Bon Jon Pass Extralight casing tires, they are made by Panaracer to Herse specification. I'm 210 pounds (trying like hell to get below 200 again for the 4th year in a row) so my brother in law suggested wider tires which can give more cushion and durability. It may sound weird to narrow tire riding, but I run about 55F/60R during winter and down to 45F/52R during summer months. Tires do have good clearance on my Italvega Super Speciale frame but wheels are not easy to take out of Campy brakes even with adjusters fully open so frame / fork / stay and brake clearance is important and you should practice how you take off a wheel if needed. I carry brake nut wrenches just in case I have to take off one brake shoe to make it super easy. That's with mostly new pads though, worn pads may give more clearance. I like the Herse tires and would suggest using the widest tire you feel will clear your fork (but remember to bring something to clear out a muddy fork if needed) and your frame (may need to back off the dropout adjusters or take them out entirely) unless you are very svelte and light and would run say 28's or 32's. On my later 2nd generation Super Speciale / Superlight frames, the fork is different an only allows for a 32mm Stampede Pass tire.
Please note that the wider tires also are a a little heavier and a bit taller so standover and toe overlap is affected. Also, your gearing is also adversely affected (overall larger radius/diameter so effective gearing is higher in every cog) so there is that partial trade off to consider. But when I showed up with those tires, most said "wow, those look big". And after a couple of seconds "Man, that looks like a good set up for Eroica!". I'd find tires you just would feel comfortable on gravel and rutted dirt roads. Personally, although I like 25mm tires, the extra width, air volume, and comfort are IMO good trade offs for this type of ride. I now train on them year round. Plenty of size choices in Herse tires and regular and extralight casings. They are not inexpensive but I splurge for the Extralights because they are comfortable, I can ride over small bumps and road irregularities like I had short suspension while narrow tires are jarring and rock hard at 100+psi. And they seem to roll just as fast otherwise. At my age, why not? In fact, if anyone buys Herse tires and doesn't like them, I'd buy them used just to have as spares assuming they fit my bikes. I've gotten at least 1500 miles out of them properly cared for and rotated F/R, only 1 flat in 3 years but I'm riding mostly pavement, no flats at 3 Eroica events. If you do a lot of climbing, expect the rears to show wear depending on your condition. I do recommend using tubes and a good sealant just in case.
https://www.renehersecycles.com/how-...e-herse-tires/
https://www.renehersecycles.com/rene...-right-for-me/
https://www.renehersecycles.com/prod...ts/tires/700c/ No affiliation, but a very satisfied customer.
I also concur with the gearing recommendations. Unless you're a strong climber, most of us, uh, vintage riders, will need some gearing accommodations. I use a Campagnolo Record crankset drilled for a 74mm BCD triple gear and run 52-42-28 with a Suntour 14-30 freewheel.with Campagnolo Nuovo Record derailleur modified with SOMA Rally long cages and Bullseye type pulleys. I could potentially use a 32 or 34 rear cog but I strongly recommend playing with dropout adjustment, chain length and chain type to figure out if this shifts ok for you. Otherwise consider any Suntour or other brand proven slant parallelogram long cage rear derailleur with large cog capability. Some feel a front inner cog of 26 or smaller is asking for chain suck problems on a vintage Campagnolo Record crankset. Front derailleur options for triple can be limited due to Campagnolo Record limited front shift throw. YMMV, other triple setups may work as well or better.
There is no shame in having gearing that will allow you/us to keep spinning and riding up the climbs in your/our current physical age and condition.
https://eroica.cc/en/nova-california
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Last edited by mech986; 03-16-21 at 08:28 PM.
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This will be my first Eroica event so I have a few questions:
1. Seeing the very nice bikes others will be taking, are these ridden on the longer routes with the potential to be covered in mud?
2. If so, do they get a complete rebuild afterwards?
3. Which tires perform the best in terms of durability?
Thanks in advance.
2. No
3. 27mm or more, not new ones.
#45
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If your bike doesn't reflect the self-inflicted suffering of Eroica California's climbs, you didn't really do the ride.
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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.
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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#46
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Thanks for all the replies. I may bring my 69 Colnago Super or my freshly acquired Legnano (a post will be coming soon) to show, but ride my 83 Gitane Interclub as it has better gearing for the hills. The Gitane currently has a 42/52 Nervar crankset and 14-32 6-speed freewheel. I have a Stronglight 99 crankset with 36/48 chainrings to swap out for Eroica. The tires are Pasela 28s, which hopefully should be fine since I'm 5'-7" and 130 lbs. The paint on the Gitane is hideous. It's a mix of faded and chipped original paint that's been roughly toughed up. Let's just say it's a 30 foot paint job. It wouldn't bother me as much if this one took a little abuse.
Concerning the Covid vaccines, I've received both shots and only had a mild headache and fatigue the day after. I was concerned about the side effects, especially since I've been immunosuppressed for the last 23 years, but all was fine.
Once the Covid lockdown happened, my wife bought me a smart trainer for my birthday last April. Not only was I able to keep training, my modern bike was tied to the trainer so I wound up putting almost 1000 miles on the Gitane in 2020. It rides very nice and fits perfectly.
Concerning the Covid vaccines, I've received both shots and only had a mild headache and fatigue the day after. I was concerned about the side effects, especially since I've been immunosuppressed for the last 23 years, but all was fine.
Once the Covid lockdown happened, my wife bought me a smart trainer for my birthday last April. Not only was I able to keep training, my modern bike was tied to the trainer so I wound up putting almost 1000 miles on the Gitane in 2020. It rides very nice and fits perfectly.
#47
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Well second shot went ok and as others have stated I feel sore and a bit of headache. Thank you spaghetti legs for the encouragement. This time a bit worse than the first but no flu like symptoms. I had the Pfizer , my wife had the Moderna and was ill for a couple of days on her first shot and still waiting for her second. I expected this event to be postponed until next year and wanted to have my Colnago all restored by then. With Ed Litten’s lead time I don’t dare take it apart so I will ride it the way I got it . I am doing the short route with Rich and running the same gearing and tire set up I had in 2019 on the ItalVega. In the front 53/41 and a 28 low FW with Pasela Panaracer 28’s . Keeping up with Rich is a bit of a challenge especially on the downhills but look out I’m in pretty good shape this year and I am looking for a special pair of socks for this event. I know gugie is planning a ride down from SF but anyone thinking Saturday pre ride? I would love to do a Cayucos ride or something . We are doing the short route so it could be an option. I will be on my “Halloween “ special Medici on Saturday , riding down from San Simeon campground.
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#48
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Well second shot went ok and as others have stated I feel sore and a bit of headache. Thank you spaghetti legs for the encouragement. This time a bit worse than the first but no flu like symptoms. I had the Pfizer , my wife had the Moderna and was ill for a couple of days on her first shot and still waiting for her second. I expected this event to be postponed until next year and wanted to have my Colnago all restored by then. With Ed Litten’s lead time I don’t dare take it apart so I will ride it the way I got it . I am doing the short route with Rich and running the same gearing and tire set up I had in 2019 on the ItalVega. In the front 53/41 and a 28 low FW with Pasela Panaracer 28’s . Keeping up with Rich is a bit of a challenge especially on the downhills but look out I’m in pretty good shape this year and I am looking for a special pair of socks for this event. I know gugie is planning a ride down from SF but anyone thinking Saturday pre ride? I would love to do a Cayucos ride or something . We are doing the short route so it could be an option. I will be on my “Halloween “ special Medici on Saturday , riding down from San Simeon campground.
#49
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Well second shot went ok and as others have stated I feel sore and a bit of headache. Thank you spaghetti legs for the encouragement. This time a bit worse than the first but no flu like symptoms. I had the Pfizer , my wife had the Moderna and was ill for a couple of days on her first shot and still waiting for her second. I expected this event to be postponed until next year and wanted to have my Colnago all restored by then. With Ed Litten’s lead time I don’t dare take it apart so I will ride it the way I got it . I am doing the short route with Rich and running the same gearing and tire set up I had in 2019 on the ItalVega. In the front 53/41 and a 28 low FW with Pasela Panaracer 28’s . Keeping up with Rich is a bit of a challenge especially on the downhills but look out I’m in pretty good shape this year and I am looking for a special pair of socks for this event. I know gugie is planning a ride down from SF but anyone thinking Saturday pre ride? I would love to do a Cayucos ride or something . We are doing the short route so it could be an option. I will be on my “Halloween “ special Medici on Saturday , riding down from San Simeon campground.
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#50
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Hope you are able to join us someday. There are some relatively inexpensive lodgings and accommodations in Cambria, San Simeon, Paso Robles (30 min drive), even San Luis Obispo (37 min. drive.) plus some camping accommodations. But I do understand the costs and time commitment involved. Remember there is also a great vintage concours as well as the Nova Eroica for modern bikes on Saturday.
https://eroica.cc/en/nova-california
Id rather bring them along to a bike event down south than go do Eroica by myself.
Either way Ill enjoy seeing the bikes and pictures BF members will post if the event should happen
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