merziac

This is a version of the classic seller and buyer scenario where the buyer thinks they are entitled (which I agree with) but the seller already has your money and has likely spent it so they are hoping to refuel with new money from new participants and don't really care about the ensuing chaos, we got your money, held your spot, your on your own, good luck.

bikingshearer 

It sure has that smell about it. It is also a dumb way to do business. I don't know much about running a business, but I do know it is a heck of a lot easier to keep an existing customer than to recruit a new one. If the Eroica folks don't get it together, they are going to lose a lot of existing customers - not a threat, just the reality of the situation.

bikingshearer 

Some do. I suspect most don't. I know I don't, but them I'm a wuss.

Classtime 

I still can't make that date and I am registered for both the Classic and Nova. If you or someone you know needs to register -- $150 includes both days, let me know and I will initiate the transfer.

repechage

It took Mussolini to get the trains on time, They are not that organized here.
I will try to make the swap, provided the pandemic is reigned in.

Classtime 

I never thought of Eroica as a business. All three times, it felt like they were doing me a favor by organizing the ride and convincing you all to come along. Though I can't make it this year, it still feels the same and I give them a Covid Pass. (I am a school teacher -- where things are really really f'd up. EroicaCA is running smoothly in comparison.) I guess it is a lot of money for a bike ride but still a deal. My other favorite ride has raised their fee to 225. But you do get 30 more miles, 3,000 more feet of climbing, waffles, and a beer. Planning on it for next year.

repechage

Must be the cost of the Belgian Waffle Ride California this year.

Kabuki12

OK, I am officially reserved for my campsite at San Simeon State Park. Gonna get there on Thursday and ride my Irish Fanny off for four days! I just love that area . My wife is bringing her ebike so we can explore the coast together. Like I say , by the time we get to the event lets hope all the frustrations melt away and we can just have a great time. I sure hope Linn's is doing the pasta this year, 2019 pasta was the best! Just think ..... long walks on the beach , music by the campfire while watching the stars , cycling the pristine coast , and poking dead things with a stick! It don't get any better than that!!!

bikingshearer 

I didn't either - until recently. The vibe has definitely changed. As I said earlier, when Wes was running it, it felt like a labor of love along with a fund raiser for the SLO hospice people. 2019 lost a fair amount of that vibe - not all, but a fair amount. The way things are being handled now, some more of that vibe has been lost. Again, not all, but a fair amount more. When does it get to the point where I feel I am being taken undue advantage of? I don't know, but it never occurred to me to ask the question before.

As for this year, like @Kabuki12, I plan to arrive in Cambria on Thursday with wife in tow (she doesn't ride, but she likes coming along on the expeditions) and I fully expect to enjoy the area, the event, and mixing with the tribe. And I am quite prepared to have all my doubts vanquished. I do wish, however, they had not been introduced in the first place.

Brad L 

Thanks for the heads-up, especially since I haven't received any notification from Eroica. I'd been putting off reserving a room, so I didn't need to change a reservation as much as make one in the first place - which I did moments ago at the Cambria Palms.

I noticed on the Eroica California site that the "Festival" still shows the schedule slated for April 2020. I certainly hope there's going to be a swap meet and concours. It almost seems pointless to drive the 3500 mile round trip for just a vintage bike ride, so I'm planning on seeing the sights on my way there and back.

I'm looking forward to meeting everyone.

merziac

I still can't reconcile all the uncertainty of the whole Covid mess yet. Having been on the front line and watching one of the major world class healthcare organizations flail more than I ever would have imagined.

You all are far braver than I.

The big takeaway for me at this point is to be glad they are forging ahead, I hope they are right in doing so.

Temper any expectations accordingly so you are not sorely disappointed, the past was then, this is now.

You all are the show now, don't leave it up to them, they don't, can't, won't care so make it so.

Maybe if they have it and all the rest gets way more under control, I'll get to come next year.

iab

Aw man. I much prefer kvetching about gearing than kvetching about organization. But feel free to donate a couple hundred hours of your time to step it up. Any youse want to volunteer?

repechage

my son and I volunteer for non profit organizations. That has been all screwed up for over a year now too.

velomateo

I, like others, have yet to receive any email notification regarding the revised date (5 Sept) or re-revised date (19 Sept). I did check the My Eroica page this morning and was very happy to see that the California event is finally listed...and my registration is verified for Sept 19. I'm glad I waited to reserve a place to stay.

Oldairhead 

Well, it is a corporate run event and has been for many years now. Once it took off in Italy and a limit was put on participation they had to turn many people away. The franchising to several locations is in part to meet the demand but also to broaden the base. Giancarlo then sold out and took on the role of ambassador to stay involved. At it's heart now the these Eroica events have simply become a marketing opportunity. Wes was able to give it a human face but in the end it is just a business to the owners. The exception may be the Italian version which is where the real passion lies.

California is a terrible place to try and put on a large cycling event. Insurance, permits, lawsuits and ever rising cost to do business in the state have put a stake in the heart of events like this one. Add Covid into the mix and the incessant handwringing over equity and social justice in sport and you've got just too many hurdles to cross. Even promoters with very deep pockets (think Tour of California) now shun the state as a venue for cycling events. I will be surprised if the event survives another year or two in California! There is simply no way for it to be profitable as a large event in California. Particularly with the money they are willing to put into it. It cannot get too big in California or it will die!

The likely way forward is through a series of smaller grassroots events, like the Dalles Mtn 60 was here in Oregon or the Cino in Montana. Of course these events take a lot of work and volunteer support but they can be quite fun. Volunteers burn out though and passion fades even for the most enthusiastic supporters. Ask any event director about the difficulties they face and you will get an earful, especially in California. Enjoy Eroica California while it is here. I suspect that it may not be for much longer.

Erzulis Boat 

I am only getting the option to register for both the Nova and the Classic combined. Is it just my computer?

Did anyone get the Classic on it's own yet as a payment option?

gugie 

Eroica Oregon, anyone?

merziac

I'm signing you up to run it and no I won't help.

gugie 

I'll just rename the next Ride Wrench and Grill and call it done.

gugie 

Well, the email came out today. The Grupetto ride down he coast has had to rearrange skanky motel accomodations for the ride down the coast, and the Palazzo V2.0 had to be rearranged, but I think we're good.

gugie 

I don't think the poster implies that it represents Cambria, it's about the ride. That and it's just art. I double checked, you can see Morro Rock from the pier in Cayucos, so everything's technically in the right order.

bikingshearer 

Is it just me, or does the poster make us look a bit like lemmings following each other into the ocean?

keithdunlop

I totally agree, in fact, you can see the Morro Rock from Highway 46 on a clear day. I just thought the poster featured the rock in a very predominate way that didn't say "Cambria" to me as a local. The poster does say "Cambria" on it. Us locals may have have a myopic view since we ride these roads frequently.

gugie 

At least it wasn't Dustin Hoffman driving an Alfa Romeo over the top deck over the Bay Bridge when he was supposed to be driving into Berkeley.

SLO is a wonderful place to live. My wife and I plan on retiring in the area in a couple of years, so there's a good chance I'll be hitting you up for some rides!

gugie 

"Hey man, I just follow what my Garmin tells me to do".