{"id":52837,"title":"White Gravel Roads of L'Eroica","description":"L'Eroica. Riding this tough and beautiful vintage event in Tuscany, Italy, earlier this month.","content":"

Riding Through Time: My 105km Journey at L\u2019Eroica<\/h2>

There\u2019s something magical about pedalling through history\u2014especially when that history is paved in white gravel and steep Tuscan hills. This October, I joined friends for the 105km route of L\u2019Eroica<\/em>, the legendary vintage cycling event that winds through the heart of Italy. It was a ride that tested our legs, lifted our spirits, and reminded us why we love steel bikes and wool jerseys.<\/p>

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A Rainy Start, a Radiant Turn<\/h3>

We rolled out under grey skies. The rain was light but persistent, soaking the strade bianche and adding a cinematic layer of grit to the early climbs. We reached the first food stop in Siena\u2014and the clouds parted like a curtain.<\/p>

Sunlight streamed across the Piazza del Campo, illuminating the Torre del Mangia and drying our socks. From that point on, the weather was glorious.<\/p>

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Gravel, Grit, and Glory<\/h3>

The route itself was a masterclass in Tuscan terrain. Over 6,000 feet of elevation gain meant relentless climbs and thrilling descents, all on the iconic white gravel roads that define L\u2019Eroica. Each turn revealed postcard-perfect vistas: vineyards, olive groves, and hilltop villas that looked like they\u2019d been painted by hand.<\/p>

We shared roadside banter with fellow riders from around the world. The camaraderie was as rich as the Chianti we sipped at the final rest stop.<\/p>

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Steel Souls and Vintage Vibes<\/h3>

What makes L\u2019Eroica truly special isn\u2019t just the route\u2014it\u2019s the spirit. Riding vintage bikes with down-tube shifters and toe straps forces you to slow down, to feel every bump and breath. It\u2019s a celebration of cycling\u2019s roots, where style and substance ride side by side.<\/p>

My own setup\u2014a lovingly restored mid-70s steel frame Woodrup with classic Campagnolo components\u2014handled the terrain like a dream. The 28mm tyres coped brilliantly with the tricky white roads.<\/p>

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Reflections from the Road<\/h3>

L\u2019Eroica isn\u2019t just a ride\u2014it\u2019s a pilgrimage. It\u2019s about honouring the past while forging new memories. Whether it was the laughter over coffee in Bar Central in Gaiole, the shared struggle up the steepest climbs, or the quiet moments rolling through cypress-lined lanes, this ride reminded me why I fell in love with cycling in the first place.<\/p>

<\/p>

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