Dust off your old steel road bike and get ready for a weekend of riding, eating and drinking – just like they did in the old days! Eroica started as a celebration of vintage racing culture and everything that goes along with it, and we’re proud to carry on this tradition for a second year here on African soil. On 18 March 2017 we take over the old KWV distillery in Montagu for our Eroica Festival, and there are three beautiful gravel routes to choose from on the day, each with spectacular views and unique food stops. It’s important to note that Eroica is not a race, but rather a homage to bicycle races of old. So we ride old steel road bikes, and dress and act the part – wool, steel, Chianti!
Of course our dusty Karoo roads are quite different from the ‘strade bianche’ around Gaiole in Italy where this now-famous event was born, but we do it in true African style.
Eroica has a huge international following, with many enthusiasts trying to attend every single Eroica event around the world – from the original L’Eroica in Italy, to Spain, Japan, California in the States, Bakewell in the UK, and now South Africa! Paolo and his very rare Bianchi have been to many of them.
Our Eroica South Africa routes are very unique, and quite possibly much tougher that the other Eroicas around the world. We have three routes to choose from – the 50km Kingna, 90km Kogman and the 140km Keisie, named after the three rivers that converge in the Montagu valley.
Support! In true vintage style.
Each riders receives some unique Eroica memorabilia, like this beautifully designed route map that gets stamped at each food stop. Wesley – the organiser of Eroica California – had a fantastic time here in South Africa.
Eroica start-line style. Oh yeah.
Remember to practise getting into your toe-clips to avoid any embarrassing start-line faux pas.
Along the deceptively tough 140km Keisie route.
Eroica is not without its challenges… make sure your vintage equipment is in good shape before you take on the gravel.
Traguardo! We’re learning Italian on the finish line.
Steel and gravel.
Head on over to https://eroicasouthafrica.com soon and register – 18 March is fast approaching and we’d love to raise a glass of wine with you in Montagu!
I'm truly looking forward to this year.