Eroica and Eroica Nova 2022

[DJR]

Most important: The steeds for the day!

Beattbox rode his Le Jeune and despite my best intentions to do the same, I fell back on the trusted Cannibal, only because I know it so well on rough roads. As it turned out, both bikes performed flawlessly and we had zero mechanicals, and that says a lot for the terrain and the type of ride.

[DJR]

It was the perfect day for riding, cool, overcast and wind still. Very soon we were off the tar and onto the dirt. The first bit was plenty bumpy and corrugated and I envied the odd gravelbiker that came flying past, but it was also short and by the time I felt comfortably warmed up we pulled into the Breakfast Stop.  Make no mistake, this, in my mind, should be compulsory.

Edited May 9, 2022 by DJR

[DJR]

I have always managed at Eroica to find a new bike brand that I have never encountered before. This is this years one, and if we didn't stop for breakfast I would have missed it: Rob Telfer. Google tells me it is British.

[DJR]

In case you wonder why I think the Breakfast Stop gets capital letters and should be compulsory:

For the KOEKSISTERS! That's why! If I could have stuck a few in my back pocket I would have! 

An Eroica stop is never just about getting a quick drink and a snack, it is about much more, bikes and like-minded people. It can last from 5 minutes to an hour. I wouldn't be shocked to find out that some riders only left when the koeksusters ran out! 

[DJR]

The roads were mostly in good condition, although you had to pick your lines carefully and not let the speed get away from you. There was even a little trickle of a water crossing after the previous nights rain. Oh, and another bit of drizzle that brought out the rain jackets again. Beattbox said to "just ride through it", but I was wiser (more chicken) than that. 

[DJR]

Every Eroica also has at least one very pleasant and welcome surprise: The totally unexpected find of an ice cold ginger beer (WITH alcohol) in the middle of nowhere, was this years one! When Beattbox and I arrived, we were the only ones there. By the time we finished drinking the party has swelled to 7 and more on the way! Remember Dragon Ginger Kick! That got me kicked up the next hill to the Lunch Stop!

[DJR]

Yup, Lunch Stop! Because of the delicious smoked trout rolls that they served! With craft beer! We stayed for seconds (trout), and it turned into an hour!  

Edited May 8, 2022 by DJR

[DJR]

This is what the terrain looks like! Remote dirt roads with just about no traffic. Long lonely stretches with the odd farm bakkie or a few fellow Heros. Oh, and don't think that walking is frowned upon. If you know how massive the chainrings and how tiny the cassettes are on many of the old classic bikes, you would also wear comfortable walking shoes. I saw quite a few riders in vellies (latest fashion item, it seems) 

[DJR]

I definitely obeyed this road sign all day long! 

[DJR]

Did I mention that the route was very well and clearly marked, even though we know it well enough by now. If you Stop like the sign says, you might as well park the bike and see if you can stretch that pain out of your neck and your back. Yes, if you want to prepare for this type of adventure, do some upper body work as well! Or maybe it was just all the titanium plates and screws in my shoulder that got a little rattled!?

[DJR]

Back at the finish the complimentary drink went down extremely well and I was reminded how important it is to do this with friends. The great thing about Eroica though, is that even if you go alone, you are bound to make friends to ride with! Guaranteed!

Till next year! Let's hope the internationals also come back by then, I missed the extra colour they add!

 

Edited May 8, 2022 by DJR

[Mamil]

Fomo. Next year, like Arnie, I'll be back

[DJR]

Oh, and before I forget, another highlight was the Saturday night screening of the French animation Les Triplettes de Bellville, the coolest animation cycling movie ever. And, no, it has got nothing to do with that suburb near the boerewors curtain.

Edited May 9, 2022 by DJR

[DJR]

From the movie, but a good image of yours truly.........in the foreground. And Beattbox climbing like a mountain goat!😜

Edited May 9, 2022 by DJR

[lechatnoir]

still the best event on the calendar. to me, it's the proper essence of cycling, but my legs feel otherwise

[Nico van Loggerenberg]