CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF AUTHENTICITY

L’Eroica, which translates as ‘the heroes’ started in 1997 in Tuscany, Italy because of one man, Giancarlo Brocci, who admired the values of a past cycling so much that he wanted to reconnect others to the heritage that inspired much Italian history, literature, culture, and music. L’Eroica also created a foundation for the protection and preservation of the last gravel roads in Tuscany. These romantic concepts led to the idea of L’Eroica, an event that initially saw 92 “hunters of feelings and emotions”, as the creator Giancarlo Brocci defines them. 20 years later with many thousands of riders from all over the world taking part in almost every continent, its authenticity remains as strong as ever.

Eroica Britannia
"The Great British Adventure"
Part of Eroica Global

Bicycles
Made Pre

1987

L'Eroica
Established

1997

Celebrating
Twenty Years

2017

KEEPING YOU ON THE STRAIGHT AND NARROW

We have 4,500 riders taking part in The Great British Adventure so we do require you to check out the pre-1987 rules. We do try and make The Ride as accessible as possible for everyone so specific authentic bikes such as Pashley Guvnors, Speed 5s, Moulton and Bromptons can enter the 25 mile and 55 mile routes. These bikes are not encouraged for the 100 mile route. Other bikes such as military, postman and delivery bikes are allowed for the 25 and 55 mile routes.

YOUR BIKE AND OUTFITTING

The rules below are in place for a reason. The authenticity of the event is crucial to its success. While we do make exceptions we ask you to come on the journey with us. Make the effort and play your part.

1. Pre 1987 road racing bikes built both with gears and without gears are only permitted for the 100 mile route. Modern carbon racing bikes are strictly forbidden.

2. For the 55 mile and 25 mile route reproduction bikes will only be permitted if they have vintage look and characteristic. Assembled using vintage components or replicated parts similar to the original. Strictly No Mountain Bikes or modern racing bikes.

3. Specific authentic bikes such as Pashley Guvnors, Speed 5s, Moulton and Bromptons can enter the 25 mile and 55 mile routes. These bikes are not encouraged for the 100 mile route. Other bikes such as military, postman and delivery bikes are allowed for the 25 and 55 mile routes.

4. Gear shifters on the downtube or exception would be Sturmey Archer style gearing. Modern day integrated gear shifting within the brake levers are not allowed.

5. Pedals with toe clips and straps. Quick release pedals are not permitted. While training shoes are not banned they are not in keeping with the ethos of the event.

6. Brake cables must pass outside the handlebars but other cables can pass inside the frame.

7. Both tubular and clinchers with inner tubes are allowed.

8. Participants must be dressed in vintage or era specific clothing. Lycra and modern style clothing is not permitted. Make the effort, you'll feel better for it!

9. Helmets are advisable but not compulsory. You can buy a vintage style helmet in our online store if needed.

Best in show bike

2016

The months, days, hours that go into creating a beautiful bike need absolute recognition. Best in Show Bike rewards that hard work effort with a rigorous judging panel which this year included Wesley Hatakeyama, Chris Sidwells and Dave Marsh. Our Bike Categories for Eroica Britannia Best in Show 2016 had record numbers of entries. We’re looking for entries for 2017 to include; Best Preserved Bike Pre 1949 - Best Preserved Bike 1955-1987 - Best Restored Bike.

Coming Soon

Celebratingauthentic endeavour1997 - 2017