Eroica<\/em> itself was the brainchild of one man. <\/p>\n\n\n\nGiancarlo Brocci, native of Gaiole, conceptualized the idea\nof returning bicycle racing to its primitive origins. Giancarlo (along with 92\nlike-minded athletic comrades) launched the first edition of the race in 1997.\nSince then, every year the course changes, yet the magnificent countryside and\nunforgettable food stay the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Eroica has grown to become a true and honest movement, a\nmentality stretching across both language and political barriers. A network of international\npeople and events mobilize tens of thousands of cyclists, culture seekers and\nculinary specialists of every age, from every part of the world. Each year,\nthey all descend on Gaiole to drink wine, talk shop, and ride dirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Global Movement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
From these deep and honest roots in the hills surrounding\nGaiole, something has caught fire. Because not only has the Eroica excited\ncommunities to travel to Tuscany each year, but it has also encouraged other\nnations to begin their own editions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Spain, for example, the sixth edition of the Eroica\nHispania will be run next year. In partnership with the city of Har\u00f2 and the\nRioja Cycling Foundation, the course boasts impressive options of either 74 or\n184 kilometers. The beautiful wine district\nof Rioja in northern Spain is noteworthy for its incredible Tempranillo wine\nproduction and every year hosts the Har\u00f2 Wine Festival. It is here, local producers\ncompete to taste who has made the best vintage for that year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is a town of overwhelming architectural heritage, with the\nmain entrance to the church of Sant Thom\u00e1s (crafted by Felipe Vigarny) among\nsome of the most noteworthy buildings. The beautiful villas and the old town\ncenter give a special harmony to the village, creating a historic, cultural center, fit for a bike\nride. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Or imagine Japan. Eroica\u2019s Japanese itinerary will offer 30\nto 155km on challenging dirt roads. Shima Onsen welcomes the start of the race.\nIt is a city of hot springs and ancient Asian architecture, graciously unified\nwith flowering blossoms and apple groves of the ancient valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Welcome to the Club<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
By now, the Eroica bike race has spawned an entire culture, creating a collective thought and a way to approach adversary and challenge. The Eroica Bike Club (CCE) brings together a large collective of international cycling enthusiasts. They are passionate about antique bicycles and cycling history. It is both a team for training and a society for discussing. The CCE creates a friendly environment through a common interest and philosophy of bicycling. They share stories of spectacular experiences, mechanical knowledge, and world-views. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Espresso, Anyone?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
And what better way to meet and discuss such ideas and\nthemes than at a caf\u00e9? The Eroica caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are three Eroica sponsored coffee shops in Europe: Barcelona,\nPadova in northeastern Italy and in Brolio: the heart of Chianti. These are\nhistorical locations, recalling the caf\u00e9s of yesteryear with a modern and\ncontemporary design. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
L\u2019Eroica and Covid-19\n\n\n\nPerhaps there is no better parallel to draw from\nthe energy and resistance needed for the Eroica dirt road race than the brutal\nreality we are experiencing today. At the race, thousands of eager cyclists\nmake one powerful voice, snaking through the countryside. Yet each individual\nfights their own battle, through his or her own path of adventure and struggle,\nfinishing the race in their own time. By facing the worst adversary together we\nget stronger. And although each clash is separate to each individual, we become\nmore resilient to life\u2019s cruelties and persevere.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n