Red Wine, Gravel Roads and Vintage Bikes.

The brainchild of Giancarlo Brocci, the inaugural L'Eroica "race" set off in 1997 from Gaiole in Chianti, Italy, as an initiative to protect the remaining stradi bianchi, or, white gravel roads of Tuscany. Nowadays 2,400 riders partake in the scenic  tour. Not really a race but a kind of cycling ode to the slow movement which, of course, began in Italy too. So, taking in the scenery and stopping for regular ribollita soup, cake and wine are just as important as finishing. No carbon fibre nor bikes pre 1987 in sight, the event is preceded by a weekend exhibition and market of vintage bikes, cycling gear and well worn tweed.