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@peter_v
Rode my 10th l'eroica yesterday, a great 'vintage cycling' event which I really think every cycling fan should do once in their lifetime. Tuscany in pre-autumn/late summer is so lovely, the atmosphere is superb, and even though it's really busy with thousands of participants on pre-1984 steel bikes, once you get on the white roads it spreads out and there's plenty of opportunity to enjoy the Chianti landscapes.
Siena at sunrise is just awesome (start of the ride is between 5 and 6:30 AM for the 135 and 205km). There's a choice of distances, from 45 to 205 kilometers. The longest one has over 100km of 'sterrata' (gravel roads) and some of the climbs are absolutely nasty (especially Castiglion del Bosco and Mont Sante Marie (named 'sector Fabian Cancellara' in the Strade Bianche road race which was inspired by l'eroica).
Every time I'm completely knackered when I cross the finish line, for me it's one of the hardest but most beautiful days on the bike of the year. Some more pics on my strava. Make sure you go some time!