L'Eroica 2011

expect i'll set off at 0530 again, so will be dark and bloody cold. don't worry about big lights, small single led on rear and slightly bigger one on front. u can always see people ahead/behind.
after almost dying of hypothermia first year, i now take kneewarmers and a tiny rapha stowaway jacket which keeps the wind off. will use some old socks over my leather race gloves, which ill chuck away once it warms up.
Sunrise is very welcome, but before too long it gets to about 27/28 degrees and u wish it was cold again. I always take sunglasses too, loads of glare and lots of dust from road.

Old socks over gloves, top tip !

Just remembered I can't speak a word of italian,

How do I say, "A pint of your finest beer please beautiful bar lady and of course one for yourself" !?

...make your way 30km north to lucca- Tis a beautiful town and I found Pisa to be a bit of a shit hole

agreed. 1 day here is enough, once you've seen the tower there's not a lot more to it.

off to the chianti region tomorrow. can't wait!

hopefully catch up with some of you next sat.

i've just received an email with my number. it says to bring proof of payment - i don't remeber receiving any. did any of you?

edit - found it: paypal receipt

i've just received an email with my number. it says to bring proof of payment - i don't remeber receiving any. did any of you?

edit - found it: paypal receipt

Only a paypal receipt

Thanks for all the good tips, guys. Really looking forward to this now. Will have to ride faster to enjoy all those food and drink stops!
On monday morning after the ride I have a promise of a lift to Sienna rail station, but if anyone is going from Gaiole all the way to Pisa airport on monday morning, and has space for another bike box/small case, please pm me, happy to share your costs.

expect i'll set off at 0530 again, so will be dark and bloody cold. don't worry about big lights, small single led on rear and slightly bigger one on front. u can always see people ahead/behind.
after almost dying of hypothermia first year, i now take kneewarmers and a tiny rapha stowaway jacket which keeps the wind off. will use some old socks over my leather race gloves, which ill chuck away once it warms up.
Sunrise is very welcome, but before too long it gets to about 27/28 degrees and u wish it was cold again. I always take sunglasses too, loads of glare and lots of dust from road.

Absolutely right, quite cold in the morning for those leaving at 5:00ish but then worm up quite quickly as soon as the sun rises.

Lights tip; if you set off early for the 205km i suggest using some helmet light (i bought mine at Decathlon for about €30) this will help gaining some time when is dark and you can't see the stony road. At least this is what we changed from last year.

yes, it's actually compulsory to have lights if setting off before Dawn (before 7ish)- what ever lights you have are fine- I pack a pullover small enough to pack into my bag.

I did a dress rehearsal (sans moustache) yesterday in yorkshire, a quick 40km jolly to York which felt fine and the bike is working great but my knee is pretty sore this morning so I'll definitely just be doing the 135 on Sunday so anyone good to ride with me? john and Andreas are on the 205 still I think?

Sorry to hear that.. hopefully your nee gets better and we can ride the 205 altogether! If not we certainly do like 105champ says.. Brolio for bike/road check and glass of wine.

just looked up my number on the list of entrants...................Guess Im gonna be singing that Prince song all the way around ....... nineteen ninety nine...
Prince - 1999 [HQ] - YouTube

snapper65..... I googled it ...Una pinta di birra il vostro migliore preghiamo bella signora bar e, naturalmente, una per te "

Rider 2141 reporting... we should probably resist the temptation to get overexcited but just sneaked a look at the Metcheck forecast... 28c, blue skies, sun and next to no wind. Lordy!

jealous face

Have a ball people, hope the weather is kind to you. Enjoy!

L'Eroica 2011 - le coq sportif Teaser - YouTube

got me excited

Quick Q for those who have been before - how safe is it, what type of bike lock do i need to bring for when eating, drinking, etc (before the ride)?

I don't think you need a lock.. at least we didn't lock our bikes last year, even during the Saturday's market we left the bikes piled up around.

true - i've never taken a lock with me, always just have my bike close by - only just occured to me that it might be a good idea after you've mentioned it

afraid not! but if you are free for plans thus week definitely make your way 30km north to lucca- Tis a beautiful town and I found Pisa to be a bit of a shit hole
I can Reccomend a good hostel if you do!

I'm in Lucca atm, at a wonderful hotel (an old monestary) about 10km outside the city http://villadelseminario.com/

A nice bikeshop in the town is in the Corso Garibaldi http://www.chronobikes.com/

Weather is lovely, hope it keeps up! See you guys Sat/Sunday

^was in Lucca two weeks back, great city/awesome food/surroundings.

nice peter - very jealous, i don't fly till thursday night but i can't wait! i think john flys today and is off straight to siena

cool thanks !!

Thats a great start !

Seriously though, do they mind you speaking English ?

Neil

hehe, they love English, a lot of people don't speak but will bend over backwards to try and communicate anyway :)

I just packed my bag and my bike and feel rather anxious now, wish I didnt have 2 more days at work!

A few 'mille gratzie's and 'per favore's go a long way (thanks a lot and please).
Will take my tiny 'audax' lock...

i'm be landing in about 12 hours - can't bloody wait! anyone else flying today?

I fly tomorrow in the morning

I fly tomorrow in the morning

Enjoy Tika. And indeed everyone going.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGvmmS5IwR4

good luck to all you lucky buggers!!

I'm doing some charity work all week instead ;o)