L'Eroica

L'Eroica is a race for vintage bikes (and riders, from the looks of it) that takes place on the chalky white gravel roads of the Chianti area of Tuscany, Italy. Riders come from all over the world to tackle the hills on their vintage bikes, most in full period costume. Check out these great photos of the 2008 edition.

Period correct, down to the shoes. Photo by Kay.

Tackling the hills in matching vintage gear. Photo by Kay.

Even the feed stations are vintage! Photo by Kay.

This guy looks like he's working hard. Sweet Colnago and Salvarani jersey, though. Photo by Kay.

Dude, you're blowing it with the whole cell-phone thing! Photo by Kay.

This guy is great: straight out of the early decades of competitive cycling, complete with single-speed bike (possibly fixed) spare tyres wrapped around his shoulders (which also helped protect against broken collarbones), les bidons and aviator-style goggles. Plus, a moustache. Killer. Photo by Kay.

I'm sorry, are you from the past? Photo by Kay.

Look at these guys. They have absolutely no idea how hip they are. Effortless. There are people in SF, Chicago and NY who would kill to look this good. I choose to believe they dress like this on a daily basis. Photo by Kay.

So, there you have it, L'Eroica, a race I am now absolutely committed to doing at least once in my life. Of course, I'll have to put together a decent vintage road bike first, which, given my general lack of funds will probably take years, so I'll probably be as old as these dudes when I manage it, but still, it's going to happen. It looks like so much fun. Thanks to Kay for the awesome photos. Check out more of his great cycling photos here, and to get more details about L'Eroica go here.