2015 Eroica California

I was initially ambivalent about this ride. Mostly because of its steep entry fee. But, luckily, my better half encouraged me to sign up. I had to have a new set of rims laced onto the hubs of the Cinelli due to an untimely rear wheel failure a month or so ago, but otherwise ran the bike in its stock original 1970 form with a 42x26 gear combo, and all 25 lbs. of Italian artistry. I choose the middle route - 69 miles of very tough terrain. The group I left with at about 9:00 contained the founder of the series, a a ton of Italians, and Andy Hampsten no less - one of the great heros of modern cycling. There was a little confusion getting out of town and then off for the initial 30 mile loop out east of Paso. Mostly pavement, but one section of steep gravel road that had me walking just after the first stop. There were so many beautiful old bikes it was like a rolling museum of all the nicest bikes mostly from the '70s and '80s, but there was a guy on a '53 Claude Butler I rode with off and on that was really something. Initially I did not feel strong and was tempted to opt out of the middle for the short route, but pride forbade it. My legs started perking up towards the beginning of the second half. I was feeling really strong on the Kiler Cyn. climb when I managed to blow out the rear tire. I fixed it and then noticed I'd cut the sidewall so I had to start over and use a dollar bill to reinforce the tire. I managed to get it going again, but never recovered the fine tempo I'd had before the flat. At the last stop where there was lunch I was sitting only a few seats down from Andy Hampsten and so couldn't resist taking his picture. The last 15 miles or so I joined a group of 10 or so elderly racer types. It was fun to ride in a group after spending most of the day solo or in short temporary groups. These guys had great form and an easy style that only experienced racers do in groups. I was happy to find myself fit enough to hang in with them, and in the final climb where everyone lit up the afterburners only two guys got to the top before me. A short descent and then we were into town and over the finish line. A very fine event. I found my rear tire was again flat by the time I was unloading the bike at home - perfect!