L'Eroica 2012
adriandvg
Posts: 5
I'm considering doing L'Eroica 2012 but face the following dilemna and wondered if anyone has any advice.
On the one hand, I fancy a challenge and the thought of doing 205km with a large chunk on strada would certainly fit the bill. I'm doing the Marmotte this year so will hopefully maintain some of that fitness that would just about get me round. Have you only REALLY done L'Eroica if you've done the full course?
On the other hand, I want to enjoy it - not just finishing it. I don't want to be thinking that I'm just doing 205k for the sake of it and the pain will outway the satisfaction. It's a beautiful event in a beautiful country and I want to endulge in a glass of chianti and salami on my way round if I fancy, clearly more suited to the 135km, or dare I say, 75km route.
Can anyone advise on this? Has anyone done the 205k and regretted not doing a shorter route to enjoy the taking part as much as the finishing. Or has anyone done a shorter route and regretted not doing the 205k as they've felt they 'wimped out'?
I'm not adverse to a bit of pain and understand the sense of achievment one gets from testing oneself to the limits, but I feel i can tick that box with the Marmotte. How tough is the 205k and is it possible to finish and enjoy actually doing the event? How long does the 205k take?!
Any thoughts gratefully receieved.
On the one hand, I fancy a challenge and the thought of doing 205km with a large chunk on strada would certainly fit the bill. I'm doing the Marmotte this year so will hopefully maintain some of that fitness that would just about get me round. Have you only REALLY done L'Eroica if you've done the full course?
On the other hand, I want to enjoy it - not just finishing it. I don't want to be thinking that I'm just doing 205k for the sake of it and the pain will outway the satisfaction. It's a beautiful event in a beautiful country and I want to endulge in a glass of chianti and salami on my way round if I fancy, clearly more suited to the 135km, or dare I say, 75km route.
Can anyone advise on this? Has anyone done the 205k and regretted not doing a shorter route to enjoy the taking part as much as the finishing. Or has anyone done a shorter route and regretted not doing the 205k as they've felt they 'wimped out'?
I'm not adverse to a bit of pain and understand the sense of achievment one gets from testing oneself to the limits, but I feel i can tick that box with the Marmotte. How tough is the 205k and is it possible to finish and enjoy actually doing the event? How long does the 205k take?!
Any thoughts gratefully receieved.
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Comments
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I've done it twice, both times the 135 Km course, which is challenging enough and takes about 7 hours to go round. The full course is a monster, it takes about 10-11 hours of cycling to complete, even more if you crack...
My advice is to enjoy the day... it's the most beautiful event on a bicycle in the world and you have to make the most of it... if you enjoy the pain, by all means do the full course, but if you want to enjoy the experience, then do the 135 Km one. Don't underestimate the weather as well, last year was very hot... it got to 30 degrees in the afternoon and with very little shade, heat takes the toll.
Remember you will be riding a 10 Kg bike without a compact chainset, some ascents are very demanding... the stretch after Asciano leading to Monte Sante Marie has sections at 20% on gravel... followed by equally steep descents, with a 42x26 you'll be barely able to make your way up.
Don't be misled by the first 60Km before the split, they are the easiest, it's only after the 205-135 km split that it gets tough.
Most importantly, enjoy it... I envy you!left the forum March 20230 -
Thanks Ugo. Useful info and good advice!0
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Not sure if you have this link already, looks mouthwatering in more than one sense!
http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=39243.00
