EROICA BRITTANIA – Friden Grange. 16th to 19th June 2017 Report from Mr Grumpy (aka Bill Balchin).
What am I doing here? The Eroica is a celebration of vintage cycles and cycling chic! I don't own an old bike, I would not want one in the house and the only thing I know about chic is that Nial Rodgers played guitar in the band of that name. However, I am a general cycling junkie, and I do know that Mike Chouings, Sean Hudd, Catherine and Clive went to the 2016 event. So when my pal Dave Reece said that he would enter the 2017 event on an old Raleigh that he bought last year and I could borrow the Thorn that he rode on that occasion I found myself unable to resist - count me in.
The first time I rode my borrowed bike was on our Thursday ride to Luckington on the day before we left. The DNA of Eroica bikes includes downtube shifters, toe clips with straps and old fashioned brakes - all things that I'm glad to say are missing from my own bikes. Once you are used to SPDs, STI shifters and dual pivot brakes going back to the dark ages does not add any enjoyment for me. I told my wife about this. Viv is no cyclist and did not know what I was on about but she did instruct me not to over do the moaning - so I'll try to bite my tongue.
So what is the event like? Well if you like cycling you can't help but enjoy it. The showground has moved from it's previous location at Bakewell to a new site at Friden Grange about seven miles away. The site is huge with all manner of trade stands selling bikes, parts, clothing and food. A display arena with judging for best preserved bike, best restored bike, best moustache, cutest dog and many more.
Judging the best bike was a serious business. Vince Venn restored this Chesini single handed. It was immaculate.
There was a mini-velodrome which was small enough to fit inside a typical back garden, a Glastonbury type stage with a constant supply of diferent acts appearing from folk singers, choir, brass band and the group ABC. And over to one side a huge cycle jumble where I was unable to resist buying a few bargains to sit in my garage for the next few years.
The Bristol team framed in their CTC colours.
In the baking heat, the busiest stand belonged to Buxton Water who were giving away half litre plastic bottles as fast as three people could thrust them into eager reaching hands.
My overriding impression was how friendly everybody was. Our gang were wearing our Bristol CTC tops and several other festival goers had a chat about Bristol. Chris Boardman and Ned Boulting were wandering among the crowds chatting to people and posing for selfies.
At one point they attempted to film a segment where Chris did a piece to camera about a product, then Ned had to cycle past and snatch it out of his hand, followed by a final comment from Chris. Unfortunately Chris fluffed his lines a few times on the final step. I suggested that they let Ned talk and Chris ride the bike but my suggestion was not well received.
An early start was required on the Sunday for the actual ride. Three routes were available - 25, 55 or 100 miles. With a hot day over hilly terrain in prospect we all plumped for the 55. By seven thirty we were dispatched from the start in batches of thirty at a time onto the High Peak Trail - a disused railway line with a reasonable gravel surface that wound it's way through impressive scenery while keeping the gradients to a minimum. It was not just the scenery that impressed. The organisation was superb. Every junction was clearly signed and there were marshals on hand to warn the riders about road crossings and steep descents.
Several riders walked down the steeper drops not trusting their old brakes. The BTOTC group, used to the Wrangle and Georges Delight, rode the whole lot. Leaving the trails and getting on to roads there were plenty of long climbs and storming descents with the road sides well populated with puncture menders and walkers whose racing gearing was just too high for the terrain.
Getting back trails again after Bakewell we regrouped at the start of the Monsal trail and sent Sean ahead to get a place in the food queue at the lunch stop. Not necessary! When we arrived at the old station after thirty five miles covered there were a dozen marshals handing out lunch packs, water and lemonade as fast as you could pick it up. No queues at all. The heat was really building now for the next section which included some proper Strada Bianchi or white roads.
Dusty, rocky tracks across fields. I was OK on my borrowed Thorn touring bike but some of the riders with skinny racing tyres must have been concerned. Dropping into Hartington I thought I had a puncture but it was just the tarmac melting. Good job they are keeping us well supplied with water. A tea stop at Biggin just five miles from the finish let you fill up on tea and cake, and even beer if you wanted it. Roger and I were obliged to sample it before the final push. Roger deserved it more than I did after doing the ride on a ladies bike.
As you rode back under the Start banner, now reading Finish, the marshal would read your number, relay it to the commentator, who would announce "Here comes Bill Balchin from Alveston near Bristol, give him a cheer". And the crowds lining the path would give you a round of applause - brilliant. Just the trip to control to get your card stamped and collect a can of beer to finish a great ride.
So did I enjoy the event? Certainly. Has it changed my attitude to old bikes? No. Would I do it again? Hmm, I'll have to think about that one. Many thanks to Mike, Sean, Catherine, Clive, Berry and Roger Ireland for your company over the weekend. And especially to Dave who lent me the bike and made it possible.