Didn't have a lot to say about this last night, but having had a tiring day out, I'll add some detail. now.
Last year we went on the Sunday, a bit cynical I will admit, as this event is clearly building on/ cashing in on the Italian version. The rides are pretty expensive for participants and the value might be questionable. The promotion, on the other hand, is superbly professional, which might or might not be cause for further suspicion. Face it, us cyclists are a bit reluctant to part with the cash, even us Bianchi riders who have been accused of being ex-golfers! (I would like to make it clear I have never golfed in my life, and would not wish to be a member of any golf club that would have me!)
Anyway, back to the event. What we liked most about last year was the sense of fun and occasion that was there. Each of the returning riders was hailed by name and cheered with details of bikes etc being given out over the PA. Lots of fancy dress. It was a great couple of hours' bike-based entertainment. There were also many stalls and plenty of craft and food outlets, plus a bike jumble. We meant to enter this year and ride, but various health and fitness problems prevented this.
We had chosen to go up on the Friday as this was the opening day and also the launch of the new-look Bianchi Owners Club which we wanted to be at. Bianchi, incidentally, are the only big bike manufacturer represented, but Pashley and Mercian are there, so well done to them. Bianchi have created a new high-spec retro steel bike for the Eroica (both versions, I guess) and this attracted a lot of admiration. The new Specialissima CV was also present, which weighs about as much as a bag of crisps.
There are plenty of retail opportunities for both new and used clothing. Such was the scale of bargain that I was obliged to make a couple of trips back to our out-of-town parking place with a musette stuffed with bargains on my bike. Mrs A got some Northwave shoes (tiny) for £20 for example. I got some Nalini winter tights for £40.
There appears to be plenty of parking on the showground car-park, but we arrived just as many of the riders were showing up and the town was clogged, which is why we decided to ride in. You feel undressed without a bike anyway, preferably an older one. If you fancy a day out on Sunday, which is the main day, you could do a lot worse for a fiver, but I suspect most of the bargains will be long gone by then.
