Eroica vs VeloRetro

[velohomme]

Did the Eroica last year and was less than impressed having to take my prized vintage bike up and down a cart track littered with rocks. Didn't do it this year for various reasons. A friend who has done them all came away unimpressed this year as well. We are thinking of the VR next year instead. Has anyone done it and is it all on road?

 

[BalkanExpress]

I have not done VR so can not comment.However, I have that many retro rides will have a tough long route but the shorter distances are usually “best bike” friendly. In contrast any event with “Eroica” in its name will involve cart tracks with big rocks, pretty much regardless of the length of the route. Thus is ultimately why Eroica exists.

 

[mjr]

Consider La Savoreuse if it returns for 2020 as planned. It is a challenge to eat that much and pedal over the Ardennes before the band starts!

 

[Oldfentiger]

Did the Eroica last year and was less than impressed having to take my prized vintage bike up and down a cart track littered with rocks. Didn't do it this year for various reasons. A friend who has done them all came away unimpressed this year as well. We are thinking of the VR next year instead. Has anyone done it and is it all on road?

I’ve done both a few times.
Eroica Britannia is supposed to be tough on bike and rider, so I take a bike with wheels & tyres suitable for the job. I didn’t go this year as they only allowed 500 riders, charged the same price for a much dumbed down event.
VeloRetro is a great (smaller) event, cheaper too. I do “Le Loafeur” which is a lap of Coniston Water, around 35 miles all on road. However there is an optional ride up to the monument which is steep, tough and gravelly/rocky. You can choose to do this on return to Ulverston, or just ride straight back to the finish.
VR seems to have a nice and friendly atmosphere to it.

 

[fossyant]

My best bike is a year or two "too modern" for Erocia - aero levers, but I see VeloRetro don't have these restrictions. My bike is 30 years old !

 

[velohomme]

I have not done VR so can not comment.However, I have that many retro rides will have a tough long route but the shorter distances are usually “best bike” friendly. In contrast any event with “Eroica” in its name will involve cart tracks with big rocks, pretty much regardless of the length of the route. Thus is ultimately why Eroica exists.

I did the short route and it was not "best bike" friendly. Don't mind the cart tracks but rocks? Never considered myself a wuss but maybe I am after all.

 

[BalkanExpress]

I did the short route and it was not "best bike" friendly. Don't mind the cart tracks but rocks? Never considered myself a wuss but maybe I am after all.

I've had "moments" on pretty much every Eroica ride I've done, and the long route at Anjou velo vintage has some very interesting sections . But, from what @Oldfentiger says, it sounds like VeloRetro is a bit calmer. I'd also second @mjr La Savourouse is a great day out if you can get across to Belgium. Unfortunately it is usually the last weekend in August and that clashes with a significant family event.

 

[rogerzilla]

I assume "aero" levers and clipless pedals are too modern but helmets are compulsory

 

[Spokesmann]

I've done 3 Eroica Britannias and one VR, the VR done this year.

EB has/had be come over blown, over commercialised and far to expensive. Less about bikes and more about lifestyle and image. Velo Retro on the other hand is smaller, just as well run and has a much better feel without the commercial big business bollocks. I for one will be doing VR next year. The long route was shorter but every bit as challenging as EB. There is a small section of 'off road' or unmetalled paths, and certainly not like some of the white roads Ive been down in the Peak District. I thoroughly recommend it. Great people, superb location at Ulverston in the Lake District and great bikes and none of the business bullshit. No brainer.

 

[mjr]

I assume "aero" levers and clipless pedals are too modern but helmets are compulsory

Which one's done that? I avoided a York Rally retro ride for that. La Sav allows anachronistic helmets but doesn't require them and only a minority use.

 

[Moon bunny]

I've done 3 Eroica Britannias and one VR, the VR done this year.

EB has/had be come over blown, over commercialised and far to expensive. Less about bikes and more about lifestyle and image. Velo Retro on the other hand is smaller, just as well run and has a much better feel without the commercial big business bollocks. I for one will be doing VR next year. The long route was shorter but every bit as challenging as EB. There is a small section of 'off road' or unmetalled paths, and certainly not like some of the white roads Ive been down in the Peak District. I thoroughly recommend it. Great people, superb location at Ulverston in the Lake District and great bikes and none of the business bullshit. No brainer.

Plus, you get to ride past my house.

 

[RMFrance]

I rode Eroica Gaiole in 2018 - the original, and it feels like it. The atmosphere was fantastic, but the Tuscan hills are pretty demanding, so I’d use a smaller chainwheel than a 52/42, even with a 13-28 on the back. Decent brakes are also a desirable feature...
The Anjou event has really taken off, so is one I plan to try if I can register before it sells out.
Also worth noting is a new vintage/retro touring event which launched last year in Cognac, and is slightly nearer to me.