[CR]2005 Eroica Gran Fondo Tour

Edward Albert of this list has previously posted information about a fully supported bicycle tour, visit to bike museums, etc., http://www.duecanitours.com/tours.htm , that will also include the Eroica Gran Fondo.

A friend in Italy has sent info about a package that has been put together just for the Eroica Gran Fondo by the company Blufreccia: http://www.blufreccia.com/about/viaggi59en.htm. This is not the scope of what Edward Albert announced but it's a way to do the Eroica at less expense.

Below, also, is the note from Edward describing the full package tour (so you don't have to look for it in the archives). Angel Garcia Long Valley, NJ

From: "Edward Albert" <ealbert@bellatlantic.net> To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Sent: Wednesday, January 05, 2005 10:39 AM Subject: [CR]2005 Eroica Gran Fondo Tour

> Dear CR list members. I know this may be a bit early, but I would like
> to make those of you who may be interested aware of what could be a real
> blast of an excursion being organized around the Eroica Gran Fondo this
> coming Fall. Some of you may recall my account of last years ride, and
> that I thought that a guided tour was being planned for the 2005 event.
> Well, it is now official! An experienced bicycle tour company owned in
> part by my long time cycling friend and American expatriot living in
> Tuscany, have put the tour on their schedule to run from September 25th
> through Oct 3rd, the day after the Eroica. Participants will have the
> choice to ride any of the available distances from the shortest 35Km
> ride to the full blown 200Km leg breaker. The trip is fully escorted
> (and led by my friend Mark Mahan who has organized and led tours for
> Andy Hampsten, Connie Carpenter and Davis Phinny and others), complete
> with sag wagons, repair facilities, experienced tour guides fluent in
> Italian, a four star hotel (most likely in Rado in Chianti) a mere ten
> minutes from the start of the Eroica, plenty of great Chianti wine with
> visits to several wineries. Of course, there will be lots of vintage
> bike related activities including stops at the Gino Bartali museum, a
> visit to Irio Tomassinis workshop, the vintage exhibit proceeding the
> Eroica,, hopefully one or more swap meets and, of course, plenty of
> riding adjusted to the abilities and desires of the participants. The
> details of the trip are still a work in progress but I thought some of
> you might like to visit the web site of the Tour group and see what is
> on the schedule at this point. Costs (of course were all concerned
> about that) are still unclear as the Dollar/Euro debacle is still
> unfolding and adjustments may still have to be made. As you all know,
> fellow list member Charles Nighbor always notes when pointing out an
> interesting bike for sale that he is not the seller. Well, I am not
> the seller BUT.........since I am the connection to the vintage bike
> world, I do get most of my own expenses covered. Anyway if you have any
> interest please take a look at the Due Cane cycling tour site at the
> following address: http://www.duecanitours.com/tours.htm then scroll
> down to the Vintage Cycling in Chianti tour and follow the links. If
> you have questions please contact me off list. Check back with the tour
> site periodically as the details of the tour will be updated fully in
> the near future.
> Edward Albert
> Chappaqua, NY