Jay, I did not say one should not hold a vintage event in Nor Cal. I said L'Eroica was unique to its place and its people. When they hold an automobile race in Monterey they don't call it 24 hours at LeMans. The Eroica has some special characteristics that make it what it is....as does LeMans. A NorCal event would, I assume, embody its own special character that derived from the character of California and Californians. Not from the Character of Italy, Italians, and the white roads of Chianti. And, BTW, the Eroica is not a race nor is it restricted to vintage bikes. One sees plenty of carbon and titanium with sloping top tubes riding with Steel Bianchi cambio corsas. And nobody looks down on them either. And, I take umbridge at you calling me "Sombody willing to quash any enthusiasm." First I have a name and second, anybody who knows me knows that is an erroneous characterization. Best Regards Edward Albert Chappaqua, NY
Edward Albert, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus of Sociology
>>> Jay Van De Velde <jaysportif@yahoo.com> 09/14/06 5:29 PM >>>
Geez, there's always someone who's more than willing to quash any
enthusiasm for an interesting idea. Apparently, the only proper place
for hosting an historic bicycle racing event is in the spiritual home of
the sport. Anywhere else, it's just a crass and shallow imitation of the
original that's not worth the effort. I'm sure glad the vintage
automobile racing community sees fit to hold world class events at
venues in addition to Monaco, LeMans or Goodwood. Like Monterey, CA, for
instance. Nice to know the minuscule world of vintage bike collectors
holds the high moral ground above the vintage sports and racing car
world.
Jay Van De Velde
Seal Beach, CA
(BTW, I'm aware of the racing at Del Monte Forest in the '50s)
Edward Albert <Edward.H.Albert@hofstra.edu> wrote: Hey, you can go to Las Vegas to see a clone of venice so why not Northern California for a clone of L'Eroica. Simple, cause it would be just that.....a clone. As part of the round of Gran Fondos L'Eroica is unique to place and people and tradition. You want that experience go there and do that. You want a different experience (maybe just as good but very different!) do a tour in California wine country or in Australia. But, don't equate it with L'Eroica. Or maybe we should start a chain of them.....like Micky D's. Edward Albert (not in Italy but in) Chappaqua, NY, U.S.A.
Edward Albert, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus of Sociology