Hello Aldo,
I'm glad that you've decided to go.... You will not regret it! We participated in L' Eroica in '07 and had the best cycling experience of my life. Imagine being totally immersed in a bicycle culture where a Bianchi Cambio Corsa is a common bike! And, the support vehicles are (among others) WW2 Willys Jeeps that have been painstakingly restored- being driving by cute Italian girls.
I would suggest training now, eventually working fireroads with climbs and descents into you regime. Perhaps do a century or two before the event- on the bike that you choose to take. In 2007, I chose my 1956 Cinelli Mod B. I set it up with bar-end shifters, double tape on the bars (Cinelli steel bars and stem- cool factor over comfort here!). Campag NR triple, bronze Record der., 14-28t Regina 5spd fw., 2 waterbottle cages: TA hb and dt mount, Phil bb., Pasela 700x32 tires. The bike got lots of attention, one Italian collector wanted to buy it on the spot. The bike worked fantastic... it was home, for godsake : )
I used a softcase travel pack, I reinforced the frame tubes with pipe insulation and used backpackers ensolite pads to for additional padding.
Bring extra $$$$$$ if you can. I scored on a beautiful 1956 Bianchi Camipone del Mundo at the swap and other cool stuff.
I'm traveling with my wife Linda, she may bring her Cinelli or our Italian amico has offered to lend her one of his Cinellis. We are flying into Venice, renting a car and driving to Cortina d Ampezzo where we'll base out for about 4 nites. Then a 1 niter in Sirmione (Lago di Garda) and arriving in Gaiole in Chianti. Once there, we'll do some riding and sightseeing, We'll be in Gaiole for about 4 nites. We'll finish our trip in Rome, then back to reality.
Cordially Saluti,
David Martinez
Fremont Ca
Stati Uniti