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Eroica California set to return to Paso Robles this April 

Registration is now open for the vintage cycling event and is expected to fill up quickly

– On April 14-15, avid cyclists, vintage bike enthusiasts, and fans will flock to California’s Central Coast for a weekend-long celebration of the culture, heritage, and values that surround the history of cycling.

Held annually in eight different countries, Eroica has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. As the only Eroica event in the United States, Eroica California has seen continued growth and success since its inaugural year in 2015. Drawing roots from the Italian L’Eroica (The Heroic) event held each year in Gaiole in Chianti, Italy, Eroica California features vintage cycling with a Tuscan flare.

Eroica California events take place throughout the Central Coast of California, with the historic Paso Robles Downtown Park serving as the central location. The weekend kicks off on Saturday with the Concours d’Elegance. Riders enter their own vintage road bikes for a chance to win the esteemed “Best of Show,” while guests are invited to enjoy each of the unique vintage bikes on display, some dating as far back as the early 1900s. The Concours d’Elegance is followed by a festival in Downtown Paso Robles, which features local businesses, vendor, and artisan booths, and showcases cycling attire and gear from every era. Saturday morning will also include a screening of the film “Le Ride” which follows two friends as they attempt to recreate the original route of the 1928 Tour de France – the toughest in history. Saturday’s festivities conclude with a Tuscan style dinner that brings together local wine and craft beer, along with an authentic meal prepared by an Italian, Michelin Star Chef. Following the Tuscan dinner is a benefit auction from which all proceeds are donated to Hospice of San Luis Obispo County.

The main attraction takes place on Sunday morning. Riders choose between four different routes ranging in distance from 40 miles to the “Heroic” 127 miles, each featuring long stretches of gravel roads and varying in difficulty. The routes take riders through some of the region’s most scenic roads, winding through the picturesque Paso Robles wine country. Three of the four routes also take riders along the beautiful coastal roads of Cambria and Cayucos, California. The routes include rest stop locations featuring farms, restaurants, and wineries, each of which provides the riders with gourmet food and drink for a truly authentic experience. Eroica participants are required to ride “historical bikes” or bikes preferably built in 1987 or earlier, but to take the vintage theme even further, many riders choose to wear authentic, vintage garb including wool jerseys, retro cycling goggles, and lace-up shoes. Festivities on both days, including the Tuscan dinner, are open to the public and spectators are invited to watch the ride and welcome the riders to the finish line.

Registration for Eroica California is now open, and is expected to fill up quickly. Current registration prices are $100 for students and active military and $150 for the general public. For more information and to register, visit www.EroicaCalifornia.com. A portion of every entry will go to Hospice of San Luis Obispo County.

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The news staff of the Paso Robles Daily News wrote or edited this story from local contributors and press releases. The news staff can be reached at info@pasoroblesdailynews.com.