Eroica California Preview

Ocean vistas, Wineries, Ollieberries & Famous Riders - what a weekend

We’re just a few weeks out from one of the best get-away weekends on the calendar – the April 3-5 Eroica California – where scenic roads, good food and friends make up a stellar cycling event for both old and new bikes. There are two courses that include some dirt roads – gravel bikes are not necessary – and plenty of climbing and twisty descents. The one thing that makes Eroica California unique is the melding of classic and modern bikes over the weekend – the tribes mix & match!

In addition to the challenging ride, there will also be some top road/gravel riders in attendance including former Hincapie road pro TJ Eisenhart, 2019 Dirty Kanza winner Amity Rockwell and our favorite road/gravel ambassador, Alison Tetrick.

With Morro Bay just to the south and San Simeon and the famous Hearst Castle just a few miles north, there is no shortage coastal sight-seeing to enjoy from your nest in Cambria, Cayucos, or nearby Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo.

Although there are no bike shops in the immediate vicinity – Art’s Cyclery in SLO is the best of the closest – there are plenty of good restaurants – especially the cycling friendly Linn’s Restaurant in Cambria where the chicken pot pies vie with their famous Ollieberry oat bars as a welcome to town treat.

JUST SOME OF THE SIGHTS

Just some of the scenic views on the coast side of the ride. Everything changes on the Paso Robles side of the mountains. Photo: Kaori

Always with a bright smile, Alison Tetrick will be having fun throughout the ride.

After winning last year’s Dirty Kanza 200, Amity Rockwell will head out west to take in the climbs.

Former top road pro TJ Eisenhart (L) is reknowned as one of the most infectious personalities on two-wheels. For 2020 he has teamed with Andrew Dalhleim to form their own gravel team Imaginary Collective.

Last year 2012 Giro d’Italia winner Ryder Hesjedal showed-up and spent some time talking about the old mountain bike days with Zap before he dropped him like a bad habit on the first climb.

No visit to Cambria is complete without a meal at the family run Linn’s Restaurant. Aaron Linn is big supporter of the local cycling scene.

A big proponent of farm table recipes…everything at Linn’s is made on the premises and the Ollieberry oat bars (lower left corner) are simply to die for.

The Saturday ride is the Nova Eroica intended for modern bikes, while on Sunday the Eroica Classica riders take to the course with their old bikes. Photo: Eroica California