Susan and I went to L'Eroica in 2006, and had a great trip with Ken & Betsy Sanford. Here's what I'm comfortable saying:
The BIKE: something you don't mind getting a bit beat up while traveling. Indeed, I took one that was "expendable" (A-D Vent Noir), in the sense that I could have left it behind if something irresistable had showed up. Just moved the parts. I strongly recommend wide tires and low gears. Like 32 mm or wider for the dirt sections. I used my low gears, too. Like racing, everything proved in before you get there. Only time in my life I've ever had a Winner FW loosen up on me during a ride. I decided that bringing my "ne plus ultra" was stupid; I'd just worry about airline damage, theft, etc. There are so many neat bikes there that mine did not have to be the center of attention, and the V-N worked just fine for that. Blended it well.
The ATTITUDE: Relax, enjoy, and if possible do the trip with friends whose eyes will note things you miss. When we were there, L'Eroica was not put on for the benefit of tourists, but for Italians, and that's cool in its own way. We stayed mostly at rural bed & breakfasts, and that was really great (Thanks, Susan). Among other things, saved bunches of money while eating local food. Incidently, and I suspect this is still true, bulk chianti in plastic jugs was cheaper than diesel. Shame the diesel van wouldn't run on it. "Coop" groceries were great, and there is a tiny one in Gaioli.
TRAVEL: We rented a van big enough for the four of us and two bikes in cases. If you have 3 weeks, might be more fun to do it by train and bus. Bob Freeman and spouse did a fair amount of hilly bike touring, and I admire that. harvey sachs mcLean VA ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Aldo Ross noted:
This is the year I will finally attend l'Eroica. Quite a few of you have been there over the past few years, so I'd like to ask your thoughts on experiences and opinions of what bike to use, what gear, how best to get the bike there (and back), best bets for what to do during the rest of the trip (now planning on three weeks in Italy).
"Thank you" to Mikey, Jan, Eric, Bob, & Gunnar for your encouragement and enthusiasm. :-)