As much as I like to write about this maybe I have not written enough. John and Eddie are right on. If your customer wants to ride a Plastic bike with all the off topic stuff he should sign up for the June (event) where you can ride new bikes. Rules are pretty specific and I think they will get very specific in the next few weeks as the English translation is being clarified and rewritten. I think originally they would stamp your route card to show you were a ''Historic'' rider. One year I finished with someone else in our group and went to collect our rewards. I received wine and other items while the other rider got nothing, then I realized she was on an ''off topic'' bike and did not have that extra stamp on her route card.This was in 2006. I have heard that there were riders with modern pedals and shoes this last year but expect that will tighten up for 2011.
Eddies suggestion on gearing is a good one as I do not think there is such a thing as to low of a gear on a long climb with a loose surface. ''Gaming'' the rules takes away the very essence of why we ride. I once rode a hilly loose dirt stretch with a fellow 10 years my senior. He was riding a single speed coaster bike from the 1940s and I was doing all a could to stay with him and his cheerful banter. That is what the event is all about.Its not the fast time at the end of the day.
BOB FREITAS
looking forward to my 4th L'EROICA in OAKLAND, CA USA