The Nova Eroica long route presents a 97-mile adventure built for the cyclist lured by beauty of fatigue.
The Nova Eroica long route presents a 97-mile adventure built for the cyclist lured by beauty of fatigue. Featuring three timed sections, over 7500 feet of climbing, and approximately 30 miles of strade bianche, the long route will challenge the staunchest to maintain grace in the face of adversity.
Riders will warm-up after an 8 am start as they head 14 miles south to the seaside village of Cayucos. After a brief but required stop where coffee and breakfast snacks await, the course opens with an official 9:30 am start as riders head toward the 10 km ascent up the strade bianche of Santa Rita Creek road.
Following the 10km climb and technical descent, riders will pass through the town of Templeton, in the heart of the Central Coast’s wine country, before encountering the infamous Kiler Canyon. This steep, narrow section of gravel road has forced even the most seasoned riders to succumb to walking. A well-deserved rest at Halter Ranch Vineyards can’t arrive soon enough. Don’t get too comfortable as the final obstacle of Cypress Mountain road is just around the corner. After conquering the steep, twisty climb, enjoy the 2000’ white-knuckle descent back to Cambria where riders can finally relax and enjoy the Eroica Festival, fine refreshments and coastal sunset.
