By Margaret Maccoll
For the past five years Keith Bremner and Noel Ross have come to Noosa from the Gold Coast to cycle in the Strade Bianche, regarded as Australia’s premier vintage cycling festival for steel-framed bikes with downtime shifters.
Conducted in the vein of the famous L’Eroica in Italy the event includes a vintage bicycle show and three rides through the Noosa hinterland at distances of 33km, 82km and 135km.
Noel said it was the friendly atmosphere and the camaraderie that kept them coming back. He praised the restaurants and cafes that came on board and provided coffees and meals along the journey.
“It’s a very special thing,” he said.”We’ve got guys who come from Perth and Darwin.”
Keith who took part in the 135km ride said it was a tough ride with the challenge of plenty of steep inclines and declines, many on gravel roads.
Keith’s company Jakazni each year creates exclusive bike wear for the event.
Strade Bianche organiser Warren Smith said about 300 participated in the rides and about 2500 came to see the show at the Noosa Marina and enjoy the music and ambience. He said while bike display numbers were down on last year, riders were on the increase.
