The hilight of using the 2022 Nova Eroica gravel fondo in Cambria CA was the epic descent off the highest of Cypress Mountain alongside Santa Rita street and its 22km descent again to the end on Campagnolo’s model new Levante gravel wheelset.
I chased Campagnolo’s Arjan Hoogesteger off the mountain, and actually obtained to understand the management of the wheels, and energy and supreme modulation of Campagnolo’s Ekar gruppo disc brakes as we dropped down pitches over 12%. Then he took the sturdy headwinds head-on as he towed me to the top – a lot appreciated. There’s extra approaching these wheels – however right here’s my full video of this superior descent.
Click on play to observe my video of the descent – all 22km of it, and scroll on down for extra photographs from the day. See extra PEZ Movies right here.
• See extra on the web site right here: Campagnolo’s Levante wheels.
I used to be on the Nova Eroica California as a part of Campagnolo’s new Levante gravel wheel set launch.
The Levante is Campy’s first wheel designed particularly for gravel. All carbon rim, 30.4mm depth and a really extensive 25mm inner width to permit higher becoming of wider tires (from 36 – 78mm extensive) – each tubeless and with interior tubes. They’re very gentle – at 1,485 grams for the set, and don’t require tape both, which saves a couple of extra grams. That prime gloss end is how they arrive proper outta the molds, and logos are lazer-etched, so there’s no decals that may peel off or scratch.
That’s gravel-pro (and ex-road professional) Nathan Haas’ customized painted Campagnolo Ekar outfitted Colnago, sporting the brand new Levante wheels. I’m fairly certain it’s the one one in existence.
8:00AM Saturday morning in Cambria – a couple of hundred individuals who had to take the time to get right here prepare to begin both the 72 mile, or 97 mile lengthy route. I correctly selected the shorter model, understanding it could be greater than sufficient for my under-conditioned legs.
The roll out south to Cayucos alongside the Pacific ocean was serene – the early morning begin meant the air was calm – not like it could be later within the afternoon when the winds decide up and blow a powerful pressure inland.
Lack of precise espresso on the official “breakfast” level in Cayucos was solved with a brief stroll across the block. Campy’s Arjan Hoogesteger and Nathan Haas replicate the temper.
The highest of the primary climb at 45km in. That’s the Pacific Ocean off to the west.
The primary feed zone on the quick 110km route got here at 80km in at the Halter Ranch, however at the least has some actual meals on supply – like this Tuscan bean soup, salami and bread. Oh yeah, and a few respectable wines for tasting. Sadly, the dearth after all signage contributed to me making a vital directional error, that had me using within the unsuitable path for half an hour.
Some seven hours after I began, I made it to the highest of Cypress Mountain, and using, and pushing my manner up the 12% grades of the previous few kms of the climb. From right here it’s all downhill to the Pacific Ocean. Fortunately I used to be joined by Arjan a couple of minutes later, and he graciously took all the headwinds blowing towards us for the final 10+km.
4:00PM – On the finish, this was the beginning of my rehydration and restoration, which included a couple of extra of those chilly ones, and a soak in my lodge bathtub.
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