General entries for Eroica Britannia, the self-styled 'world's most handsome bike ride' are now open. Taking place on 16-18 June 2017, the Eroica festival is a retrogrouch paradise with vintage bikes and attire compulsory for a weekend celebrating the glory days of cycling - before helmets, carbon fibre and WADA ruined everything.

Maybe that's going too far - here's the official ethos: "We stand for spirit, authenticity, adventure, heritage and passion," says the website. "Eroica Britannia awakens these emotions and strikes up the feelings of freedom, challenge and camaraderie."

Either way, Eroica is certainly a nostalgic celebration of all things vintage, and an unmissable weekend for those of us who get misty eyed over fancy steel lugs or a scratchy wool jersey.

Eroica Brittania returns for a fourth edition in 2017.
Eroica Brittania returns for a fourth edition in 2017.

2017 will be the Eroica's fourth edition, and the event has a new home in the "green and pleasant farmlands" surrounding Friden Grange, near Buxton in Derbyshire. Wholesome fayre, camping, live music, a massive bike jumble sale, a classic British boozer - the Eroica festival has it all. Oh, and the ride itself looks set to be a treat as well, taking in scenic lanes and gravel sections that were there before it was trendy.

"Make no mistake," the organisers caution, "Eroica Britannia is a challenge. Choose the distance that suits you and your ability."

"While the weekend festival is all about good times, the ride is not a fancy dress procession. From the moment of signing up, it's months of planning, training and preening to be part of a weekend to remember.

Vintage weather will be provided.
Vintage weather will be provided.
 
Roll in the hay anyone?
Roll in the hay anyone?

"Being a hero requires you to marvel in the pain of the up, relish the joy of the flat and delight in the thrill of the down. Cheered home by crowds of thousands. All in it together collectively riding over 250,000 miles on Sunday all in the spirit of a time gone by."

If you fancy taking that trip back in time, three distances are on offer: the 25-mile 'Tourist' option, a 55-mile 'Sportsman' route, or the full 100-mile long route for men or women of steel. And don't worry if you don't have a classic old bike in your shed - you can hire one especially for the event via the Eroica website.

The festivities begin when the ride finishes.
The festivities begin when the ride finishes.

Early-bird pricing is in force until 22 December, so sign up early to avail of favourable rates: £65 (£45 concessions) for entry and a three-day festival pass, or £20 for a festival pass without entry to the ride. Children under 12 go free, and there's a full range of camping options, from Luxury  Bedouin tent (£995) to sleeping in your car (£15).

For more details and to book your place, visit the undeniably handsome and info-packed Eroica website at www.eroicabritannia.co.uk.

We're going to party like it's 1929. But with more Instagram.
We're going to party like it's 1929. But with more Instagram.

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