Before his departure for Italy, we met Marc-André to find out how he prepared for his dream trip to Tuscany. Here's what he had to say on the eve of his departure.

Bicycles Quilicot Blog: Hi Marc-André. You're about to leave Quebec for Eroica in Italy. It's a wonderful trip you're about to embark on. You're certainly making people jealous around you. What do you think makes this event so special?

Marc-André Lebeau: To participate in an event like the Eroica, a minimum fitness level is required. The difficulty of the event lies obviously in the distance of the event (209km), but especially in the fact that more than half of the event is ridden on the white gravel roads of Chianti. The event is ridden on a bicycle where no modern technology is allowed. The equipment used must not be newer than 1987.

BBQ: It's incredible to ride that distance on a "vintage" bike. What will you be riding this Sunday?

M-A L: For my part, I was lucky enough to have a 1982 Marinoni bike, built with Super Record. The bike is impeccable and has been well maintained. Luckily, it's equipped with clincher wheels, which was rarer at the time. So I won't have the trouble of dealing with punctures with tubular tires. To make the bike more attractive and vintage, I put on a Brooks B15 leather saddle. Despite the fact that I haven't ridden the 1000km it takes to break in the saddle before the event, I find it very comfortable. I easily compare it to a Fizik Antares or a Specialized Toupe 143.

BBQ: Wow! You'll be riding the cream of the crop from that era. I hope you'll do it justice on the Italian roads. How was your season? Do you feel in shape?

M-A L: My 2015 season was quite busy with the three stores. I stayed in shape by riding 3 to 4 times a week with the Bicycles Quilicot Cycling Club. I'm now over 3500km. However, it's been a somewhat disappointing season for me, as my goal was 6000km. Despite everything, I have enough hours in the saddle to be in acceptable shape. In addition, every year, between March and April, I go away for a week for a training camp in the sun. That's in addition to my rides with the Cycling Club.

BBQ: We can see that you are a dedicated business owner! Did you do any special preparation leading up to the event?

M-A L: In the month leading up to the event, I did 5 big rides of over 140km. During the last two rides, I used the Marinoni to get used to the bike. So I rode two 170km rides and one 270km ride in eight days. The accumulated saddle time will greatly help me complete this event. The bike's handling is very interesting. Much more comfortable than we might imagine. This Columbus SL frame is the same frame I rode in 1994 when I was competing. Obviously, the weight is greater than that of carbon, but on an endurance event rather than a power event, the difference between today's bikes and those of the past is hardly felt. In short, I'm even starting to get a taste for it!

BBQ: I imagine you understand steel bike enthusiasts better now! Are there any "vintage" components that you couldn't/didn't want to test before departure?

M-A L: The pedals! I didn't dare ride with toe clips for fear of injury. So I'll do a few short rides in Italy with the toe clips to adapt. During the event, I'll wear 1980 Vittoria shoes and use them in the toe clips. The sole will be much more flexible than on my normal shoes, and it might be difficult in terms of power transfer to the pedals. We are spoiled today with stiff-soled shoes and clipless pedals.

BBQ: Indeed, I wouldn't do without my clips either! Finally, what is your favorite "vintage" piece of equipment, the one you'll be happiest to cover in white dust?

M-A L: Definitely the wool jersey with the Bicycles Quilicot emblem. In connection with the event, we had wool jerseys made. Eroica is not just a granfondo; it's also a celebration of cycling's golden age and vintage bikes. Might as well be all in!

BBQ: I hope you thought of ordering extras for your good customers. Thank you, Marc-André, for your time. We wish you an extraordinary trip!

M-A L: Thank you. I will take beautiful pictures to share my experience with you. Maybe more of us will make the trip next time!

The entire Bicycles Quilicot team wishes Marc-André a good trip and hopes to get a small bottle of Chianti upon his return. Until then, we'll have to content ourselves with what he shares on his Facebook page.

Keep an eye on the blog for the story of his trip in the days following his return!