The Cherry Blossom Classic Bike is a touristic bike ride without timing. It is ridden in 2 categories with racing bikes.
Category Vintage: Racing bikes built before 1987. Replicas are allowed, if they correspond to the construction of the bikes before 1987.
Steel racing bike category: Steel racing bikes built to date.
- Features of the bike category Vintage:
Shift lever on the frame or handlebar end (no Ergopower / STI or shift/brake lever combinations)
Brakes with cables guided freely over the handlebars (no aero brake levers)
Pedals with handle and strap (no automatic or click pedals)
Wheels with rims corresponding to the pre-1987 type, i.e. wire or tubular, aluminium, steel or wooden rims with 28 or more spokes.
- Characteristics of the wheel category steel racing bike:
Furthermore, special, beautiful, rare steel or titanium wheels, as well as technical rarities and special features, self-made and custom-made if these were built after 1987 until today, are allowed to start.
For example the following wheels, models of the brands: Colnago Master, Litespeed Titan, Chesini Innovation, Gios Compact, ….
Other brands as examples, such as Pinarello, Eddy Merckx, Basso, DeRosa, Serotta, Norwid, Cinelli made of steel or titanium from 1987 and younger are welcome to participate in the cherry blossom wheel classic. The list is not exhaustive and all other brands are admitted if they meet the above criteria.
The participant himself is responsible for the roadworthiness of his bike.
Breakdown tools, spare tubes or tyres must be carried by each participant on the tour.
- Characteristics of the clothing:
The clothing must be adapted to the style of the cycling era from which the bicycle originates.
Wool jerseys and shorts, camber rings, leather shoes, glasses and accessories from the time, but also in vintage style from new production are allowed and desired.
The wearing of bicycle helmets and fall rings is desired.