Corsica - "Le Beast"

The island is still "Ile de Beaute" but the ride is now "Le Beast". This longer distance version is for riders with "lots of legs", who enjoy greater distances and challenging terrain. The regular ride in Corsica is about 350 miles and 21,700 feet of climbing. This one day longer version is 454 miles with 48,000 feet of climbing. We take in the popular towns of Corte and Bonifacio on our way all the way around the island. No one has to do the whole thing (and few people opt to do it). That is why we have a van.

Day 1 - Bastia (Casamozzo)

Fly in to Bastia and meet up at the Chez Walter. The Chez Walter is convenient to the airport and has a nice pool. Chez-Walter

Day 2 - Bastia to Ile Rousse

We ride into Bastia, stop for a cup of coffee in the plaza, and then head up and over the backbone of the Island to St. Florent. After, St. Florent, we have another climb on up to the "desert of Agriates" on our way to the lovely coastal town of Il' Rousse.

Day 3 - Il' Rousse to Porto

We have the option of taking the longer high road to Calvi or using the roller coaster road on the coast. After Calvi, we have a dramatic stretch along the coast before heading inland at Galleria. Towards Porto, we the road is etched into the side of the cliff.

Day 4 - Porto to Corte

This is a big climbing day right from the get go. We head directly inland from Porto thru Evisa and over the Col de Vergio and then down the Golo Gorge on the way to Corte. Corte, is the literal and figurative center of the island. It embodies Corsica's distinct cultural identity. Corsica's University is located here.

Day 5 - Corte to Propriano

We follow some interior towns....Vivario, Ghisoni and Zicaro before descending to Propriano on the coast. Propriano is the center of maritime activity for the region and a popular seaside resort. 

Day 6 - Propriano to Zonza

We loop though the southernmost town of Bonifacio before ascending back up for our overnight in the mountain village of Zonza. This is a good place to pick up some Corsican products. Today's riding is challenging for there is quite a bit of climbing.

Day 7 - Zonza to San Nicalao

Now it is thru the Col de Bavella which is spectucular for it's rock fomations. From there we make our way up the coastline where with some help from prevailihng southerly winds we usually make good time up the coast before heading back inland to San Nicalao for a nice evening at Chez Maddy. From Chez Maddy's there is a great view of the Eastern shore of the island.

Day 8 - San Nicalao to Bastia (Casamozza)

Today is a relatively short and easy ride back to Bastia where we will have plenty of time to back the bikes, pick up some souveniers and relax before departing the next day.

Included:
8 nites accommodations at hotels and inns
Breakfast and dinners (except Corte and first and last nights in Bastia)
Stocked support vehicle and driver

Excluded:
 Lunches (can be had in local cafes for 6-10 euros)
 Beer, wine booze
 Entrance fees to museums, attractions
 Airport Transfers