Raid Corsica – Final Stage

The final stage of Raid Corsica brought us from the village of Aleria back to Bastia, our starting point six days ago. For some reason, the French Cycling Federation decided that even though this is the last stage, it would include the hardest ascents. We climbed the Col di San Gavono (697m), the Col d’Arcarotta (819m), and just to top it off, the Col di St Agostino. The Col di St Agostino ia only about 15km long, but at many points, the grade tops 20%. We’re talking out of the saddle, pounding the pedals. Kind of like the steepest pasts of Santa Rosa Creek, but for a couple of miles.

In addition to the climbing, the final stage brought its share of unique challenges. Like wild French dogs that bit two riders, mountain goats in the road, pigs and piglets wondering about, rough roads with gravel and sand, and narrow bridges which on one I almost did a header with a Renault, finding our way back to the hotel through heavy Bastia traffic, etc. Ya, just an ordinary day on Raid Corsica.

The best part is not that it’s over, but, that we completed the challenge with no accidents. Well sort of…Mike’s bike was hit twice, but both times he was not on it. He’ll have to explain later.

Tomorrow we head back to California. We’ll be glad to be back in the States, but, a little piece of each of us will remain in Corsica.

Next and final posting – Raid Corsica; closing thoughts.