Raid Corsica – Stage Four

Today’s stage had only two named Cols; the Col de St. Georges (757m) and the Col de Coti-Chiavari (486m). Yet, we still managed to climb over 8,000 feet. No wonder we feel so tired. Conversation among the riders has gone in the last four days from, “isn’t the scenery beautiful to, how are we going to survive?” At this point, almost everything hurts.

Today was billed as the “easiest” day of Raid Corsica. And, in a sense, it was. We had a few long, semi-flat sections and the Cols were not as steep as those before and those to come. Lunch was taken at the top of the Col de Coti-Chiavari at an outdoor café with an incredible view of the sea below.

To try and capture a full day’s day ride is pretty hard. Today was no exception. We saw both white and black sand beaches, climbed into pine forests and then to barren mountain tops. Corsica is a beautiful island. Sometimes, however, it the little things that make a day on the bike exceptional. Like the old man standing outside a café who cheers us on as we pass. Or the women walking her dog that wishes us bonjour. Yes, we are sore, tired and ready for it to be over. But, what’s better than a day on a bike in France?
Well, maybe tonight’s dinner of steak, roasted potatoes, tons of French bread, and amble good French wine.

Tomorrow is the Queen’s stage of the Raid. At this point, it’s almost too much to think about.