Raid Corsica – Final Thoughts
Raid Corsica is over for Steve, Michael and me. It’s been an unparalleled challenge of body and mind. We rode over 600 miles and climbed 51,000 feet in six days. We struggled with aching muscles and mental fatigue. Over and over we kept asking ourselves why? Why are we putting ourselves through this anguish? Perhaps we won’t know the reason for a long time. But, we do know that in six days, we saw beautiful beaches, snowcapped mountains, magnificent gorges, pine tree forests, unbelievable rock formations, and met new cycling friends.
While there were only 19 of us in Raid Corsica, we learned that cycling is a universal language. As cyclists, we are drawn by passion and love to a sport that for most humans is completely out of the norm. Why would any person sit on a bike for 6-8 hours, day after day, and then want to talk about it over beers for hours after? Perhaps it’s the collective pain or the feeling of being part of a larger, perhaps global cycling community. Regardless, one of my lessons from Raid Corsica is that I can stretch beyond the limits of what I dreamed was possible.
We did it!
Saturday, May 17, 2014
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.
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.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Raid Corsica – Stage Five: The Queen Stage
Life on the bike has moved into a regular pattern. We get up, eat as much as possible, ride for almost the entire day, climb between 8,000 and 9,000 feet, arrive at stage end, have a beer (or two), stuff as much food into your body as possible at dinner, find a clean kit for the next day, and then go to bed. It’s an interesting existence. It’s both simple, yet very complex. So many things to consider. Just trying to replace calories is a chore. We’re burning between 4,500 – 6,000 calories a day. We try to make it up in beer and wine, but sometimes we have to stuff down solid food like pasta, rice, potatoes, and salad as well.
Today was no exception. We rose about 6:00 AM, dressed, repacked our suit cases, eat breakfast (or tried to) and clipped in about 7:35. We made a right hand turn out of the hotel and immediately started the first climb. It was about a 24% grade, but it did end before we literally tipped over.
Today’s stage had four named cols. The Col Bivio Tavogna (960m), the Col de Illarate (991m), the Col de Bavella (1,218m) and the Col de Larone (608m). While they are all tough, there is an interesting connection between the last two. After you ascend the Col de Bavella and then descend about 15km, you immediately start climbing the Col de Larone. These two were part of last year’s Tour de France.
When we got to the top of the Col de Larone, it was again very cold. So has become the pattern, we again bundled up and started the decent. From the top of the mountain back to the sea is almost a 30km decent. Along the way down, we almost it a bull, a piglet, numerous potholes, the occasional hiker, and sand and gravel. The temperature went from about 50 degrees to 75+ on the way down. Once we hit the bottom, we turned left and made the 44km race to the hotel. Despite being completely totally exhausted, we did a little pace lining and made it.
Yes, today was the Queen Stage. From my perspective it was the toughest with the most challenging climbing and almost the longest. We did it, and are somewhat looking forward to the final stage tomorrow.
Tomorrow's stage can be found at: http://www.strava.com/routes/321983
Life on the bike has moved into a regular pattern. We get up, eat as much as possible, ride for almost the entire day, climb between 8,000 and 9,000 feet, arrive at stage end, have a beer (or two), stuff as much food into your body as possible at dinner, find a clean kit for the next day, and then go to bed. It’s an interesting existence. It’s both simple, yet very complex. So many things to consider. Just trying to replace calories is a chore. We’re burning between 4,500 – 6,000 calories a day. We try to make it up in beer and wine, but sometimes we have to stuff down solid food like pasta, rice, potatoes, and salad as well.
Today was no exception. We rose about 6:00 AM, dressed, repacked our suit cases, eat breakfast (or tried to) and clipped in about 7:35. We made a right hand turn out of the hotel and immediately started the first climb. It was about a 24% grade, but it did end before we literally tipped over.
Today’s stage had four named cols. The Col Bivio Tavogna (960m), the Col de Illarate (991m), the Col de Bavella (1,218m) and the Col de Larone (608m). While they are all tough, there is an interesting connection between the last two. After you ascend the Col de Bavella and then descend about 15km, you immediately start climbing the Col de Larone. These two were part of last year’s Tour de France.
When we got to the top of the Col de Larone, it was again very cold. So has become the pattern, we again bundled up and started the decent. From the top of the mountain back to the sea is almost a 30km decent. Along the way down, we almost it a bull, a piglet, numerous potholes, the occasional hiker, and sand and gravel. The temperature went from about 50 degrees to 75+ on the way down. Once we hit the bottom, we turned left and made the 44km race to the hotel. Despite being completely totally exhausted, we did a little pace lining and made it.
Yes, today was the Queen Stage. From my perspective it was the toughest with the most challenging climbing and almost the longest. We did it, and are somewhat looking forward to the final stage tomorrow.
Tomorrow's stage can be found at: http://www.strava.com/routes/321983
Thursday, May 15, 2014
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Raid Corsica – Stage Three
Tonight’s blog will be brief and please excuse even more mistakes in grammar, spelling, sentence structure, the Queen’s English. It’s been a day of extremes.
We woke to bright, sunny skies, but it was a bit cool. Right from the start, we had a 15+ km decent straight down a magnificent gorge. A little sketchy with the tour buses, but we maintained our line and survived. Ahead of us lay the Col d’ Ominanda (654m), the Col de Bellagranajo (723m), the Col de Sorba (1,311m), the Col de Verde (1,289m), and to top it off, the Col de Granaccia (865m). All totaled, over 9,000+ feet of climbing. Yep, our legs, shoulders, and bums are pretty sore.
The Col de Verde provided us with a real test of our reason for being cyclists. Not only is it long and grinding on a normal day, but today, mother nature decided to have a little fun with us. As we were ascending, the clouds began to gather at the top. Dark and foreboding, they swirled around the mountain top. As we finally reached the summit, it began to rain. Heavy droplets fell as we rushed to put on more layers, rain jackets and heavy gloves. As we started the 20km decent, the skies opened and it poured. It was just rain at first, but then we began to hear a pinging sound off our helmets and titanium bikes. It was hail. Soft at first, but then it really started. It was painful as the hail bounced off our legs and arms. With more miles to go, we continued, as the ice actually gathered on our gloves and arms. We made it to the village of Zicavo, where we found a café, ordered coffee and coco and hoped it would pass. It didn’t, so we layered up even more and continued. Finally it stopped, but the Col de Granaccia was still ahead. The sun came out, warmed us a bit, and we finished in grand - but tired fashion.
The hotel was a welcome sight. The group gathered for a couple of beers and then we enjoyed a dinner of roasted wild boar and pasta, was great and the day, and we, were done.
Tonight’s blog will be brief and please excuse even more mistakes in grammar, spelling, sentence structure, the Queen’s English. It’s been a day of extremes.
We woke to bright, sunny skies, but it was a bit cool. Right from the start, we had a 15+ km decent straight down a magnificent gorge. A little sketchy with the tour buses, but we maintained our line and survived. Ahead of us lay the Col d’ Ominanda (654m), the Col de Bellagranajo (723m), the Col de Sorba (1,311m), the Col de Verde (1,289m), and to top it off, the Col de Granaccia (865m). All totaled, over 9,000+ feet of climbing. Yep, our legs, shoulders, and bums are pretty sore.
The Col de Verde provided us with a real test of our reason for being cyclists. Not only is it long and grinding on a normal day, but today, mother nature decided to have a little fun with us. As we were ascending, the clouds began to gather at the top. Dark and foreboding, they swirled around the mountain top. As we finally reached the summit, it began to rain. Heavy droplets fell as we rushed to put on more layers, rain jackets and heavy gloves. As we started the 20km decent, the skies opened and it poured. It was just rain at first, but then we began to hear a pinging sound off our helmets and titanium bikes. It was hail. Soft at first, but then it really started. It was painful as the hail bounced off our legs and arms. With more miles to go, we continued, as the ice actually gathered on our gloves and arms. We made it to the village of Zicavo, where we found a café, ordered coffee and coco and hoped it would pass. It didn’t, so we layered up even more and continued. Finally it stopped, but the Col de Granaccia was still ahead. The sun came out, warmed us a bit, and we finished in grand - but tired fashion.
The hotel was a welcome sight. The group gathered for a couple of beers and then we enjoyed a dinner of roasted wild boar and pasta, was great and the day, and we, were done.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Raid Corsica – Stage Two
The day started with windy, but sunny conditions. Michael started early in order to get a few pictures and have a coffee on the way. Steve and I started about 8:00 heading south along a magnificent coast road. We were warned ahead of time that the road was a bit rough and the organization had authorized and an alternative route. But, deciding on beauty vs practically, we went with the coast road. Rough was an understatement. The road turned to almost gravel in places with lose rocks, sand, and potholes the size of Volkswagens. And this went on for 20+km.
What made the coast road a little easier is that we linked-up with the “British peloton” segment of our group. It’s a cycling club from England, whose members train 4-6 times a week. Very strong riders who always ride in a double pace line – complete with a whistle when it’s time to rotate. They did permit us to follow at a close enough distance where we got a pretty good draft. Let’s see, they do the work and we get to draft. What’s not to like about that?
Lunch was in the village of Piana which is at the top of the Col de la Croix. What is remarkable about the climb is that this part of Corsica is noted for its red rocks. As we ascended from the sea, one can see the red rocks above and below. Near the top, the scene was almost from Mars. Red rock carved by millions of years of wind and rain into formations unlike any we had ever seen before. Totally, “other worldly”. To date, this is the highlight of what we have seen.
When we arrive in Piana, we were hot and sweaty. As we were ordering our food, the clouds moved in and the temperature began to drop. By the time the food arrived, we were shivering. And we still had to descend. This would not be the first time of the day.
The second half of the day comprised of one objective – climbing and descending the Col de Vergio. This would be our third major climb of the day. We had already climbed the Col de Palmarella (408m) and the Col de la Croix (408m). The Col de Vergio (1,477m) is approximately 35 km long. It’s not that steep, but it never ends, never! The views we saw on the first half were spectacular, all I saw the second half was the road in front of me.
When we reached the top, it was freezing and windy. Snow was in the near distance and the fog was moving in around the mountains. We quickly put on more layers from the sag van and started the decent. Most of the lads describe the decent as brutal. I can not remember, and I’m not sure if Steve or Michael can either, a colder decent down a mountain. The decent was about 15 miles.
We reached the hotel in Calacuccia and tried to warm up. Extra blankets were brought out and bath tubs were filled with hot water. An hour or so later, local beer helped thaw the bones. And, mounds of salad, pasta with meat sauce, bread, and wine helped a little too.
All in all, it was a great day that will go down in our personal cycling lore forever.
Up Next – Stage Three http://www.strava.com/routes/244960
The day started with windy, but sunny conditions. Michael started early in order to get a few pictures and have a coffee on the way. Steve and I started about 8:00 heading south along a magnificent coast road. We were warned ahead of time that the road was a bit rough and the organization had authorized and an alternative route. But, deciding on beauty vs practically, we went with the coast road. Rough was an understatement. The road turned to almost gravel in places with lose rocks, sand, and potholes the size of Volkswagens. And this went on for 20+km.
What made the coast road a little easier is that we linked-up with the “British peloton” segment of our group. It’s a cycling club from England, whose members train 4-6 times a week. Very strong riders who always ride in a double pace line – complete with a whistle when it’s time to rotate. They did permit us to follow at a close enough distance where we got a pretty good draft. Let’s see, they do the work and we get to draft. What’s not to like about that?
Lunch was in the village of Piana which is at the top of the Col de la Croix. What is remarkable about the climb is that this part of Corsica is noted for its red rocks. As we ascended from the sea, one can see the red rocks above and below. Near the top, the scene was almost from Mars. Red rock carved by millions of years of wind and rain into formations unlike any we had ever seen before. Totally, “other worldly”. To date, this is the highlight of what we have seen.
When we arrive in Piana, we were hot and sweaty. As we were ordering our food, the clouds moved in and the temperature began to drop. By the time the food arrived, we were shivering. And we still had to descend. This would not be the first time of the day.
The second half of the day comprised of one objective – climbing and descending the Col de Vergio. This would be our third major climb of the day. We had already climbed the Col de Palmarella (408m) and the Col de la Croix (408m). The Col de Vergio (1,477m) is approximately 35 km long. It’s not that steep, but it never ends, never! The views we saw on the first half were spectacular, all I saw the second half was the road in front of me.
When we reached the top, it was freezing and windy. Snow was in the near distance and the fog was moving in around the mountains. We quickly put on more layers from the sag van and started the decent. Most of the lads describe the decent as brutal. I can not remember, and I’m not sure if Steve or Michael can either, a colder decent down a mountain. The decent was about 15 miles.
We reached the hotel in Calacuccia and tried to warm up. Extra blankets were brought out and bath tubs were filled with hot water. An hour or so later, local beer helped thaw the bones. And, mounds of salad, pasta with meat sauce, bread, and wine helped a little too.
All in all, it was a great day that will go down in our personal cycling lore forever.
Up Next – Stage Three http://www.strava.com/routes/244960
Monday, May 12, 2014
Raid Corsica Stage One
To fully understand today’s stage, we have to start last night. Before dinner, the 19 cyclist participating were gathered for an orientation session. The normal rules of cycling were discussed followed by a question and answer session. The first and only question asked was, “we understand there was a crash last week, what can you tell us?” Without going into details, all I’ll say is that when the answer was given, the room went quite. No gallows humor, no jokes, no nothing. On that not so happy note, we left for dinner.
Today’s ride was beyond comparison. Michael, Steve and I have ridden in some very sketchy conditions, but, nothing compared to today. Yes, the views of the sea were spectacular, red poppies were everywhere, goats gathered on the roads, sheep rang their bells, and cols were high and challenging.
The day was spent either ascending from or descending to, the sea. But, the real issue was the wind. Not just any wind, but, a times, gale force wind that wrapped around the island like smoke from a bon fire. No matter which way we turned it was there. Either beating us in the face, forcing us across the road, or making us pedal on even the steepest descents. It was unrelenting for the hours and hours it took us to complete the stage. As the Brits with us said, “it beat us naked.”
Normal humans would have called it quits about 30 minutes into the ride. But not us, we’re cyclist. We love what we do and we love the challenge. Although, even we at times were saying, “I want off this bike.”
Up next, stage two.
http://www.strava.com/routes/244950
To fully understand today’s stage, we have to start last night. Before dinner, the 19 cyclist participating were gathered for an orientation session. The normal rules of cycling were discussed followed by a question and answer session. The first and only question asked was, “we understand there was a crash last week, what can you tell us?” Without going into details, all I’ll say is that when the answer was given, the room went quite. No gallows humor, no jokes, no nothing. On that not so happy note, we left for dinner.
Today’s ride was beyond comparison. Michael, Steve and I have ridden in some very sketchy conditions, but, nothing compared to today. Yes, the views of the sea were spectacular, red poppies were everywhere, goats gathered on the roads, sheep rang their bells, and cols were high and challenging.
The day was spent either ascending from or descending to, the sea. But, the real issue was the wind. Not just any wind, but, a times, gale force wind that wrapped around the island like smoke from a bon fire. No matter which way we turned it was there. Either beating us in the face, forcing us across the road, or making us pedal on even the steepest descents. It was unrelenting for the hours and hours it took us to complete the stage. As the Brits with us said, “it beat us naked.”
Normal humans would have called it quits about 30 minutes into the ride. But not us, we’re cyclist. We love what we do and we love the challenge. Although, even we at times were saying, “I want off this bike.”
Up next, stage two.
http://www.strava.com/routes/244950
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