Raid Corsica

[Ajay]

I'm doing the Raid Corsica in May 2012 - 1000km / 6 day tour around the island as per the Audax Club Parisien route and regs.

Just wondering if anyone here has done or will be doing it?

Oh, and I'm taking the lazy option by letting Marmot Tours carry my bags! http://www.marmot-to...id-corsica.html

 

[yello]

I haven't done the Raid Corsica but I have visited Corsica on three occasions (cycle touring once and 2 walking holidays) and ridden a sportive there. The country is stunning beyond belief and the cycling is brilliant. I'd rate Corsica as my favourite cycling destination. Some of the main mountain roads can be a bit manic to drive on though!

 

[chillyuk]

I did my basic training in the Legion on Corsica. I think I have marched, run up and down and climbed just about every mountain in Corsica. That was back in the 60's. Corsica is much more touristy now.

 

[Ajay]

I haven't done the Raid Corsica but I have visited Corsica on three occasions (cycle touring once and 2 walking holidays) and ridden a sportive there. The country is stunning beyond belief and the cycling is brilliant. I'd rate Corsica as my favourite cycling destination. Some of the main mountain roads can be a bit manic to drive on though!

Thanks yello, I can't wait to get out there, I'm sure the winter training will be worth it!

I did my basic training in the Legion on Corsica. I think I have marched, run up and down and climbed just about every mountain in Corsica. That was back in the 60's. Corsica is much more touristy now.

Wow, the Legion - I bet you've a few tales to tell - for another forum perhaps!

 

[brockers]

I did my basic training in the Legion on Corsica. I think I have marched, run up and down and climbed just about every mountain in Corsica. That was back in the 60's. Corsica is much more touristy now.

Wow! I was musing about joining a few years ago (think premature and short-lived mid-life crisis..) and read a few books on the Legion to find out more. I seem to remember that marching from one side of the island to t'other in a few days with minimum rations is still part of the training.

Liking the idea of doing it on a bike more now though!

 

[Stephen Dunn]

I'm doing the Raid Corsica in May 2012 - 1000km / 6 day tour around the island as per the Audax Club Parisien route and regs.

Just wondering if anyone here has done or will be doing it?

Oh, and I'm taking the lazy option by letting Marmot Tours carry my bags! http://www.marmot-to...id-corsica.html

Hi there,
There is is bunch of us doing the event with Marmot Tours, starting May 20th. Is this the same time you are doing it? Would be great to hook up - our group has a very wide variety of experience and ability!
Cheers
Steve

 

[Ajay]

Hi there,
There is is bunch of us doing the event with Marmot Tours, starting May 20th. Is this the same time you are doing it? Would be great to hook up - our group has a very wide variety of experience and ability!
Cheers
Steve

Yeah, that's the week we're doing it! (me and my buddy Pierre)
We did the Raid Pyreneen a couple of years ago with Marmot, and were really impressed with them, so no hesitation in booking this one with them.
We'll be found at the back of the group, soaking up the scenery and local plonk, making full use of the catering facilities.
Have you done this sort of thing before?

 

[yello]

I'm envious guys. Corsica is stunning, and the cycling is brilliant (if you like long, long climbs!). Sadly, it's a tad pricey for me; much as I'd love to do it.

 

[Ajay]

I'm envious guys. Corsica is stunning, and the cycling is brilliant (if you like long, long climbs!). Sadly, it's a tad pricey for me; much as I'd love to do it.

Yep, it's not the cheapest of places! I'm "allowed" a weeks cycling holiday a year, so long as I've earned some bonus I can treat myself!
I'm not too worried about the climbs, although I'm certainly not a climber. Its the constant up and down, and loosing that hard-earned altitude by plunging down to sea level every few Kms with the mind games that's going to bring as the week progresses that I'm looking forward to!

 

[Cyclist33]

Corsica is my favourite place in the whole world. Have a great time!

Stu

 

[HLaB]

I'd booked up for Corsica a few years ago, not enough other people did I was advised by the tour company to go to Sardinia instead, it might be sales patter but they described it as the same; slight rolling terrain unless you go inland where its a bit hillier. Guess what there was a land slip on the coastal road and the tour had to go inland; mind you I didn't object, I'm one of those mad folks who like hills (going up them at least, I'm a bit of a wuss on the descent).

 

[Stephen Dunn]

Yeah, that's the week we're doing it! (me and my buddy Pierre)
We did the Raid Pyreneen a couple of years ago with Marmot, and were really impressed with them, so no hesitation in booking this one with them.
We'll be found at the back of the group, soaking up the scenery and local plonk, making full use of the catering facilities.
Have you done this sort of thing before?

Great news, I will look forward to meeting with you both. We have been going with Marmot for a few years now Raids Pyrenean, Alps, la Marmot etc. We'll definitely be taking in the scenery and enjoying a beverage or two along the way!

 

[Ajay]

Back home after completing the Raid yesterday, the best weeks cycling of my life.
As has been said, the island is stunning and the route is designed to show it off at its best. A huge variety of terrain, nerve jangling coastal cliff corniches, high remote mountain cols, sublime beaches, forests, and an incredible diveristy of flora and fauna.
The route is demanding on both the body and bike, with plenty of unmade / badly maintained roads. The Audax Club Parisien allow 30 days to complete the route, we did it in 6, which was a tough challenge for me (not being a "natural climber"), but I would definitely recommend it, and the organisation and support from Marmot tours was superb.

 

[Ajay]

Medal finally arrived today. Yay

 

[ColinJ]

Well done Ajay!

Those 'raids' are exactly the kind of thing that I would like to do once my physical and financial fitness improve!