Sardinian and Corsican Cycling Adventure

Itinerary

Day 1 : Fly from UK to Olbia.

Take a short transfer to our accommodation in the old town. After assembling our bikes for the next few days we should have time to take in the sights of this historic place. 

Day 2 : Olbia, Sardinia - Bonifacio, Corsica. 116km - 1800m ascent.

Our first day of riding! Today we will get to sample some of everything Sardinia has to offer; mountains, lakes, valleys and of course dazzling beaches and coastline. We arrive to Santa Teresa for a ferry over to Corsica and our accomodation for the night.

Day 3 : Bonifacio, Corsica - Porto Pollo, Corsica. 116km - 2300m ascent.

A new country! After a warm up along the stunning coastal road, we head up into the mountains for some challenging, but gorgeous, riding. Spend the evening relaxing on the golden sands of Porto Pollo beach, maybe even refreshing your legs with a dip in the sea.

Day 4 : Porto Pollo, Corsica - Bonifacio, Corsica. 130km - 2600m ascent.

We head back to the beautiful citadel of Bonifacio today, but this time via the high Corsican mountains. After a short warm up along a valley, we begin a 20km climb up to just over 1000m. The views (and descents) are more than enough reward for this effort, with the rest of the day spent rolling through the mountains past peaks, valleys, and lakes. 

Day 5 - : Bonifacio, Corsica - Olbia, Sardinia. 135km - 2250m ascent.

Following our morning ferry crossing back to Sardinia, we cruise along the coastal road before climbing up into the mountains for one final time. We finish our Mediterranean adventure with an epic descent back down to the coast at Olbia, for our final night celebrations.

Day 6 : Return to UK.

Accommodation

Good quality 3 star comfortable hotel accommodation, based on twin sharing, bed and breakfast basis.

What is a Level 4.0 Cycling Challenge Like?

You are now moving into the realms of serious cycling challenges. Cycling days will be up to 10 hours (stops included), or slightly less if the event stretches over several days. You should have very good cycling fitness, with good leg strength, and you should be used to putting in regular training rides most weekends - with some good long rides. Most folks will consider these rides very long, and very challenging. Expect a mixture of length and terrain (think hilly!).

How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 4.0 ‘Bike Ride’?

To participate in these events you need to be in good cycling fitness. You probably are capable of riding at high speeds for 2 to 2.5 hours, around 23 - 25 km/hr. And you should be used to riding long distances and over hilly terrain. If you do not cycle regularly you must be of very high fitness level - and should think about converting as soon as possible and getting on to a bike - you will need to develop your specific strength and cycling technique. Do not come on these challenges without having spent plenty of time in the saddle. Training rides should be up to 60 or 70 miles, and you should have done a few like this. You should be getting out on your bike most weekends in the run up to your event, seeking out longer climbs to improve your climbing fitness for the event.

Special Notes

On booking this adventure you are signing up for the ride, the leadership, and the support of an experienced and helpful crew - who will endeavour to lead you safely and reliably. You will have an an experienced cycling leader, as well as an experienced support driver / bike mechanic and First Aider. It is very important that you are at a suitable (as specified) fitness level - as a very wide spread of fitness levels is difficult to manage on the road safely and smoothly. In the case of someone being well below the correct fitness level, they may be asked to jump in the vehicle - in order that overall the team is well supported.

Included In Trip

Experienced Cycle Leader(s), Full Vehicle Support and Driver/Mechanic, Baggage Transfer, Challenge Pack, Hotel accommodation (5 nights) inc Breakfast - good quality 3 star accommodation, Pre Event Cycle Event Hotline, Dinner Reservations, Refreshments & Snacks on board support vehicle.

Return ferry travel between Sardinia and Corsica.

Excluded From Trip

Personal travel insurance.

Bike Hire - high quality carbon fibre bikes to eat up those miles - please call for details.  Please note that bike transfers via the airline are NOT included. Airlines levy an extra fee for this of approximately £85 - this varies by airline - tbc.

Lunches and dinners.

Equipment Required

Kit lists specific to your trip dates and location will be issued upon enquiry...below is our guide advice to give an idea of what you should bring on a multi--day ride in Europe

Bike Items
Road Bike / Hybrid Bike (with puncture resistant tyres) - please call us for guidance on type of bike on a trip by trip basis
2 X Water Bottles (bladder system/cycle water bottles)
Cycling Gloves, Bike Lock, Neck Scarf, Inner Tubes*, Multi-Tool (with allen keys)*
Day Bag for support vehicle, Small Holdall (for overnight gear)
Bike Lights (front and rear, head torch can be worn)
Saddle Bag (recommended - can be used to carry asterisk* items)
Puncture Repair Kit*, Spare parts for your bike (specialist parts and spokes), Pump (suitable for your valve type)

Helmet (compulsory)
Personal Medikit  Suncream, Plasters, Vaseline, Painkillers, Sunbloc, Insect Repellant

Washkit

Warm Clothing Medium Weight Softshell, Long sleeve Jersey / insulating layer Lightweight Gloves.

Cycle  Clothing
Padded Lycra Cycling Shorts, Cotton Shorts, or Long Cycling Trousers (Tights/Tracksuit Bottoms)
Short Sleeve Cycling T-Shirts (wicking type material) or Cycle Top with rear pockets
Cycling Shoes (approach shoes or sturdy traners suitable), 

Spare Shoes/Sandals for after ride

Casual Evening Wear - tracksuits, jeans, T shirts, fleece ...

Waterproof Clothing
1 Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (gore-tex, e-vent) - comfortable to cycle in

Other
Travel Documents, EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) Credit Cards, Cash, Local Currency, Mobile Phone, chargers, EU plug adaptor, Sunglasses
Snacks for Cycling Days (dried fruits, nuts, flapjacks, cereal bars etc)
Travel insurance (not included), Passport

Important
Make sure you do not ‘over pack’ - bring only what is essential for the trip. It is advisable to check that your travel insurance covers the value of any expensive items of kit that you chose to bring along with you. 

A final kit list will be provided in your ‘Final Joining Instructions’ pre-departure

Weather

Generally we can expect mild, warm and sunny weather but be prepared for some wetness if we are unlucky.

Notes on Cycling Events

This is our standard range of Cycling Challenges in the UK, Europe and further afield. However, we offer completely tailormade itineraries to your specification. Call us to discuss! Please note that for overseas point to point cycling challenges we can transport soft cases for bike transport - but not hard cases, due to space limitations on board our support vehicles. On all our cycling events, please pack sensibly and bring a reasonably sized soft holdall type bag. To participate in an overseas Adventure Cafe challenge - you must carry Travel Insurance (to be for the activity you are participating in, and to include repatriation to the UK). Please also note that you should have a good level of cycling experience and be competent to handle your bike. We ride on roads shared with other vehicles - and you need to be able to deal with this safely.

Adventure Cafe Booking Terms and Conditions

To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge