Day 13 - Bastia to L'lle-Rousse, Corsica, France

We are in Corsica, the island famous among other things as a home of Napoleon. Our first day on French territory began with half-moon shapes: croissants for breakfast, then leaving behind the crescent coastline of Bastia, and finally ascending the tall humps of the mountains in inland Corsica. While pedaling up the long climb, a journalist caught Roger's attention and requested he shoot photos for the Corsica daily paper. Along the way up 588 meters, we all enjoyed the impressive, endless views and then posed for the press.

The scenery in Northern Corsica is different than what we've seen earlier on the tour: it is more rugged, craggy, wild and at times barren. Riding along the plateau of our second mountain pass today, the views even bordered on the surreal, with staggered cliffs, narrow boulders, and arid mountain ranges giving the space a slightly lunar feel.

We enjoyed another picnic al fresco on the ground in the center of St. Florent before climbing again another 350 meters in humid, hot conditions. Our final descent and entry into L'Ile Rousse took us onto the highway for a stretch, with blasting headwinds giving us some breeze and some tough resistence. But by the coast, the color of the clear green-blue waters was very inviting. Along our way today, it was interesting to note evidence of Corsican separatism, where many bilingual signs had the French scribbled over, leaving only the Corsican versions.

With most likely our heaviest days of climbing behind us, it is most fitting we take another break and day off, this time in the lovely, picturesque town of L'Ile Rousse.

Quotes of the Day
Driving motorist (in French): You know, there's a big mountain ahead.
Irene: Yes, I know.

"If we take this ridge, we take this mountain; and if we take this mountain, we take Corsica. If we take Corsica, we take France, and if we take France, we take Europe. If we take Europe, we take the world."
-John fires up the troupes in Napoleonic style.

"I charge a translation fee of one fry."
Irene, putting her French skills to use.

Rider of the Day: Irene
1. What was your best day so far?
Today: I've always wanted to see Corsica, and it was more than I expected. The views while we were climbing and riding were fabulous. My saddle soreness was improving because of two pairs of bike shorts that I've been wearing.

2. What was your worst day/moment?
Leaving Toricella when I had to ride in the support van because of my extreme case of saddle soreness. However, it was cool learning about all that Connie does to support us, and I felt like I was still quite involved, helping with the chalking and taking photos.

3. Why did you decide to go on the tour?
I've enjoyed unicycle touring in the past, and it’s a great way to see new countries.

4. Favorite gelato flavor(s)?
Lime, green melon, and raspberry.

5. Are there any items in your CamelBak you haven't touched or used this tour?
No, because I was trying to get rid of all excess so I had no extra weight pushing down on my seat.

6. Are you collecting anything?
Yes, T-shirts from each country and unicycle club ones as well.

7. What was your favorite bathroom/lodging this tour?
The one that stands out was the monastery: fabulous showers and peaceful, quiet night's sleep, and great atmosphere and karma.

8. If you could change anything about your uni, what would it be?
Can you guys guess? The seat. I'd also change my cranks; I'd like to go shorter.

9. What were your favorite two or three films of the last 10 years?
I really liked Lost in Translation, and Baraka.

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Created: Sunday, July 01, 2007 20:09