Rough with the Smooth (Video)

Corsica’s terrain is notoriously complex and technical, making for a relatively undiscovered area for big mountain riding. Aaron Rolph (UK), Bine Zalohar (Slovenia), and Matthew Fairbrother (NZ) went to see what all the fuss was about. It soon became clear that their original plan to mountain bike some of the GR20 trail was ambitious with tight gaps and huge rocks, and it would ultimately be a lot more scrambling and hiking than biking.

Aaron reflects, “Finding new locations and trying to ride where people don’t usually take bikes comes with a risk, but if you don’t go, you won’t know. It was clear we’d be doing 14 to 18 hours every day, which may well have been doable, but to what end?” Young gun Matthew Fairbrother pushed on solo to complete the southern half of the GR20, a huge endurance feat that didn’t uncover much good riding.

They’d come to ride bikes, so they hatched a new plan to enjoy the dusty trails of Bavella before heading north to Corsica’s highest peak, Monte Cinto, which sits at 2,706 meers. After an glorious night under the stars, they set off before sunrise to reach summit before shredding the technical and steep rocky slopes back down. The group says they’re not sure Corsica will ever become a major mountain bike destination, but finishing with a coastal ride and big sea views, made for an unforgettable way to see the island.

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