Corsica (werelse)

[corsicandreamer]

Finally found the time to do a Quick report on this years trip which was our first in the south of the island.
I will start by telling you that we did the north of the island in may 2009 on my faithful 2001 f650 gs. The 650 never missed a beat two up luggage as shown (nothing fell of the whole trip) and was comfortable for both pillion and myself, altogether a capable machine. I joined the forum in 2010 by then the owner of a far far superior IMHO. machine shown below early evening three hours to departure for the ferry from Toulon to Ajaccio.

 

[corsicandreamer]

Part two

The ferry sailed at 11.30pm and due to HWMBO being a slow packer we had a v-exiting start to the trip a quick ride to Toulon Port. Once boarded and tied down a quick beer shower and to bed for the 7am arrival.
Bang on time and second vehicle off we left the port on the N196 and headed for the hills.
The roads were a dream way better than the north just mile after mile of sweeping bends climbing and falling with a running commentary from No2. on the scenery which i had an occasional glance at just to show willing. Coffee stop at the top of col-de-Santa Maria and two enormous croissants then head down to Propriano.
From Propriano continuing on the N196 to Sartene a small medeival town with a delightful square pavement cafe`s and all you would expect but it was Sunday and everyone was there (too crowded) so we left for Bonifacio which was to be our base for the next two days. (pic1 shows the harbour as seen from our hotel balcony pic2 the entrance to the harbour pic3 is a little excursion to a hidden beach 7kms from the town the restaurant closest is where we had lunch after a swim and spent the rest of the afternoon sunbathing and swimming.
To be continued,

 

[corsicandreamer]

Part three

After a boring ride where the most exiting thing was to stop and take a picture of someones abandoned camper conversion (see picture i can never resist a 4x4) our next port of call was Porto-vecchio which can be a dissapointment when you arrive as the coast road through is just non-descript.
The picturesque old village is however delightful we spent two relaxing days there and HWMBA was able to satisfy that need to shop that all women have.
Then followed a wonderful ride climbing up the D368 through the forest De Bavella a lunch in the village of Bavella and a memorable ride back down to the coast at Favone.
A pleasant evening in a quality hotel with a great pool with sea views and it was onwards to our final destination Corte in the centre of the island, with what looked like (map view) some of the twistiest roads on the island.
The road to Corte did not dissapoint but the weather did, our first sight of rain so our ride to Corte was subdued.
Corte was dissapointingly scruffy but despite that we loved it. We found a great restaurant where we ate two nights, friendly locals and it is surrounded by great roads.
On our final morning we road down to Ajaccio the memory of that road will linger for a long time it is a "must do before" road. We spent the final day on the beach with a beachside restaurant lunch thrown in. Leaving the beach at seven in the evening we took in drinks at the quayside bar, followed by dinner at one of the many quayside restaurants followed by a two minute ride to board the ferry.
Eleven thirty pm departure for seven am landing meant an early night.
Pics show; 4x4 camper~The gs in Corte`s main street~The castle Corte~ Views from the castle. View from our hotel balcony with passing swift T B C.

 

[franco]

Nice pics, glad to see them finally up there. I love Corsica. Definitely recommended for a gsers paradise.

 

[corsicandreamer]

Final part

Hope these final pics are not too dissapointing. My conclusions from the second trip are this~ Our first trip was exeptional, everything seemed better, scenery overload, every bend you went round seemed to reveal a new sight a lot of which took your breath away. The riding took second place which was probably as well as a loaded 650 gs two up aint exactly going to perform.
Our second trip was equally as scenic but
expectations were high and the scenery was not better than last year, this bike can perform two up and loaded,which enhanced each ride in a different way.
I believe you must choose your holiday, Rider Holiday~Touring Holiday
Then choose a bike to match.
Then choose a route to suit your choice.
The route is the hard bit, you need local knowledge to get the best and for Corsica we have one in this very parish, "Ritan".try {www.mon-tour-motos.com} no connection to me but through e-mail he seems like a good guy we arranged to meet but my work delayed me and we werent there at the same time.
I think this almost qualifies as a rant ? Thanks for taking the trouble to read cheers K.B.

 

[corsicandreamer]

thanks

Nice pics, glad to see them finally up there. I love Corsica. Definitely recommended for a gsers paradise.

Thankyou Franco it realy is a bikers paradise, i never cease to be amazed at the international feel that you find there or the cameraderie with the mainly international bikers who flock there annually. Looking forward to riding with you, cheers K.B.

 

[Timolgra]

Thanks for that report, never ridden there but it's on the list of places to go