Col de Bavella, Corsica

November 17, 2010 - 5.0

Hard to believe no one has written about this road. As of 2010, the Col de Bavella is the finest road Ive ever ridden - and for all the right reasons.

Everyone has their absolute favourites and although you and I may differ on which are the best. But, if youve ever ridden the following you will know what type of roads I enjoy most and if you are like minded will agree that each is very, very special.

United Kingdom - Loch Leven loop (Scotland)
France - D518 Col de Rousset and the Cormet de Roseland
Switzerland - The Grimsel
Italy - Pasa Gavia
Dolomites - Pasa Gaiu (collectively, The Figure 8)
California - Hwy 36
Corsica - D80 (west side of the north finger)

Well, the Col de Bavella surpasses them all.

Excerpt from a ride report (2009)

At Aulline we turned eastward towards Zonza, the Col de Bavella, Solenzara and our day's destination at the beach village of Favone.

We were now on smooth roads once again and climbing the Col de Bavella.

Bavella is a visual forest stunner with steep mountains either side of a road made in heaven. I've never been on a lengthy stretch of road like this in my life. 30 miles of twisty new tarmac the likes of which I've only ridden at premiere race tracks. But more about this road later.

Favone isn't large enough to be a hamlet. I'm not sure the place even has a store, but does have 3 good restaurants, a beach front bungalow hotel, a huge, outstanding uncrowded white sand beach and calm, clean blue waters.

Favone would be a 2 day affair allowing M a chance to get off the bike and spend a day zooning on the beach with her book.

Now, you remember that stretch of road I was talking about? Well, I like beaches and paddling in the sea but after an hour I get really bored. I had a morning swim and that was just right, then reset the suspension for a solo, bags off hoot of a ride back up the east side of Col de Bavella. I had fine lunch at the top and managed to catch the final set the Venus / Serena Wimbledon Show on telly.

Then back down without anything in my path this time. Exhilarated and pumped! I did it again.

Unbelievable, unforgettable the smoothest rollercoaster ride in the world and I had it almost all to myself. God, I could live here!