Biking in general is one of the activities here in Corsica that feels quite enjoyable all year round. In the summer, the headwind cools and the winters are so warm that you only need light clothing to protect yourself from the wind. So, it is quite possible that the year will cover more than 6,000 kilometres and well over 100,000 meters in altitude, like for me in 2022.
There are also some racing cyclists here, but I only ride my mountainbike. The smaller roads such as the coastal road on the west coast are sometimes so uneven that a mountainbike is definitely appropriate. I would also like to be able to turn onto a path or trail at any time and explore the more remote sides of the island.
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Worth knowing
In the Corsican scrubland “Maquis” almost every plant has thorns, which is a great challenge for tires and legs. If you choose narrow trails, markings on your legs can hardly be avoided.
When renting a bike, it is advisable to pay attention to puncture protection, or at least to pack a repair kit and an air pump into your backpack. I’ve had countless flat tires despite puncture protection. The vegetation of the maquis has a pervasive argument for staying on the trails, but this also doesn’t provide total protection from flat tyres.
On paths you will occasionally come across closed gates or makeshift barriers, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t continue. However, you should definitely close the gate properly after passing. If you do meet someone, greetings are also appropriate here and if you only raise your hand briefly. On all my tours in Corsica, I have actually only ever met friendly people.
In France, and especially here on Corsica, people’s basic attitude towards mountain biking is positive. Even if you drive on a hiking trail, the way is readily cleared for the passage and a friendly greeting is given. If someone does not hear or see the approaching bike, a friendly bonjour or pardon is enough to draw attention to themselves. People then apologize for not stepping aside right away and you walk and drive your way with a smile…
MTB - route overview
All Available Routes
