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Fantastic trip, modern Japan mixed with traditional rural Japan, brilliant guides. Absolutely wonderful 

2026 JAPAN : SOUTHERN ISLANDS 8 DAY

Excellent trip. The routes, hotels and food were all very well curated. The staff was excellent. 

2026 JAPAN: TOKYO TO KYOTO 9 DAY

I participated in the event as a medic.

For me, the most important thing was that there were no accidents or injuries among the riders throughout the entire event.

I believe that everyone who participated was able to have a great time and enjoy a wonderful Summit.


STAFF Escape Collective | Takayama Summit

Great trip, top accommodation and fantastic support from the RAID staff. 

Escape Collective | Takayama Summit

Couldn’t ask for a better trip. The logistics were dialed, the team was kind and enthusiastic, the routes were fantastic and really challenged me. 10/10. Would book with Raid again in a heartbeat. 

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BESPOKE GRAVEL EXPEDITION - If there’s a place that lives in the imagination of every rider but eludes most—it’s New Zealand. The Land of the Long White Cloud, Aotearoa, feels almost mythical: jagged peaks rising from the sea, roads that disappear into mist, and a sense of space so vast it swallows thought. On the South Island—Te Waipounamu—the Southern Alps run like a spine through the land, raw and wild. It’s here that RAID takes on one of its most ambitious undertakings yet.Ten days. Seven hundred miles. Gravel, tarmac, and everything in between. Every climb a test, every descent a release, every mile its own quiet revelation. You’ll ride hard, eat well, sleep deep, and wake to more of the same—until you forget what day it is and start measuring time in sunrises, laughter, and grit.One rider from our first expedition said it better than we ever could:“I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world doing cool shit, so I’ve always thought calling something a trip of a lifetime was lazy. But somewhere along these roads, that changed. It led me to where I am now believing this truly was a trip of a lifetime. Hopefully not the only one, but an extra special one for sure. Thank you again for believing there are people like me out there seeking the adventures you create. Hope we can do this again sometime.”That’s what this ride does. It strips things back. It reminds you what freedom feels like, what challenge really means, and why we ride in the first place.Leave behind winter’s short days and long nights. Come ride Aotearoa—where every mile hits deeper, and the road might just change you too.

Blenheim, New Zealand

This RAID trip is all-inclusive, covering what matters most:<ul><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Handpicked hotels — single or shared occupancy</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Professionally guided rides with full on-road vehicle support</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">5 - Staff + 3 vehicles</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Ride nutrition and hydration: energy bars, mixes, and more</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Most meals, plus a thoughtful selection of beer and wine</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Baggage transfers, porterage, and limited laundry service</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Daily recovery support</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">All restaurant gratuities and third-party guided activities</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Limited airport transfers on some departures</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">A standard staff gratuity is included in the trip price, so there is no obligation to tip during the trip. That said, if you feel a particular team member went above and beyond, any additional gratuity is always sincerely appreciated.</li></ul>You ride. We handle the rest.

All-Inclusive RAID Departures

What's Not Included<ul><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Airfare to and from your trip</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Travel insurance</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Airport transfers on select departures (details provided per trip)</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Personal expenses — souvenirs, extra drinks, etc.</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Bicycles — bring your own, or we’ll help line up a rental</li></ul>

What’s Not Included

<h3>RAID New Zealand — Arrival &amp; Departure Information</h3> This RAID expedition begins in Blenheim (BHE) at the top of New Zealand’s South Island and concludes in Queenstown (ZQN) in the heart of the Southern Alps — a journey that captures the full sweep of New Zealand’s wine country, alpine passes, and glacial valleys. Arriving to Blenheim (BHE)The most common way to reach Blenheim is via a short domestic flight from either Auckland (AKL) or Wellington (WLG) — both offering multiple daily connections. Flights are operated by Air New Zealand, typically 1 hour 20 minutes from Auckland or 25 minutes from Wellington.For guests arriving internationally, the simplest routing is to connect through Auckland (AKL) and continue directly to Blenheim (BHE)**.Alternatively, guests traveling from the North Island may take the scenic Interislander ferry from Wellington to Picton, followed by a short 25-minute ground transfer to Blenheim. Departing from Queenstown (ZQN)At the end of the trip, guests will depart from Queenstown Airport (ZQN) — one of the most spectacularly located airports in the world. Queenstown offers frequent domestic flights to Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), and Christchurch (CHC), all of which connect easily to international departures. We recommend planning onward or international flights after 12:00 PM on the final day to allow for morning transfers, bike packing, and a relaxed departure. *But we can work with earlier departures too! Summary<ul><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Start / Finish: Blenheim (BHE) → Queenstown (ZQN)</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Most common arrival: International → Auckland (AKL) → Blenheim (BHE)</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Most common departure: Queenstown (ZQN) → Auckland (AKL) or Christchurch (CHC) → International</li></ul>

Arrival & Departure airport

2027 NEW ZEALAND GRAVEL EXPEDITION 12 DAY BESPOKE

Single occupancy means booking your own private room for the trip. The rate is higher than shared lodging, reflecting the added cost of having the comfort and privacy of your own space.

SINGLE OCCUPANCY

Double occupancy is the per-person rate for a shared room, with two guests staying together. It’s lower than the single occupancy rate since the cost is split between both riders.

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY

If there’s a place that lives in the imagination of every rider but eludes most—it’s New Zealand. The Land of the Long White Cloud, Aotearoa, feels almost mythical: jagged peaks rising from the sea, roads that disappear into mist, and a sense of space so vast it swallows thought. On the South Island—Te Waipounamu—the Southern Alps run like a spine through the land, raw and wild. It’s here that RAID takes on one of its most ambitious undertakings yet.Ten days. Seven hundred miles. Gravel, tarmac, and everything in between. Every climb a test, every descent a release, every mile its own quiet revelation. You’ll ride hard, eat well, sleep deep, and wake to more of the same—until you forget what day it is and start measuring time in sunrises, laughter, and grit.One rider from our first expedition said it better than we ever could:“I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world doing cool shit, so I’ve always thought calling something a trip of a lifetime was lazy. But somewhere along these roads, that changed. It led me to where I am now believing this truly was a trip of a lifetime. Hopefully not the only one, but an extra special one for sure. Thank you again for believing there are people like me out there seeking the adventures you create. Hope we can do this again sometime.”That’s what this ride does. It strips things back. It reminds you what freedom feels like, what challenge really means, and why we ride in the first place.Leave behind winter’s short days and long nights. Come ride Aotearoa—where every mile hits deeper, and the road might just change you too.

Every RAID trip is all-inclusive, covering what matters most:<ul><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Handpicked hotels — single or shared occupancy</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Professionally guided rides with full on-road vehicle support</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Ride nutrition and hydration: energy bars, mixes, and more</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Most meals, plus a thoughtful selection of beer and wine</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Baggage transfers, porterage, and limited laundry service</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Daily recovery support</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">All restaurant gratuities and third-party guided activities</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Limited airport transfers on some departures</li></ul>You ride. We handle the rest.

What's Not Included<ul><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Airfare to and from your trip</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Travel insurance</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Airport transfers on select departures (details provided per trip)</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Gratuities for RAID trip leaders</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Personal expenses — souvenirs, extra drinks, etc.</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Bicycles — bring your own, or we’ll help line up a rental</li></ul>

<h3>RAID New Zealand — Arrival &amp; Departure Information</h3> This RAID expedition begins in Blenheim (BHE) at the top of New Zealand’s South Island and concludes in Queenstown (ZQN) in the heart of the Southern Alps — a journey that captures the full sweep of New Zealand’s wine country, alpine passes, and glacial valleys. Arriving to Blenheim (BHE)The most common way to reach Blenheim is via a short domestic flight from either Auckland (AKL) or Wellington (WLG) — both offering multiple daily connections. Flights are operated by Air New Zealand, typically 1 hour 20 minutes from Auckland or 25 minutes from Wellington.For guests arriving internationally, the simplest routing is to connect through Auckland (AKL) and continue directly to Blenheim (BHE)**.Alternatively, guests traveling from the North Island may take the scenic Interislander ferry from Wellington to Picton, followed by a short 25-minute ground transfer to Blenheim. Departing from Queenstown (ZQN)At the end of the trip, guests will depart from Queenstown Airport (ZQN) — one of the most spectacularly located airports in the world. Queenstown offers frequent domestic flights to Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), and Christchurch (CHC), all of which connect easily to international departures. We recommend planning onward or international flights after 12:00 PM on the final day to allow for morning transfers, bike packing, and a relaxed departure. *But we can work with earlier departures too! Summary<ul><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Start / Finish: Blenheim (BHE) → Queenstown (ZQN)</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Most common arrival: International → Auckland (AKL) → Blenheim (BHE)</li><li class="ui-30d40835-py-17 ui-30d40835-bg-gray-400 ui-30d40835-border-gray-400">Most common departure: Queenstown (ZQN) → Auckland (AKL) or Christchurch (CHC) → International</li></ul>

2027 NEW ZEALAND GRAVEL EXPEDITION 12 DAY

Double occupancy is the per-person rate for a shared room, with two guests staying together. It’s lower than the single occupancy rate since the cost is split between both riders.

RAID does not maintain its own rental fleet, but in certain destinations we work with trusted third-party partners to source bikes. If you’d like us to arrange a rental on your behalf, we require a refundable deposit while we confirm availability. By selecting this add-on, our team will coordinate the rental process for you — from sourcing the right bike to ensuring smooth delivery before the trip and return afterwards.

Bike Rental

United States

Brad Sauber | Owner Brad brings 25+ years’ experience creating and running cycling and cultural trips around the globe. From Bolivia to Bhutan, the Himalayas to the Alps, New Zealand to the Rockies, Brad has a passion for helping guests uncover the magic of destinations, their people and culture. In addition to guiding all over the world, Brad was a founding partner at inGamba and the founding Head of Rapha Travel in 2012. When you get to know Brad, you understand cycling just isn’t part of his job, it’s a key aspect of his life. Raised in Washington State, Brad now lives in Mill Valley, California – with his wife, Dawn, and undisclosed number of bikes. Let him know if you’re passing through as he’s always up for a ride down the road or up the mountain. @bsauber

RAID cycling

Shimanami Kaido, Hiroshima &amp; the Volcanoes of Kyushu – 8 Day&nbsp;
Travel for the sake of travel is silly. Japan is travel for the sake of the pursuit of the best. You'll be hard pressed to find better roads, and you'll be harder pressed still to find an experience that challenges and rewards on so many levels more than simply cycling.
 
“The Japan raid is a phenomenal road trip, cycling adventure and cultural experience. It is not a normal cycling trip, it is a piece of art!” - Rune [Japan]&nbsp;

Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan

DAY ONE: OSAKA TO ONOMICHI&nbsp;
&nbsp;25 MI / 900 FT 
Upon your arrival into Osaka International Airport we will provide 1- scheduled transfer from Osaka to our arrival city, Onomichi. It is an easy 2-hour journey either by train or bus. Depending on your arrival time, we will either go for a short- guided ride to loosen up the legs or we can take the famous Onomichi Temple Walk, up and down the many stairs behind the town, visiting 25 temples along the way.&nbsp;
O/N Onomichi U2 Cycle Hotel&nbsp;
 
DAY TWO: SHIMANAMI KAIDO 
 60 MI / 3200 FT&nbsp;
Today we ride the Shimanami Kaido. Known as the most scenic route in Japan, the 76-kilometer trek between Onomichi and Imabari is dotted with orange orchards, classic ryokans, and, of course, stunning views of the 7 islands and the Seto Sea. It’s also a great way to see the small-town Japan that tourists often miss. We will enjoy a local lunch during our supported ride today. We can take a scenic ferry ride back to Onomichi or for those intrepid souls, you will have the option to cycle back via a slightly different route over and through the islands, making for a long 100+ mile ride. O/N Onomichi U2 Cycle Hotel&nbsp;
 
DAY THREE: ONOMICHI TO HIROSHIMA 
 53 MI / 3139 FT 
We begin our ride from the U2 Hotel and leave behind the historic port, heading towards Hiroshima. Along the way we will pass through Higashihiroshima which is famous for making some of the finest sake in Japan. Our route takes us down ‘sake storehouse road’. The main street where the breweries are concentrated, characterized by the red chimneys and the white walls of the breweries-truly a picture postcard avenue.
 
We finish our journey in Hiroshima this afternoon, designated as a World Heritage Site in 1996, we will visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Cenotaph for Atomic Bomb Victims and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the suffering caused by war and nuclear weapons and the true value of peace. &nbsp;O/N Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel, Hiroshima&nbsp;
 
DA Y FOUR: HIROSHIMA TO KYUSHU ISLAND 
 79 MI / 7,220 FT 
 Board the high-speed Shinkansen train to Kurume, an inland city on Kyushu Island-just one-hour &amp; thirty minutes away. Upon arrival, we will begin cycling on tiny lanes into the rolling countryside on our way to Hita. Within 15 miles, we find ourselves deep into the heart of Yame’s green tea fields, a sea of gentle hills covered in tea trees as far as the eye can see. The remainder of our ride sees us passing through the Hoshino River valley, with plenty of opportunities to stop along the way to try the many varieties of green and white teas. This afternoon we will arrange for a visit to the famous Kyushu Hita Brewery-makers of Sapporo Black Label and Yebisu beers. We can take a brewery tour followed by a sampling of the libations.&nbsp;
O/N Hatago Kayausagi, Hita&nbsp;
 
DAY FIVE: HITA TO ASO 
 53 MI / 6,833 FT 
 This morning heading south through the Ōita prefecture, known to many as the “Land of Abundance”. We will be traversing through the Kirishima Mountain Range, which is a volcanic belt of major peaks that runs vertically through the prefecture. Ōita has the largest number of hot springs in the entire country! Known for its quiet roads and scenic beauty, 60% of the Ōita prefecture is covered in dense forests.&nbsp;
O/N Sozankyo Ryokan, Kumamoto Prefecture&nbsp;
&nbsp;
DAY SIX: MT ASO 
 42.9 MI / 4,389 FT 
 The Queens Stage of the trip, today we spend the entire day circling the Mt Aso volcano inside the Aso Kuju National Park. We climb up its grass covered slopes in the morning and pedal around the crater before descending back down into the verdant valley floor. With it’s almost constant flow of smoke that billows from its caldera, you will have the chance to pear into its nearly 20-mile wide opening. Thanks to the volcano’s activity, it’s arguably one of the most visually striking places in Japan. Its grey, jagged, crevasse-filled, rocky landscape is covered in a smattering of small black and grey rocks, looking like an artificially implanted moon landscape, or at the very least a high- end film backdrop set in some far-reaching corner of the universe. O/N Sozankyo Ryokan, Kumamoto Prefecture&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;
DAY SEVEN: MT ASO – YUFUIN (OITA) 
 37.3 MI / 4,020 FT 
Our last days journey has us cycling along Route 11, the scenic Yamanami Highway spanning two prefectures, Oita and Kumamoto. The road is considered one of the most scenic byways in Japan. We traverse through the National Park and the Kuju mountain range before finishing in Oita. The amazing route takes us from the Tadewara Marshlands, through the Chojabaru and Kuju Mountain Ranges with stunning views throughout the entire ride today. The grasslands sprawling beneath the towering mountains, the steaming surface of Mt Lo and Mt Mimata looming in the distance. We spend our last evening at a small family owned Ryokan, called Shimizu, their onsen bath is located inside an inviting cave. 
 O/N Shimizu-Ryokan, Yufuin&nbsp;
 
DAY EIGHT: DEPARTURE&nbsp;
This morning, enjoy a short walk through the village of Yufuin before we embark on our last leg of our journey. We take a local train from Yufuin to Fukuoka before transferring onto a special train called the Yufuin no Mori, a classic European Classical Express train. If you're a lover of fine train journeys, this one will not disappoint. We will transfer at the Hakata Station directly to Osaka via the high-speed Shinkansen train.&nbsp;

Shimanami Kaido, Hiroshima & the Volcanoes of Kyushu – 8 Day

THE ROUTE

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
No place rivals Japan when it comes to providing an abundance of incredible experiences in a small amount of space. We’re offering a unique departure to explore Japan’s longest cycle friendly bicycle bridge system in the world, the Shimanami Kaido. Followed by a remote ride through the foothills into Hiroshima with a visit to the Peace Memorial-a World Heritage Site.&nbsp;
The remainder of our trip sees us travelling further south by the high-speed Shinkansen train to the third largest island of Japan-Kyushu. A mountainous region known for its soaring volcanic peaks, steaming hot springs, peaceful beaches and slow-paced living. We will further explore this amazing island by bike, staying in traditional ryokan inns along the way.&nbsp;

THE SOUTHERN ISLANDS OF JAPAN

Our departures are all-inclusive. All prices  include hotel accommodation on a double-occupancy basis (single-occupancy is available on most trips for an additional fee), professionally guided rides, on-road  vehicle support, limited laundry &amp; recovery (massage boots), most meals (excluding alcohol), and ride nutrition/food (hydration, energy bars, etc.). Baggage transfer, porterage and all gratuities at restaurants are also included.&nbsp;&nbsp;

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Airfare is not included and gratuities for our trip leaders and personal expenses. Bicycles are not included on this departures.&nbsp;*For all Japan departures, airport transfers are not inclusive. There are many affordable and convenient transportation options from airport to city center.&nbsp;

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

OSAKA &nbsp;INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (KIX)&nbsp;

JAPAN -The Southern Islands

3 or 4 day Kyoto & Nara extension

Portland has become the cycling capital of North America and is the perfect host city for this Randonnée’s depart. Starting nearby in the wine country of the Willamette Valley, the route encompasses the many faces of West Coast riding: the climbs of Highway 101, the dirt roads and unpaved paths of the Rapha Continental and the tranquil expanses of the Humboldt State Forest.
Along the way, riders will stay in the artists’ villages and fishing hamlets of the Oregon and Californian coasts. The final few kilometres of the ride take in the Golden Gate Bridge before a reception at the Rapha Cycle Club San Francisco.

Portland, OR, USA

Our departures are all-inclusive. All prices  include hotel accommodation on a double-occupancy basis (single-occupancy is available on most trips for an additional fee), professionally guided rides, on-road  vehicle support, limited laundry &amp; recovery (massage boots), most meals (excluding alcohol), and ride nutrition/food (hydration, energy bars, etc.). Baggage transfer, porterage and all gratuities at restaurants are also included.&nbsp;

WHATS INCLUDED

Portland - San Francisco Raid

Single-occupancy pricing guarantees you your own private room and bath each evening.&nbsp;

Double Occupancy (shared)

“Corsica is not France,” read the road graffiti when the Tour visited the ‘Île de Beauté’ in 2013, for the first time in 100 editions. And whoever wrote it was right: Corsica, with its Italian and French history and rebellious, independent spirit, feels far removed from the mainland – and it is all the better for it. With 650 miles of unspoilt palm-fringed coastline, a spine of wild, rugged mountains soaring to 10,000 ft., and an almost unlimited choice of challenging, winding roads – not to mention a robust and delicious local cuisine – it’s an utterly seductive destination for cyclists.&nbsp;
 
Designated today as one of the 13 regions of France, but ruled for large swaths of its early history by Italy, Corsica is approximately two-thirds the size of Connecticut. It’s the ultimate study in dichotomies, not just temperamentally but in terms of landscape: coruscated mountains, parched desert, verdant lowlands, soft, sandy beaches, pine-thicketed valleys.
 
Riders of the raid will explore the island in true RAID fashion, enjoying a carefully planned route set to showcase in the span of a week the best the island has to offer, in addition to the expert care and support RAID is known for. Ride the Corsican roads that, thanks to the ideal conditions, have become a standard training ground for professionals, with sublime cliffs and wild forests known to inspire riders to perform at their highest level. We should expect the same on the climbs of our ride, and all will be rewarded as we savor the finest cuisine and lodging the region has to offer, as well as the most incredible views as we descend to the azure sea below.&nbsp;

Porto-Vecchio, Corsica, France

&nbsp;Day 1 | Porto Vecchio – Quick Spin (Arrival Day)
Sunday September 8, 2018
Distance | 20-25 mi
Elevation | + 1980 ft.
 
Upon your arrival into Porto Vecchio, the SV shuttle will transfer you to our beach front hotel in Porto Vecchio, The Hotel Mariosa. &nbsp;This afternoon, our Corsican adventure begins with a prologue in the form of a quick, undulating spin from Porto Vecchio. A perfect opportunity to get to know your guides and your riding mates for the week before enjoying your first night on the island, in the city that hosted the Tour de France’s Grand Départ in 2013. After our short ride, we will gather this evening for a group orientation to go over the daily itinerary and plan for the week followed by an evening meal.
O/N Hotel Mariosa | www.hotelmariosa.com
 
Day 2 | Porto Vecchio — Sartène — Porto Vecchio
Monday September 9, 2018
Distance | 79 mi
Elevation | + 7220 ft.
Major Climbs | Col de Bacinu (2634’) | Foce De Mezzo (1663’) 

Porto Vecchio, on Corsica’s southeastern tip, is a characterful town surrounded by deserted white-sand beaches and is a great starting point for riding into the island’s wild southern interior. The spectacular route out of town takes us straight to the Col de Bacinu before descending on sweeping turns through dense, forested hills with unexpected vistas around every corner. The tunnels here were a favorite hideout of the Corsican Resistance against the Nazis. Sartène, our halfway point, is a pretty town dating mainly from the 16th century; to return, we take the spectacular red-rocked coast road, with beautiful views out over the Mediterranean. By the time you’ve ascended the second col, you’ll a dip in the sea and the fine dinner waiting for you at the hotel.&nbsp;
O/N Hotel Mariosa | www.hotelmariosa.com
 
Day 3 | Porto Vecchio — Porticcio
Tuesday September 10, 2018
Distance | 84 mi
Elevation | + 11,180’ 

On our second day in the saddle, we’ll traverse to the opposite side of the island via the rugged Parc Natural Régional de la Corse. We’ll begin by making our way to higher ground, and spend much of the day at altitudes approaching 1,000m. We’ll cycle through the cool pine forests that cloak the slopes of the many 2,000m-plus peaks that tower above us, and also pass through the maquis, the name given to the distinctive, fragrant scrubland that covers parts of the island. From there, we’ll begin the long descent to Punta di Porticcio. At our hotel, just steps from the beaches of a magnificent bay, we’ll enjoy a magical sunset and sleep to the sound of gentle waves against the shore.&nbsp;
O/N Sofitel Porticcio Thalassa or Radison Blu
 
Day 4 | Porticcio — Corte
Wednesday September 11, 2018
Distance | 95.9 mi&nbsp;
Elevation | + 11,350 ft.
Major Climbs | Col de Vergio (4,900’) 

Today’s route takes us to the heart of the island, to Corte, a town at the center of the island’s fortunes since Pascal Paoli made it the capital of his short-lived Corsican Republic in 1755. A nationalist stronghold to this day, its position atop a craggy mount gives it the appearance of a fairytale citadel. On the way, we’ll take the famous corniche road that squeezes between rocky cliffs and the sea, and which provided such exhilarating viewing during the 2013 Tour. Then, after cycling round the Golfe de Sagone we’ll turn inland and climb more than 30km to the Col de Vergio – at 1,478m the highest paved road on the island. There are breathtaking views, including a glimpse of the famously tough GR20 hiking trail that runs along the spine of the island. The evening’s destination is the luxuriously tranquil Hôtel Dominique Colonna, a haven of design nestled in the lush Restonica river valley.&nbsp;
O/N Hotel Dominique Colonna | www.dominique-colonna.com
 
Day 5 | Corte — Corte
Thursday September 12, 2018 

Distance | 92.5 mi&nbsp;
Elevation | + 4,305 ft.
Major Climbs | Col de Sorba (4,417’) 
&nbsp;
For our fifth day, riders may choose to go for a short morning spin, and spend the afternoon exploring the village of Corte or taking in one of the remarkable local hikes. For the others, we will take the high road across the spine of the island, visiting charming perched hillside villages, deserted back roads, river gorges and the spectacular Col de Sorba. Tonight, we dine in town, at a small mother and son owned cafe that celebrates the local cheese, Corsican meats &amp; local vegetables grilled over an open wood fire.&nbsp;
O/N Hotel Dominique Colonna
 
Day 6 | Corte — Calvi
Thursday September 13, 2018
Distance | 77.7 mi 
 Elevation | + 8,895 ft.
Key Climbs | Bocca Capanna (2,765’) | Bocca di Battaglia (3,605’) 

Our journey culminates with one more substantial ride from the center of the island to the sea. The Bocca di Battaglia is the day’s highest point, and to finish there’s a fast descent and some stunning panoramas of the city of Calvi. It’s the perfect way to cap to a magnificent week on the wild and beautiful island of Corsica.&nbsp;
The most notable of these climbs is the Bocca di Battaglia, the peak of the day’s ride. As we reach this popular hiking destination, a few grazing cattle will bear witness to our final efforts and we’ll savour one of the last vistas on our trip. The last 50 kilometers of our journey include a very fast descent and some stunning panoramas of the city of Calvi. It’s the perfect way to cap to a magnificent week on the wild and beautiful island of Corsica.&nbsp;
O/N Hotel Revellata, Calvi
 
Day 7 | Calvi &amp; Departure
Friday September 14, 2018
Go for a morning swim before we depart the island.&nbsp;

CORSICA

RAID CORSICA

RAID departures are all-inclusive and prices include hotel accommodation on double-occupancy basis, guided rides, on-road vehicle support, limited laundry &amp; recovery, most meals (limited alcohol), as well as ride nutrition (hydration, energy bars, etc.). Baggage transfer, porterage and all gratuities at restaurants are also included.&nbsp;

WHAT IS INCLUDED THE PRICE

Airfare is not included and gratuities for our trip leaders and personal expenses. Bicycles are not included on our departures. &nbsp;

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE 

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