2200 m.
Le Maïdo overlook (2205 m.) to the Mafate crater, Cilaos and Salazie beyond.
An intense mountain bike ride from the volcano crater overlook at Le Maïdo (2205 m.) down to the beach on the Indian Ocean at Saint-Gilles-les-Bains. Massive altitude drop over about 32 km of off-road trails, with some technical cuts through tropical jungle.
The austral summer is ending plus there’s a drought so mostly the trails were dry and dusty. Numerous climatic zones: high arid tropical, cloud forest, pastures, savanna and coastal humid. Temperature at the crater rim about 19°C and at the beach 36°C but not a lot of shade at either. Good experience to ride a bike a notch up from my Rockhopper, also a Specialized alloy frame but with a dropper post and Fox front forks; Butcher T9 covers.
On the edge of my comfort zone in various ways but an unforgettable ride. Then one of those unbeatable Indian Ocean sunsets as I walked the beach to dinner. And later, walking back under unfamiliar stars of the Southern Hemisphere. Intense.
Merci beaucoup au Moniteur Brice
Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
Le Maïdo overlook (2205 m.)
Native Réunion Tamarin forest
Cryptomeria forest
Tropical savannah
Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
