Difference between revisions of "Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike"

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(Ambilobe to Ambanja)
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'''The route between Diego and Ambanja is suitable for biking at anytime of the year, even while the road is in a bad condition as it often is during the rainy season between December and April, which is also when the landscapes are the greenest.'''  
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'''The route between Diego and Ambanja is suitable for biking throughout the year, even while the road is in a bad condition as it often is during the rainy season between December and April, but which is also when the landscapes are the greenest.'''  
  
 
== Diego to Antsalaka ==
 
== Diego to Antsalaka ==
  
Start early, ideally around 6am to avoid many passing cars and trucks between warehouses and factories along the stretch from Diego to Arrachart Airport. Thereafter, traffic along the RN6 gradually becomes less frequent.
+
Start early, ideally around 6am to avoid the many passing cars and trucks between industrial facilities along the stretch from Diego to Arrachart Airport. Thereafter, the traffic along the RN6 will gradually becomes less frequent.
  
 
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Passing the French Mountain on the left, the route is consistently but not steep uphill. After 60km, at the sign to Antsalaka and Park National d'Ambre, turn right and continue 6km to [[Antsalaka]] where accommodation can be found after another 1.5km of mostly walking trail leading to [[West Valley Lodge]], where accommodation is offered on a farmland where fruit and vegetables and countless flowers grow.  
+
Passing the French Mountain on the left, the route runs consistently but not steep uphill. After 60km, at the sign for Antsalaka and Park National d'Ambre, turn right and continue 6km to [[Antsalaka]]. From here, another 1.5km of mostly walking trail leads to [[West Valley Lodge]], an accommodation located on a tropical farm and garden where countless flowers, fruit and vegetables grow.
  
 
[[File:West Valley Lodge 083.jpg|600px]]
 
[[File:West Valley Lodge 083.jpg|600px]]
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== Antsalaka to Ambilobe ==
 
== Antsalaka to Ambilobe ==
  
Again, an early start is recommended to avoid the heat of the day for much of the ride which starts with an uphill stretch to Anivorano Nord. Beautiful scenery all along the way.
+
Again, an early start is recommended to avoid the heat for much of the ride which starts with an uphill stretch to [[Anivorano Nord]]. Beautiful scenery all along the way.
  
 
[[File:Diego-Ambanja-Diego_by_bike_20190401_085141.jpg|600px]]
 
[[File:Diego-Ambanja-Diego_by_bike_20190401_085141.jpg|600px]]
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[[File:Diego-Ambanja-Diego_by_bike_20190401_114206.jpg|600px]]
 
[[File:Diego-Ambanja-Diego_by_bike_20190401_114206.jpg|600px]]
  
About one to two hours later you will reach the main entrance for [[Ankarana National Park]] and shortly thereafter a high point with amazing views towards [[Ambilobe]] and the coast from where a loooooooong downhill stretch follows.
+
About one to two hours later you will reach the main entrance for [[Ankarana National Park]] and shortly thereafter a point with great views of the landscapes in the direction of [[Ambilobe]] and the coast. Thereafter, a long downhill stretch follows.
  
 
[[File:Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190406 090508.jpg|600px]]
 
[[File:Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190406 090508.jpg|600px]]
  
There are few good accommodation directly in the centre of Ambilobe. The two best options are [[Noor Hotel]] and [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Hotel/Hotel-National-Ambilobe-1262168603868135/ Hotel National].
+
There are no particularly good hotels in the centre of Ambilobe. The two best available options are [[Noor Hotel]] and [https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Hotel/Hotel-National-Ambilobe-1262168603868135/ Hotel National].
  
 
[[File:Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190402 061501.jpg|600px]]
 
[[File:Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190402 061501.jpg|600px]]
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== Ambilobe to Ambanja ==
 
== Ambilobe to Ambanja ==
  
As usual, but especially today, an early start is recommended, partly as it's best to get out of the city before most of the traffic starts and partly because the longest stretch of any day lay ahead.
+
Especially today, an early start is recommended, since it's best to get out of the city before most of the traffic starts along the fairly long stretch out of the city and because the longest distance of any day lay ahead.
  
 
[[File:Eleonor_001.jpg|600px]]
 
[[File:Eleonor_001.jpg|600px]]
  
Close to Ambilobe there are cashew tree plantations and shortly after leaving town numerous farmers selling freshly roasted cashews are offered in small stalls along the roadside. Each tin-can full of cashew will cost 5,000 Ar (2019).
+
Ambilobe is an area of cashew farming. Shortly after leaving town, numerous farmers sell freshly roasted cashew from small stalls along the roadside. Each tin-can full of cashew cost 5,000 Ar (2019).
  
 
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A nice lunch restaurant named Relax's Garden can be found at [https://goo.gl/maps/jSqsxnbDf92KRa1k7 S 13°29.605' E048°39.358']. However, there are usually not many guests here and so if you want something specially prepared, call Mme Mariamo at 032 34 397 49 to place an advance order when you leave in the morning or in the evening before. Alternatively, a popular truck-stop restaurant where there's always something in the pot can be found on the left side of the road a few kilometres further.
+
A good lunch restaurant named Relax's Garden can be found at [https://goo.gl/maps/jSqsxnbDf92KRa1k7 S 13°29.605' E048°39.358']. However, there are usually not many guests and there's not always something on offer, so if you want to be sure to food prepared, call Mme Mariamo at 032 34 397 49 and place an advance order when leaving in the morning or in the evening before. Alternatively, a popular truck-stop where there's always something in the pot can be found on the left side of the road a few kilometres further.
 
 
The best hotel in Ambanja is unquestionably [[Palma Nova]] which offer room categories in budget categories from dorms, through rooms with shared bathroom to doubles with en-suite bathroom. The informal bar and restaurant is open during breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's easy to get lazy and spend a few days here after a long bike ride.
 
  
 
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Before reaching the crossroad town of [[Madirofolo]] it's possible to take a shortcut by turning right onto the zebu cart route at [https://goo.gl/maps/zbmBHLHnyoZE32Wa8 13°37'32.5"S 48°28'15.5"E] and avoid much of the traffic along the final stretch into Ambanja. This route leads through cacao plantations parallel to the main road. However, during times of much rainfall the route gets quite muddy and is not ideal by bike. Then just continue a bit further and turn left at Madirofolo.
+
Before reaching the crossroad town of [[Madirofolo]] it's possible to take a shortcut by turning right onto a zebu cart road at [https://goo.gl/maps/zbmBHLHnyoZE32Wa8 13°37'32.5"S 48°28'15.5"E] to avoid much of the traffic along the final stretch to Ambanja. The route leads parallel to the main road through cacao plantations. However, at times of much rainfall this route gets muddy and may become partly or mostly impossible to bike. Then just continue a bit further and turn left at Madirofolo.
  
 
<googlemap version="0.9" lat="-13.422014" lon="48.736453" type="satellite" zoom="10" scale="yes" height="600" controls="large" style="width:100%;max-width:600px;background-image:url(images/madagascar/Diego-Ambanja-Diego_by_bike_map_003.jpg);background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:center;border:solid #cccccc 1px;">
 
<googlemap version="0.9" lat="-13.422014" lon="48.736453" type="satellite" zoom="10" scale="yes" height="600" controls="large" style="width:100%;max-width:600px;background-image:url(images/madagascar/Diego-Ambanja-Diego_by_bike_map_003.jpg);background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:center;border:solid #cccccc 1px;">
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== Ambanja to Ankify ==
 
== Ambanja to Ankify ==
  
For those who have not yet been up and down the [[Sambirano]] it would be the best area to explore further by bike. Or to complete a coast-to-coast bike trip, continue onto [[Ankify]] and from there a few kilometres to [[Ankify-Doany]], a small fishing village with a nice beach and view onto [[Nosy Komba]]. The distance back and forth can easily be completed in a day or less.  
+
For those who haven't been to [[Sambirano]] this would be the best area to explore further by bike. Or to complete a coast-to-coast bike trip, continue onto [[Ankify]] and from there another few kilometres to [[Ankify-Doany]], a small fishing village with a nice beach and view onto [[Nosy Komba]]. The distance back and forth (42km) will be an easy ride in comparison to the previous days.  
  
 
[[File:Le_Panoramique_003.jpg|600px]]
 
[[File:Le_Panoramique_003.jpg|600px]]
  
From Palma Nova to Ankify, part of the route through the cacao plantation is unquestionably the most beautiful but which can get a bit tricky here and there during rainy periods. At other times, the many cross-crossing trails are perfect for biking.
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From Palma Nova to Ankify, part of the route through the cacao plantation is the most beautiful but which can get a bit tricky here and there during rainy periods. At other times, the many cross-crossing trails are perfect for biking.
  
 
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Revision as of 05:21, 28 April 2019

The route between Diego and Ambanja is suitable for biking throughout the year, even while the road is in a bad condition as it often is during the rainy season between December and April, but which is also when the landscapes are the greenest.

Diego to Antsalaka

Start early, ideally around 6am to avoid the many passing cars and trucks between industrial facilities along the stretch from Diego to Arrachart Airport. Thereafter, the traffic along the RN6 will gradually becomes less frequent.

Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190408 114915.jpg
Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190326 101808.jpg Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190408 104836.jpg Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190326 114317.jpg
Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190326 113412.jpg Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190326 104152.jpg Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190326 131410.jpg

Passing the French Mountain on the left, the route runs consistently but not steep uphill. After 60km, at the sign for Antsalaka and Park National d'Ambre, turn right and continue 6km to Antsalaka. From here, another 1.5km of mostly walking trail leads to West Valley Lodge, an accommodation located on a tropical farm and garden where countless flowers, fruit and vegetables grow.

West Valley Lodge 083.jpg

Alternatively, stay on RN6 and continue for 13km of mostly uphill biking to Anivorano Nord where accommodation at La Reine d'Ankarana is the best available option in town.

Tuesday, March 26, 2019 7:44 AM EAT
Distance: 42.4 miles
Duration: 10 hours, 39 minutes, and 22 seconds
Average Speed: 4.0 mph
Minimum Elevation: 168 feet
Maximum Elevation: 1920 feet
Total climb: 3065 feet
Total descent: 1337 feet

Antsalaka to Ambilobe

Again, an early start is recommended to avoid the heat for much of the ride which starts with an uphill stretch to Anivorano Nord. Beautiful scenery all along the way.

Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190401 085141.jpg

Among various villages you will pass through the gem-trading village of Ambondromifehy.

Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190401 114206.jpg

About one to two hours later you will reach the main entrance for Ankarana National Park and shortly thereafter a point with great views of the landscapes in the direction of Ambilobe and the coast. Thereafter, a long downhill stretch follows.

Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190406 090508.jpg

There are no particularly good hotels in the centre of Ambilobe. The two best available options are Noor Hotel and Hotel National.

Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190402 061501.jpg

Monday, April 1, 2019 6:32 AM EAT
Distance: 50.7 miles
Duration: 9 hours, 13 minutes, and 48 seconds
Average Speed: 5.5 mph
Minimum Elevation: 101 feet
Maximum Elevation: 1900 feet
Total climb: 1168 feet
Total descent: 2952 feet

Ambilobe to Ambanja

Especially today, an early start is recommended, since it's best to get out of the city before most of the traffic starts along the fairly long stretch out of the city and because the longest distance of any day lay ahead.

Eleonor 001.jpg

Ambilobe is an area of cashew farming. Shortly after leaving town, numerous farmers sell freshly roasted cashew from small stalls along the roadside. Each tin-can full of cashew cost 5,000 Ar (2019).

Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190402 131321.jpg
Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190402 131334.jpg Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190402 131631.jpg Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190402 131718.jpg

A good lunch restaurant named Relax's Garden can be found at S 13°29.605' E048°39.358'. However, there are usually not many guests and there's not always something on offer, so if you want to be sure to food prepared, call Mme Mariamo at 032 34 397 49 and place an advance order when leaving in the morning or in the evening before. Alternatively, a popular truck-stop where there's always something in the pot can be found on the left side of the road a few kilometres further.

Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190402 160700.jpg
Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190402 154653.jpg Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190402 154408.jpg Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190402 160643.jpg

Before reaching the crossroad town of Madirofolo it's possible to take a shortcut by turning right onto a zebu cart road at 13°37'32.5"S 48°28'15.5"E to avoid much of the traffic along the final stretch to Ambanja. The route leads parallel to the main road through cacao plantations. However, at times of much rainfall this route gets muddy and may become partly or mostly impossible to bike. Then just continue a bit further and turn left at Madirofolo.

Tuesday, April 2, 2019 6:17 AM EAT
Distance: 64.4 miles
Duration: 11 hours, 5 minutes, and 55 seconds
Average Speed: 5.8 mph
Minimum Elevation: 43 feet
Maximum Elevation: 177 feet
Total climb: 596 feet
Total descent: 647 feet

Ambanja to Ankify

For those who haven't been to Sambirano this would be the best area to explore further by bike. Or to complete a coast-to-coast bike trip, continue onto Ankify and from there another few kilometres to Ankify-Doany, a small fishing village with a nice beach and view onto Nosy Komba. The distance back and forth (42km) will be an easy ride in comparison to the previous days.

Le Panoramique 003.jpg

From Palma Nova to Ankify, part of the route through the cacao plantation is the most beautiful but which can get a bit tricky here and there during rainy periods. At other times, the many cross-crossing trails are perfect for biking.

Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190404 073334.jpg
Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190404 075343.jpg Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190404 075100.jpg Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike 20190404 070514.jpg


Sunday, October 14, 2018 10:19 AM EAT
Distance: 13.5 miles
Duration: -32 minutes and -24 seconds
Average Speed: -8.8 mph
Minimum Elevation: 79 feet
Maximum Elevation: 79 feet
Total climb: 0 feet
Total descent: 0 feet