Diego-Ambanja-Diego by bike
The route between Diego and Ambanja is suitable for biking anytime of the year, even at times when the road is in a bad condition as it often is during the rainy season between December and April, which is when the landscapes are the greenest.
Diego to Antsalaka
An early start is recommended, ideally around 6am to avoid the uphill stretch where trucks and cars are later more frequent between warehouses and factories between Diego and Arrachart Airport. Thereafter, cars along the RN6 are less frequent.
The route passes the French mountain on the left and goes consistently but not steeply uphill. After ...km the at ... turn right off the RN6 and bike another ...km to Antsalaka where nice accommodation can be found at West Valley Lodge, following a 1.5km mostly walking trail after Antsalaka. Alternatively, don't leave the RN6 and continue for another ...km of mostly uphill until Anivorano Nord where accommodation is offered by La Reine d'Ankarana.
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
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
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
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