I went to Mount Ventoux again last week and reminded myself of just how unpleasant the forested parts of the climbs from Malaucene and Bedoin can be. There are three factors to combat - the grade, the temperature and the flies. IMO, the flies are the worst. Please advise me of any known antidotes.
Forests and flies - ugh!
- Thread starter gbs
- Start date
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Mrs M
Guru
- Location
- Aberdeenshire
Citronella or lavender natural oils repeal flies.
Dayvo
just passin' through
- Location
- 59° 50′ 5.55″ N, 10° 47′ 41.89″ E
I had problems with flies touring in Australia.
I went the 'wrong way' from Sydney to Adelaide, keeping as close to the coastal roads as possible.
Of course, I was cycling 80% of the time into headwinds and the flies were able to keep up with me. Also, with the headwinds I would notice the stench of a run-over kangaroo a hundred yards or so before I cycled past it.
On occasions, with tailwinds, the buggers would be able to keep up with me, too.
I went the 'wrong way' from Sydney to Adelaide, keeping as close to the coastal roads as possible.
Of course, I was cycling 80% of the time into headwinds and the flies were able to keep up with me. Also, with the headwinds I would notice the stench of a run-over kangaroo a hundred yards or so before I cycled past it.
On occasions, with tailwinds, the buggers would be able to keep up with me, too.
steve50
Disenchanted Member
- Location
- West Yorkshire
Any good fishing or sports supplies outlet should be able to provide you with Deet 100% insect repellent, works a treat and have used it myself on the occasional fishing trip.https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=d...=EchVV8nhJ8PKgAaemqbIDg#q=deet+spray&tbm=shop
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
[QUOTE 4311264, member: 9609"]I had possibly one of my most unpleasant moments cycling last summer through flies. Very warm day, gentle breeze behind me, may be 650 foot ascent in 2.5 miles. a massive swarm of these bluebottles / houseflies follwed me all the way to the top, because of the gentle breeze behind I just had still air, because I was having to work so hard on the ascent I had to keep both hands on the bars so I couldn't waft them away, the sweat was pouring out of me and the flies kept landing and sticking to my face. they were trying to go in my mouth, ears, nose.[/QUOTE]
You should have washed the shorts !
You should have washed the shorts !
numbnuts
Squire
- Location
- Gone over the hill and far away
Avon Skin so Soft is very good for mosquitoes
Simon_m
Guru
Hi there, how did you find Malaucene and the climb out of town? We are cycling the length of France starting in a few weeks time, and one of our stages is starting in Malaucene, climbing Ventoux and heading to Roussillon. I hear it is steeper on this side. Not sure I like the idea of the flies much. Do you have a Garmin readout of your climb? thanks
The three ascents in order of increasing difficulty are from Sault, from Malaucene and the TdF route from Bedoin. IME, Malaucene is hotter (3 weeks ago it was 32C at 1300 at 1200) and has heavier fly population and also lacks a cafe. The other two routes meet at Chalet Reynard at about 1420m - welcome sight - before the final 600m ascent to the summit. You have chosen my least preferred route. Good luck.
Simon_m
Guru
lol i dont have much choice due to our route down through France. Would prefer the TdF route, which we miss by 3 or 4 days btw. As we start in Malaucene, we will prob set off at around 6-7am, so hope to miss the heat as much as possible, although it could be too windy to go up or even summer storms like we had before down that way.
Cheers, we will prob need it. Hopefully will be fit enough by then as going through the Massif Central
Dayvo
just passin' through
- Location
- 59° 50′ 5.55″ N, 10° 47′ 41.89″ E
jongooligan
Legendary Member
- Location
- Behind bars
To answer your original question go early in the year and go early in the day.
NorthernDave
Never used Über Member
- Location
- The real Northern Powerhouse
I've got a couple of these http://www.millets.co.uk/mens/007083-peter-storm-plain-chute-black.html
They're very thin material, so easy to pull up over your mouth / nose when you're in an area frequented by flies and they stay in place. No trouble breathing through them, and they keep all the pesky flying things out.
Boots also do a Soltan suntan lotion with built in insect repellent which works fairly well at keeping them from landing on you, but is no protection again inadvertently swallowing the little b*gg*rs
They're very thin material, so easy to pull up over your mouth / nose when you're in an area frequented by flies and they stay in place. No trouble breathing through them, and they keep all the pesky flying things out.
Boots also do a Soltan suntan lotion with built in insect repellent which works fairly well at keeping them from landing on you, but is no protection again inadvertently swallowing the little b*gg*rs
