Mt Ventoux

[Mista Preston]

I rode it three times in day this year from each side. Its tough and as others have said the weather plays it part. You will be fine and its a really enjoyable ride. Just set out early and take it at your own pace. If you get the chance read up on the Gorge De Nesque (sorry if spelt wrong) route that circles the mountain. Its a stunning ride that should not be missed if you are staying in the area.

Enjoy

 

[Captainwull]

I rode it three times in day this year from each side. Its tough and as others have said the weather plays it part. You will be fine and its a really enjoyable ride. Just set out early and take it at your own pace. If you get the chance read up on the Gorge De Nesque (sorry if spelt wrong) route that circles the mountain. Its a stunning ride that should not be missed if you are staying in the area.

Enjoy

Agree, Gorge de Nesque was my favourite ride in the area

 

[Vikeonabike]

Hi

We're off to Provence next year and I'd really like to climb Mt Ventoux.

Is this a ridiculous proposition for a 50-yr-old of some ability but middling fitness? Are there mountains nearby of similar evocativeness / evocativity to which I need to limit myself, err, to?

Thanks

I'm in the same boat. 50 yrs old and attempting my first ascent of note. It will be My Ventoux in August next year.

 

[3narf]

I'm in the same boat. 50 yrs old and attempting my first ascent of note. It will be My Ventoux in August next year.

Let me know how the training goes, & how you get on!

 

[Vikeonabike]

Let me know how the training goes, & how you get on!

Will do, I'm over there at the beginning of August so plenty of time to drop some weight and get the fitness up.

 

[TheDoctor]

August? Get up very early, would be my advice. You'll melt otherwise!

 

[Flying Dodo]

Don't let the reputation of Mt. Ventoux put you off. It's not a particularly vicious climb - it's just long compared to what we're used to in the UK. I did it in June on a 40 year old Bickerton which wasn't planned - I just happened to have a free morning and decided to go for a ride.

The kilometre posts give you the gradient for the next km, and as mentioned above there are some bits near the top which are nearly flat.

Set off by 9 and then it shouldn't be too busy or hot and you can be back for lunch.

 

[Triple3]

I'm sure I will, it doesn't take much for me!

Thanks for the encouragement. As long as the family holiday actually happens, I'll be doing the climb. Might as well make some money for charity as well.

Are you doing it on the SS ?

 

[Twizit]

As others have said, it's eminently doable - pick a non-windy day, set off early, take your time and enjoy.

Depending how far you want to ride, there's a lovely circuit of Ventoux to be done as well. About 65 miles, some climbing but nothing brutal, and if you go clockwise you can finish (if you're staying in Bedoin) with the gentle descent of the Gorges De Nesque - which is stunning as already mentioned above.

 

[Paul_SerreDesOrmes]

Agree with all the replies above, it's definitely doable. Sault is the easiest climb but still has the iconic finish beyond Chalet Reynard past the Tommy Simpson Memorial. If you are going up from Bedoin start early in August as the forest low down can get unbearably hot. Malaucene is a sustained climb and could be a nice way to descend if you are climbing up from Bedoin as it will give you a different view.

We have set up a cycling retreat not far from Mt Ventoux and we rode it with a number of our guests last year, who all made it without any problems. If you need anyway to stay just let us know.