Today was a very challenging day as we finally had good enough weather to ride Mt. Ventoux. It rained all day yesterday but, just as predicted by the rain gods it promptly stopped at 2:00 am and even though it was a bit cool this morning it turned out to be perfect weather to ride.
Me and Claudia, the only two almost 70 year olds riding regular road bikes all the way to the top!
There were about 15 of us from our tour of approximately 45 people that took on the challenge and as far as I can tell we all made it to the top. Some riding road bikes and others with pedal assist and even others on e-bikes. The beautiful thing was that it allowed everyone to do the climb.
I rode one foot in front of the other on my rented, but very nice road bike. Essentially I peddled most of the way up the n the lowest gear available . It’s funny that when you do this type of riding and are hitting 10-12% climbs for long stretches that at 6-7% feels like a break.
We didn’t have any wind and until I hit the last three kilometers I was riding on mostly forested roads. The mountain top is pretty much bare from the winds that can howl through here. There were only a few places to pull off to take a quick break and I stopped twice to have a snack and a drink. Even though this was probably the most challenging climbs I have ever taken on I was determined to make it to the top. And voila, I did!
On the way down I took a wrong turn and headed down in the wrong direction, luckily I noticed after about 3/4 of a mile. So of course I had to turn around and climb back up som 9-11% grades. I win the prize for the most directionally challenged today and paid for it too!
Descending the mountain was it was extremely cold. Even the jacket and gloves were just not enough and since it was such a long descent my hands were a bit strained from all the braking. I certainly had to pay attention as I manouvered several switchbacks and turns. We were all pretty cold and pretty tired when we arrived at the bottom in the town of Malaucine. It took awhile to stop shivering and seats in the sun at the local cafe were very much appreciated!
Taken by Hans, one of the riders on our tour. Look at the view behind me.
Yikes!
What it really feels like when one reaches the top
Me and Claudia, the only two almost 70 year olds riding regular road bikes all the way to the top!
The gang at the top
Love those Trilogy jerseys!
My first real coke in about 4 years - well earned!
Helloooooo France! I made it up Mt. Ventoux!
1 comment:
Congratulations! Great photos too along the way. 112 here yesterday if that helps warm you up a bit. Can’t wait to see what is next on your trip.
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