For the climb up Mont Ventoux (1,909 meters above sea level, Hors Cat. (HC)), the day before we travel to the base camp in Malaucène: A magnificent view from the campground’s tent field! Great starting point for the climb up the “windy mountain”!
At the tourist information office, we get some final tips for a successful climb—including the advice that anyone over the age of 35 should consult a doctor beforehand (which we heroes, of course, do not need :-)). The next morning, after coffee, eggs, and cereal, we set off at 9:09 a.m. The sun is shining, and a gentle breeze is blowing. Equipped with professional-grade sports nutrition—a water bottle and three chocolate bars—we hop on our bikes.
Road closed: We hope that does not apply to us. There are only a few cyclists on the route. All of whom are riding road bikes. We are used to seeing this on Alpine passes. With our travel bikes, we are the exception. We enjoy the cheers of those on the road and those accompanying them by car. Six kilometers before the summit, the road is indeed closed to motorized traffic. An avalanche has come down. The snowplows are still at work. We have the road all to ourselves.
Our motivation to conquer Mont Ventoux took a bit of a hit when a friend told us there were no places to stop for a break at the top. But whatever—we are not doing this just for fun :-). From Malaucène, it is 21 kilometers, 1,576 meters of elevation gain, and an average gradient of 8.3%, with sections as steep as 11%. It is quite a challenge.
Up here, there is an almost reverent atmosphere among the cyclists who have made it this far. The weather even allows us to linger here for a while before we plunge into the rapid descent.
Now the only things left on our cycling career list are the european peaks Stelvio Pass and Alpe d’Huez.
Through the Mountains and Gorges of the Ardèche
To prepare, we cycle along the 30-kilometer-long tourist route with eleven viewing platforms that winds through the Ardèche gorges. On this Sunday morning, there are at least one hundred other road cyclists here, along with their companions and at the aid stations. Paddling is not very popular these days in the heart of the Ardèche, as the water level is extremely low.
Day trip to Arles through the Apilles
For the rest of the trip, we use Saint-Rémy-de-Provence—the town of Van Gogh—as our base camp. A picturesque, touristy little town—the only thing missing is the Mediterranean coast. Van Gogh “lived” here for a year and created 150 of his most significant works. From here, we cycle to Arles and explore the Apilles, a limestone mountain range.
