This will have to be brief as it has once again been a fairly big day, it's been hot and it is now late.
We had a n early start this morning planning to an early approach to Mt Ventoux in a bid to avoid the midday heat. We were on the road a little after 7:00 and I actually heard a few comments/complaints about it being a bit too cool, however, 20 km down the road and over a few undulations to the town of Bedouin we were feeling quite warm.
Approaching Bedouin we passed a very flash looking Green Edge Team (outfits only) who happened to be aquaintances of Gerry also riding in the area. A few pleasantries on the road and we decided to head to Bedouin for coffee and an expanded team assault on Mt Ventoux...... Coffee was nice the chat amusing and somewhat later than planned we headed off up hill.
What was the hill like... long (19.8 km), hot and constantly steep. It claims an average of 7.5 % but my garmin seemed to register 9 - 10 % for inordinately long sections of the ride. Eventually the road rises above the trees to an exposed lunar type landscape but fortunately slightly lesser slolpes (7.5%) .. 6km to go, past the Tom Simpson memorial and a final twist at the end as the road steepens for 500 m to a cruel 11% to the top. Congratulations all round, photos, admire the view, one old Italian was lighting up a cigar to celebrate and then down the other side towards Maluecene.
Exciting descent for 20 km, hitting over 80 km/hr in sections (at which point I get nervous, Gerry recorded 88km/h) winding down through the trees and into town. All arrive safely and to the nearest restaurant for more food - Robert .. more Baguettes, fromage and jambon, some variation from the others with plenty on offer.
Finally fueled, happy and hot we bid farewell to the Green Edge boys and headed back to Faucon for showers, a bit of shopping in town and ultimately dinner and soon bed.
Summary... another great day on ya bike in France.
Je regret, but no photos yet as I haven't downloaded.. hope to update tomorrow
so that's all for now
Bon noir
BB
late addition pictures......
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