MONT VENTOUX. CHECK.
WE STARTED OUR RIDE FROM AVIGNON TO NYONS IN 20 MPH HEAD WINDS.
WE HAD A COFFEE BREAK AFTER PASSING THROUGH THE MOST FAMOUS WINE REGION, CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE. STUNNING AREA WHERE LAND SELLS FOR MILLIONS OF EUROS PER ACRE.
AFTER 41 MILES (70 KM) WE STARTED UP THE GIANT OF PROVINCE, MONT VENTOUX, A CLIMB OF 12+ MILES, TO AN ELEVATION OF 1912M (6,000’). THE CLIMB OUT OF BEDOIN WAS GRADUAL AT 5-6% GRADIENT. AFTER 4 MILES WE ENTERED THE FORESTED SECTION WHERE THE GRADIENT KICKED UP TO 10-13%. IT DROPPED BACK DOWN TO 6-8% BEFORE THE FINAL 3 MILE CLIMB WHERE THE GRADIENT KICKED UP AGAIN. THE FINAL 4 MILES OF THE RIDE FELT LIKE WE WERE RIDING ON THE MOON. THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN IS BARE LIMESTONE WITH HARDLY ANY VEGETATION. THE CLIMB TOOK MICHELLE AND I ABOUT 2 HOURS AND 40 MINUTES AVERAGING JUST UNDER 5MPH. SUCCESS! ANOTHER BUCKET LIST ITEM CHECKED OFF.
I AM SO PROUD OF MY RIDING PARTNER. SHE IS AN INCREDIBLE CYCLIST. MOST OF THE TIME I HAVE A VIEW OF HER FROM THE BACK AND ONLY WHEN THE GRADIENTS GET STEEP DO I FIND HER RIGHT ON MY BACK WHEEL WAITING FOR A FLATER SECTON WHERE SHE CAN PASS ME AGAIN. IF ONLY I WERE 20 LBS LIGHTER.
WE ARRIVED IN THE TOWN OF NYONS AROUND 6:30 PM. A VERY LONG DAY IN THE SADDLE. TOMORROW WILL BE EQUALLY HARD.
PLEASE ENJOY OUR PICTURES WHICH DON’T SHOW THE PAIN ON OUR FACES AS WE CLIMBED THIS BEAST.
BEST.,
M AND BIG
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