Cycling up Ventoux
Discussion
For those who have completed it, some advice...
I've got the chance to cycle up Mt Ventoux next week on our drive to the South of France for our family holiday. I'm 55 yo, reasonably healthy, but downside is I've never really climbed anything on a bike higher or longer than Box Hill, and this year, I've not been able to get the miles under my belt this summer due to knee and calf issues. I've been running or cycling 1-2 times a week since March, so have a reasonable endurance base, can currently easily cover 50km of mixed terrain on a bike, and have been focusing on local short 7%+ hills recently to get used to the feel of climbing, which are fine for a KM or so, or 15 mins of sustained effort. Obviously its a lot different doing that for 21km at altitude!
My plan is to set off from Malaucene, where we're staying, super early to miss traffic and heat (5.30am ish), cycle over to Bedoin as a warm up and up the Bedoin side, down the Malaucene side for late breakfast/early lunch and celebrate later with beers and cool off in the pool for the rest of the day.
I'm not aiming to break any speed records, or concerned if I need stop to rest on the way up, would be just happy to complete the climb in 4hrs or so with regular rest and picnic stops.
So if if I do it this way, am I likely to die on the way up, or is it possible take it very easy and get there in a reasonable time? I guess I'd like to hear from people similar to me with a low to moderate amount of fitness who've still dragged themselves to the top!
For those more experienced, would you recommend the Bedoin or Malaucene route as an "easier" climb? The reason I'm planning the Bedoin route is it is "the" route of TDF fame, Tommy Simpson memorial etc, plus seems a more consistent, constant slope to just get in a groove and grind. Maulacene has a steeper start, and has more pronounced bumps on the way up which may be harder to deal with, so I gather, but that might add variety to the grind. Of course I could just do both and make my own mind up
Thoughts and experiences welcome. Of course if (when) I attempt this I will share story and pics.
I've got the chance to cycle up Mt Ventoux next week on our drive to the South of France for our family holiday. I'm 55 yo, reasonably healthy, but downside is I've never really climbed anything on a bike higher or longer than Box Hill, and this year, I've not been able to get the miles under my belt this summer due to knee and calf issues. I've been running or cycling 1-2 times a week since March, so have a reasonable endurance base, can currently easily cover 50km of mixed terrain on a bike, and have been focusing on local short 7%+ hills recently to get used to the feel of climbing, which are fine for a KM or so, or 15 mins of sustained effort. Obviously its a lot different doing that for 21km at altitude!
My plan is to set off from Malaucene, where we're staying, super early to miss traffic and heat (5.30am ish), cycle over to Bedoin as a warm up and up the Bedoin side, down the Malaucene side for late breakfast/early lunch and celebrate later with beers and cool off in the pool for the rest of the day.
I'm not aiming to break any speed records, or concerned if I need stop to rest on the way up, would be just happy to complete the climb in 4hrs or so with regular rest and picnic stops.
So if if I do it this way, am I likely to die on the way up, or is it possible take it very easy and get there in a reasonable time? I guess I'd like to hear from people similar to me with a low to moderate amount of fitness who've still dragged themselves to the top!
For those more experienced, would you recommend the Bedoin or Malaucene route as an "easier" climb? The reason I'm planning the Bedoin route is it is "the" route of TDF fame, Tommy Simpson memorial etc, plus seems a more consistent, constant slope to just get in a groove and grind. Maulacene has a steeper start, and has more pronounced bumps on the way up which may be harder to deal with, so I gather, but that might add variety to the grind. Of course I could just do both and make my own mind up
Thoughts and experiences welcome. Of course if (when) I attempt this I will share story and pics.
I did the Bédoin to Ventoux climb last summer, all 5000ft of it. I was in moderately good shape for late 40s and it took me 1hr40 without trying to go for a Strava time. It was early in June (I'll only travel in France pre school hols!) and it was still roasting hot during the day so I set off at 5am. I'd say the heat will be your greatest difficulty. It really bounces off the rocks and there's zero shade higher up.
But it's a fantastic climb from that direction - not too steep so if your gears are low enough you can spin up at a speed that suits you. And it's undeniably epic, with great views and the descent is fun. Cars were just starting to come up as I was going down and one had caught fire and was being put out by the fire brigade, so that was interesting navigating a mix of foam and oil.
My tips: start early, as much water as you can carry, low gears, stay within your limits.
But it's a fantastic climb from that direction - not too steep so if your gears are low enough you can spin up at a speed that suits you. And it's undeniably epic, with great views and the descent is fun. Cars were just starting to come up as I was going down and one had caught fire and was being put out by the fire brigade, so that was interesting navigating a mix of foam and oil.
My tips: start early, as much water as you can carry, low gears, stay within your limits.
corroded said:
I did the Bédoin to Ventoux climb last summer, all 5000ft of it. I was in moderately good shape for late 40s and it took me 1hr40 without trying to go for a Strava time. It was early in June (I'll only travel in France pre school hols!) and it was still roasting hot during the day so I set off at 5am. I'd say the heat will be your greatest difficulty. It really bounces off the rocks and there's zero shade higher up.
But it's a fantastic climb from that direction - not too steep so if your gears are low enough you can spin up at a speed that suits you. And it's undeniably epic, with great views and the descent is fun. Cars were just starting to come up as I was going down and one had caught fire and was being put out by the fire brigade, so that was interesting navigating a mix of foam and oil.
My tips: start early, as much water as you can carry, low gears, stay within your limits.
Thanks, expecting heat even at that time of the morning. My bike I am taking is a has 34 front 34 rear so quite good for spinning uphill. I could rent a bike in Malaucene which would remove hassle of transporting mine but they only go to 30 so not so easy. I can ask and see if they'd fit a higher number cassette in the back.But it's a fantastic climb from that direction - not too steep so if your gears are low enough you can spin up at a speed that suits you. And it's undeniably epic, with great views and the descent is fun. Cars were just starting to come up as I was going down and one had caught fire and was being put out by the fire brigade, so that was interesting navigating a mix of foam and oil.
My tips: start early, as much water as you can carry, low gears, stay within your limits.
Oh and well done on doing it in 1hr 40, very respectable!
Edited by prand on Thursday 15th August 19:03
I did it in June, I think before that I'd never ridden anything over about 3 or 400 metres of climbing, it was nowhere near as hard as I was expecting it to be. Albeit I wasn't as quick up as the poster above.
I think the point about getting up early is key, I went up early and don't think I needed to take more than a sip from my bottles versus once the heat got up and probably would have needed most of them.
If you are in reasonable shape (can manage to ride for a few hours plus over lumpy terrain and can get up a 10%ish incline without blowing up) it should be very achievable to get up there "relatively" easily. Just find a comfortable gear and power and grind/spin your way up for a couple of hours. There were plenty of people of different ages and standard of rider making their way up.
Also be prepared for it to get cold at the top especially earlier in the day, the first few hundred metres of descending can be very cold even if it only lasts a few minutes.
Its well worth it, was by far the best of all the famous mountains that I took on over the followong days.
I think the point about getting up early is key, I went up early and don't think I needed to take more than a sip from my bottles versus once the heat got up and probably would have needed most of them.
If you are in reasonable shape (can manage to ride for a few hours plus over lumpy terrain and can get up a 10%ish incline without blowing up) it should be very achievable to get up there "relatively" easily. Just find a comfortable gear and power and grind/spin your way up for a couple of hours. There were plenty of people of different ages and standard of rider making their way up.
Also be prepared for it to get cold at the top especially earlier in the day, the first few hundred metres of descending can be very cold even if it only lasts a few minutes.
Its well worth it, was by far the best of all the famous mountains that I took on over the followong days.
The good thing about most alpine climbs is that the gradient is relatively constant and not like the UK. I’ve not ridden Ventoux but would estimate a 34/34 should allow you to spin up keeping watts quite low as it’s supposed to be 7%, with shorter sections at 12%.
So if you can ride a decent distance on current fitness I’d expect you to be fine.
Heat and wind will be the bigger issues. As above, keep drinking, and take shallow rims if you have. It has a reputation for being exposed.
And if you can, enjoy! It’s a bucket list climb so I look forward to pics and write up.
So if you can ride a decent distance on current fitness I’d expect you to be fine.
Heat and wind will be the bigger issues. As above, keep drinking, and take shallow rims if you have. It has a reputation for being exposed.
And if you can, enjoy! It’s a bucket list climb so I look forward to pics and write up.
Edited by thepritch on Thursday 15th August 19:48
Nice story about doing it on a Raleigh chopper!
https://road.cc/content/news/118521-raleigh-choppe...
Video here - https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=413635549268947
Very best of luck!
https://road.cc/content/news/118521-raleigh-choppe...
Video here - https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=413635549268947
Very best of luck!
I cycled up from the Malaucene side and went down the Bedoin side then back to Malaucene in a loop with a couple of friends.
We'd driven from the Alps, so didn't have the luxury of an early start and it was horrendously hot all the way up - well over 30 degrees to start and only a little less higher up. There were long stretches with no shelter from the sun that were relentless and we'd drank all our water by the time we got half way up.
They had also decided to re-tar the road without closing it, and with no signs or warnings, so we spent about 4km crawling up in 30+ degree heat with stones stuck to our tyres, the chips rattling our bikes, stopping every couple of hundred metres to pick them out of our frames, tyres and gears.
I was also in desperate need of a 'big dog', and only just made it to the cafe half way up in time to drop the kids off at the pool.
The top half up into the lunar landscape was awesome though - great surfaces, cooler, refreshed, amazing scenery and about 5 kilos lighter it was much easier.
The climb up in general wasn't too hard, but there were long stretches in the sun at 8-12% which you'd need to be prepared for.
The wind was another factor - due to the direction, we didn't notice it much going up, but going down the other side I got caught by a gust of wind and nearly got blown off the side just up from the Tom Simpson memorial. At least it would have been cheap for my family just to add my name on!
But apart from all that (!!!) we really enjoyed it, and had an amazing meal in Malaucene afterwards. Definitely worth doing, and doable if you take your time.
Worth checking the weather forecast - the wind can be horrific at the top and going up a 10% slope with a 30mph headwind wouldn't be much fun.
We'd driven from the Alps, so didn't have the luxury of an early start and it was horrendously hot all the way up - well over 30 degrees to start and only a little less higher up. There were long stretches with no shelter from the sun that were relentless and we'd drank all our water by the time we got half way up.
They had also decided to re-tar the road without closing it, and with no signs or warnings, so we spent about 4km crawling up in 30+ degree heat with stones stuck to our tyres, the chips rattling our bikes, stopping every couple of hundred metres to pick them out of our frames, tyres and gears.
I was also in desperate need of a 'big dog', and only just made it to the cafe half way up in time to drop the kids off at the pool.
The top half up into the lunar landscape was awesome though - great surfaces, cooler, refreshed, amazing scenery and about 5 kilos lighter it was much easier.
The climb up in general wasn't too hard, but there were long stretches in the sun at 8-12% which you'd need to be prepared for.
The wind was another factor - due to the direction, we didn't notice it much going up, but going down the other side I got caught by a gust of wind and nearly got blown off the side just up from the Tom Simpson memorial. At least it would have been cheap for my family just to add my name on!
But apart from all that (!!!) we really enjoyed it, and had an amazing meal in Malaucene afterwards. Definitely worth doing, and doable if you take your time.
Worth checking the weather forecast - the wind can be horrific at the top and going up a 10% slope with a 30mph headwind wouldn't be much fun.
I did it last August. We were staying about 10-12 miles away from Malaucène, so I left the villa early morning and cycled to Malaucène. Then did Ventoux from that side. Took me absolutely ages as I'm not a climber at all and it was absolutely roasting mid-late 30 degrees, no wind and clear blue skies! Got to the summit, came back down the Bedoin side, then did the lovely road (D19) from Bedoin to Malaucene, over the little Col De La Madeleine and then back from Malaucène to the villa. All together it was just over 50 miles and I was dead at the end ha ha, but boy, it was the best ever day I've had cycling :-)
Look out for the professional photographers taking pictures. They aren't cheap to buy, but great quality. These were some of the ones I bought.
Look out for the professional photographers taking pictures. They aren't cheap to buy, but great quality. These were some of the ones I bought.
Edited by towser44 on Thursday 15th August 20:15
I did the Malaucene route as part of a solo Calais to Nice trip last September. Like you I set off really early to avoid the heat, and as I had to do 200km that day to get to my next hotel.
Overall it wasn't as bad as I expected. The gradient never gets as steep as some of the climbs in this country. There are a couple of steep bits but it's generally a relentless 8 or 9% for most of the way.
I was on a fully loaded bike so it took me just over two hours ten minutes. Was pretty happy with that time as I'd cycled 600 miles to get there
I think you'll be ok, just take it nice and steady.
Overall it wasn't as bad as I expected. The gradient never gets as steep as some of the climbs in this country. There are a couple of steep bits but it's generally a relentless 8 or 9% for most of the way.
I was on a fully loaded bike so it took me just over two hours ten minutes. Was pretty happy with that time as I'd cycled 600 miles to get there
I think you'll be ok, just take it nice and steady.
Haven't done MV but have done my fair share of 20+km Alpine climbs.
Most are in the 6-12% incline which is in the range where you can find a nice rythem and just plod up at your own pace. Unlike say Honister pass or a number of other Lake District passes which are much shorter but much steeper and hence if you're a middling rider very hard to get a rythem on.
I'd rather do an hour on a 10% climb than 10 minutes on a 20% climb put it that way.
Most are in the 6-12% incline which is in the range where you can find a nice rythem and just plod up at your own pace. Unlike say Honister pass or a number of other Lake District passes which are much shorter but much steeper and hence if you're a middling rider very hard to get a rythem on.
I'd rather do an hour on a 10% climb than 10 minutes on a 20% climb put it that way.
julianm said:
Nice story about doing it on a Raleigh chopper!
https://road.cc/content/news/118521-raleigh-choppe...
Video here - https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=413635549268947
Very best of luck!
Thanks for the positive encouragement All, and some really good tales from conquering the mountain. This really does help with making it happen, paraphrasing what a poster says about pushing his motorbike - you only know what you can do when you actually do it, and you often end up doing more than you were expecting!. https://road.cc/content/news/118521-raleigh-choppe...
Video here - https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=413635549268947
Very best of luck!
I think I'll stick to my plan of cycling to Bedoin for the classic route up, for an early start (as somebody mentioned going over the smaller "Col de la Madeleine" as a warm up and up the more common route, then I can freewheel down to Malaucene and into the hotel pool to complete the loop
Hopefully in exactly 1 week from now I'll be getting an early night ready for an early start. I'm hoping to include this diversion as part of a road trip for our family summer holiday in the South of France, so will try to get some good pics and a bit of a story.
The gent above on the Chopper was one of my inspirations for having a go from a few years back as he's quite local to me (he's also climbed Stelvio pass, and Alpe d'Huez on the Chopper and is Chopper world hour record - 32km! recorded at Palmer Park.
Also inspiring was this gent who rode a Boris Bike up, on a trip from London and back all in 24hrs, that must have been hell! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUWCeAzkc2Q
Edited by prand on Thursday 15th August 22:25
I am a member of the ‘Club de Cingles du Ventoux’ having climbed all three road ascents in a day in 2019!
As said above much of the climb is not that bad… similar or less gradient than Box Hill. It’s long though.
Bedouin side is the classic ascent… but the wooded section lower down got a bit tedious and hot. I preferred the Malaucene side but that may have been because I did it in the cool of the morning… we set off at first light.
Once you get to the Chalet Reynard it’s a long steep slog to the top and that’s where you get the ‘moonscape’ but it seems close as you can see the weather station. Take it easy in the lower reaches, spin away in a low gear (I had a 32t rear cassette) and you’ll be fine. The effort is similar to riding fast on the flat.
The view from the top is breathtaking… enjoy!
The descent into Malaucene is fantastic.
If you get the chance, I highly recommend the gorges de la Nesque nearby.
As said above much of the climb is not that bad… similar or less gradient than Box Hill. It’s long though.
Bedouin side is the classic ascent… but the wooded section lower down got a bit tedious and hot. I preferred the Malaucene side but that may have been because I did it in the cool of the morning… we set off at first light.
Once you get to the Chalet Reynard it’s a long steep slog to the top and that’s where you get the ‘moonscape’ but it seems close as you can see the weather station. Take it easy in the lower reaches, spin away in a low gear (I had a 32t rear cassette) and you’ll be fine. The effort is similar to riding fast on the flat.
The view from the top is breathtaking… enjoy!
The descent into Malaucene is fantastic.
If you get the chance, I highly recommend the gorges de la Nesque nearby.
Edited by Robertb on Thursday 15th August 23:28
We did the triple with a late start IIRC around 11am from Bedouin becuase we were concerned how cold might be on the top in September. The Bedouin ascent is a bit tough and boring in the trees. We were lucky with not a breath of wind and the 'moonscape' section seemed to go quite nicely. The views are astonishing. Dropped down to Malaucène for lunch in a cafe. The Malaucène ascent was more interesting but hot and tough in the afternoon sun. Dropped down into Sault. Another quick restaurant break and back up the Sault ascent. This was magical a very gentle tail wind, evening light and a fox crossing the road in a leisurely manner. It was beginning to get dark when we got to Chalet Reynard so sacked of the third summit and freewheeled home.
We had a short ride to do the Gorges de la Nesque the next day. It a really interesting road with gentle uphill but usually a tail wind from the sea - recommended. On the third day did a Tour du Ventoux including the Gorges again and the final section was from Malaucène to Bédoin. This section is really lovely - a fairly easy climb, great views and Mediterranean pines shading the route. For me it would be nicer to do this at the end of your day. You get a massive long rest on the main descent and it's not that big a deal to do at the end.
We hired bikes from an outfit in Bédoin. They asked for some basic measurements in the booking and the bike was spot on. Trek Emonda IIRC with 34/34 which was needed at times.
+1 for picking up a card from a professional photographer. On a clear day you will have the enormous view towards the Mediterranean as the backdrop.
We had a short ride to do the Gorges de la Nesque the next day. It a really interesting road with gentle uphill but usually a tail wind from the sea - recommended. On the third day did a Tour du Ventoux including the Gorges again and the final section was from Malaucène to Bédoin. This section is really lovely - a fairly easy climb, great views and Mediterranean pines shading the route. For me it would be nicer to do this at the end of your day. You get a massive long rest on the main descent and it's not that big a deal to do at the end.
We hired bikes from an outfit in Bédoin. They asked for some basic measurements in the booking and the bike was spot on. Trek Emonda IIRC with 34/34 which was needed at times.
+1 for picking up a card from a professional photographer. On a clear day you will have the enormous view towards the Mediterranean as the backdrop.
Robertb said:
I am a member of the ‘Club de Cingles du Ventoux’ having climbed all three road ascents in a day in 2019!
As said above much of the climb is not that bad… similar or less gradient than Box Hill. It’s long though.
Bedouin side is the classic ascent… but the wooded section lower down got a bit tedious and hot. I preferred the Malaucene side but that may have been because I did it in the cool of the morning… we set off at first light.
Once you get to the Chalet Reynard it’s a long steep slog to the top and that’s where you get the ‘moonscape’ but it seems close as you can see the weather station. Take it easy in the lower reaches, spin away in a low gear (I had a 32t rear cassette) and you’ll be fine. The effort is similar to riding fast on the flat.
The view from the top is breathtaking… enjoy!
The descent into Malaucene is fantastic.
If you get the chance, I highly recommend the gorges de la Nesque nearby.
The Cingles club seems a great challenge, and a worthy club. Let's see what just one limb feels like first.... (friend of a friend is doing the 'Everest' this year, three times up all three. Madness!As said above much of the climb is not that bad… similar or less gradient than Box Hill. It’s long though.
Bedouin side is the classic ascent… but the wooded section lower down got a bit tedious and hot. I preferred the Malaucene side but that may have been because I did it in the cool of the morning… we set off at first light.
Once you get to the Chalet Reynard it’s a long steep slog to the top and that’s where you get the ‘moonscape’ but it seems close as you can see the weather station. Take it easy in the lower reaches, spin away in a low gear (I had a 32t rear cassette) and you’ll be fine. The effort is similar to riding fast on the flat.
The view from the top is breathtaking… enjoy!
The descent into Malaucene is fantastic.
If you get the chance, I highly recommend the gorges de la Nesque nearby.
Edited by Robertb on Thursday 15th August 23:28
I rode it back in June 2017. We were staying on a vineyard (hic!) near Seguret, so had a nice 30km warm up to get to Bedoin via Malaucene. I enjoyed the climb (Col la Madelaine) between Bedoin & Malaucene as we did it a few times during the week we were there.
It was a hot week (high 30s into the low 40s) and were thankful we had some family members follow us up in a car. I think I'd refilled my bidons (500ml) when we got to Bedoin but I'd finished both by Chalet Reynard. I thought I was drinking plenty post ride (and not just beer!) but had a wobble with dehydration later in the week on an easy ride (90km / 500m climbing) to go out for lunch. My Strava comments for the day say I drank 6 litres during that ride and I was still f
ked when I got home.
I would have had a 50/34 chainset and looking back through e-mail order confirmations, probably a 12-30 on the back. As others have said, even if you feel good, spin through the forest. I remember one guy motoring past us early but we caught and passed him a few KM further up when he was blowing out of his arse...
It was a hot week (high 30s into the low 40s) and were thankful we had some family members follow us up in a car. I think I'd refilled my bidons (500ml) when we got to Bedoin but I'd finished both by Chalet Reynard. I thought I was drinking plenty post ride (and not just beer!) but had a wobble with dehydration later in the week on an easy ride (90km / 500m climbing) to go out for lunch. My Strava comments for the day say I drank 6 litres during that ride and I was still f
ked when I got home.I would have had a 50/34 chainset and looking back through e-mail order confirmations, probably a 12-30 on the back. As others have said, even if you feel good, spin through the forest. I remember one guy motoring past us early but we caught and passed him a few KM further up when he was blowing out of his arse...
I did the climb from Malaucène in 2019, then down to Bedoin and back around to Malaucène again. I was run fit but not bike fit and it took me 2 1/2 hours for the climb, averaging 180 watts.
I set off at 7am and avoided the worst of the days heat, the climb was tough but achievable with a reasonable fitness level, you just need to find a rhythm and dig in.
I set off at 7am and avoided the worst of the days heat, the climb was tough but achievable with a reasonable fitness level, you just need to find a rhythm and dig in.
I haven't done Ventoux, but have done the Blockhaus in Italy which is similar. I'm also based in the south of the UK so hadn't had much experience of climbing for 90-120 minutes previously.
As others have said, it's the heat that gets you as much as the climbing. If the road is clear, and its shady on the other side, make use of that. Take plenty of water and other drinks, and eat a little and often. Try and break it down into sections, whether it's junctions on the way up, other landmarks, or just quarters.
But the memories you make will live with you forever. Take lots of pics!
As others have said, it's the heat that gets you as much as the climbing. If the road is clear, and its shady on the other side, make use of that. Take plenty of water and other drinks, and eat a little and often. Try and break it down into sections, whether it's junctions on the way up, other landmarks, or just quarters.
But the memories you make will live with you forever. Take lots of pics!
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff