The Challenge of the Bald Mountain

Ventoux is a cycling challenge like no other. It is the mountain the professionals respect and fear, and has been the scene of dramatic events. Tournaments have been influenced by the outcome of the Ventoux stage, and professional riders have lost their lives trying to reach the summit.

If you have never ridden to the top of Ventoux, there are amazing reasons to do so. Read on to discover them:

Ventoux will test your limits and make you feel alive!

Become a Ride of Note

Ventoux is unique in that to ride it, is a psychological battle as well as a physical one. From Bédoin the average gradient is 7.5% but in some places the gradient exceeds 12%. It is not the steepness of the climb, however, that makes Ventoux a beast. Due to its towering location in Provence, France, the mountain has a foreboding air. This is compounded by the fact it has its own microclimate. So when you start your ride you could be in beautiful sunshine only to find a thunderstorm when you break the tree line at Chalet Reynard.

As such Ventoux is no ordinary climb and you will need to be psychologically prepared as well as physically fit. If you can make it to the summit you are a rider of note.

Feel Alive

One of the reasons we like taking on climbs such as Ventoux is to feel alive. Given how this col will challenge you there can be no doubt the blood will be pumping through your veins. You will feel this when you ride the last kilometres to the summit. Around you the terrain will be barren and it will feel like you are riding on the moon. The contrast from the forest you rode through will be profound. This has to be experienced.

At SportActive we say Ventoux is sometimes kind, sometimes cruel. It all depends on what kind of a day you are having.

Breathtaking Views

No rider can fail to be moved by the views Ventoux affords. Although it stands apart from the French Alps it is still just as awe inspiring and gives amazing views of Provence. On a clear day you can see for miles.

Ventoux has its own Club

Ventoux has such a reputation that it has its own club. Le Club des Cinglés du Mont-Ventoux which translates to the club of the madmen of Ventoux, has been established for decades. To become a member of this club you must ride the famous three ascents of Ventoux in one day. We currently facilitate this via our custom cycling tours. If you are ready for madman status, we advise taking our Ventoux challenge first, so you get a flavour of what you are up against.

Take on the Challenge of Ventoux

Ventoux has to be on your must ride list. The challenge is profound and unique, and riding the ‘Beast of Provence’ is not something every rider has done. This is the col that the pros fear, and you can ride it with us in June. Click here to discover more about Ventoux and what our tour entails.

Once you have conquered Ventoux, why not become a madman and conquer the three sides in one day. Click here to learn about our custom tours.

 Submitted on: 18/11/2016