Road Cycling - Ventoux in september. Help please!

Hi guys,

I'm not at all a professional cyclist. I ride about 1000-1500 miles per summer. Some climbs.

Am planning to climb Ventoux in september. I've read a lot on the subject but have a few questions:

1) Am not planning to take my bike with me. Any shops you can recommend with good road bikes with clips, helmets, bottles to rent? What is the minimum crankset?

2) I've read the climb by Sault is much easier. Should I even venture via Bedoin considering my experience? What about Malaucène?

3) What is the nicest descent? I hate going quickly when descending (have crashed before) so am looking for a safe ride.

4) I might have to ride from Bedoin to Sault before starting the climb. How easy/steep is that?

5) Where did you guys saty over there? Any place to recommend?

Every tip is appreciated!!!

I never climbed Ventoux, but if it was me I'd take my shoes, pedals, helmet and saddle in an attempt to reduce the amount of adjustment my body is going through in a foreign place and a high effort ride.

The approach from Sault is long and gradual. But once you get to Chalet Reynard, the real climbing starts.

I hate long gradual approaches, give me a real climb from start to end. My personal preference would be to start from Bedoin.

Whichever way you go, start early! The wind picks up in the afternoon, making the climb much harder. It's a great climb, just go at your own pace and enjoy it.

We camped here in Bedoin (luxury camping -- may not be suitable for some): Belezy Campground (http://www.belezy.com/anaturistcampsiteinprovence0.aspx)

I rode the Ventoux many years ago but I'm sure it has gotten harder since then when I was in my 30's! If you're finding meagre response to your post, you might try a forum more frequented by the Brits as they're over there all the time. Try posting a query on www.bikeradar.com or doing a search there. Cheers.

The approach from Sault is long and gradual. But once you get to Chalet Reynard, the real climbing starts.

I hate long gradual approaches, give me a real climb from start to end. My personal preference would be to start from Bedoin.

Whichever way you go, start early! The wind picks up in the afternoon, making the climb much harder. It's a great climb, just go at your own pace and enjoy it.

We camped here in Bedoin (luxury camping -- may not be suitable for some): Belezy Campground (http://www.belezy.com/anaturistcampsiteinprovence0.aspx)

+1 on bringing your own bike. I'm really glad I brought mine...

Also, if you're staying in Sault, this place is/was amazing:

http://www.valdesault.com/index-gb.htm

My all-time fastest speed was on the descent of Ventoux. I won't print it here because you won't believe it, and it'll only scare you.
But I was TRYING to go fast, where you'll be doing the opposite.
Don't let it get away from you. And be careful not to let your brakes overheat your rims.

My all-time fastest speed was on the descent of Ventoux. I won't print it here because you won't believe it, and it'll only scare you.
But I was TRYING to go fast, where you'll be doing the opposite.
Don't let it get away from you. And be careful not to let your brakes overheat your rims.

Which descent did you do? I descended to Vaison La Romaine and never got going too fast. I'd imagine descending to Bedoin might be a different story.

Good advice people, thx a lot!

I'd honestly prefer going up by Bedoin but it truly scares me. The only climbs I do is a 1.6 km ride at 8.2% which I approximately ride 6 times in a row, but it seems clearly insufficient for Bedoin. Any other help is appreciated!

I'm betting you could do Bedoin with a compact or a triple. The descent to Sault sounds better for you, though. When not pedaling I was only doing about 32mph after Chalet Reynard. You'll be able to enjoy the trip and have fun in the corners rather than hoping your rims don't melt. From the summit to the Chalet you'll be ****ting your pants if you don't like descending - the adrenaline I got from the short stretch of road before the first 90 degree turn helped me overcome my fear of airborne velo-death for the next half hour. It was a beautiful end to the day (except for the short climb back into Sault).

+1 on bringing your own helmet, saddle, pedals and shoes.

Pics or it didn't happen!

Partant de Saint Didier, il vous faudra un peu de courage, pour rejoindre à votre rythme les magnifiques villages perchés des monts de Vaucluse. En guise de récompense, vous pourrez admirer depuis ces promontoires rocheux, de superbes panoramas sur le Mont Ventoux et les cultures environnantes.

Do it from Bedoin. It's hard, but just ride it at your own pace and you'll be fine. A 34-25 is enough gearing wise, a 27 wouldn't hurt though. We stayed here during the Tour http://www.bed-breakfast-gordes.com/b&b/index.php?newlang=english lovely folks, about 30 minutes from Bedoin. As for the descent, just go as fast as you prefer. There's nothing to be scared or intimidated about. It's just a road up a big hill. If you're going all that way do it right and ride the Bedoin route.
There's lots of shops around, I believe there's one right on Bedoin. Otherwise Carpentras will have a shop where you can rent a bike.

Great advice people. I have 3 weeks to prepare myself. What do you guys suggest? Several times the 1.5km at 8.2% that is near me, or doing long interval training? I'm starting to believe Bedoin is possible... Very exciting stuff!

COol! Im jealous!
I dont know know anything about it but take a light video cam'ra with you to film your ascent!