The Giant of Provence

I'm happy to report that Katie and I both successfully biked up the famous Mount Ventoux, the Giant of Provence. Our friend Berko went with us, though he went out ahead early in the climb and was well-rested by the time we got to the top (he was definitely the superstar of the day). For a Tour de France-geek like me, le Mont Ventoux was an experience I'll never forget. I had seen it so many times on TV that it was somewhat surreal to actually be there. It's one of the best known mountain climbs in cycling and absolutely one of the hardest I've ever done.

Mount Ventoux is well known in Provence because it towers over the surrounding landscape at a height of 1912 m (6273 ft). From the summit, you can see the Alps and the Mediterranean on a clear day. To fans of the tour, the Ventoux is easily recognizable as the upper portion is devoid of nearly all vegetation and has a giant antenna at the top--when you see pictures of the ride there is no mistaking where you are. It really is a magnificent view from the top and we were fortunate to have good weather on the day we went (the mountain is known for terrible winds). I guess I don't have too many remarks about the climb itself other than to share a few photos. I would have taken more, but I was frankly too tired to do anything else but pedal and curse the damn hill...


This was taken about 3 miles from the summit, which is on the left side of the photo. You can see how barren the landscape is.


Just before the last turn in the final few hundred meters to the summit.


Looking back down the road. According to some info I came across, the climb itself is 22 km (13.6 mi) with an altitude gain of 1610 m (5280 ft). The average grade is 7.1% with an 11% maximum.


Berko and Katie in front of a bike sculpture at the start of the climb. That's the mountain in the upper right (in the clouds, above Katie's left shoulder).

And here's us at the top...




Several days later, we learned that one of the stages of the Dauphiné Liberé bike race would be finishing at the top of the Ventoux. After some discussion (and some rest for our legs), we decided to climb the Ventoux a 2nd time--only this time along an easier route (though not the "proper" Tour de France way). Unfortunately the weather was not as nice and it was freezing cold at the top and you could barely see the roadway below. But at least we got to see some of the potential contenders for this year's Tour de France (the one's who haven't been caught by the anti-doping tests). I even got to see Laurent Jalabert (now a commentator for French television)! Yes, the very Jaja from an earlier blog entry!!