Mont Ventoux was the main attraction for this summer’s camping holiday in the South of France. Our aim was the same as most visitors, to cycle up the thing without stepping off the bike. In the end we managed it from both Malaucène and, the steeper climb, from Bedoin. First time up though was a lesson in how not to do it; too fast at the start and completely knackered for most of the ascent only getting to the top on my very, very last legs in 2 hours and 5 minutes. What we did wrong on trip one, we did right on trip two from Bedoin. An easy-going start led up the the relentless climbing section which just goes on and on, but by taking it easy early on I was left with much more in the tank for the upper section and actually manged 2 hours and 23 seconds this time. Next time I want to shave those 23 seconds off!

The place is an amazing magnet for cyclists with hundreds of people attempting the thing every day in the summer. Some are no hopers, some are tiny zippy little blokes who don’t seem to need to draw breath, but most are just normal people who want to test them selves on this famous climb.

Near the top you pass the Tommy Simpson memorial; a shrine which has acheived mythical status amongst many cyclists who decorate it with their discarded drink bottles.

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