Old Mother Ventoux

The final day!

As yesterday was so gruelling and left a lot of shattered bodies we decided to tame the last stage somewhat by cutting out the two 6km climbs en-route to Marseille & instead do the Ventoux then drop down into the Rhone valley & a less picturesque run into Carry-le-Rouet.

We ascended the 22km 10% gradient Ventoux at 6:30 am to miss the heat of the day. It was a wise choice as the weather was a little humid but cool & without any of the mistral wind that is such a hazard at the summit. Only 4 of us managed the ascent as Iain was too badly injured & Les & Paul wisely decided enough was enough after the travails of the previous day & Trev just didn't have the gears - Les, Paul & Iain made their way separately to Carry via the Rhone.

It was 20 years ago almost to teh day that i tackeld this monstor last & then I had youth on my side but high gears & a lack of condition meant I remember struggling all the way.

This time I was well prepared & kept a surprisingly rapid pace all the way to the Tom simpson memorial where I waited for Mike C for our anniversary pic. despite climbing well it still took me 1 hour 45 mins to cover the 22km - which is 45 mins slower than Lance armstrong's record....ho hum.

It was great to finish it though & finish fresh. After that we had a rather boring 80 mile flat run into Carry.

It certainly was a great trip & a welcome finish crowned with a hearty meal & champagne......

Never again!!!