Cycle Mont Ventoux Triple Challenge Picture 1
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Best Time of Year: April - October
Cycle Mont Ventoux Triple Challenge
Bike Adventure
You've ridden plenty in the UK, and you're fairly fit. You've maybe ridden London to Paris, maybe the odd sportive, and now you're looking for the next big challenge. Well look no further. Ride in the pedalstrokes of the legends, and take on one of the all time classic cycle challenges. Tackle the Cingles du Ventoux, and ride this mountain, with all its romantic and diabolical history, not once, not twice, but a mind bending three times! We shall ride from Malaucene, from Bedoin, and finally, the slightly shorter ascent from Sault. The only question is: Will you make all three?
An all time Tour de France Favourite, the Ventoux has been the scene of some epic battles over the years, and often can be the deciding factor for the winner of the most famous bike race in the world. It has claimed its victims, and seen the heroes ride to victory. But each climb is punishing. From Malaucene it is 21km, and 1600m of climbing. From Sault it is 22km, and a few metres more. And when you think you may not be able to manage another pedal
Itinerary
Day 1 - Early morning flight out to Marseillles, and meet at Marseilles Airport.
Taxi transfer out to village just outside Marseilles Airport. Get changed, and check bikes. Then set off on very easy warm up ride up to Malaucene, approximately 70km. Take it steady today - it's just a shake down for the legs! Save the real energy for tomorrow! Check into hotel, last minute checks on bikes, eat some good nutritious food, hydrate well, and get an early night!
Day 2 - One Massive Day of Cycling!
We shall be on the road early - latest for about 08:00 - and into the first ascent of Mont Ventoux. We climb just under 1600m on our first ascent, and the climb starts almost immediately. We should take the first one steadily, as there are a further 2 to come. The support vehicle will stay towards the rear, but will try and keep an eye on the group. The cycling leader will be towards the fron of the pack (depending who is in the pack!!!). Each time we crest the mountain, we shall attempt to regroup. We shall also set clear cut off times, in order that the team know the schedule for completing the ride. Each climb should take us a maximum of 2 hours, and a descent of around 1 hour. So the first cut off will be at the bottom of the first descent (in Bedoin) - at approximately 11am. Each subsequent climb will be similar. The exact cut off will be issued in the joining instructions, but the longest duration for the ride will be between 11 and 12 hours. The group will reassemble near the summit each time (in a café) and then once again at the bottom of the climb. By doing this, each rider will be guaranteed good service from the support vehicle. You will ride the climbs at your own speed however!
Finally, we shall crawl into our accommodation at the base of the mountain, in time for a cool refreshing shower and shandy!
Day 3 A Late Start today, will see us taking a slightly more leisurely breakfast, and then setting off for around 10am. We shall run the itinerary in reverse, and head back towards Marseilles, where we shall pack bikes, and get changed ready for the journey home. Taxi transfers to the airport, and return home.
Accommodation
2 Nights accommodation is included in your fee. We shall be in simple hotels throughout the event (including breakfasts). The standard of accommodation is designed to be functional, and clean - and to enable us to get a good night's sleep - and enjoy the challenge. You will be sharing in twins or triples If you require a single room then please request this at time of booking (a supplementary fee will be payable). Upgrades are also available for an extra charge if required.
Medical Issues
Please note, it is extremely important for this physical challenge that you are in good health. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please consider carefully whether you should be joining the challenge. Please ensure you fill in the booking form accurately and honestly, this is important. In the case of serious conditions (epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, recent illness or operations), please discuss the challenge with your GP. Please also ensure you notify us of any allergies or similar.
It requires stamina and good aerobic fitness - but good willpower will also come in handy! Failure to disclose medical conditions is a serious omission - that could have serious repercussions on any of our challenges.
Visas / Redtape
When travelling abroad you may require a Visa. Please check the Travcour website (www.travcour.com) for up to date Visa information. Here they can advise you on the best action to take.
Included In Trip
Leader (experienced with first aid qualification, and experienced mechanic), Support Vehicle with driver,all accommodation B&B basis, Bike transfer from London to Marseilles and back - subject to numbers participating!
Please Note: Bikes will be returned to London at a central, pre specified location in the evening. Note also - we have not included return transport on this itinerary - the meeting point for the trip will be Marseilles Airport
Excluded From Trip
Flights (/train return) from the end of the ride. Lunches and dinners.
Equipment Required
Kit lists specific to your trip dates and location will be issued upon enquiry...below is our guide advice to give an idea of what you should bring on a multi--day ride in Europe
Bike Items
Road Bike / Hybrid Bike (with puncture resistant tyres) - please call us for guidance on type of bike on a trip by trip basis
2 X Water Bottles (bladder system/cycle water bottles)
Cycling Gloves, Bike Lock, Neck Scarf, Inner Tubes*, Multi-Tool (with allen keys)*
Day Bag for support vehicle, Small Holdall (for overnight gear)
Bike Lights (front and rear, head torch can be worn)
Saddle Bag (recommended - can be used to carry asterisk* items)
Puncture Repair Kit*, Spare parts for your bike (specialist parts and spokes), Pump (suitable for your valve type)
Helmet (compulsory)
Personal Medikit Suncream, Plasters, Vaseline, Painkillers, Sunbloc, Insect Repellant
Washkit
Warm Clothing Medium Weight Softshell, Long sleeve Jersey / insulating layer Lightweight Gloves.
Cycle Clothing
Padded Lycra Cycling Shorts, Cotton Shorts, or Long Cycling Trousers (Tights/Tracksuit Bottoms)
Short Sleeve Cycling T-Shirts (wicking type material) or Cycle Top with rear pockets
Cycling Shoes (approach shoes or sturdy traners suitable),
Spare Shoes/Sandals for after ride
Casual Evening Wear - tracksuits, jeans, T shirts, fleece ...
Waterproof Clothing
1 Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (gore-tex, e-vent) - comfortable to cycle in
Other
Travel Documents, EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) Credit Cards, Cash, Local Currency, Mobile Phone, chargers, EU plug adaptor, Sunglasses
Snacks for Cycling Days (dried fruits, nuts, flapjacks, cereal bars etc)
Travel insurance (not included), Passport
Important
Make sure you do not ‘over pack’ - bring only what is essential for the trip. It is advisable to check that your travel insurance covers the value of any expensive items of kit that you chose to bring along with you.
A final kit list will be provided in your ‘Final Joining Instructions’ pre-departure
Safety Information
You must stay within range of either your cycling leader or the support vehicle at each stage of the ride. Briefings will be made each day. You must always wear your helmet. Your leader is First Aid Qualified - and will carry a full expedition first aid kit. There will also be a support vehicle available in case of emergency - but this is only useful if you are in contact with the vehicle / leader. The leader will attempt to ride towards the front of the group for this ride, and the support vehicle towards the back. The team will regroup only at the start and end of each climb on this ride (unusually for Adventure Café events!)
Weather
Mild warm and sunny weather. Be prepared for hot and sunny conditions - so be prepared to protect against the sun. Equally however, we could get unlucky! So pack rain jackets and warmer clothes too! Just in case!
Notes on Cycling Events
This is our standard range of Cycling Challenges in the UK, Europe and further afield. However, we offer completely tailormade itineraries to your specification. Call us to discuss!
Please note that for overseas point to point cycling challenges we can transport soft cases for bike transport - but not hard cases, due to space limitations on board our support vehicles.
On all our cycling events, please pack sensibly and bring a reasonably sized soft holdall type bag.
To participate in an overseas Adventure Cafe challenge - you must carry Travel Insurance (to be for the activity you are participating in, and to include repatriation to the UK).
Please also note that you should have a good level of cycling experience and be competent to handle your bike. We ride on roads shared with other vehicles - and you need to be able to deal with this safely.
Adventure Cafe Booking Terms and Conditions
By booking an event with Adventure Cafe, you agree to these standard terms of booking. Please ensure that you read the appropriate document for your type of event carefully.
Adventure Cafe Terms & Conditions - For all types of event
To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge
You should fill in the Google Form - linked here below, and then please call us on 01823 444 246 to advise of your payment method. We can accept card payments over the phone, or Bank Transfer.
Please note that your space is not confirmed until you have received your booking receipt.
CLICK HERE:
Adventure Cafe Challenge Booking Form - For Challenge Events