Mont Ventoux Cycle Event Picture 1
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Best Time of Year: April - October
Mont Ventoux Bike Challenge
Bike Adventure
So, you've ridden London to Paris, and you've ridden a few sportives in the UK, but you fancy making the next step up - literally. Come and ride Mont Ventoux - the Giant of Provence. This itinerary - designed for groups, will offer a degree of flexibility in order that you may tackle the Giant via 2 routes in a single day - if your legs are up to the job! We shall ride first around the base of the mountain and then via the Malaucene climb, before dropping down into Sault, where the 2 groups will separate - some returning home, others making the mighty second ascent, before dropping down to Bedoin. We have an easier second day - taking in the stunning Gorge de la Nesque - before our final night in Carpentras - and then your return home via Marseilles.
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.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Flight out to Marseillles, and meet at Marseilles Airport.
Transfer from Marseilles Airport to Carpentras. Subject to timings there may be an option for a 'shake down ride' to test bikes. Overnight Carpentras.
Day 2 - One 'Geant' 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 after around 20km of riding. We should take the first one steadily, as there are is another big one to come (for some of you lucky riders!). 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 front of the pack (depending who is in the pack!!!). As we crest the mountain, we shall regroup (using one of the cafes for a pause location). We shall also set clear cut off times, in order that the team know the schedule for completing the ride. It is essential that whilst riders climb individually, we shall descend in close proximity to one another - to offer good support in case of mechanical or other incident.
Finally, we shall crawl into our accommodation at the base of the mountain, in time for a cool refreshing shower and shandy!
Day 3 - Gorge de la Nesque -
A later start today, will see us taking a slightly more leisurely breakfast, and then setting off for around 10am. We shall head up the Gorge de la Nesque - a stunningly beautiful ride - This is a ride of 85km - with considerably less climbing than yesterday.
Day 4 - Return Home!
Breakfast in time for your return transfer - 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. Your bikes will be delivered back to London late tonight.
Accommodation
3 Nights accommodation is included in your fee. We shall be in hotels throughout the event (including breakfasts). The standard of accommodation is designed to be of a medium standard, 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.
Special Notes
Please ensure you supply us with full details of your flights. nb if you would like transfers from the airport to Carpentras you should ensure that the group arrive at the same time.
nb - this itinerary is designed for groups either charity, corporate or a group of friends.
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! Snacks on support vehicle, water.
Please Note: Bikes will be returned to London at a central, pre specified location in the evening.
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 should 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! The top of Ventoux can be very windy - and chilly... so bear this in mind when packing :-)
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