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Monday, 18 May 2009 21:04 |
 Four members of the Axe Valley Pedallers have just returned from a successful cycling trip to Provence in the South of France where they set out to climb Mont Ventoux, one of the most famous climbs in the world of cycling.
Ventoux stands at an impressive 1909 metres and the climb from Bedoin is a gruelling 14 miles of continuous uphill ascending over 1600 metres. The decent is no less impressive with 50+ mph sections and sheer drops down the mountain side.
The four Pedallers, Nevis, Madal, Buster and Quiff came up with the idea last winter whilst out on the club’s weekly Thursday night ride. Whilst sheltering from bad weather in a pub they decided they needed an extreme challenge for the year ahead and chose to tackle the mountain.
The conditions for their ride were near perfect and although the climb proved tough all four reached the summit together. Buster deserves a special mention, although he was well out of his comfort zone he put in an incredible effort to make sure he made it to the top.
The good weather was vital to the success of the Pedallers’ efforts. The following day two fellow cyclists had to be bought down from the mountain due to the freezing conditions, one suffering burns to his fingers caused by the extreme cold.
Mont Ventoux will feature as the climax of this year's Tour de France in July.
Many thanks to Criag, Vicky and "Dave" of Velo Ventoux for thier wonderful hospitality www.veloventoux.com
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