The Seven's Second Trip to the Summit

Day 4 Tues 7th May
Venasque to Venasque (L'un des plus beaux villages de France) via Mont Ventoux (L'un des plus difficile montagnes de France pour le cyclisme)
71miles/114kms
2100m of ascent
Average speed N/R (Not Relevant)

Different members of our group had different ideas about what they wanted to get out of today. Simon R and I decided to go up by a route we hadn't done before so we headed for Sault. Longer than the favourite route up from Bedoin but a gentler slope and with views less obscured by trees. The rest went up from Bedoin, but Bob, Simon F and the York boys came back via a route that was virtually the reverse of what Si and I had done (they descended a Gorge whereas Si and I went over the neighbouring hill). Neil was in "try it and see if you survive" mode and went up and down from Bedoin. He did more than survive btw.
The gradients suited us well, so Si and I made good time up to Le Chalet Reynard after a wonderful "Mont Ventoux" salad which we ate in Sault looking out over the valley below and towards the top of the big hill which dominated our thoughts.
We met Russ at Le Chalet Reynard and had a brief chat with the boys as they set off towards Sault. The top of the hill is a bleak place with exposed limestone rocks strewn around and spectacular views for 360 Degrees over the French landscape. We joined a procession of cyclist forcing them selves up to the top, passing the memorial to Tommy Simpson as they went. The top of the hill is dominated by a huge radio mast which you can see for hundreds of miles around, and when you arrive you realise why - it is actually a nine story building and is massive.
There was a strong cool wind at the top so we didn't hang about. Rather it was a case of obligatory photo, then wind proof jackets on and get down the hill ASAP.
The descent to Bedoin was long, twisty and busy, with many bicycles, cars, motor cycles and busses competing for, at times, very narrow road space. The road surface was also covered in grit (a legacy from a hard winter) and so the speed on the descent was not as high as it might have been, but it was great to feel the temperature rise and our ears pop as we descended. Bedoin was not particularly busy and we easily found a cafe that could provide coffee and pizza before heading cross country back to Venasques. Even the climb up to the hotel couldn't wipe the smile from our faces as we swapped stories with the others.
A great day's cycling and an example of why we are here. Wonderful.