Day 18 - Vaison la Romaine to Rousillon

Monday, September 21

Vaison-la Romaine, Mont Ventoux to Rousillon (90 Km)

Vaison is a beautiful ancient Roman town, and Rousillon is a charming village. In between stands the Giant of Provence, Mont Ventoux. It truly is a giant and serious - as serious as a heart attack.

Here we go -just short of 5,000 foot of climbing ahead.

In the first 21 kilometers, we had just short of 5,000 feet of climbing. It took us one hour and 50 minutes. Not too fast, huh? The pros do it about 50-75% faster.

WHAT A VIEW!!

We climbed out of Malucene (http://www.climbbybike.com/), where there are numerous sections that are 10-12%. It never gets easier than 6%. It was a beautiful climb with awesome vistas from the higher portions.

A super long downhill into the northern edge of the Luberon followed, topped off by a final climb to Rousillon.

I took these pictures on the way down. I didn't want to stop on the way up. That's my only claim to fame!

Look at those sloggers!

You really get the picture as to how giant it truly is.

Now down in the lavender fields around Sault. I wish they were in bloom.

Finally, down a beautiful ten kilometer gorge into the northern part of the Luberon.

Just as Sandy arrived on the top of Mont Ventoux (about an hour ahead of us), three Mirage jets buzzed the mountain. She swears they weren't more than 100-200 feet above the top.

This was a tough but very gratifying day.