France 2011, Sep 22, Mont Ventoux

Our last day of riding. We decide to climb the "giant" one more time. This time from Sault, the very north ridge of the mountain. It is the easiest approach until the last 6 km when it joins the road from Benoit. It was a beautiful day, no clouds, and very little wind.

When starting a ride we often look for a Tobac (small place they sell cigs, beer, coffee, hot chocolate etc) We found one in Sault and asked about the "toilet". We were pointed up a circular staircase about 3 feet wide. Nothing at the top. Halfway up a very small door. Inside was crammed a toilet. We swear it had to be set and then the very thin walls put up after. No way to take an adequate pic. You had to be there. Hilarious.

On the way up this approach there we some very nice forests to ride through. Most of the grades were around 4-5 %.





There were three professional photographers I saw on the way up. None on the day we climbed in the Mistral. They shoot your picture and a helped above runs out with their card and contact info.

In this picture I have about 3-4 km to go. This is my third time up the mountain. Have climbed it from all three approaches. Lots of other bike riders, motorcyclists, and cars going up this time.

The top was like a hornets' nest of people. This pic taken by a Dutchman who I saw several times on the way up as was the next pic.

This is the weather station at the top. It is huge and I suspect it has some military function as well because there were 3 passes by fighter jets that we saw.

This is looking down the north side and the road approaching from Malaucene. We did this climb in September of 2009.

That it for this trip folks. Had a great time. A bucket list trip. I am tired. Ready for some time off and the flat rides. I love riding my bike, almost anywhere, anytime. It is truly a privilege to be able to do so at age 70.