MONT VENTOUX ROAD CAPTAIN
Routes and Circuits
Discover here the most beautiful predefined tours to enjoy together. Choose your route and refer to the accompanying pricing grid at the bottom of the page. Book early to ensure my availability! Additionally, upon request, personalized route and circuit proposals :)
Circuit 1 :
The Mont Ventoux Mythical Ascent via Bédoin
The mythical ascent, obviously, is the one through my beautiful picturesque village of Bédoin, considered the most challenging, although the ascent via Malaucène is equally demanding for other characteristics that I can detail during our first meeting/briefing.
A bit of indiscretion: 5.5 km to the Saint Estève turn that warms up the legs, then... the forest gates of Hell for about 10 km, before reaching the final 6 kilometers that lead to the Paradise of achievement and happiness !
But beware, one must not be carried away by euphoria; the main goal is to return home safely after a descent with many risks, for which I will be your guardian angel 0:)
We can then share the extraordinary adventure during the debriefing, with coffee or beer in hand !
Circuit 2 :
The Highway to Heaven under the Intense Sun...
It's the reversed version of Circuit 1, with more warm-up as we start with the small Col de la Madeleine to reach Malaucène.
It's a feared ascent, generally not well-liked, but a challenge to conquer nonetheless! Its wide road, with varying gradients from gentle to steep, exposed in the summer to scorching, relentless sun, promises you a journey as challenging as Bédoin, but with its unique torments.
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The view of the Alps in the last kilometers is simply sublime, provided you have enough clarity left for contemplation, which is quite rare... then the gates of paradise also open once the summit is reached: I've been there too !
Finally, the descent towards Bédoin is pure pleasure, with its sequence of turns on narrow roads, always keeping safety in mind, your safety !
Circuit 3 :
Gentler but Longer !
The circuit begins with the ascent of Col de La Gabelle via Flassan, which is more dynamic, with not very high gradients. An hour later, the third mythical village of Mont Ventoux is reached, with the option for a small coffee to savor the peaceful and bucolic atmosphere of the place, just like the first kilometers of the ascent through lavender fields with a steady gradient !
Some medium/high gradients in certain sections will then remind you of the situation: Hors Catégorie climb! Although it's primarily the length and the final kilometers that make the difficulty of this ascent remarkable.
Once the exhilaration of the summit is achieved, descent back to Bédoin, a bit of handling, reasonably, to finish in style, either at a restaurant or a café (and not at the hospital emergency room !)
"Chi va piano, va sano, va lontano..."
Circuit 4 :
Parallel and Sumptuous World
La Gabelle via Flassan is the only true climb on the menu for this circuit; the rest is pure delight and magnificence. From the Gorges de la Nesque, with picturesque descents, to the breathtaking view of Mont Ventoux from Blauvac at a slightly higher elevation, this route is designed to enchant you. It can serve either as a recovery circuit or as preparation for the encounter with the Giant of Provence, no matter which side you choose to challenge.
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This tour also proves most suitable at the beginning or end of the peak season or during the off-season, with reasonable altitudes, avoiding extreme cold and icy patches (although the descent of the Gorges de la Nesque should always be approached with great caution due to this potential threat to your idyllic journey).
Finally, upon request, small variations in the route are possible to make it a bit longer in general. :)
Circuit 5 :
The Saint-Hubert Panorama
Next to Mont Ventoux, the Gorges de la Nesque is a "Must Do" ! How beautiful it is, especially the last kilometers through the tunnels carved in the stone, with stunning views of cliffs and precipices! The slope is relatively gentle, allowing you to use a higher gear. Whether you take it as a leisurely ride or push hard on the pedals for a performance ride, you'll enjoy navigating through the turns one after another.
The photo at the summit, perhaps alongside the domesticated wild boars that can be found there, is a classic for both cyclists and cycling enthusiasts.
Once you reach the Saint-Hubert viewpoint, with a breathtaking view of Mont Chauve, the descent towards the magnificent cliffside village of Méthamis awaits you.
Crossing the last highway bridge in the direction of Crillon le Brave, a high-end village, is the final challenge—just enough to generate a bit more lactic acid before you head for restoration and rest.
Circuit 6 :
A bit uphill, but mostly very beautiful !
This circuit takes you along the small Provençal roads, between neatly trimmed shrubs and the characteristic scent of pine trees in the region. Olive fields, neatly arranged in rows, and small characterful villages, a bit hidden from tourists but well-known to the locals.
There's also a castle, then a tiny road where only two bikes can pass side by side, with occasional steep gradients to test your resolve! Those with a strong mindset can compensate for a lack of leg power—it works !
Finally, the return, always back to Bédoin, without any weariness, without any disenchantment. After this shorter circuit, a good snack at a café/restaurant will always be refreshing !
Far away from any major traffic, the focus is on well-being and the joy of cycling. Yet, your guide will always be attentive, steering you clear of any road imperfections or unexpected dangers !
Circuit 7 :
Observation tour of the opponent!
The Mont Ventoux will be examined from every angle here, challenging only the eyes to conquer its summit, the one nicknamed: The Giant of Provence !
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A circuit to be completed either before or after the intense battle up one of its three faces, but decidedly not after the total war of tackling all three ascents in one day: the Ventoux Craziness.
Given the total distance covered, the positive elevation gain is relative, and the speed on this enchanting route is generally quite brisk. It's a real pleasure to glide under the watchful eye of the giant.
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Observing, assessing, am I up to this immense challenge ?
Doubts will transform into certainties with the assured advice from your road captain... victories are also a matter of skillful strategies.
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Veni, Vidi, Viciiii !
Circuit 8 :
The ultimate challenge !
The ascent of Mont Ventoux is a must for the life of a passionate cyclist. Generally, it's the South face via Bédoin that is the most renowned, sought-after, and recognized. Climbing the mountain via its other faces is rewarding but ultimately doesn't bring as much satisfaction; the toughest and most mythical ascent remains the one via Bédoin, so what lies beyond ???
Answer: Conquering ascents from all three sides consecutively !!!
And you will be dubbed the 'Cinglé du Ventoux' (Madman of Ventoux) !
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With nearly 140 km and 4500m of elevation gain, it's THE significant challenge that by no means guarantees accomplishment, especially all in one day.
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Once again, strategy will be the key to your success, with enlightened guidance from an experienced guide who will lead you to the summit three times and, most importantly, back home safely ;)
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Concerned for my clients, and even for any other cyclist, do not embark on this project unprepared or not well prepared, and certainly not... alone !
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Then, give me please a call. 0:)
2024 Rates:
Details
Here are the high-season rates from April to October. A 50% discount is granted for all other months of the year.
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The individual guidance service includes :
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1-hour briefing/meet-up at the café
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1-hour debriefing after the guidance at the café (if a restaurant is desired, it is at the client's expense)
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Professional guidance, prioritizing client safety, providing expert advice on effort management, taking photos, and handling simple mechanical repairs (tire changes, tightening various screws, minor adjustments)
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In case of significant mechanical issues preventing the continuation of the cycling session, taxi assistance for repatriation to the starting point is included
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Payment Method :
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In cash, 50% upfront, 50% upon completion with guaranteed client satisfaction
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The group guidance service (maximum of 5 clients) includes :
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According to the request, with conditions defined in the quote, especially when it involves collaborations with a café/restaurant or a bicycle shop looking to organize a one-time or regular events (with a discount in the latter case)
The above prices are inclusive of VAT (All Taxes Included).
This is declared work and presents the guarantees of quality of services carried out by a professional, insured in particular with the Syndicat des Moniteurs Cyclistes Français (MCF).
The guarantees relating to the insurance taken out by the professional can be consulted on request.