Ventoux - Clothing-Food

Russell Smith

All,

Bearing in mind the change of temperature at the foot and the summit of Mont Ventoux, and also considering the time of day, and the weather climate , i am (along with 10 others) attempting "Cinglistes" at the beginning of May, what clothing advice can anyone give .

Might as Well chuck In Food In take as well

Many Thanks In Advance


www.veloandblue.wordpress.com

durhamwasp

Good luck! Its a fantastic challenge!

We did the Cingles in early September 2010, so should be sort of similar weather, tho a touch colder for you. Do you have anybody supporting u in a vehicle?

We did the whole day in Shorts and jersey, with a long sleeved base layer on for the first and last climbs (7am and 4.30pm starts). The second climb we started around 11am and it was boiling. Would more of less say to dress appropriately for the first climb and bear in mind what the temp will be at its peak, giving yourself the option of removing a light layer which you can stuff in your pocket.

Food wise - we only carried energy gels. What order are you doing it in? We did Bedoin first, Malaucene second and Sault third. Malaucene has loads of cafes and supermarkets and so its easy to get a sandwich/croissant/pain au choc there. Sault theres less as i remember, but on your descent to Sault you could eat in in Chalet Reynard (poss make this your lunch stop?) Somebody else can offer more info on Sault i guess - we just got our stamp, a quick photo and left.

We started with 2 x 750ml bottles of energy mix, and then carried 4 small sandwich bags with 3 scoops of mix in each (probs looked like cocaine!) and then made a new mix in Malaucene and Sault each.

Check my site for a report on our ride, with tips.

enzo berzot

Hi there,
Tackled Ventoux last July and the climb and descent were truly fantastic.
On our arrival 2 days before our climb the weather was awful - cloudy, cold and wet. The day prior to the climb we did a recce and the temp in the valley was 22C and the temp at the top was 9C, plus there was a horrendus wind blowing.
Fortunately, on the day, the weather was amazing when we headed off at 11am. Shorts and cycling top were all that was required but take (at least) gilet/arm warmers or extra top for reaching the summit as it is very cold up there.
Food? Well, 2 x bananas and a couple of packets of dried fruit was all I needed after having a good breakfast.
There is always the cafe for a stop off on the descent where a coffee and a brandy should do the trick!
Have fun!

Russell Smith

All Many Thanks for all your replies, well we have just over a week before triumph or glorious failure from the replies I have cobbled a list for the 10 of us to take, and watch out for a possible feature on Sky Sports News in the next 7 days

durhamwasp

Good luck to all, take your time is the biggest tip! And enjoy.

Weather forecast looks decent, 20's and not much wind. Fingers crossed it stays that way for you.

Russell Smith

Waspy Cheers for the weather forecsst a relief Nice has Heavy Rain for Sunday keep a watchful eye on https://www.facebook.com/groups/veloandblue4/ and http://veloandblue.wordpress.com/

Russell Smith

Oh Well looks like we are bring the UK weather to Mont Ventoux anyone ridden up in the Wet Stuff ??

http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/M ... ce+1892:11

craigenty

Hi Russ,

I have a better forecast than that mate - don't worry. Tuesday looks the better day with no rain although Sunday might be stormy and Monday showery. Light winds are forecast 8)
The good news is that it's been 27 degrees for the last two days (and should be tomorrow) and the majority of the snow from the north side has now gone. It's amazing - it was white this morning and now all you can see is the grey and stony top. (Wonderful sunset tonight by the way)

Cheers

Craig