Descending Mont Ventoux was an incredible and exhilarating experience but, just one time for me will do!
The day started early and we met with our guide Gilles at 9 am. We were driven to the top of Mount Ventoux, given a pair of VTT bikes & helmets, and given directions to simply ‘go down’. We tested my breaks once, and off we went.
Now, if you can imagine, the roads were shared with other high speed cyclists and cars, both going at a ridiculous fast pace around the curvy mountain roads, and most of the way down from the summit was steep, twisted and without guard rails. All of this, was just the beginning 5 km descent down from the summit. Later we would bike through dirt back roads, a steep downhill rocky terrain (which caused me a bit of anxiety & stress), more gravel pavement (where I saw a cyclist pass me around a blind corner and pop his tire right after an oncoming car passed us!) and eventually through slippery red sand. The whole ride down Mount Ventoux was quite stunning but even more stunning was the fact I never fell off my bike! (Yay me!)
Anyway, while I don’t think I would do this bike ride again, I do think everyone (who can bike) should try it once! :)
