One down, three to go (weeks that is)

Some more pictures of delightful Sommieres to set the scene, followed by some pictures en route as we cycled through undulating wine growing areas en route to Mazan.

A typical streetside cafe scene. Shady boulevards lines with tables and folks chatting over drinks.

or simply a good place for a stroll

typical Sommieres architecture: old stone, weathered blue shutters and planter boxes.

Sommieres' bridge and riverside walk

entrance to our hotel at Sommieres

 With the ride from Sommieres to Mazan, at the foot of the Mont Ventoux, the first week of our ride from Barcelona to Rome comes to a close. Several riders who had signed on for just the first week will be leaving us today and we will get to know those continuing on with us a bit better. Rob Rix departed last night before dinner.

Rob enjoying a final beer in Sommieres before our  last ride to Mazan

On our way to Mazan we passed by the Pont du Gard, a beautiful multi-tiered viaduct built by the Romans. It spans quite a large valley as you can see. All around the viaduct are extremely old olive trees still bearing fruit. I imagine they could be in excess of 1000 years old.

The Pont du Gard is one big structure

Mark making an artistic picture of an old olive tree

As I mentioned we are passing through various wine growing regions of France as we make our way east. There is the musty aroma of grapes as we pass through villages and picking is underway right now. Trucks and tractors laden with grapes pass by on there way to the crushers.

It's amazing what grapes will grow in! 

Our first glimpse of the Mont Ventoux from afar. Head and shoulder of the mountain obscured by cloud.

Having arrived at Mazan last night and despatched Rob, we are staying in a magnificent old chateau with links to the Maquis de Sade - apparently he used this place as a weekender.

And now, Saturday morning. It's a rest day, so that means climb the Ventoux. What else would one do on a rest day beside the most iconic mountain in cycling. Looking out the window the weather does not look good. Wind is picking up and there is low grey cloud scudding across the sky. Could be cold and wet but I am inspired by Robbie who always said "there's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!" So whatever is in store - so be it.

By the time we (four of the Pyrenean group including Mick, Jeff, Libby and myself) and five of the coastal group including Richard, Jonathan, Peter, Vicky and Harold) got going things had cleared up quite a bit. Sun shining, blue sky and only moderate wind. Still the mountain's head and shoulders were shrouded in the gloop. A nice easy 10km roll up a gentle slope to Bedoin where the climb proper starts.

Coming into bedoin with the Mont Vntoux in the background: head and shoulders in the cloud.

From there on you just settle into your own rhythm and forget trying to stay together. Immediately the gradient kicked up to 9% where it stayed relentlessly. Slowly the kilometres chugged away as I ground my way past literally hundreds of other riders and in turn was passed by only six. Make that five because one guy obviously couldn't maintain the overtaking pace and soon faded behind.

At 26km and with 6km remaining, the treeline was passed and the Chateau Renyard hove into view. We planned to rendezvous there on the return for hot coffee, chocolate or coke and a place to warm up. Those last 6km were slightly less steep, around 7% gradient but the wind more than made up for it. Buffeted from all sides and with visibility down to a mere 20-30 metres the final corner was a welcome sight. Then followed a shivering wait in the queue for the obligatory photo in front of the summit sign. My time: 1 hour 45 min from Bedoin. Not bad for a 60 year old with one bung leg carrying a backpack with 3kg of camera equipment but I have a new respect for the pros who fly up there with such grace and apparent ease.

Thank you Nossie. When I look down at the little photograph of you on my head stem I know I can keep powering on, just as you would have done. You will always be a source of inspiration. Ride on mate.