Rob G's day 15

Day 15 - Mont Vontoux
The day started very early with everyone keen to get away before the heat set in. A quick breakfast and all were lined up at the allotted time of 6.00am as planned. Wonders will never cease!!!!!

We headed of with Ben as our guide and had a lovely ride to Bedouin. Slight grades and just a lovely ride in the early morning light over Col de Madeleine.

Some photos, a toilet stop and we were on our way. Apprehension was the order of the day for myself after all the talk and stories about this legendary climb. I can only imagine what was going the the minds of those doing the Cingle (crazy) ride.

The initial 5 kms was steady going before it became a constant 9, 10% for most of the ride. It was a very shady ride in the beginning and was pleasant. The grade tho high didn't seem as bad as first thought, probably helped out by the cooler temp. It was an amazing ride with lots of cars making their way up and stopping regularly to see their loved ones. I couldn't,t believe the number of riders, especially those riding mountain bikes. I passed a lot of people and a few passed me. After an hour or so of pushing up the vegitation thinned and became more stunted due to the altitude, the soil condition and the wind factor. Highest wind recorded on Vontoux- 290km/hr. No wonder there is no dirt for any thing to grow in.

Higher up the landscape became lunar with just a very rocky surface and the straights a bit longer. This also meant we were exposed to the sun a lot more and it did become hot. There was an endless stream of people up and down the mountain. I passed a runner and was surprised at the pace he was going and how smooth he was running. A went a couple of further ams and looked back to see him not far behind me. Unreal. We got to the top and every one was very happy.

The trip down was a real hoot. So very fast. Top speed for me was 78.25kms/hr. Not my fastest but not far off it.

We had a coffee and headed of for home after the others headed off for their second accent.

A good shower and off we went for lunch. The bakery was discussed but once on the way Jo mentioned the restaurant so it wax there we went. It was hot so we sat under the covered area. This is a restaurant where every one eats outside either under an umbrella or under a covered old building that once inspected, is not so old. Gaspatcho soup was for starters and was an interesting cold soup of celery and a salmon mousse. Main was a beautiful duck on skewers that seemed to be only just cooked on the outside over an open flame with a nice rice side. Those who had salmon with the same rice also were very happy. A walk home in the heat was followed by a nice sleep.

Bob got me up and we went to see the Cingle Trio arrive after their epic venture. We bought some champagne and chips etc at the supermarche and headed up the mountain. We seen the guys coming up about 4 kms away. They looked in good spirits. I took some pics as they arrived and congratulations all round for an amazing effort. There are not many Australians who have accomplished this. Only 3 before today.

Home and a couple of beers, pack up the bike and we will have some champagne and get ready for our departure tomorrow.

Dinner was again very nice with a quiche and salad followed by a lasagne and salad. Dessert was a coffee cake concoction that was gorgeous. So many simple ideas for lovely meals already on this trip. All I have to do is remember them. Bring on summer.

Good night again fro the Tools on Tour as our triple riders are deservedly tired and the rest of are as well.