The first 20km are relatively easy, first through the lavender fields and then up through the quiet beech forests...
The views get better and better as we climb:
The last 6km are the toughest, with the summit now in sight but seemingly never getting closer. The clear Provençal skies are always a deep blue above the summit, and the conditions are perfect today for the ascent: crisp autumn air and barely any wind:
Michael and I at the top:
Enjoying a break at the summit:
After dozens of ascensions of Mont Ventoux (mostly by foot but 7 by bike), this is the very first time for me that the Mediterranean Sea is in clear view to the south...
...while the Alps -- as usual this time of year -- offer their majestic panorama to the north:
But what better sight than a plate full of fries at the Chalet Reynard?
Nearing the bottom of the descent, with Michael in the lavender fields:
The village of Sault highlighted by the evening sun:
Sunset over the Rhône Valley:
The Dentelles de Montmirail at dusk:
Next time we climb up from Bedoin my brother...
