Preparing for Your Cycling Holiday
Simple advice to help you arrive ready to ride.
Introduction
A little preparation before your trip can make a big difference once you arrive in Provence. The right gearing, suitable clothing and a well-maintained bike will help you enjoy the climbs, descents and changing mountain conditions.
Here are our practical recommendations before travelling to VeloVentoux.
Gearing
Mont Ventoux is a long and demanding climb, so having suitable gearing is essential. For most riders, we recommend a lowest gear of at least 34 × 30, although 34 × 32 or 34 × 34 will make the steeper sections more manageable.
If your bike has a 36-tooth inner chainring, we strongly recommend pairing it with a larger rear sprocket.
Before changing your cassette, check that your rear derailleur and chain are compatible with the new gearing. A local bike shop can help if you are unsure.
What Clothing Should I Bring?
During the summer, normal warm-weather cycling kit will usually be suitable in the valleys. However, conditions on Mont Ventoux can change quickly, and the summit can be much colder and windier than the roads below.
We recommend bringing:
✓ Summer cycling kit.
✓ A lightweight windproof or rain jacket for descents.
✓ Arm and leg warmers.
✓ A warm base layer.
✓ Long-finger gloves.
✓ At least one set of warmer clothing for cooler or unsettled days.
It is always better to carry one extra layer than to be cold on a long descent.
Preparing Your Bike
Please arrive with your bike in good working order. A professional service before travelling is strongly recommended, particularly if the bike has not been used regularly over winter.
Before packing your bike, check:
✓ Tyres and brake pads.
✓ Chain and cassette wear.
✓ Gear and brake cables.
✓ Wheels and spoke tension.
✓ All bolts and fittings.
✓ Electronic gears are fully charged.
After servicing the bike, take it for at least one proper ride before packing it away. This gives you time to identify any problems before travelling.
It is also worth bringing a spare rear derailleur hanger specific to your bike, as these can be difficult to source at short notice.
What to Bring on the Bike
✓ GPS device and handlebar mount.
✓ Spare inner tubes or tubeless repair kit.
✓ Mini pump or CO₂ inflator.
✓ Multitool.
✓ 2 Water bottles.
✓ Your preferred pedals and shoes (if renting)