Mont Ventoux (Bédoin) - Cycling Inspiration & Education

Sometimes mother nature deals you a joker card and other times a hand full of aces. After three days in the Pyrénées, The Col Collective was back on the road for a late night drive to Bédoin in anticipation of taming the mighty Mont Ventoux. I’d been checking the forecast continually, secretly praying to the weather gods to be kind to us, knowing that we only had one day to try and bring this mythical mountain to life. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday torrential rain, near hurricane winds, thunder and lighting hammered the slopes of Ventoux. We arrived late on Wednesday night, I couldn’t sleep, nervous at what we may face the next day. I guess all my praying paid off as we were gifted with the best day I’ve ever seen on the mountain. Barely a breath of wind, the fresh smell of pine in the forest and high temperatures certainly helped get the legs spinning again but such is the history of Ventoux this is a climb that should never be taken lightly and needs full respect no matter what. A hard section through the forest from Saint-Estève to Chalet Reynard, barely dropping below 9% gradient, followed by a final six kilometres exposed to the elements and all whilst the summit overlooks one and all from high above. One word. Unbelievable. Four words. You must ride it! :-)
Start: Bédoin
Length: 21.8km
Summit: 1,912m
Elevation gain: 1,629m
Average gradient: 7.4%
Max gradient: 12%
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If you like what you see and are able to help spread our message by sharing with your friends and fellow riders then that would be truly appreciated. Our goal is to try and help inspire and educate as many cyclists as we can and we hope you can become part of our mountain journey!
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Stay safe.
Mike Cotty
The Col Collective
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[@Brehmeren]

I did this climb when I was 18 (20 years ago), without much training. Without a doubt the toughest sporting achievement in my life. Had never done even a small mountain before, but was tricked into it by my dad. I remember praying for it to flat out at some stage, but there are literally no plateaus. It just asphyxiates you. Good luck to all new climbers!

[@patwatters8205]

Well done to you...I did it in 3013 but I was on 1100cc motorbike,I can only imagine your pain.You have my sincere admiration..

[@finlayhawker4663]

I remember this one of the first videos I ever watched when it came out I was about 9. Climbs like this are what inspire me to want to be a cyclist

[@jamesabby]

I know this is an old video, but I'm heading to Ventoux in May to attempt a Bicinglé, this has really got my body tingling with excitement.

[@TheColCollective]

Good luck James!!!! 👊🏼

[@JesseReith]

Beautiful video! I rode this climb this summer, in 1 hour and 23 minutes. The view at the top lets you forget all the suffering.

[@TheColCollective]

That's rapid Jesse Reith! Good work!

[@TesterAnimal1]

That’s good going. That’s my PR for the Bédoin side too,

[@JesseReith]

@@TesterAnimal1 Well done!

[@TwentyTwenty90]

Really captures the brutality that is Ventoux. Awesome videos! Can't wait to tick off Ventoux from my bucket climbing list!

[@TheColCollective]

Thomas W Good luck Thomas! Ventoux is an absolute King, beware though it can be a volatile place with super strong winds so keep an eye on the forecast and pick a good day for it!

[@florianlo3172]

Your Channel is so amazing, very impressiv recordings.

[@TheColCollective]

+Florian Lo Thanks for watching Florian! :-)

[@FaiscaaaH]

Another GREAT job !!!

[@tompatch7091]

Awesome - on my bucket list. Keep up the excellent output!

[@Cyclingfan1909]

Great video. Thanks for posting. Ventoux is a magic mountain. CF1909

[@MrRicey155VLOG]

Best job in the world 👍 🚴 great stuff

[@pjpiper7]

Mike, that's so inspiring. Thank-you.

[@TheColCollective]

Pete Marsh You're more than welcome Pete! Mike

[@evictorr]

In Sep 2016 I did the climbs from Malaucene and Bedoin, and in June 2017 (next month) I'll be trying for all three. Nice videos: they brought back some good memories :)

[@TomSchillemans]

I am not as young as some others were when they did this climb for the first time but this summer will be mine! I am also hoping I can get a new bike which right now is most likely going to me an Canyon Ultimate CF SL Disc Di2. I can't wait doing this!

[@PassionradsportDeposts]

Thank you for these great videos. I used them as preparation and motivation for the Bicinglette (6 times up, each road 2 times within 24 hours) this June.

[@irisluciamonteiro3769]

Amazing....I will be there 👌✌💪👊

[@isnpms]

Your videos are the best, speechless!

[@MJHsurfin]

Best video yet !! Keep up the great work & keep on climbing Mike ;-)

[@MikeCotty]

Glad you enjoyed Ventoux, many more climbs on the way!

[@kwacker45]

On my to do list, and glad to see you give this and all your rides the respect they deserve😀

[@TheColCollective]

kwacker45 Thank you for your support. Best of luck on the slopes of Ventoux!

[@petyrkowalski9887]

Did it twice in the same weekend last year and it is tough, tough, tough but very satisfying.

[@michaelupchurch5955]

Amazing footage

[@debbiekennedy986]

A hell of a climb!

[@jukguy]

Hey man, must be seriously fit to have the coherant conversation whilst climbing Ventoux

[@TheColCollective]

#pokerface ;-)

[@christopherwhite9438]

This year did the climb twice. Such a hard climb but so rewarding when you get to the top. But you know that you will go back year after year to the giant of Provence.

[@peterhanlon6568]

Did this in June, 42 degrees centigrade road temp in the forest section, horrible, but such a reward to summit Le Geant de Provence

[@weerawarakul1817]

sooo epic

[@simonjagassar]

Brilliant once again Mike. I know you came within seconds of pantani's time. :-)

[@MikeCotty]

In my dreams Simon!

[@simonjagassar]

hah hah .. good one.. hope the "winds" didn't affect your climb too much. Great job regardless. You look in good shape. From the days of CycleFilm with Markus Neuret, I’ve been watching you. Do you think you’re in better shape now or before ? I hope one day, I can cross the pond and we'll go riding up a col chit chatting away.

[@MikeCotty]

simon jagassar Reckon 5 or so extra years on the bike have go me into better shape now. Be great to share the road one day!

[@davidbenner6551]

Mike Cotty an hour is still 3,600 seconds Mike. Keep pedaling!

[@Road2Glory]

plan to ride the giant on the 28th Aug, the day after the amateur worlds in Albi - fingers crossed for good weather as I only have a 1 day window open

[@heinz-dieteroelmann9960]

are you still active??? I miss your videos... I love them because they are really inspirational

[@theinaudibles6077]

I'm taking on the Giant in 2021, training has been going on for 2 months already, hopefully should be ready!

[@edbautista6632]

Been watching your videos over and over and over again. It inspires me. Planning to go there this July and watch the TDF 2017. My plan is to do Mt Ventoux and Alp d Huez then go to Paris watch the Final Stage. Can you give me some advice on how to get there and where to stay. Never been to France before. Thanks in advance.

[@MikeCotty]

Ed Bautista Hi Ed, if you head to Bedoin for Ventoux you'll be right at the foot of Ventoux and can tackle the beast. Bourg d'Osians is perfect for Alpe d'Huez (and many others like Croix de Fer, Galibier, Glandon etc). Getting between regions is best by train or even better by car depending on your preference. Hope that helps! Ride safe and enjoy! Mike

[@suze1958wilde]

Dunno why even 4 ppl would give this a thumbs down ..they must have fat fingers and hit the wrong button ... your videos are awesome .. lovely work, and truly inspiring . and great to share with family and friends to show them what these climbs are like ..

[@TheColCollective]

+susan wilde Ha! "Sausage fingers" that's what I think ;-) Thanks for your support Susan. Take care, Mike

[@gr0bbelaar]

The thumbs down comes from all the people you passed on the way up while talking effortlessly into the camera. Mike. :)

[@hacker-op5oh]

My grandad is going to try 3 routes up in 1 day for his wedding anniversary

[@TheColCollective]

Amazing! Good luck!

[@sauldibari6598]

hacker 26 ok?

[@voodoorael]

This is the way 🚴

[@SangTTran10111213]

Excellent video. Good soundtracks. Can you give me the name of the soundtracks?

[@rodcosta2345]

LOL on the 34/28 combo... more like mountain bike gears for me!!

[@TheColCollective]

Yeah, times have changed since this video’! 😅

[@michaelupchurch5955]

When taking on any challenges remember don't let anyone tell you it can't be done try it yourself give it your all 110% and if you live by this rule you will never fail

[@panosclimber4460]

What about the Mortirolo and the Zoncolan?would love to see a video riding those monsters.

[@TheColCollective]

Both are on our "pain and pleasure" video list although I know that both like to dish out a lot of pain! ;-)

[@Axel-nr9px]

this whas thr first big mountain i ever climbed. i whas 13 and now im 14. i got to the top and ive never been so proud of myself.

[@TheColCollective]

Kamal Gola Each marker tells you the average gradient for the next KM and how many KM's you have to go to the summit. Ride safe!

[@jeandelfortrie4411]

quand est-ce que tu feras le col de Péguère ?

[@michaelupchurch5955]

I'd definitely conquer this mountain no fear mindset

[@David-ut5ib]

Perf vid

[@matthewanthony9808]

I finally managed to cycle up Ventoux this year and the heat of July certainly didn't make it any easier! I noticed the sign at the summit in this video from 2014 has the elevation noted at 1,911m but the sign I cycled to had the elevation at 1,910m. Did Ventoux get shorter...or did they move the sign?

[@Reiskeks]

i`m 15 years old and last year i made it to 1912 meters :D

[@TheColCollective]

Superb! In our book that definitely gives you "legend" status. Great work!!

[@peteranton6951]

I did it when I was 13, with a mtv ;-) long time ago. But from sault - not bedoiin

[@petyrkowalski9887]

Reiskeks well done. You are now 18 I guess....going to try sgain?

[@sauldibari6598]

Ok?

[@caerwyn2058]

Shut the fuck up

[@MrCollewet]

"tauting you right from the gun"... I once did it starting in Montpellier 150km away from it and i could see the top from km 0

[@resorn]

Why is he never sit on his bike?

[@HellGatefr2]

For the camera.

[@J90JAM]

Did you sit down once during that Mike? It looked like you were on the pedals all the way up!? Great videos, you need to do the different ways up the Zoncolan!

[@TheColCollective]

+J90JAM I think I sat down at the start......in the cafe ;-) You're in luck, the Zoncolan gave us a serious run for our money earlier in the year, videos coming as part of season two! Thanks for watching, Mike

[@nicknelson4548]

Nice! What's the track in the first half of the climb?

[@TheColCollective]

Hi Nick, it's not a commercial track, we have quite a large library of music that we dip into depending on the mood of the climb. Ride safe! Mike

[@darrenpinarello]

And boy I thought Alpe D Huez was tough............

[@paulfuchs4002]

Video makes it look deserted of cars and motorbikes..in reality it's a busy road!

[@kengarcia9688]

Great videos by the way. This is what I call Church, with it's own form of worship, penance, and forgiveness. Thanks for your work

[@salvadorromeromolina3719]

LE MONT VENTOUX IS THE MOST MYTHIC COL IN THE WORLD, NOT THE HARDEST BUT THE MOST LEGENDARY SINCE TOM SIMPSON S DEATH IN 1967

[@phila9288]

My first climb in France! Destoyed fat out of shape me. Worth all of the suffering!

[@keithrispin]

Will be in the region early July for a week. Ventoux is intriguing but are there any other climbs in the Provence area that are worth doing? in addition, I won't be travelling with my bike, is it fairly easy to rent a ride for a day in Bedoin?

[@TheColCollective]

+Keith Rispin Hi Keith, hiring a bike in Bedoin shouldn't be a problem. There's bike shop right at the foot of the climb. The whole region is beautiful for cycling, you can lose yourself for hours on quiet roads, but Ventoux is the one. It rises up out of nowhere like a giant wave in the ocean! Good luck, Mike

[@mHLongRider]

+The Col Collective Keith, In September of last year I rented from French Bike Rentals right outside of Bedoin, great service. Reserved online. Rode throughout the region. Enjoy.marc

[@lemonz211]

What wheelset is this guy running on?

[@TheColCollective]

Hi Alfie, I was using the Mavic Cosmic Carbon 40 clincher wheelset. Thanks for watching. Ride safe, Mike

[@KamalGola]

Do the km markers on roadside mention gradient specially for cyclists?

[@TesterAnimal1]

Best not look!

[@alexandredurand5227]

Dire que j'ai enchaîné Bédoin et Malaucène y'a 1 an et demi, actuellement j'en serais bien incapable lol

[@machine_syndrome]

Finally i found rouvy man

[@nadiroussalah189]

Electric or not ?

[@unklesannjay]

impossible to ride with rim brakes how does he do that

[@TheColCollective]

No choice when I filmed this about 8 years ago 🤪

[@Abnsdllnnlosnfd]

2:39 Ah fuck it! 42-23 will do the job LOL

[@axelofrage]

Pantani vs Armstrong Mont Ventoux

[@michaeltokleyjane5384]

Michael tokley

[@waqidj]

Flying up the mountain “lack of oxygen suffocating” totally clear not breathing hard... wtf bro

[@andrewelliott704]

You went up Ventoux a lot faster than I did - and in a lot less pain - but what an amazing experience! goo.gl/RIho1w

[@peter_smyth]

Great blog!

[@udoreb]

The music is annoying and way too loud ...

[@jeanlucaillaud5069]

Musique insupportable dans la première partie de la vidéo 🎼😕

[@csalin7327]

No need for the annoying music

[@TesterAnimal1]

My local hill! 😎 You’d think I’d be riding it all the time. The fact is it’s too hard to use as training. It would break you down. I do it about ten or more times per year

[@FeanFan20]

I did this in 2017 😎🏅