Mont Ventoux

[David Lombari]

Hi All,
Over the next few days I'm intending to book my flight via Easyjet to Marseille (from Gatwick) on Thursday 9th Sept, currently £78. It leaves London at 6pm and leaves Marseille on Sunday 12th at 22.15, giving max.cycling time.
We could stay in Marseille and all chip in for a hire car for three days or stay in Avignon. We can leave that desision till a later date.....shall we arrange to meet up soon? After a clubrun?

[Maria David]

Hi Dave,

I would like to join the trip as well.

My plan is to do a cyclosportive event at Gap, which is in the lower alps and on the edge of Provence (Alpigap) the Sunday before, ride around the area and possibly spending time at Briancon, during the week and then join you for the weekend trip.
Therefore I won't be flying down (will take the train), though am likely to fly back with you from Marseille.

I am looking at accomodation/travel plans from Gap. Are you definitely staying at Avignon ? If so I will look to book lodgings there. Alternatively, Carpentras is nearer to the Mont Ventoux area and could provide a better base if you're hoping to climb up Mont Ventoux more than once from the different directions (Malaucene on the west side and Sault/Chalet Reynard which is further east).
Let me know - will probably give you a ring to discuss

[Maria David]

I've been looking at accommodation options in Avignon.

Maison Bleue is an appt for 5 (3 bedrooms and living room) + garden and parking - sounds quite nice - a bit out of Avignon (10min drive)
350 - 650 Euros/wk (price to be negotiated) - she'll give me a reply Tuesday.

Vert Hotel has rooms for around 45 euros per room/night - they are not that big - 16m squared - can accommodate 2/3 people. There's a fridge and microwave oven + bathroom. They serve breakfast but no evening meals - about 5 minute drive from the town centre. Bikes can be kept in rooms or behind reception area.

Hotel Medieval - restored 17th century house right in the town centre (within the city walls). Single rooms 43 euros/room/night, twin rooms 65 euros, triple rooms (double + single bed), 80 euros.
They have a secure garage for bicycles.

If Maison Bleue is available I would prefer that one, assuming it's not too far from the town centre.
Otherwise, I'd go for Hotel Medieval.
What are your thoughts ? Also will you be there from Thursday or Friday ?

If you are arriving in Marseille after 9pm will you be going straight up to Avignon then ? Don't know the train times - otherwise you could share a taxi or hire a car. I will be travelling to Avignon by train during the day, probably from Grenoble.

Let's sort this soon while the options are open.

[Snoop Doug]

Just back from Brittany and catching up on messages. I have a conference call number I can make available for us to dial into for a chat to agree stuff. If this seems like a good idea - let me know and I'll send the details out privately and we can talk. Most evenings after 7.15 pm are good for me.

Cheers - Snoop

[David Lombari]

I agree Maria, the appt does sound nice. Could you try to arrange it (if everyone else is agreed)? There's definately four of us going and I'm sure Daren's will still be up for it.

[David Lombari]

A belated, but heartfelt, thank you to all those that made the Ventoux weekend such a good one. What an experience.....and that was just the pick 'n' mix!! Must do it again some time.