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Mont Ventoux

by CXR94Di2
Thu, Jun 04, 2015 14:32
5

I have been test trialing my new hill climbing setup with a 40T XTR cassette. I am very satisfied the way it works... If you're a big rider 100kg ish and like the challange of big hills, maybe this setup is for you.

I have used this setup all week on hills I have picked on my trainer software, its interactive with video and real person additions from all over the world. I cycled up Alpe D'Huez, a very stiff test in deed with varying gradients, then I decided on Hardknotts pass/ Wynrose pass from the west, I would say slightly easier in effort than the D'Huez only because its hills are shorter but much steeper, 15% average. I was able to maintain 70-75rpm cadence whilst climbing.

Then came Ventoux. I knew I should of left it for another day due to feeling not perfect, but I didn't. 13.3 miles from Bedoin to the summit. The first 3.3 miles try and prepare you for the main course, but don't. From the 3.3-9.8 miles the hill climbs with gradients of 9/10/11/12% is relentless through the woods. At 6.2 miles you can see the finish for about 100metres , a white spire on top of white rocks, going so slow you can gaze for those 100metres. My speed slowly declined from mid 5mph. Just when you think you cant go one anymore, you see the cafe at 9.8miles, the gradient drops down to an easy-(laugh here) 8% for the next 3 miles. With half a mile to go the road kicks you in the teeth and rises back upto 11% then tails down to 8% as you crawl over the line, well I did. I must admit this is the closest I have come to bonking, I felt terrible nearly vomitting 2 after the finish, only after a couple of hours and slowly eating carbs and protein do I feel okay now.

My time was pathetic compared to a guy who joined my session and knocked 45mins of my time and had a power/kg ratio of 3.6, next time I will listen to my body and do it on a fresh day.

Mont Ventoux, a true test especially if you are big

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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5 comments

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arfa | 9 years ago
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Cheers, I plan on eating my way up the ascents as such - one of the reasons I had no difficulty getting to 85kg 3

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Iamnot Wiggins | 9 years ago
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Would a hills based turbo session be easier if you're lighter though? Given that you're not actually having to move a bike uphill and maintain a momentum in a traditional sense?

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CXR94Di2 replied to Iamnot Wiggins | 9 years ago
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As long as you punch in your weight correctly into the trainer software the resistance added will be comparable. When cycling downhill the flywheel keeps momentum, cycling up hill if you pause then the flywheel almost stops instantly. I find it extremely realistic in effort compared to the road. You can even tell the software to add wind resistance at what wind speed you choose.

I loaded in about a dozen routes from my garmin 800 and then cycled them. My times and efforts were extremely close to the real thing. I find it so convenient to get the mileage in. Get up early have breakfast, cycle 1-1.5 hrs on pretty much any route or workout you select across the world or your own previous.

I am very addicted to the turbo trainer now.

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CXR94Di2 | 9 years ago
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Bloody hell that is a challenge. All the best with it. The lighter you are, the easier it will be. I thought I could manage the same average up the Ventoux as I did up the D'Huez 7.5mph, but I just didn't have it my legs that day. I was under prepared and tired a little, it bit me big time. Should of eaten about a third way up!

Good luck:)

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arfa | 9 years ago
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Thank you for sharing, i'll be having a crack at the cingles in two weeks time. I'll be running 34x32 on the back but my main focus has been dropping surplus lard, dropping from 85kg to 76kg in training. I hope this is the decisive factor!

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