Good luck to PJ

I know he probably won't be reading this but talking to PJ on Saturday he was saying he was off up the Ventoux today.

All the best dude, I hope that 12-25 cassette will see you through.

(though am slightly disappointed you ain't rocking it fixed ;)... )

Have fun pj!

Just a 25? Please tell me he's got a compact chainset on?

Just a 25? Please tell me he's got a compact chainset on?

don't think so andy, but he's got the love of jesus in his pretty green eyes!

on sat he was saying he maybe should have sorted a 27 out though. he's strong tho.

anyone else been up the Ventoux - what ration were you using?

I think I had a 36x26 bottom gear when I did it and it was needed. The classic ascent from the Bedoin side has a 10 km stretch which has an average gradient of 10%. It's an unremitting slog.

Let's hope that jesus love is shining bright (and there is no wind).

Should add - I'm jealous, I'd much rather be riding up the Ventoux today.

There is only one ratio for ventoux as you well know 50:14

chapeau pj!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8woHATqz8E

Nice Phil Liggett voiceover!

Fair play PJ - stay off the brandy and belgian mix!

fair play pj - good luck fella.

oooh, i'd share with you the updates that i've been getting, but he'll probably want to tell you all about it himself when he returns home. i will say this, though: it sounds like the mission has been a successful one!

congratulations, pj!

hooray that man,

nice one karen, we will wait to hear it told from the horse's mouth then.

i'm back from my adventures in provence, and it's lovely to see this thread! thanks for the encouraging sentiments.

i did the bedoin side as part of a 60 mile ride on wednesday, managed the 22km ascent in just over 1hr 37 minutes, using 12:25, 39/53. i'll get a compact chainset when i get my pipe, slippers, subscription to saga and weekly delivery of tena lady. it is totally RELENTLESS but i was spurred on by the number of other cyclists who were much slower, and i was overtaking at regular intervals. the weather was incredible and there was not a breath of wind, none at all, which is nothing short of miraculous for this time of year and for ventoux. there was snow at the top though, which was a brilliant contrast.

the next day i did 75 undulating miles through the provence countryside. this was a stunning ride too, with incredible views and amazing weather. my bike behaved impeccably, no punctures, no nothing. i had the best time on a bicycle i have EVER had. even better than london to southend, and that takes some beating.

now i'm back in london and it seems extra-sucky right now.

set here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/peejay76/sets/72157604606976592/

fuckin ace.

Great photos, well done pj!!

Weather looks brilliant.

Dude, you look the part! Nice one PJ, inspirational.

Great photos PJ. That's a decent time too. Oops, my pipe has gone out. Must dash.

impressive! I'd never have the courage. Or I'd do it with that:

Nice euro-cyclist facial hair there PJ. I was wondering why I hadn't encountered any quasi-abusive crank/anglegrinder/student - related comments recently. I'm jealous, and I don't think i'd even know how to change gear.

Chapeau!

Bloody hell - I couldn't think of dragging my fat arse up Ventoux. All I enjoyed this week was marking my year 11 coursework ;-(

Well done PJ

PJ I'm well impressed, bet it was fscking ace.

Chapeau!

looks awesome peejay. arent the french roads fantastic?

why do ours pale in comparison!?

there were some pretty bumpy roads there too, but ventoux appeared in paris-nice this year and my guess is that it's overdue a TDF run-out.

it is refreshing, though, to be passed by cars with people leaning out of the window saying 'bravo bravo allez-y, chapeau', rather than 'move out of the way or i'll kill you'.

"spurred on by the number of other cyclists who were much slower" - high five!
rapha top - hubba hubba! :P
Looks great. Wish I could climb.

for the record:

rapha top was 45 quid. and for all you leisure cyclists pissing around on fixed wheel for those epic 23 minute rides to the coffee shop, is worth double in terms of comfort.