We recently helped organise a bespoke charity trip to France for a group of 40 cyclists who were looking to take on the infamous Mont Ventoux…otherwise known as the beast of Provence. Ventoux is a classic climb in the Tour de France race and a very challenging ride for any cyclist to complete, so this promised to be a ‘holiday’ to remember for all those involved! Judging from the feedback its safe to say all had a fantastic trip and one member of the Langdon party, Michael Marlowe, sent us a lovely letter which we feel sums up the general feeling of all those who took part:
Without doubt the 2014 Langdon ‘Nice to Mont Ventoux Bike Challenge ’ was indeed just that, a CHALLENGE as it said on our splendid and colourful cycle jerseys {though I remain convinced my XXL top was wrongly labelled and actually was an XXS}
It was in my opinion a truly exhilarating experience…..not the tight cycle jersey but the ride!
This was my first ever ride and my previous best daily distance of thirty miles was well and truly shattered.
Taxing both physically and mentally , hugely enjoyable, uplifting and fulfilling , humbling and rewarding and supremely well organised.
It would be remiss of me not to thank by name Mr “Miller Time’ himself, Ben who could not have been more supportive and helpful to all and sundry, myself in particular and the way he got the group to look after the quite brilliant James and Mark really summed up the ethos of Langdon.
What was also so lovely was there was not a single ego on show.
I spent my first day thinking in no particular order:
‘Can i get an early flight home’
‘Are there any down hill roads in the South of France as we climbed higher, higher and ever higher’
‘I hated my bike and especially the cleeks and would have been more than happy to throw it all off the particular mountain we were climbing’
The Skedaddle guys took my cleats off, I rode on normal pedals and in training shoes and my confidence soon soared.
I spent the remaining days thinking:
‘I don’t want this to end’
‘I loved going up the mountains’
‘I fell madly in love with my bike, and all things cycling and could not bear the thought of being without it as it was going to be driven back to your house in the van and I would not be riding for a number of days’
There is something very special about riding, even more so with forty odd other people, there is the instant camaraderie, the abundance of helpful advise to improve one’s technique, and lots of encouraging words to keep one going throughout the day when both the body and mind is giving up.
Looking back, I don’t believe there was one bad day, the views and scenery became more intoxicating and spectacular by the day, the food was of the highest standard and the Saddle Skedaddle team were exceptional in every single way.
The generosity of my sponsors and indeed all our sponsors was incredible and the amount raised so far of sixty odd thousand pounds made having a ‘numb bum’ worth it!.
Would I do another Langdon Ride?
When and where do I sign up???
You and everyone involved this week should be so very proud.
It was utterly brilliant in every single way.
Thank you so much for what can only be described as one of the most memorable experiences of my life, I found out an awful lot about myself {both on the physical and mental side} and for that I am eternally grateful.
One last thing.
When is my bike coming home as I am missing my trusty and loved stead!
Cheers Michael! The Langdon ride was helping to raise money for the fantastic Langdon charity which enables young Jewish adults, aged 16+, with mild to moderate learning difficulties to live the independent lives they deserve. This trip was tailor made to suit the groups needs and wants as part of our bespoke section, if you would like to know more about this click here
Or, if you are feeling inspired to take on Mont Ventoux yourself we also have a Road holiday tackling this pass, to find out more read out blog looking at cycling Mont Ventoux on a Skedaddle cycling holiday.