Riding down towards the official starting point in Bedoin , the group gathered and we were under way. I stopped when we passed the hotel because I had put on my clear sunglasses and the altitude sun demanded shaded spectacles. So the adaptive Specialized sunglasses came on. I had put on suncream this time, factor 50 for my nose, factor 20 for the rest of my face.
The climb is hell, as most of those who have ever done it will gladly testify. We were lucky because in the forest part - the steepest kilometers are to be found here - it was relatively cool. Only that gradient. Kilometers of 9.1% on average. I saw the gradient go to 10, 11, even 12% at times. When I reached the Chalet Reynard, in my mind I had given up so many times already. But I decided to keep on pushing, to the next corner, to catch up with the guy who seemed adrift, to pass that guy, mumbling 'Bon Courage' to him. Then I was being passed myself. A clean-shaven gladiator, bound for glory on the steep slopes of the Lonely Mountain. I looked at my front wheel and concentrated on my own pace. 
Reaching the Chalet Reynard I took some time to eat and drink, go to the lavatory before I embarked on the last 6 kilometers. The first kilometers are easy, with gradients of 6 to 7%. Compared to the forest it almost seems to be going downhill. Almost.
The wind, what can I say . Each time you take a turn to the right it bangs in your face. The higher you get , the more fierce it becomes. With the snow on the side of the road and an ambient temperature close to O degrees it's almost as if you are entering a freezer with a couple a large fans in it . The Col des Tempetes, I have to reach the Col des Tempetes. After that , its a breeze. Reaching for  the Col des Tempetes I pass several cyclists who have been stopped by the slope and by the wind. Some with their shirts open, chest bared. In these temperatures? My picture gets taken by several photographers who make a good living selling these at 17EUR a pop. I grab the cards they give me. I will order some when I get home. Proof.

Past the Col des Tempetes, I am passed by a young couple. I hook myself into the girls' rear wheel and ride the last couple of K with that as my bait. Being angled in by the big tower on top of the mountain. My heartrate goes up 10 beats, passing 145. I will not fail.

When I arrive on top I hear the cheers from my fellow teammates and the support team - Jan and Babette - and I am glad, relieved, elated, happy and feel like an icycle. the wind blows from the Alps and I need an extra layer of clothing. I put my bike against the camionette and hide inside to get out of the wind. We have to wait for all members of the team to come in. My bike drops on the floor, thanks to the strong wind. I put it against the side of the tower and check out the store. It's warm in here, let's stick around. I buy a ridiculously expensive 'Mont Ventoux' windbreaker.
When the last member of our team comes in, it's time for the pictures. Well done guys.

After warming up and catching our breaths, plans are made for the rest of the ride. We decide to descend to Sault , with a group of 3 cyclists. Others decide to ride down into Bedoin and call it a day.
The descend is an icy affair. Speeds going up to 60kph and only past Chalet Reynard does it feel as if temperatures are above zero. The long descent takes its toll on hands, arms, neck muscles and brakepads. Down in Sault we gather for some warm coffee on a terrasse. Bliss and Joy .

From Sault we ride on downwards to Monieux where we follow the Gorges de la Nesque down into Villes-sur-Auzon. A long swooping descent going on for 20K or more. Great. From Villes , a difficult climb awaits us, wind full in our faces, towards Flassan. From Flassan its only a couple of kilometers further to reach the hotel at Sainte-Colombe. Yes. Great ride with another victory on the Mont Ventoux. My second time and the second time from Bedoin. A victory on the mountain - who couldn't care less - but especially a victory against my doubts, helped by the fantastic members of the b.strong team, who kept on believing in me, and kept pushing me to have a go. Thanks girls and guys, I dedicate this to all of you.