Sentier des Venturiers - Vauvenargues

The ""Sentier des Venturiers"" is originally more meant for hikers. For extreme mountainbikers, though, the ascent can also be attempted by bike. I discovered this climb with Google Earth and was astounded by the fearsome gradients. By attempting this, I definitely set the bar too high. This is the hardest climb Ive done so far and I have climbed the Ventoux from Bédoin 7 times in a row in 24 hours, so I am quite trained. The toughness comes mainly from the surface of the path. There are some section with dirt but its mainly covered with free rocks. And once the path reaches 25 %, it becomes impossible to stand on the pedals to gain some power. The tire would immediately slip. I was twice compelled to push the bike for around 400 m, the rear wheel constantly mired in the gravel. There are 4 short concreted sections (50 m each and 25 to 30 % steep) to avoid erosion at some points. The motricity on concrete is excellent and with my 26x32, I had problem on those. I did the 2,4 km in 26 minutes, whereof 8 were breaks. My Sigma Rox recorded severals peaks at more than 30% and one at 41% (inner curve). Insane climb.

My personal climb rating: