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Last August I lost my mum to Pancreatic cancer. She was a fantastic mother, a loving wife and companion to my father, a supportive sister to Liz, caring mother-in-law to my wife and a doting Grandma to Francesca and Rowan.

In memory of her and to raise money for St Margaret's Hospice, Somerset I am setting myself the challenge of completing a 'Bicinglette' of Mont Ventoux in the South of France. A Bicinglette is 6 times up the mountain and I will be doing this on Tuesday 12th august 2014.

Mont Ventoux has been made famous throughout the years due to it's frequent use in the Tour de France. Last year Britain's Chris Froome won the stage that finished at its summit before going on to win the entire Tour. In 1967 British cyclist Tommy Simpson cycled himself to death on the same mountain in a attempt to win the Tour!

I will not be trying to emulate either of these acts but I do hope to complete two (hence bi) 'cingles' of the mountain. A 'cingle' is riding up each of the three routes up to the summit from the three surrounding towns.

In short a 'Bicinglette' is 6 times up the mountain.

272km (170miles) half of which is uphill.

8886m of vertical climbing which is higher that Mount Everest!

All in one day!

As I type this  I am realising the insanity of this challenge to myself but I am also remembering the words of concern and caution that my mother expressed when I visited Mont Ventoux a number of years ago to cycle up it for the first time. Bless her.

To find out more visit

http://www.clubcinglesventoux.org/en/club.html

Many thanks Ben

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