Where do you have in mind Russell? Around here you don't necessarily need to cycle up the mountain to have an exhilarating ride. Probably the best thing is to combine both, however. Today I rode from my base in Le Barroux to Malaucene, up to the top (much easier said than done - it is still a brutal ascent), down the other side to Sault, and along the Nesque Valley, one of the most exhilarating rides I know. Then back up the gentle slope home - 111k, 2235m of climbing - and 3500 calories! The scenery around here is fantastic, and there are a lot of riders out. The only neg really is the number of motorcyclists, driving in packs very fast and somewhat dangerously leaving plumes of smoke in their wake.