Pic du Midi de Bigorre - Above & beyond the Tourmalet!
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- Опубликовано: 4 окт 2024
- Forever peacefully watching over the legendary Col du Tourmalet, the ascent to the 2,877m summit of Pic du Midi de Bigorre in the French Pyrénées is a whole otherworldly experience. I’m often asked what my favourite climb is and, although that’s a question that deserves at least a six course meal to answer, this 6.6 kilometre section of gravel is (in my humble opinion) one of the most beautiful experiences one can have on a bike.
Start: Col du Tourmalet
Length: 6.6km
Summit: 2,877m
Elevation Gain: 762m
Average Gradient: 12%
Max Gradient: 28%
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The Backstory.....
I first experienced this remarkable climb in the autumn of 2018 shortly after I'd moved to the Pyrénées. The excitement I felt on that occasion was indescribable, at the time I never thought I'd only be in the region for a fleeting few years but that's life and a lesson once again to be grateful and enjoy each moment that we're gifted with.
Roll forward to the autumn of 2021 and just before starting a new chapter, there was no way I was going to leave without bringing this climb to life for you all. So my buddy Adrian and I tooled up, bikes, cameras and much excitement chasing daylight on our way to the summit, quite the adventure in itself.
When I found the last piece of music it literally sent shivers down my spine. So much more meaning than the lyrics themselves. After much craziness at that time of life, not to mention the whole Covid-19 escapade, making it to the summit literally felt like I'd conquered more than just the mountain that evening. That is the true power of these beautiful peaks.
Thanks for watching and being part of the journey.
Peace.
Mike
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I’m really glad you’re back with new videos. When I started cycling 7 years ago, your videos were a huge help in showing me the possibilities with my bike. 🙏🏾
So happy that my videos helped ☺️
@@TheColCollective
Inspirational Mike
Absolutely stunning! Wow!
Another great video. I never thought I'd ever see you carrying your bike. That was brutal. Whoever edits your music in the videos has always done a fantastic job. Be safe
Thanks Mike! That final top section is so good. Really makes you feel like you’re somewhere you shouldn’t be with a bike 😏 Glad you are enjoying the music, it’s one of the parts of the process that takes me a very long time. Once I find the right music then I get really excited to start editing. It’s part of why these videos can take a long time to put together, I’m less into just putting a video out for the sake of it and more into creating something that instils part of the feeling of making it to the summit of a mountain. Thank you for your support 🙏🏻
Have seen the cyclists carry bikes up the railway steps as well [from the top looking down I took the cable cars !!].
Some "old" videos of the descent on gravel look terrifying!
Magical! I think I've watched all your videos and this is probably the best one you've ever done. Glad to see you're back at it. Keep it up. Makes me want to go back to the Pyrenees. They should pay you as an ambassador, if they're not already.
Thank you so much for your support! I’m working on it but video production budget is pretty tight right now so I’m very grateful for your donation 🙏🏻
The world needs more M.C and less tragedies.
Rip Gino Mader and ride safe.
Definitely less tragedies 😢🕊️
@TheColCollective - Just 4 weeks post completing this ride i have a whole new level of respect for how easy you made this look. I took the gravel road up the side of Tourmalet through Viella and the MTB park to join the Voie Laurent Fignon by the bridge. Using that to access the Pic du Midi.
Spectacular ride see Oncet / Laquets Hotel looking down on the new renovation works. I pulled the plug just above there as by then i was wrecked it was 4pm and i did not fancy the scramble carrying my bike to the observatory. Still even without that the hardest thing i have ever done on a bike. Thanks!
So nice to be back on YT, always inspiring. Long live your channel. One of the best channels on YT. 🙏👍 From Eldorado do Sul/RS - Brazil.
Thank you for your kind words and support 🐮
Saw this climb first with the Vegan Cyclist but you have your own style and this video is just epic. Long term follower and fan of yours. Climbed Lac de Cap de Long, Superbagneres, Azet, Pla D’Adet and others all because of the inspiration you provided with original Col Collective series. Keep riding high Mike.
So happy to hear Gareth. Keep on Col Collecting! ☺️
The quality of your content is so good it looks like a netflix original documentary 👌🏾
Wow, thank you so much. That’s an amazing thing to say 🙏🏻
Thank God you are back! At the tender age of 58, I was inspired by your videos to go to Italy for my first serious climbs. The Stelvio was stunning and the Mortirolo epic. Sadly, COVID took over after that for a few years. Now, like you, it's time for me to get back to it!!!😸
Same her at 60! Zoncolan included in September I think I will regret it at some stage
So cool Andrew. Brings joy to my heart! 🐮 🏔️
This is something extraordinary!
Every time it sends shivers down my spine! What a place!
Submitting this for "Bike Video of the Year 2023".
From South Florida, thanks for the inspiration and awesome videos Mike!
☺️ you’re very welcome. Thank you for your appreciation. 🙏🏻🐮
This first and the best Cycling RUclips video. Thanks for back with new video 🙏👍👍👍👍💪💪💪
Thank you so much for your support 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Wau. Wau. Most epic pictures supported with epic music I ve seen on your chanell. Great work
Thank you so much for your appreciation 🙏🏻
crazy to thing that the mighty col du tourmalet is only the starting point for this climb, incredible to see how much it still goes up from there !
Absolutely!!! It’s a new world up there!!
Eccezionale!! Complimenti!
What could I say! Every of your videos are are absolutely sensationals! I REALLY HOPE in the future I can meet you during a climb!
Spectacular work Mike. The Col Collective just keeps getting better !
Thank you for your appreciation. 🙏🏻
This video his beyond words!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you so much 🙏🏻
You wake up in the morning. Suddenly you find out that Iga Świątek plays badminton, Leo Messi plays volleyball and Lewis Hamilton rides in the pro peloton. Sounds absurd?
I get up in the morning and there is my IDOL IdOl I D O L Mike Cotty uploads gravel material on his favorite youtube channel The Col Collective.
There is already a strong global trend towards Gravela.
Pic du Midi de Bigorre.... and you can't pass by this video indifferently.
Mike, thank you very much, I'm looking forward to more.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I am really glad to see you're back with new videos. After a long break, it is giving me the energy to take my racing bike again. Many thanks.
Thank you. It’s really good to hear that you picked up the bike again. Ride safe 🙏🏻
that's some epic footage
Glad you are back again. Always inspire me.
🐮🙏🏻🐮🙏🏻🐮🙏🏻
Absolutely amazing. My wife and I were recently at Pic du Midi and commented on how steep the hike looked, never thinking that someone would actually ride it. We can’t agree more with your comment that Tourmalet and Pic du Midi are amazing. Keep up the great work.
Taking the cable cars up is an experience in itself. Just a truly magnificent place 🙏🏻
Thank you so much for making this video
So happy to hear this! ☺️
First intro to your exploits was through the Sufferfest as I recall. Thanks to you I visited Bassano del Grappa and rode up and around Monte Grappa. Torrenti extraordinaire, Respectful retrospect at di Cima Grappa, Massive respect to the Alpini. Such beauty, so much more than just a bike ride. Maybe someday you can start your Pyrenees tours again. Fingers crossed. Thank you for continued inspiration.
I’m so happy to read this. Very humbled indeed. Would love to start tours again, had to navigate a lot the last few years but never say never 👍🏼
I’ve enjoyed your films so much over the years, full of inspiration and motivation, so positive. Used them for research for my trips to the Alps, hopefully there are more to come 👍
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it. I hope there are many more to come. 🤞🏼🙏🏻🐮
Just...glorious...
If there was MEGA LIKE, I would click it :). I think that this video has by far the most beautiful scenes regarding cycling inspirations. Just perfect 🤩
Thank you sooooooo much!!!!!!! ☺️🐮
This just makes you want to go and ride mountains. The camera work and music along with Mike's commentary really does make you want more 🙌👍
Cheers Andy, really appreciate it 🐮
Oh my, what strength and endurance. Congratulations
Thank you kindly 🙏🏻
Thanks!
Thank you for your donation Chris. Truly appreciated 🙏🏻
I must admit when the climb first started I thought the wheel and tire choice was a bit too much...... then I seen the end! - Amazing video , please more like these!
😂 yeah it’s pretty rough up there!!! Always the coming down that’s the hard part!
Good to see you back, Mike! Love from Poland, mate.
Thank you!!
it's been a while since I tuned in, once again between this and Col de la Loze you twice outdo yourself, no mean feat. Bravo
Whoaaaa! Thank you 🙏🏻
So happy to have you back.i have always enjoyed your videos.bienvenido
Thank you! It’s good to be back ☺️
I love it. Just the kind of climbing I like.
Happy to hear this!! 😃
Another sensational video. Dunno how you ride so close to the edge I don't trust myself not to accidentally swerve off it
Was I close to the edge? I didn’t realise, must get my eyes checked, I thought I was miles away 🤪 🐮
Thanks
Thank you so much Martin. Truly appreciate! 🐮🐮🐮🐮
Spectacular video🤩
🙏🏻
Fantastic inspirational video…..at the top of my “to do” list👍😎
Good to hear, you’re going to love it!!!!
Stunning video as always Mike. Every time I watch one my bucket list gets longer.
😅
The very best video, content and ideas for viewers to see. Great!!!
Super happy you enjoyed it!! 🙌🏼
Holy Shit! That is a truly incredible summit view.
One of the very best in the world!!!!!! 🤩
Absolutely beautiful. 👌
Thank you James 🙏🏻
Dang Mike, now i have to add this to my bucket list ;-)
Thank you so much for your support Dirk. We need to ride this one together some day!!! 🐮
Absolute breathtaker ! 🙌
Thanks Pascal. Hope you’re well my friend 🐮🤗
Doing very well thank you my friend 👍.
Love your videos, so glad you're back. Your style brings out the full beauty of cycling and take me out of my office/living room for a bit.
Thank you. That’s exactly what I was hoping to achieve. To take folk away from the everyday for a few moments with that feeling that only the mountains can bring.
Another great video, although after riding l'Eroica twice I will leave gravel to others. And, Mike, we still need to ride the Tourmalet as discussed, uh, ten years ago! Leslie
Thank you Leslie!!!! 🙏🏻 Tourmalet….yes!!!!!!
You're most beautiful video! The plans of view are awesome!
Thank you so much 😊
Wonderful job! You're a phenomenal athlete with a wonderful intent and appreciation for the majesty of the mountains. Thank you.
Thank you for your appreciation 🐮
Thanks Mike ! Taking us places my “engine “ just can’t handle anymore ! But one can still dream
Keep dreaming Steven. You’re a superstar!! 🤗
Quality !!!!
Still the best cycling content on the internet!
Thank you Kim 🐮🙏🏻
Mike your videos never fail to take things to the next level. Great video stunning views and what a climb/route superlatives fail on this one. Glad you are back Mike hope you are well all the best to you
Thank you so much Michael 🙏🏻
just absolutely epic!!!
Such an awesome ascent!! 🙌🏼
Simply Epic
100% One of the most amazing experiences ever!
Fantastic! Thank you for the inspiration, Mike!
Thank you soooooo much Wendy. Really appreciate your generosity and support 🤗🙏🏻
Excellent video - huge inspiration. Want to jump onto my bike to experience the amgic mountains again. I use Col Collecitive videos a lot for the preparation of my cycling tours.
jaw dropping !!
☺️🐮
#Legend 🙏
Les meilleures vidéos sur les Pyrénées sont ici. ❤❤❤
🙏🏻🐮🙏🏻🐮🙏🏻
🥹Creí que no volverías…
“Great video!👏🏽” 🇵🇷
Thank you!
Madness❤
🤪
It’s so good to see new videos on your channel. They are always a highly welcomed escape from reality 😊
Thank you Steffen! 🙏🏻
Magical. Thanks!
You’re very welcome!
Just come back from the Pyrenees after doing the Tourmalet. What a fantastic video Mike, one of your best, camera work etc.. It's very much appreciated.
Thank you so much for your appreciation. Hope you enjoyed the Pyrenees! 🐮
Absolutely stunning Mike. Thanks for coming back to making videos! I watched you from the start and to be honest was sad to see you stop for awhile. So great to see you throwing in some gravel routes as well. Looking forward to the next one already :)
Cheers Johnny, I really hope that I can make some more. 🤞🏼
Cool, you are back!
✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼
great to see you back. guess thats a climb that we wont be seeing on the tour 😂
Whoa! Wouldn’t that be epic!?
Thanks! Great video as always.
Massive thank you for your support 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Love it - so much effort went into this I bet
Thank you! Just like the climb itself, well worth the effort for the end result ☺️
Im glad your still going Mike. You have always inspired me through the videos to take joy into the long climbs.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
fantastic!!!
🙏🏻🐮
What a great video Mike well done awesome scenery, thanks for sharing with us 👍🚲🚲
You’re welcome John!
Just…..AMAZING!! 🤯
🙏🏻
We biked The Tourmalet one day and then took the chairlift up there the following day. The views were breathtaking.
So good!!!!
The best climbing video I have ever seen. Great production! Welcome back.
Thank you for your kind appreciation Francisco 🐮🙏🏻
Thanks so much, Mike! Your goal of inspiring and educating your viewers of these iconic climbs is appreciated. You truly get us on the saddle and enjoy each ride.
Thanks Billy, really appreciate your support 🙏🏻
Amazing content, glad you're back.
Bring us many more hidden secrets like this!
Thank you. I hope some more are to come 🤞🏼
Fabulous and most scenic ride. Great bike choice.
Thanks a lot Paul. Topstone was king up there! 👑
this is epic, the man is a legend
🐮🙏🏻🐮🙏🏻🐮🙏🏻
So beautiful, Mike! I have been lucky enough to do this climb in the summer of 2018 and your great video brings back these wonderful memories! Many thanks to you for all the brilliant inspiration over the years! Keep doing fantastic and take good care!
🙏🏻🚴🏼🏔️🎇
Thank you Nicholas, it sure is an incredible place!!!! 🤩
Absolutely amazing video. Great Job. And thanks for show us this amazing place.
You’re very welcome!!
wait!....a bar bag?...knobbly tyres?... oh dear, Mike has crossed to the dark side 😆✌️
😂😂😂😂
Graet job.
🐮🙏🏻🐮🙏🏻🐮🙏🏻
One critique; I wish it was a longer video. Excellent! Keep them coming.
☺️
Keep them coming Mike Brilliant stuff
Thank Tim Andrew. Really appreciate it 🐮
Wow 💪👌🚀
Absolutely incredible up there!! 😍
Stunning ride and scenery! Great editing and music as always - thanks for sharing! Am heading to the Pyrenees on Friday but will be sticking to tarmac!
Thanks for your appreciation Richard. May see you there, will be back in town tomorrow ✌🏼
Terrific video Mike. Epic climbing, stunning scenery and great production quality 👍
Cheers Ric, this climb is something else!!! 🤩
Beatiful climb, gut--wrenching descent!
A real bone shaker!!
I’d give this a double-like if I could. Welcome back. Though I notice something’s changed, there’s something different about you… you’re now able sit down when you climb 😉
Filming, presentation and music absolutely on point as ever 👊
I’m getting old, so need to sit down a bit more! 😅
Epic.
Such a beast, but oh so beautiful!!
Stunning video again 😍
Thank you so much 🐮
Stunning landscape Mike and really brought to life by such brilliant videography, another cracker!
Thank you for your appreciation John!! 🙏🏻
Magnificent - chapeau.
🙏🏻
Brilliant as always thank you Mike!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Mike , what a ride . I was last year with my hardtail at the stelvio glacier at 3200m . So nice that yoz are back with your epic videos , ride on . Best regards from cologne germany
Whoa! Stelvio glacier 🤩
@@TheColCollective their is a summer ski area , after the stelvio pass is a gravel road to the ski area at the glacier
Just OMG! ❤
Thank you soo much for this. These images are magical!
You’re very welcome!