For people like myself and I'm sure many others who live to cycle the mountains videos like this are completely interesting and inspiring. I watch these videos time and time again just picking up everything they have to offer wheather it's the advice, riding style or the scenery itself. Great job Mike !
That's so great to hear and exactly what we were hoping to be able to bring to people. Thanks for your support, many more mountains are on the way! In the meantime we're adding more articles in the 'learn' section here that may be useful too thecolcollective.com. Ride safe and enjoy! Mike :-)
Thanks for saying 'Just get there'. I appreciate the attention you give to the views and the process of the climb in contrast to the countless segment-smashing videos. There's room for all of it, but your grounded and humble appreciation of these epic locations resonates with a deeper purpose in cycling than merely being the fastest. Your videos are some of the classiest and most tasteful available. I love it.
Mike, this is a spectacular piece of cinema. Your editing is brilliant, and the way you put together the story visually, audibly, and narratively is excellent. The format you have weaving in facts and information for the rest of us who want to do these climbs is a huge help. Outstanding. Keep it coming.
I rode up both sides of Col d'Aubisque in September, and thoroughly enjoyed it :) The climb from Laruns was the 2nd of the 2 climbs, in the heat of the afternoon, reaching about 30 degrees near the top. I just paced myself, and enjoyed the spectacular views!
really love your videos, especially the way they're aimed at normal people and not machines, with some very useful details. keep it up! i'd love to see a behind the scenes video as well!
Richard Campbell We need to hop over the channel to reach our playground each time but the great thing is they aren't going away any time soon as far as we can establish! :-)
Hi Anthony Au it's generally around 135 to 150bpm depending on the part of the climb. I need to try and keep it in the green or I'll never be able to talk. Ride safe and thanks for watching. Mike
Hi Mike, I was using a 34 x 25 as my lowest gear. Keep it on your bucket list! If you need to fit a lower gear then that shouldn't put you off. Take your time, it's not a race, the mountains are there for everyone to enjoy and if it takes longer to get to the summit then you have more time to enjoy the views on the way up! Good luck! Mike
Tim Collins Shimano says no...the Internet says maybe. Given that I would never use a 28 around here (I don't even use my 25 in flat as a pancake Ottawa) and my 6600 has over 30K km on it, I think I'll just upgrade to a 6800 before tackling the big mountains (planned for 2016).
I tend to stand a lot when I climb, it's always felt comfortable that way. I don't have the raw power to muscle it up and over the steeper gradients while in the saddle. My little legs hurt too much when I try that ;-)
For people like myself and I'm sure many others who live to cycle the mountains videos like this are completely interesting and inspiring. I watch these videos time and time again just picking up everything they have to offer wheather it's the advice, riding style or the scenery itself. Great job Mike !
That's so great to hear and exactly what we were hoping to be able to bring to people. Thanks for your support, many more mountains are on the way! In the meantime we're adding more articles in the 'learn' section here that may be useful too thecolcollective.com. Ride safe and enjoy! Mike :-)
Thanks for saying 'Just get there'. I appreciate the attention you give to the views and the process of the climb in contrast to the countless segment-smashing videos. There's room for all of it, but your grounded and humble appreciation of these epic locations resonates with a deeper purpose in cycling than merely being the fastest. Your videos are some of the classiest and most tasteful available. I love it.
The quality of your videos are truly outstanding. Thank you!
Thank you! We're really glad you enjoy them!
Mike, this is a spectacular piece of cinema. Your editing is brilliant, and the way you put together the story visually, audibly, and narratively is excellent. The format you have weaving in facts and information for the rest of us who want to do these climbs is a huge help. Outstanding. Keep it coming.
Your videos and narration are truly exceptional. Please don't stop making them.
I have ridden this in the fog and I must say it is one of the true greats of cycling climbs.
I rode up both sides of Col d'Aubisque in September, and thoroughly enjoyed it :)
The climb from Laruns was the 2nd of the 2 climbs, in the heat of the afternoon, reaching about 30 degrees near the top. I just paced myself, and enjoyed the spectacular views!
really love your videos, especially the way they're aimed at normal people and not machines, with some very useful details. keep it up!
i'd love to see a behind the scenes video as well!
For those who don't know, the title of the music is Melody For You by DJ Roman LaCosta
btw amazing climbing!
Great videos Mike appreciate the work done in these!!
Thanks Kev! Stay tuned for many more on the way! :-)
Très beau col des Pyrénées. Tranquille et vues magnifiques
This video is truly inspiring. Makes me want to pick up the bike and climb the nearest mountain!
Another inspiring vid, Mike - thanks again!
Beautiful video!!
So spoilt with those beautiful climbs on your door step
Richard Campbell We need to hop over the channel to reach our playground each time but the great thing is they aren't going away any time soon as far as we can establish! :-)
We have some pretty amazing climbs here in SA, you should come and explore
Now, I liked that one way better than the first two! Not last because we are told to enjoy the cycling :)
Happy to hear James!
Inspired me to get back on the Turbo in Putney - where's that Sufferfest...
nice one Mike
Rode up this from Laruns last year, lovely climb.
Thomas W I don't think we'll ever tire of such an incredible ascent!
The Col Collective Indeed! thank you for a wonderfully edited video of it as well! Subscribed :-)
Thomas W Thank you for your support Thomas!
One day I would like to be as lean as you are. Awesome.
Awesome!
love it
Very nice channel!!
Thank you!
Amazing video! As always!
By the way which songs are futured there?
We have a really talented composer who we work with for some of our music. Really glad you like it!! Ride safe. Mike
Fantastic mountains with snow! How long did you take to ride up Mike? :)
Hi Darren, we took about 2.5 hours to film the climb on this occasion. I put the extra time down to me talking to the sheep too much! ;-)
what is your heart rate bpm while you ride standing up? You seem to be very comfortable doing it.
Hi Anthony Au it's generally around 135 to 150bpm depending on the part of the climb. I need to try and keep it in the green or I'll never be able to talk. Ride safe and thanks for watching. Mike
that is amazingly low bpm.
TOP
What gear ratios are you using for this type of climb? (Please say high ones or I will have to scratch this climb off my bucket list.)
Hi Mike, I was using a 34 x 25 as my lowest gear. Keep it on your bucket list! If you need to fit a lower gear then that shouldn't put you off. Take your time, it's not a race, the mountains are there for everyone to enjoy and if it takes longer to get to the summit then you have more time to enjoy the views on the way up! Good luck! Mike
The Col Collective Darn...that is my lowest gear (and my Ultegra 6600's lowest). I guess I have to add the cost of a new mech to my budget.
Mike Williams Is it not possible to run a 28? I run that size on really steep climbs with a standard DA 9700 mech.
Mike Williams You can get a 28 under a 6600 rear mech - I have that on two of my bikes, one with a triple up front!
Tim Collins Shimano says no...the Internet says maybe. Given that I would never use a 28 around here (I don't even use my 25 in flat as a pancake Ottawa) and my 6600 has over 30K km on it, I think I'll just upgrade to a 6800 before tackling the big mountains (planned for 2016).
That type of cool videos inspire to ride but i don't have road bikes, they are too expensive =(
Funky BAIS ou BENOS Cat Any bike will do, the mountains are for everyone :-) Glad you like the vids, ride safe! Mike
Are you standing to make it easier to speak (and not Chis Horner-ing all the way)?
I tend to stand a lot when I climb, it's always felt comfortable that way. I don't have the raw power to muscle it up and over the steeper gradients while in the saddle. My little legs hurt too much when I try that ;-)
road cycling is very expensive sport
Depends what you compare it to. It’s very inexpensive compared to pretty much any water sports for example