+Silverarrow Hiya, the track is from a library of non-commercial music that we have that sadly means it's not available on things like iTunes (it's a real shame as we've had a lot of requests for playlists and track names). This one in particular is just called "Tech". We tried making a playlist on Spotify but we only have the rights to use it in our video. Really sorry about that. Thanks so much for tuning in to our channel. Ride safe. Mike
Mike, I'd never heard the Cap-de-Long until now. This looks like a true treasure in the collective and is no doubt now on my list of musts. Thanks yet again for unlocking the reasons why we ride.
I watched this video before, but rewatching after having been lucky enough to ride it last month... ah, now I enjoyed watching the video even more. I rode up to Lac de Cap de Long, Lac d'Oredon, Lac d'Aumar and Lac d'Aubert, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
It just keeps getting better! Are you planning to come to Australia? The Victorian Alps have some wonderful long climbs, perhaps not as spectacular as the European Alps or the Pyrenees (or Rockies).. but still gorgeous in their own right..
Inspired by Mike I did this, Pla D’Adet and Col D’Azet last month on a single day. Lac de Cap de Long was simply stunning and exactly as Mike describes. Rode into cloud and mists and arrived at the top soaking wet. The view of the Barrage with maybe 4km to go is welcome and awe inspiring. It’s why we ride.
Ridiculous...How is it even possible to make such amazing Vids? Thank you Mike for goosebumps every second visiting your Channel. Regards from Germany!
As i'm from this place in central Pyrénées, let me give you a small detail. Cap de Long is not the largest reservoir in the Pyrénées. This is l'Etang du Lanoux the largest oe (71 millons cubic metre vs 67 for Cap de Long). As you can see, it's really a smalll detail.
Another nice video! All going well, I'll be in the Pyrenees in September this year, riding to the Lac de Cap de Long, among other climbs. Looking forward to it! :)
I've climbed up to the lac d'Aubert by turning right on the "embranchment", you then have a short and steep descent to pass on the water level and then you arrive at a parking lot where the national park closes circulation to cars. After that point it's 2 or 3 kilometers of a very hard, poor ground road to the lac d'Aubert, where you can see horses and really feel alone. A marvellous climb !!!
Really a good idea to talk about this climbs which deserve to be known. I've now an answer about the fact that this road has never been taken by TDF. I recommend you also to climb the col de portet which in my opinion is really the toughest climb that you can find in the hautes pyrennees.
Coincidentally, I just bought a map for the Tourmalet and saw this road thinking that must be famous but had never heard of it! Thanks for bringing it to us Mike
one more week before i go back to Europe Mike ! cant wait to start Collecting ! thanks for keepi g me on my toes , what a nice video man , the Col Collective getting better and better one video at the time ! best wishes and happy Collecting , best of luck out there !
Saw this video and changed our plans for Pyrenees this year. As a sucker for views/countryside I would rather do this and enjoy the remoteness than double up on e.g. Tourmalet. Good work again Mike.
Wow yes of course! We are looking at mid September I believe (I am cycling in Canada a couple of weeks before too, I feel so lucky!). I need to lose a stone or two before then...
Fantastic! If you fancy joining us for a cycling tour one year then let us know. We'd be honoured to show you around. Details available at thecolcollective.com/cycling-tours
This is truly spectacular even without snow-covered peaks. Having ridden many of the famous cols in the Alps I have to say that I think I may prefer the wild Pyrenees. I have never heard of this climb before and welcome the Col Collective's introduction of it here. As someone who really does not care much what the pros do anymore I love videos meant "for the rest of us." Or at least those who can climb like Mike Cotty! Bravo!
I think the Pyrenees might be less expensive too! It is wild and beautiful and no ugly concrete ski resorts although if you ride up the Tourmalet you then end up in one on the other side. But for the most part quiet and traffic-free. Check out the other Col Collective videos of the region, such as the one on the Aubisque. Great stuff!
+Leslie Reissner Personally I have a really strong affection for the Pyrénées, they just feel right to me, so quiet, less commercial, breathtaking and welcoming all at the same time. Absolutely in love with this range of mountains.
Transcendent, magnificent, inspirational and sublime. Thank you Mike Cotty for the Col Collective and the extraordinary gift that you have given to the cycling community. Your soul is so breathtakingly beautiful. EPO, doping, hidden crank motors, ASO vs UCI fighting....who cares, I've got the Col Collective! Carpe diem Mike, carpe diem!
If YOU need some inspirations for the pyrenees :p ... I really enjoyed Col de Pailheres aswell (2001m) as a lesser known but one of the highest around there, and offcourse Plateau the Beille
A really beautiful climb, did it 2 years ago in scorching weather (I remember the garmin reading 44 degrees!) I discovered this climb after reading Daniel Friebe's book Mountain Higher and what an amazing climb it is, exploring the other two lakes was brilliant as well, climbing through yet more wonderful pine forest. Great video shows the climb very well! Definitely need to go back!
Yet another great video Mike, and of one of our favourite climbs where without fail our guests have all been amazed at the quality of the climb and the awesome views. It is worth pointing out that the road out from St Lary is a major connecting route into Spain and can get very busy especially during the holidays. That being said it is safe, and generally motorists are very respectful of cyclists. You can link this climb with an equally stunning climb from Lac Genos via the Louron-Azet.
It was incredible. Actually this was the worst day of the trip in terms of weather (shame as Lac de Cap-de-Long looks even better with a blue sky). We had some beautiful autumn days and have some very special videos that we're working on. Keep 'em peeled! Mike
Simply awesome, same as all your videos! They are very motivating, I think not just for me. I wish to try some of these cols. Thanks the Col Collective!
Your films are truly inspirational for those of us that ride for the love of cycling I've been cycling for over 40 years and still love seeing the Cols! Thanks! I hope some day to ride some of these climbs.
I have to admit I've never heard about this uphill, really never known. I thank Mike to have shown it. This is one of the most beautiful spot a cyclist can imagine. I put it on my jotter, maybe one day I will pedal over there.
That was a wonderful video put together there Mike. What a beautiful climb and yes its a shame that it cannot be part of the TdF, though yes a wonderful place to explore. Fantastic work on the camera there, loved the elements capture in slow-mo, especially as you crossed through the small town in between. Great work and as always keep 'em coming. Cheers.
Your videos, and rides, never cease to amaze me. This time you definitely outdid yourself. And I sure agree with you with regards to keeping the TDF out of this mountain and save its pristine and inspirational views to the amateurs. It has been added to my bucket list! Thanks Mike!
Just love these video,they are a thing of beauty. Great for motivation especially during these long cold winter month. I gather this was shot last year and just posted? Thanks again keep up the good work.
damn Col Collective and Mike you've done it again. that was some ride and a great video. superb is the word that comes to mind right now. thanks guys and thank you Mike Cotty; you always deliver sir.
There is plenty of place like this in the pyrenees , (protected by national parc) , try Col des Tentes (Gavarnie) for Exemple, the climp stard from Luz Saint-Sauveur, in a way
+lee a dorney well, what do you expect him to say about the products of his sponsors? Either he loves the equipment and therefore looked for those brands as sponsors, or they are his sponsors and therefore the equipment is great :-) Btw, I'm riding those Mavic/Time pedals on all my bikes, like them very much! Quick and easy getting in and out, great stand in them and perfect power transmission - and they are extrem lightweight. In my opinion the best pedals on the market...
+lee a downey That's a great question Lee. Regarding my equipment choices, I use all of the stuff I chose to use of my own accord many, many, years ago, the brands I liked and found I got on well with their products. It's only after years of using the same brands equipment that they evolved into being sponsors. When I was a kid I was really inspired by the Volvo-Cannondale and Saeco team, I wanted to do something with Cannondale and was fortunate enough to get a job with the company back in 2000 (I worked for them for 12 years). I always loved the product and have been riding Cannondale for 16 years now (jeez, I'm getting old). Likewise with Mavic, I rode the wheels and found the shoes super comfortable, it was only after many years that things evolved. I always chose the brands that I felt made a good quality product and stuck with it. You'll see from old photos I've been using the same stuff for a very long time. I'm kinda loyal like that. All the brands that I work with now have been through choice, because I liked what they do. As for the pedals, I was actually using the old Time Impact pedals for a long time, then the RXS before the Espresso was made so I've gone through pretty much all of their pedals over the years. I was lucky that Mavic made a partnership with Time as it meant I could use the pedals I already chose (albeit with Mavic branding). I like the float and feel that the Time pedals have, they suit my pedalling style so didn't really feel the need to try anything else. Likewise with the Fi'z:k Aliante saddle, I starting riding with this when it very first came out and got on well with it so have them on all my bikes. Regarding sponsorship I've always taken the approach of use what I want and then see how things evolve from there. The Col Collective is just part of that natural evolution and I'm really proud to be able to include so many of the brands that have helped me out along the way. With a bit of luck that makes sense, bit of a long reply! Thanks for watching. Mike
