Passo Giau - Cycling Inspiration & Education
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I guess it was only a matter of time before we’d awaken to a tearful sky, up until this point we’d definitely had lady luck on our side. Conditions can change in a heartbeat so I was hoping that the clouds would roll on by just as quickly as they’d descended on the Passo Giau. The Dolomites on a blue sky day are one of my favourite places to chase an endless horizon and escape the day, and are a place like no other on the planet. Sinuous roads, jagged peaks and steep gradients leave you breathless for all the right reasons but, hey, the show must go on right? It’s not over until we're singing at the summit…..at least that’s what the voice in my head keeps telling me.
The Giau may not be the longest climb at 10km but it should never be taken lightly, with a gradient that rarely drops below double figures all the way up to 2,236 metres it’s a serious test.
I was absolutely gutted not to be able to unlock all of the secrets of the climb on this day, however, despite the somewhat sombre conditions the Giau gifted us one of the most humbling experiences I’ve ever had in the mountains, and my life for that matter. We’d seen many shepherds, albeit from afar, during our filming which subsequently led to frequent late night discussions and head scratching en route to the next climb trying to work out how their life actually works. To spend just a few moments in the presence of a shepherd and to witness how they are the true master of the mountain and their flock absolutely blew my mind. Living on the road, continually walking their sheep all year around from the Dolomites in the summer to the flatlands of Slovenia in the winter put everything in perspective and made me realise in that same heartbeat that makes the weather change not to overlook the real beauty of our surrounds. Take your time, seize the day and don’t let the moment pass you by.
Thank you to the Giau and that special shepherd for taking us out of the bubble and back towards life once more. Peace.
Start: Selva di Cadore
Length: 10.1km
Summit: 2,236m
Elevation gain: 922m
Average gradient: 9.1%
Max gradient: 10.4%
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Thank you for watching. Ride safe.
Mike Cotty
The Col Collective
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Пікірлер: 50
Beautifully done clip. I’m riding the Giau this Summer. Can’t wait!
@TheColCollective
Ай бұрын
Enjoy!! Hope you have better weather, it’s a beauty!!!
You've done it again Mike, inspired, brought a sense of wonder and peaceful relaxation at the same time.. what a beautiful climb..thank you
@MikeCotty
9 жыл бұрын
Thank you Spencer. That moment with the shepherd was an absolute joy! Unbelievable. Thanks for your support. Ride safe and stay tuned for more videos coming very soon!
I just recently listened to you on Rich Rolls podcast. Thoroughly enjoyed it! Afterwards I was really interested in seeing your exchange with the Shepard you talked about, and it's true, his eyes totally lit up and you can just see that he loves what he does. I really loved that part. Another spectacular motivational video Mike and crew! Cheers
Brilliant lad! I always enjoy these videos immensely, great vibe and inspiration to sling a leg over the steed and head out on an explore
@TheColCollective
5 ай бұрын
Ooooh yeah!!! Super happy you enjoyed it!! New video from Gran Canaria released today and more on the way!! 🐮
Thank you so much for all these cycling moments and beautifull sights!
Wonderful gesture there with the person with sheep and the Col Collective special was really special :)... Its enlightening to meet people... You took the rain and made this wonderful video..Beautiful music again...its fun playing videos back to back...wonderful rides and classic music...Job well done The Col Collective
Great work and Fantastic video! BRAVO ,
Love all your videos Mike! Thanks to you and your crew!
Brilliant video. I was lucky enough to climb this epic beast in perfect weather in July. I thought it flattened out at the top, never trust what you overhear!
@TheColCollective
9 жыл бұрын
Matthew Holberton Ha! The last part is one of the hardest sections! Ride safe. Mike
Excellent video,excellent music.congrats
awesome as usual, love this
One of my favorites as it is a bit out of the way and not as well known. Amazing route and thanks for the great videos.
@TheColCollective
9 жыл бұрын
Jason Riley Cheers Jason! The Giau is a top climb, shame the weather was a little against us but nonetheless an absolute beauty of a mountain! Ride safe, Mike
Going to be there riding at the end of July. Thanks for wetting my appetite Mike
The best sport and the best people.
This is really pure pleasure for watching Amazing Awesome Atractive BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO
Nice one Michael. The Giau and I have met several times...... always interesting, very disappoints :)
awsome work again Mike! And the film crew too!
@TheColCollective
9 жыл бұрын
Rich Tinsley Thanks Rich!
@richtinsley6262
9 жыл бұрын
The Col Collective Hi Mike, just had a thought.. I know its not an alpine climb but have you ridden the Transfăgărăşan road in Romania? After seeing it on Top Gear as one of their best ever roads I've longed to ride it as we have a support team out there at work! Its like someone threw scalextric track on the side of the mountain with all the switchbacks.... Its awesome! Obviously I'd also love to try any continental climbs too as i do not have much to choose from in my local Essex!!! Thanks for these video's it gives me something to dream of
Excellent work mike! I was thinking of you when i did it from alleghe. It was 5.30 in evening , the view was sublime at 730-830.the locals i spoke to do it as training ride ! I love how you show aspects of the mountain with the journey being more important than the destination . You gotta feel and breath thd mountains .
Great video and riding as always! Just back from a 3.5h training ride in cold and windy conditions so it was nice to see a new video while on the couch :)
@MikeCotty
9 жыл бұрын
Good work Staffan. How's the training going for Styrkeprøven? All good I hope! M
@staffane3648
9 жыл бұрын
Thanks! It going good despite the horrible weather. Have started to ride more outdoors again and will build up to those 10h rides we where talking about. Really looking forward to the spring :)
Great video, can't wait to see how i do on this one.
@MikeCotty
9 жыл бұрын
Good luck Patrick! Don't forget to post your photo from the top #colcollector to join our Col Community! M
I think you looks like the sheperd a little, isn't it? Very funny! You are great! Dolomites are amazing and lovely indeed... I love! This climb with sunshine is like a dream! Hi from Adriatic coast Italy and many thanks for the video.
beautiful wheelset
Sei bravissimo
I am siting here and writing policy papers listening to the col collective playlist...damn making it difficult for myself :P .... Well noticed one thing Mike Cotty almost speak nonchalantly on the climbs as if he is sitting for a tea with you !!!!
@TheColCollective
9 жыл бұрын
Rahul Kotabage Hee-hee! Thanks for making me smile today! Mike
4:08 Very cool!!!
Fantastic! More Cotty Brilliance! Thank you once again for being a source of my inspiration to hit these cols. When I read over 10% for almost 2km (bend 11-20) my legs starting hurting. I think of the pros who can do 3 or 4 cols in one stage ? Super Human beings! But Mike, Again, no one around you on the road ? What time of day was this ? Keep up the good work -simon
@MikeCotty
9 жыл бұрын
Thank you Simon! The Giau is a toughie for sure, steep all the way! We shot this one morning at the start of September. Early or late season is the time to ride in the Dolomites. August is very busy. Take care and catch you on the road again soon. M
5:00 TÜRKİYE !!!
Mike IDOLO
These are so good, best thing in my sub box at the moment! What's up next?
@TheColCollective
9 жыл бұрын
Rob Phillips Stay tuned Rob, I think we'll go with a little climb from the Alps next :-)
I'd want the Giau, the Zoncolan, the Mortirolo and the Stelvio
Yew!
would be fantastic a version of your channel in Spanish
In all of your videos, what I see your standing up in your saddle. haha..
What is the music track?
@TheColCollective
9 жыл бұрын
Hi Owen, we have a library of royalty free music and work with various composers, however the tracks are not commercially available.