Full Circle - From Escapism to Reconnection. 10 Years, 10 Mountains & 10,000 metres of climbing.

For many of us, cycling serves as a means of self-exploration - bridging gaps between the past, present and future. The blend between mind and body, working together to overcome hard moments be it physical, mental or emotional and how we learn to cope in our own mind is essential in being able to process the past, be true to ourselves in the present and create moments of inner peace in the future.
A decade after crossing the French Pyrénées non-stop on a ride that would act as a catalyst for change, I wanted to share this story for the first time. To give an insight into the deeper meaning behind some of the mountain challenges you may have seen me undertake over the years, I felt now was the time to head back to my mountains, return to source and embrace the unknown.
Overcoming the mountains of our mind, from escapism to reconnection. 10 years, 10 cols and 10,000 metres of climbing. This is my story of going Full Circle.
Thank you for watching. I truly hope there is something in this video that can help you in your own journey.
Peace,
Mike Cotty

[@cyclinginsoutherncalifornia]

That was one of the greatest KZbin videos I’ve ever seen. I wish Col Collective could pump out a video every day like some KZbinrs, but that would be impossible. I really like your old videos and I hope you continue to be healthy so that you can share more of your experiences and knowledge with us

[@legstrongv]

maybe once a week , or once every two weeks would be fine for me.

[@USSOberst]

I a span of 13 years i lost my brother, a few good friends, my sister in law, brother in law, took their kids in our family to raise them further. Last year my daughter got diagnosed with cancer, recovered. And then i find myself crying on the summit of Ventoux after a hard climb. I know so damn well how you feel, so damn well. 53 now and the last 7 years i took on many mountains. Tourmalet, Bonette, Luz Ardiden, Alpe d'Huez, Croix de fer, Glandon, Galibier, Bérarde and many others. Life can throw a lot at me now. I (we) will overcome.

[@AS-rd4xi]

I hope things will get better for you

[@userbeverage]

Thanks for sharing your story!

[@zw331]

I'm 52 and used to race in the late 80s against some heavy hitters. I let myself go physically and left the bike the mountains have brought me back the last 8 years. I have 50 lbs to drop by June 2023 as I want to hit many of the mythical mountains that you have rode and I have only seen pics of from my racing days flipping the pages of "Winning". I'm using your vids for inspiration to get me to 170 lbs in 2023. Im over weight and over the hill but will be trying to get over the mountains...the journey has started.

[@scarscheesi8383]

get on with it

[@greg4318]

Amazing video Mike - I lost my brother to brain cancer this year and my rides have taken on a new meaning of honouring his legacy and memory. Thank you for making such extraordinary and inspiring films

[@sierraseb3311]

Thanks again Mike. Another beautifully produced, inspirational video. I'd like to thank all your sponsors, especially Mavic, for having the foresight to recognize that yours was a project worth supporting.

[@sierraseb3311]

Forgot to add that your Full Circle logo is so perfect and beautiful Oh, to have such an original and artistic mind that could come up with that design !🥰

[@ohnezuckerohnefett]

What a powerful story to tell, Mike. Your videos are true diamonds, very well filmed and edited. Also: they have helped me through so many Turbosession, so thanks ;)

[@Dee-Ell]

Beautiful! No goal, no rush -- simply explore, enjoy the peace, be connected with nature, and savor the moments. Stop and smell the roses, so to speak. (This is opposite of what the hectic modern life dictates to us.)

[@kevingunning3968]

One runs a whole range of emotions and thoughts when you cycle in the mountains. You have just captured them all, the pain, pleasure, the highs and lows in 20 minutes. Thank you.

[@jmjkazoo]

Mike: I have watched your videos I believe from the very beginning. I was in the U.S. army in Berlin, Germany for 3 years during the later 60's. I am 77 years old and live to ride my bike. Your videos have meant so much to me. As a young guy I fell in love with Europe and I still get excited every time I think about Europe. Your videos take me back to a lot of places I visited are incredibly well done. You've done some incredible stuff in your videos. Keep up the great work and I'll be right behind you watching every "Klick". Thanks!!!

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you so, so, much for taking the time to connect and watch from the beginning. This means a huge a amount to me and I’m humbled that my videos can take you back to many of the old es you’ve visited. Truly appreciate your long term support. Ride safe 🙏🏻🐮🏔️

[@michaelknab4449]

Dear Michael, I have no words to say - just CHAPEAU!

[@A-Tango]

Thanks for sharing your personal story Mike and what a beautiful and powerful way to honor the memory of your brother. I lost my sister in a cycling accident thirty years ago. Seeing your story gives me inspiration in how I navigate my own journey.

[@ferencbilacz7262]

Szép teljesítmény! Csak gratulálni tudok, és fantasztikus környezet 😊

[@treeener]

I was only wondering a few days ago what you had been up to. An emotional but beautiful watch. Thanks for uploading - Makes me want to get back to the Pyrenees so much. Stay safe Mike.

[@7gibbens]

Having walked the length of Japan. Walked across Australia. Walked and ridden across America and cycled down Australia. Thankyou for so succinctly putting into words, the feelings and emotions I have felt on those journeys. Ride safe and maintain the peace👍🚴‍♂️🇦🇺

[@domenicoalessandrosilvestr7829]

What a nice person you are Mike .. thanks for showing us those places and those magnificent landscapes that you cross by bike .. even if I don't know you, sharing those emotions with you is wonderful!

[@geewilliams2178]

Mate, not sure if you remember me (Graeme) from school, but I have always been in admiration of that you have achieved on a bike and wanna say you are an inspiration. I've never had the courage to say hi but when I was telling someone this morning "I went to school with a guy that has gone non-stop for 50+ hours" I thought you know what I'm gonna say hey. So "Hey!"

[@deployeddan]

Thank you for sharing your content, thank you for sharing your wisdom, thank you for sharing your passion but most of all, thank you for sharing your story! Watching this made me fight tears the entire time. Thank you Mike!

[@robertask9027]

Man glad to see you back! After losing my mom on December 3rd I came across your videos wich I had been watching 4 years ago. And you now what, they helped me so much! Thank you, hope you are feeling good, and looking forward to new upcomings! Big Thanks and Respect to your dedication and time!

[@ibzit2]

Finally! Was wondering where you had been recently. Love your content, only reason why i really want to really go to the mountains Keep it going.. Wonderfully put together. This is why we ride, the feeling of reconnecting with ourselves and nature.. It's a healer!

[@brianmessemer2973]

Thank you Mike. I lost my younger sister last August. Thank you for sharing your story about your brother, and for showing us this very special bike ride in his honor.

[@TheColCollective]

I’m very sorry to hear of your loss Brian. Just like my brother your sister’s legend burns brightly around us everyday 🤗 🕊️

[@brianmessemer2973]

@@TheColCollective ❤️

[@2910979]

Beautiful movie! I am specchless...

[@dalglish72p]

It’s been a while Mike, your videos were and still are some of the best on here…and even took the time to chat/respond to comments, make climbing look easy and the camera work ❤

[@KBBMX]

Still an inspiration Cotty... 🙏For your brother... 👊🚲

[@EKcyclist]

Mike, I’ve been so inspired by you for a few years now; how you decided to change and then did just that. What I didn’t know was the tragedy behind your seemingly slick, easy- going style. Your strength of spirit and willingness to move on despite serious setbacks, is something that I think would be so very beneficial for many people (and not just cyclists). Whatever you do next, I am certain it will be both successful and also in keeping with who you are; no flannel, no ambiguity. A very Merry Christmas to you, Mike.

[@bobwells1517]

So beautiful, thanks for taking us along for the ride. So sorry for your loss.

[@willeigo8468]

Although you may properly say the crossing of the Pyrenees was not the objective or the point of the cathartic achievement, I might submit the assignment of a tangible goal which both imbued the senses, while it also cleared the grief, through pedaling and summitting, was instrumental to you capturing crucial personal moments of overcoming the past in the majestic mountainous present in order to have the future you've brought to yourself. Kudos and Cheers for the actualization and the sharing.

[@michaelsalter4457]

Powerful and inspiring

[@andyh1837]

Oh boy, peace to you too. What a beautiful video … so moving. Inspirational stuff. Thank you for putting this together and for sharing your story. Keep going Mike, keep going.

[@malcontent456]

This was not only another in a long line of amazing Col Collective videos, it was a really nice way to honor and remember your brother and the ways in which his loss has served to inspire you to reach deep, to seek meaning, and to encourage others to do the same.

[@venetianlion]

Beautiful documentary! Mike you are an artist, not only a great cyclist! Thank you for your inspiring videos!

[@charliehall6469]

You have been such an important inspiration to so many people. Your willingness to share your inner self with so many people to try and help them through tough times or just become a better person is admirable. I am one of the lucky ones to have been able to ride the Cols of the Pyrenees with you on a few occasions and I think of those times very often. I wish you and your family the best and may your cycling adventures continue to help you (and all the other people who follow and care about you) live life to the fullest. "....never be afraid to ride in the rain..." (even on the Tourmalet).

[@maruschka7482]

There are just two words to say == THANK YOU !!

[@kellyoram6220]

Thanks for your very personal story. When I showed up at your door for a week in the Pyrenees I had a fair amount of self doubt. At the end of the week I was free! Thanks for my own full circle ride!

[@Pdeloosha]

What an amazing feeling to sign on and see a Col Collective video today. It’s definitely good to see you back Mike.

[@williammrdeza9445]

Very moving and inspiring Mike. I love the life lessons and the overall philosophy that are woven throughout your stories as you ride. This one was exceptional in that way. Thank you.

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you so much for your appreciation, it means a great deal to me. 🙏🏻

[@themanof83]

I've commented before but this is always a worthwhile rewatch. I give it a perfect 10, for lots of reasons (there's probably exactly 10 reasons)! 😉

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you, that’s very touching 🙏🏻

[@thomasvournazos7577]

Simply great. No words really. thank you!!

[@stevemccrory9130]

Welcome back. This is a perfect example of when a video is so engaging in its content and message that 20 minutes pass in a blink....a very enjoyable 20 minutes. Thanks, and enjoy the festive period and New Year.

[@markokitzing4291]

Awesome, and inspiring as ever. Thanks a lot for this, Mike!

[@luigialocchi8217]

Sono veramente contento che sei ritornato in video mi mancavano i tuoi bellissimi giri di bici 🚴‍♂️😁👍

[@rickstein6091]

A wonderful journey - both on the bike - and inward as well. What a thoughtful person you are! Please make more videos when you can. They do inspire.

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you kindly. Your message means a lot to me 🙏🏻

[@totalrepawns]

you are a MACHINE Mike well done !

[@veloway]

As always amazing story, amazing landscapes and art production. My wife and I are very sad right now with losses that life will certainly produce and this was such a nice reminder of a way to go down the bike path.

[@Yandaman-69]

Thanks Mike, Every single video was a motivation for me on the tacx in the winter or in season; some of the climbs I did them myself and saw on your videos the nice memories. I hope some day you restart again with new adventures ( perhaps the same climb again)

[@NewRemdog]

Inspired me to climb many of these mountains.

[@danford2391]

Absolutely fantastic, really enjoyed this. Thank you

[@polinakrasnova6287]

An absolutely beautiful film. Taking an emotion and experience that is so heavy, and making it light as air. Beautiful narrative and beautiful visuals! I love the lingering feeling of peace and hope it leaves you with!

[@themanof83]

I've struggled to find the words to express how I felt after taking on Ventoux 6 times in a day this year, but they seem to come to you so elegantly and succinctly. Beautiful video/story Mike, onwards and upwards!

[@keithburt7874]

Respect

[@rachidguemanou522]

Good to see you back. You changed a bit. And, you still fit:)

[@kevinthomson6324]

Was just thinking 2 days ago there hasn’t been a col collective video for a while…. And here you are. Perfect timing

[@fwcustoms5997]

Hi Mike , nothing is so emotional like climbing in big moutains . Its best medicine for our soul . Only cyclist understand that . What a great story ,you are a climbing monster . 4.56 min my big love , the stelvio . Keep on pedaling , best regards from Cologne

[@gomezolkusz]

Thank you Mike for telling your story in such a beautiful way.

[@panospeter_pan4257]

All cats are angels

[@justindavidson9314]

You’re a good man mike. Thanks for sharing.

[@avbvb2681]

What an inspirational insights. Thanks very much for sharing!!! 👍👍Also very nice to see that you're 'human' not ou of the sadle all the time. 😀

[@TheColCollective]

☺️

[@furai333]

Absolutely stunning and moving story telling! Hit a chord or two! Thanks for being so open and raw, really needed to hear a lot of what you said.

[@goriodeville9512]

Very beautyfull story Mike love to see your videos!! Greets

[@willshaughnessy8515]

Sorry for your loss Mike Haven't seen you post for some time... My Das past last year in the midst of covid.. I was caretaking him for 2 yrs then headed out to a family home in the Rocky Mountains.. I' was out on a ride when he did pass ..i rode longer trips thru peak to peak just to get some perspective It's still a tough go.. Can't imagine losing a brother ... Ride safe

[@pendergolf]

What a truly emotional story Mike and an amazing ride. Stay safe in these challenging times.

[@miguelcapelli1200]

Felicidades desde Granada. Un gran logro, una enorme superación al esfuerzo y sobre todo......una gran aventura.

[@TheColCollective]

🙏🏻

[@danwilliams6367]

Brilliant. ❤

[@talibe801]

Congratulations for your 10 years riding across the best cols in the world and thank you very much for sharing with cycling fans,around the world.

[@michaelbaumgartner2120]

Great to have you back! I really enjoy your videos, they are a huge inspiration for me. Keeps me dreaming in times where I can't go up the mountains.

[@carboncrank2250]

Missing these videos, hope all is well! Cheers from Florida

[@leroyyoder3494]

Mike, what a touching tribute! I have so missed not seeing your wonderful videos coming across my feed. Thank you for sharing something that is so intensely personal. Wishing Peace and Happiness to you and your family.

[@willmcgrane6359]

Welcome back, Mike. Thank you for the inspiration. Truly appreciated.

[@marcr7583]

Beautiful!

[@GoranAranđelović]

Mike, thanks for everything you're doing! From the early days of my own cycling journey your stories and endeavors inspired me to find myself and my life anchor. Keep going, keep cycling and let us enjoy all of yours future explorations!

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you Goran, I’m humbled by your words and support. Proud to have been part of your journey, that is incredibly powerful and special to me. Let’s keep exploring together my friend! 🐮🙏🏻

[@daveyoung6680]

Incredible, great story and amazing video, good to have you back Mike. I always look at my subscription sites and it was lovely to see a new video against the Col Collective, it's been a while

[@ianrobertson8514]

Inspirational content, Mike. You sitting on the meadow on top of the Aspin brought back fond memories for me in a similar frame of mind. I look forward to returning in the not too distant future.

[@drcrackers922]

Mike. It’s always so inspiring to watch you as you tackle the cold and tackle life. Thanks for all you’ve done with the Col Collective and others over the years. Have a wonderful Christmad

[@jonstainsby7747]

Thank you for this it has been powerful.

[@dtmcool]

I always “join” you on these rides Mike the editing and production is perfect and the emotions for mountains are wonderful. Thank you.

[@martinblake1134]

Amazing, you are a true inspiration!

[@MontrealsFinest]

Good to see you back!

[@aoe76]

You gave me the goosebumbs Mike. 🙏 such a strong story. Alan must have ment the World to You. ❤️ the filmning and scenery is on point, as always. Thank You from the flats of 🇩🇰.

[@charlydegaul8737]

I feel like I lost something if I don't ride mountains. Thank you for sharing all good videos

[@thelegotechnicchannel1256]

Wow you are back! Love it!

[@darrylthomas658]

Brilliant video and so inspirational 👏 💪

[@fizzeeyylololol]

mindblowing.

[@TheColCollective]

🙏🏻

[@macsdiving]

Inspirational Mike, thank you. Wise words at the end. I think it's great you don't care about the performance numbers and enjoyed the ride. Chapeau.

[@yodaandthebike5839]

Beautiful video, beautiful story.

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you kindly 🙏🏻

[@lkrgsftds]

19:51 was that a falling star? Maybe someone from above wanted to give a message.. Amazing effort Mike, thank you for sharing your story with us.

[@pomaranczowyinterceptor6661]

Mike, thank you for all the good movies and climbs. Your videos are the motivation for training. I just realized that in the intro of my last movie, where we are riding trainers, there is your movie in the background. Best regards from Poland..and see you sometime on the road

[@mattrobinson716]

Welcome back and thank you for this amazing beautiful film.

[@janbaijer8446]

Shivers … Beautiful, thank you !

[@boblambert7889]

That’s beautiful Mike, beautiful story, beautiful scenery and beautifully shot. Nice that your back.

[@garethjones3806]

Great video; amazing cols and meaningful story. You inspired me to ride many cols through France and Italy and Spain. Peace and love.

[@carlstatham594]

Very inspiring. Beautifully done and thought through. Even the logo is very special

[@jpeezie169]

I wish you peace and strength on your journey. God's speed.

[@joverde2159]

Great video, I hope it is the start of new videos on the channel !

[@JohnLee-vj9lh]

Great video Mike thanks for sharing 👍👍🚲🚲

[@Chreeeys]

I really miss your videos mate!

[@joffbrown]

Great video really have missed these videos more please

[@KoenMiseur]

Awesome video and beautiful pictures! Hope to see more video's soon, I've been waiting for a long time!

[@TheKressler]

Moving story. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@braddemarco8040]

Thanks for sharing, very moving. My riding now is more escapism, trying to find my reconnection. Happy holidays.

[@robinseibel7540]

Just beautiful. Thanks for sharing this.

[@MrGromac]

YOU THa man!!!!