Pikes Peak (Colorado) - Cycling Inspiration & Education

I’d been captivated and intrigued by Pikes Peak ever since I saw legendary Manx TT racer Guy Martin thrash his motorbike up to its 14,115ft / 4,302m summit to win the International Pikes Peak Hill Climb a few years back. The fact that his bike was coughing and spluttering due to the lack of oxygen meant that I knew it was going to be a challenge, and one that I hadn’t faced before at this kind of altitude.
Starting from the Pikes Peak Gateway you’re just a few metres lower in elevation than the top of the Stelvio, and that’s even before you get going! Winding your way deeper into the Pike National Forest the spectacle of the mountain starts to unfold before your eyes. Crystal Reservoir gives a moment of respite before the road pitches up once more and you join the Hill Climb course, and the 156 bends that lie ahead from here to the summit. The gradient may only average 6.5% but that’s not what this climb is all about. The oxygen starved atmosphere makes the going much harder. Pacing is crucial, as is staying well fuelled and hydrated over its 19 miles (30.5km).
It's crazy to think that this road has only been open to cyclists since 2013. It’s a sensory overload from start to finish, definitely one of the best climbs in North America and, if the truth be known, I’d say it’s one of the best in the world.
Start: Pikes Peak Gateway
Length: 19 miles / 30.5km
Summit: 14,115ft / 4,302m
Elevation gain: 6,315ft / 1,925m
Average gradient: 6.5%
Max gradient: 13%
Ridden in September
Thank you to our partners Mavic, Cannondale, Exposure Lights, Fi’zi:k, Haute Route, Lezyne, Map My Tracks, Muc Off, Scicon, The Sufferfest, TORQ and USE for enabling us to bring these truly special mountains to life for you all. If you're in need of new bike kit in the future and you enjoyed this video then bear them in mind and help keep the wheels turning :-)
For more help and advice visit our website at thecolcollectiv..., become part of our col community and sign up for our free newsletter for monthly updates.
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Stay well, ride safe and thank you for watching.
Mike Cotty
The Col Collective
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[@CrankyNebelung]

I just peaked this mountain yesterday, the hardest ride of my life so far. It was August 24th 2022, this video inspire me to do it! Thank you ! 🚲

[@noahpeters6266]

How long did it take?

[@GeminiXT]

The real hero to me was a 75-year-old gentleman, whom I met half a mile before the summit. He was resting, really tired. We had a chat, we hopped on our bikes after maybe ten minutes , we both got to the summit. His name was Joe, it was August 25, 2015.

[@TheColCollective]

+GeminiXT Absolutely brilliant! Really great to hear that. Well done both of you!

[@mongofan1]

Incredible.

[@yearingolf]

He was probably on epo

[@groupeone23]

Thank you for this and all your marvelous videos. I used to live in Colorado Springs (and was lucky to live in a home about 2,000 ft. above the city). If you plan to ride up Pikes Peak, I urge you to spend up to a week getting acclimated to the high altitude and extremely dry and thin air. The altitude in the center of Colorado Springs is 6,035 ft. From experience, that feels like an order of magnitude higher than Denver (5,280 feet). WEATHER WARNING: In the summer, I urge you to get an early start on your ride. Most days along the front range of the Rocky Mountains dawn with crystal clear skies, with at most a faint wisp of clouds above the summit of Pikes Peak. That seems perfect, almost benign. But I can tell you from experience that in a matter of a few hours as the plains below Pikes Peak heat up in the summer sun, that the updrafts meeting the cold air flowing over the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains will turn those wispy clouds into menacing dark green thunderstorm anvils. Colorado Springs is notorious in the mid- to late afternoons for explosive thunderstorms that develop astonishingly quick. In particular, Colorado Springs has one of the highest counts of lightning strikes anywhere in the world, something you should heed carefully. If that's not enough, violent hailstorms can accompany the thunderstorms, pummeling cyclists and motorists with punishing, even dangerous torrents of baseball size (and baseball hard) icy hailstones. A friend owns the biggest auto body repair shop in Colorado Springs, and I have often seen cars exposed to hailstorms that looked like a golf ball. Take that seriously. One Saturday, I was driving to Colorado Springs from Denver when a powerful hailstorm struck. I got as far as the US Air Force Academy along Interstate 25 before traffic fully stopped. With menacing, gigantic dark grey-green thunderclouds above, the skies dumped three feet of hailstones in 15 minutes, completely stopping traffic. I peeled off and drove through Black Forest and the Air Force Academy to spare my car from the worst of the hail. As I did, I saw a large group of cyclists on a charity Century ride from Denver to Pueblo, helplessly exposed to the intense hailstorm. It was there that I saw a retired B-52 bomber on static display. Huddled beneath it were at least 100 cyclists seeking protection under its huge fuselage and wings. As this video points out, once you are above treeline, you are exposed to the elements: wind, sun, cold air, and on bad days, rain, thunder, lightning, and snow. Be sure to dress accordingly. It can be hot in Colorado Springs below, but quite cold at the summit. Also, the high altitude combined with the thin, dry air of Pikes Peak can give you a bad sunburn, even on cloudy days. Be sure to have good polarized sunglasses (I'm a big fan of Maui Jim, and also recommend Vaurnet sunglasses - if they are good enough for The Dude, they're good enough for you!) and plenty of sunscreen. As you can see from the video, you might have to dress more heavily than you normally do. Check with local bike shops on what to wear for the time you are there. I can't stress the importance of hydration enough. Until you have ridden at the altitudes of the Rockies, you won't appreciate how much the extremely thin, dry air can absolutely dehydrate you. If you get acclimated to the altitude and dry air, prepare correctly, bring plenty of fluids, food, proper clothing, and get an early start, the ascent of Pikes Peak is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As this video shows, it's a doable ride with not too many steep parts. But the immense altitude and altitude change will challenge even the strongest climber. While you are in Colorado Springs, set aside time to ride through the Garden of the Gods and the US Air Force Academy. Both are sites of some famous races and offer spectacular scenery. In particular, the Air Force Academy was the site for the 1986 World Cycling Championships (won by Moreno Agrentin of Italy). The roads and terrain inside the Air Force Academy are excellent. On the east part of Colorado Springs is the Team USA | 7-11 Velodrome, a concrete outdoor facility that hosted the track events for the 1986 World Championships. It's where the US Olympic Team track riders frequently practice and race.

[@mickelkobeck7376]

I am spending the entire month of June in Denver. Do you think I will be able to get acclimated for an attempt on either Mt. Evans or Pikes Peak in that amount of time?

[@brauljo]

​@mickelkobeck7376 They literally said you need up to a week.

[@primozzevnik7427]

My friend Will did it in august 2024. I am so proud of him. He trained for it the whole spring.

[@fabiomgbr]

Tks Col Collective... to bring this to my eyes!! I have to share that I almost cry (sometimes indeed) every single video you make... We're so insignificant, and biking is the best way to learn and respect that!! Tks a lot!!

[@TheColCollective]

+Fabio Guimaraes We feel the same Fabio. Ride safe my friend. Mike

[@TurkiyeCumhurbaskani]

You're cameraman doing also a great job

[@TurneyUK]

Beautiful. To have the road with not traffic must be truely special.

[@knudharmlos7407]

This is real cycling! Thanks for sharing

[@mackmettille]

"the vast expanse of the landscape can feel like a lonely place... keep the faith." This video has inspired me even further to work towards moving to Colorado when I finish college in 2 years.

[@jordanwillis243]

Did you ever make it out to Colorado?

[@tobortine]

Just amazing. I've driven up this mountain and I'm in awe of your climb on a bike.

[@richycoles]

I dare anyone with any love of cycling and the great outdoors to give this a thumbs down! Absolute genius idea to do this climb. Awesome work guys.

[@dxr2002]

Welcome to the states Mike. Ive been waiting to see one of your climbs here stateside! And of course you did another awesome tutorial

[@TheColCollective]

+dxr2002 Thank you. M

[@squatchy69]

I have tried this climb twice and each time the weather beat us to death. Below zero and 30 MPH winds. Great job guys!!

[@MikeCotty]

Wow, we got very lucky. Hope you get a good weather window next time!! Ride safe. M

[@elmotociclista9296]

so beautiful, thanks for sharing

[@TheColCollective]

+Felipe Montoya You're very welcome. Thank you for watching. Mike

[@jaredfontaine2002]

Why don't I have your job? Man you are lucky...

[@paulmcc2006]

This time last week I cycled up Pikes Peak. The weather was perfect and it was a great experience. Its a great feeling when you get to the top.

[@alluvialfan294]

Thanks Mike and the team

[@MikeCotty]

You're welcome!

[@gregnauss4728]

Truly amazing. Thanks for showcasing what America has to offer

[@ChuiStrong]

Love it. Great work, excellent scenery.I've been following your work since your survival guides. Thanks Mike.

[@MikeCotty]

Wow, that's a long time. Thanks for being part of the journey!

[@user-yn5sk5ru5g]

Thanks for another amazing climb, keep 'm coming Mike!

[@janmaciejko]

Thanks Mike it is absolutely astonishing views and ride .

[@TheColCollective]

+John Maciejko Glad you enjoyed it John! :-)

[@mainst531]

For a fellow ex-athlete pushing 50, it's awesome to have short videos to get me on the treadmill on those "down" days...from the production quality to the locales, these vids are top quality. (Gotta like the shot where he rides past the wild buck) Keep up the good work...

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you so much for your comment, we started this project to help encourage and inspire our fellow athletes and nature lovers so we are thrilled you are enjoying the videos! Much appreciated!

[@yanniskouretas8688]

Well worth the wait for this one - every new climb is a treat - thanx Mike , you're the reason I left my beloved highways for the narrow snake-like strips of mountain roads . You've made me a better cyclist.

[@TheColCollective]

+Yannis Kouretas So good to hear Yannis! Good job out there! Mike

[@alexmichl3137]

Another great video. Your are my isnpiration i hope one day i can climb all these mountains, thats my dream i hope it will come true. Thank you and Enjoy the ride !!

[@didiercharaudeau2225]

Bravo Mike! J'espère un jour aller dans ton beau pays juste pour monter Pikes Peak et le Col de l'Indépendance. Merci pour ces moments de bonheur

[@SergioInlight]

Awesome video! Great work. Thanks

[@SashaTromsa]

This is probably the best video TCC has done yet. The climb itself and the way it's captures is so intense, that I completely forgot about the cup of black tea standing right beside the laptop. It went cold!! Chapeau Mike, kudos to TCC team!

[@TheColCollective]

+Sasha Tromsa Ha! Sorry for the cold tea! Glad you enjoyed it!! :-)

[@gilbertlopez6101]

I have only recently began to enjoy your videos, and living in the United States, I really enjoy the climbs you present from Europe. But to see Pike's Peak from your majestic perspective, gives it more life. Thanks for visiting and hope your return for more. Great video.

[@TheColCollective]

+Gilbert Lopez Thanks Gilbert! We'll be back! :-)

[@MrBasstiano]

Thanks for this great video! I love the amazing work of The Col Collective. Grettings from Chile!

[@miklostorok186]

The Pikes Peak going to my bucket list! Thank You guys!

[@TheColCollective]

+Miklós Török Enjoy!!

[@jorgeneves2447]

Fantastic.... Great music and images !

[@TheColCollective]

+Jorge Neves Glad you enjoyed it Jorge. M

[@MrSpecializedMen]

+The Col Collective , Mike, you must come to my country ( Portugal ) and climb the beautiful " Serra da Estrela ". You will enjoy it! Your vídeos are an inspiration for me ! THANKS a lot !!!

[@GeminiXT]

Great documentary!. I did Pikes Peak myself from the Santa's Workshop to the summit on my aluminum frame, commuter bike in August 2015. I'm not a roadie, mostly MTBer . I did not have a support team to document my effort, but that's ok. I took brakes to do it myself... The funny thing is that the gift shop at the summit has t shirts and other memorabilia for folks who drove in cars or rode up the Pikes Peak on their motorcycles, but no souvenirs for cyclist, who pedaled up the America's Mountain on their own!

[@TheColCollective]

+GeminiXT They need some souvenirs for us cyclists too! :-)

[@rugbymurf]

+ GeminiXT Wow! I'm so impressed. I've done Mount Evans, but only from the Lake, not Idaho Springs. But am still working up the courage to attempt Pikes Peak eventually.

[@GeminiXT]

+Jill Murphy IMHO, if you did Mount Evans you should have no problem with Pikes Peak. It's good to remember, that the Pikes Peak highway has been open to bicyclists on daily basis, only since Jan.2013. A couple of years ago, when I was in Evergreen, CO I missed an opportunity to do Mount Evans, because of a hip injury, so that is still on my to-do list, but Pikes Peak again, for sure. Good luck!

[@TheColCollective]

+Jill Murphy Agreed with +GerminXT below, if you've got Mount Evans in the legs then you can make Pikes Peak! Go for it Jill! :-)

[@Mububban23]

Maybe a souvenir oxygen bottle and face mask for cyclists :-D

[@Vincent-fb5cm]

Im so envious when I see videos of people like you climbing gorgeous hill roads with spectacular European backdrops. Now I am more than ecstatic that you have come to the states. Rides such as these, though a couple states away, are much more obtainable. It makes me proud to see the best part of my country on such a well made viseo. And more to come! Thank you for all you do. I love this channel. I look forward to each upload as a child looks forward to Christmas.

[@TheColCollective]

+Vincent C You've got some incredible climbs over there Vincent. I can't wait to explore more and make another 25 or so days per year feel like Christmas ;-) Thanks for your support. Mike

[@louiswassong211]

Another great inspirational video! Thanks

[@kimberlyanderson3346]

Welcome to Colorado!!!!

[@rahulkota1]

Simply super work @Mike Cotty, beautiful mountain, what a route, wonderful views and what a fantastic work from the team to share such work with us...Kudos and thanks :) ... oh the clear deep blue sky again the cycling silhouette of Mike looks awesome, that's what everyone think of when they are moving up the mountain, that picture holds all the feeling...super stuff

[@MikeCotty]

Thank you Rahul, really appreciate your continued support. M

[@Streetglider7]

Great video. I recall driving my custom 62 sunroof beetle up there once many years ago. Was light-headed when I got to the top. Can't imagine riding up that grade.

[@9068669]

I'm a big fan of all of your films. I am fortunate to live in Colorado Springs and have suffered up this climb a few times since the road has opened to cyclists. What a beast it is! I feel like such an underdog grinding up this mountain. The sense of accomplishment reaching the summit is totally worth the pain. Thank you so much for filming this climb so beautifully. You did a great job of capturing the struggle. I hope you had a great cycling experience in Colorado!

[@MikeCotty]

Colorado is wonderful. Hope to be back again someday. Thank you for your appreciation and support. Mike

[@TurkiyeCumhurbaskani]

Thanks Mike this is awesome!!

[@MikeCotty]

Thank you Cornelius. M

[@lobo241us]

I drove up Pikes Peak and was intimidated by it. You're a Rock Star!

[@denisfaure-brac2403]

Simply amazing. The col collective give us so much inspiration. Loving your work

[@MikeCotty]

Thank you Denis :-)

[@juditheneric8811]

Pfff, I was three days a bit of beat, checking The Col Collective for the new vid. But at the end, as always it was worth the wait. Thanks again for a beautiful video and giving us that sferical pastime while watching. Longing for sun again though!

[@TheColCollective]

+eric.judith Vogt We are sooooo longing for the sun again. Winter in the UK is killing me! Roll on summer and more mountains! :-)

[@anthonyhomercycling]

Was about ti go climb my mountains then i saw this new upload. Im so pumped now!!! Kudosed!!! So good

[@1048mills]

Epic! Thank you for doing and posting!🚴🚴

[@ti0chema]

Did it today from Home, Manitou SpringsI only was able to get to the Crystal Reservoir when it started to snow, light but enough to make me turn back.. Just to keep it on the safe side. Will definitely go back when the weather gets little better!!! Thanks for the video!.

[@orlandocyclingmagazine7455]

Amazing! Another great video. Shared in 3, 2, 1...done!

[@andreascarmona]

Mike Cotty ! spot on man , always the right words , all your short films are so truthful , no two of them are the same but equally motivating ! my best wishes my friend , see you out there on the lonely road !!

[@ryansharpe8368]

Awesome mike thanks for that I think that would have go on bucket list!! stunning!

[@JosephofColorado]

Can't wait to do this climb in a couple weeks!

[@charliehall6469]

Incredible. My friend has been sending links to the Col Collective for the past year or so. They are fantastic. Very inspirational. I am trying to get my friend interested in doing this one! It is on my "must do" list now. Thank you for putting together such great videos.

[@TheColCollective]

+Charlie Hall Do it, it's AMAZING!

[@kellyoram6220]

Welcome to the neighborhood Mike! You and your team did yet another fantastic job. I'm just over the hill in Salt Lake City and am happy you are doing some of our Rocky Mountain climbs. You and your team are an inspiration!

[@TheColCollective]

+Kelly Oram Fantastic! We love Salt Lake City!

[@fiddleronthebike]

wow, great climb, great video!!! After I have seen this... I MUST go there :-)

[@MikeCotty]

You really won't be disappointed. It's an absolutely incredible mountain!

[@UniKid14]

That was a 180" mule deer you jumped in the first part of the video. Holy smokes...

[@Charles_on_the_Line]

welcome to usa mike! great video as usual!

[@nationsnumber1chump]

Oh yeah! America here we go!

[@gregberan7674]

Great video! I just spent two weeks in Colorado for work and squeezed this ride in on the weekend. Probably the most incredible ride I've ever done. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@TheColCollective]

AWSOME! It's such a brilliant climb! Great job Greg!

[@garyives1218]

You were pretty lucky with the weather. it can change almost instantly at any time. A local told me she had been caught in a July (summer) snow storm near the summit. I got caught in a sleet storm and turned around just short of 13,000ft at the end of May. I froze as I was never off the brakes the entire descent. I rolled into Manitou springs so disoriented that it took me half an hour to locate my vehicle. I couldn't be happier for the experience though :) I have recommended even to some pretty good climbers to have a 34x32 because of the altitude + gradient double whammy

[@lbmcr]

as always great film.. and good to see other riders in the background..

[@tomasjonusas7408]

Very nice video. Inspiring!!

[@RonDGarrett]

Mike, you have my dream job. Thanks for this outstanding video. Looking forward to seeing your climb of Mt. Evans.

[@davidvalerio2388]

EXCELLENT VIDEO GOOD HIGH QUALITY,SOUND EFFECTS,EXCELLENT CLIMBING SKILLS AND MOST IMPORTANT MOTIVATED THANKS FOR THE SHARING THIS VIDEO"THE COL COLLECTIVE

[@spen4593]

Wow..you guys have done it again..set me off dreaming..great work Mike..I bet the lungs were screaming as loud as the legs! :)

[@josediaspinto7438]

It makes me wanna climb it...just to descend.

[@jpdrummer86]

This is my new inspiration to conquer this summit cycling. I'm a new colorado resident and a rookie to road cycling. This is definitely something to look up to and look forward to, fantastic video and thanks for sharing.

[@JustRideZipp2001]

All I can say is WOW ! thanks for sharing.

[@tracydraper9298]

This climb is on my Live It List... am heading up this summer to finish what I started. In 2013, new snow on the summit forced me to turn around at mile 13. This time I hope to get to the top. Great video; thanks for sharing it.

[@TheColCollective]

+Tracy Draper Good luck Tracy!

[@sikamt]

Just fantastic! Beautiful video,very motivating! Thanks.

[@mikerotch6157]

Imagine the ride down!

[@klixplus]

Really epic and one I have just added to my must climb list! Thank you Mike for all the inspiration to spread through the cycling world.

[@MikeCotty]

Keep watching and we'll try to keep riding! That's the rules!

[@klixplus]

+Mike Cotty Done deal! :)

[@mistersmith158]

Mike Cotty is a BEAST!!!! wow sir you amaze me each and every one of these videos. they are spectacular and cinematic. please keep them coming Col Collective. its good to see you here in USA. What's next here? Onion Valley Rd, Wheeler Peak, Mt Washington, Mt. Evans, Mt. Graham ?? Thanks again for the inspiration and entertainment all in one.

[@TheColCollective]

+Michael Smith You'll have to wait and see what we have coming next :-)

[@mistersmith158]

+The Col Collective I will keep an eye out for another great video.

[@nfd610]

Nice job, Mike, very impressive and inspiring videos. You are a machine!

[@TheColCollective]

+Robert Moore It's just clever camera work ;-)

[@phanibhusanmahapatra]

Quite amazing!...Would like to see Cotty pedalling to the Mouna Kea summit sometime.

[@MikeCotty]

Would LOVE to do that. If anyone can make that happen please get in touch! M

[@squatchy69]

You're such a monster dude. That's a tough ride. I've been blown/frozen off both times I have tried. You're killin it

[@casparwhittey]

Now you have to do Evans! That's another bucket list for sure :)

[@TheColCollective]

+casparwhittey For sure!!

[@gregdumanoir7735]

Heading up there tomorrow! Looking forward to it!

[@Mkluthe]

This motivates me. I’ll be doing the hill climb/race this August.

[@TheColCollective]

Good luck!!!!

[@nickspartan911]

well done mate ! what an incredible climb,truly inspirational to hacks like myself. Ride safe and god bless.

[@vegantony3913]

Wow thank you so much, now for the decent..

[@r.dalegriggs2084]

This is a dream of mine to be able to do this climb. So beautiful! Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@chrisjenkins1]

Well done!

[@TheColCollective]

Thank you sir.

[@mamocito]

Great video as always. Thanks for the continued hard (literally) work!

[@MikeCotty]

Thank you for your appreciation, it means so much to us. Ride safe. Mike

[@adelinebautista4913]

this is just great. you and all your crews are doing a great job.

[@stefancooper8748]

To quote the man himself, "This is unbelievable!"

[@eigobike3929]

A curious phenomenon you might notice with your Colorado adventures. The lower parts of many a mountain are steeper than the higher parts. This is particularly evident at ski areas where the tops of the lift serviced area is often bowled.

[@gorfano]

this guy might have the best job ever!

[@uphillmango]

Take me home country roads... Amazing ~~~

[@MrEric5452]

Wow, so amazing view...

[@getsomemtb7427]

Respect! 28 or 34 in the rear? This might become a bucket list after seeing this. Been waiting to see someone ride up. Brilliant!

[@TheColCollective]

+Bert Nunyabusiness I was on a 28 at the rear (34 on the front). Made the climb much more enjoyable, especially when the wind was coming straight at me and the gradient started to rise at high altitude. Ride safe, Mike

[@mongofan1]

Incredible climb! You are a beast! To others, I strongly recommend spending time at ever greater altitudes as you prepare for this climb to over 14,000 feet. Altitude sickness is a real possibility and can be life threatening if you push hard for extended periods at that altitude without having prepared ahead of time. And not just fitness but fitness at altitude. Incredible performance, here. Only in my dreams.

[@codypaul2495]

Parents told me not to run around up there when I was really young i would would get sick , so I did and got sick and threw up lol

[@ipikture]

The last year I helped worked the bike race, within two kilometers to the top we ended up with a blizzard, high winds and a lot of hypothermia. The first year we ran the race we had 70 mile an hour winds towards the top. Looks like you had a great day for your ride and film. Everyone worries about what they need going up make sure you have good or new brakes for the trip down.

[@TheColCollective]

At that altitude conditions are very volatile. Really great advice you give here. Going up is one thing, coming back down is often even harder!

[@kcarlson15]

I've climbed it. Will have to ride it for sure now!!

[@frankswildy]

Looks amazing...and really hard!

[@nicktode]

What an awesome video. I'm really glad to see you come to the U.S. and take on some of the toughest climbs here. Thank you for the excellent view of Pike's Peak. I believe you may have done Evans while you were here too. If so, I hope their is a video of that as well!

[@CycLokGlobal]

Excellent! Keep it up guys.

[@VegasCyclingFreak]

The ride back down would certainly be fun....

[@AgencyEric]

It is. Oh it is. Especially with how amazing shape 80% of the pavement is in!

[@VegasCyclingFreak]

Would be amazingly fun and probably a little scary for me too

[@tonyb4259]

Chapeau!

[@davidturlington1958]

absolutely incredible!!!

[@AdamJStoryDC]

Inspiring

[@CyclingDad]

Amazing vid! Well done.

[@saddanzeira]

Nice Mike!

[@kevinbraden9445]

Congratulations nice 👍 road show