Have you ever wondered what it really takes to cycle 1,000km across some of the toughest mountain passes in Europe?
In this episode of Where We Ride, Lee Bibring and Georgia Bullard are joined by endurance cyclist, entrepreneur and founder of The Col Collective, Mike Cotty, to explore the mindset, resilience and personal experiences behind some of cycling's biggest challenges.
Mike takes us through his incredible 1,000km Road to Mont Blanc challenge, riding across 21 mountain passes, climbing around 24,000 metres and completing the entire journey without sleep. He shares the mindset that allowed him to keep moving forward, why he focused on taking the challenge one pedal stroke at a time, and how sometimes the biggest battle is simply staying present in the moment.
The conversation also explores Mike's journey from engineering and British Aerospace to working in cycling marketing and eventually creating The Col Collective, one of the best-known resources for cyclists exploring Europe's mountains.
Mike opens up about the more personal side of cycling too, including losing his brother and how a 2011 ride across the Pyrenees became a turning point in processing grief, changing his perspective on life and beginning a completely new chapter.
From endurance cycling and mental resilience to mountain adventures, cycling as therapy and finding purpose through exploration, this episode offers plenty of inspiration for anyone looking to push themselves beyond their comfort zone.
In this episode:
• Mike Cotty's 1,000km Road to Mont Blanc challenge• Cycling 21 mountain passes and 24,000m of elevation• Riding 1,000km without sleep• The mindset behind ultra-endurance cycling• Taking challenges one pedal stroke at a time• Mental resilience and staying focused under pressure• Cycling as escapism, therapy and creativity• Mike's journey from engineering to the cycling industry• The story behind The Col Collective• Processing grief through cycling and adventure• Why bigger and harder challenges aren't always the answer• Exploring Europe's greatest cycling climbs• Pic du Midi de Bigorre, Col de la Nivolet and Nebelhorn• Preparing for the Étape du Tour• Fuel, heat, altitude and managing risk• Adventure cycling, self-discovery and pushing beyond your comfort zone
Where We Ride is one of the UK's favourite cycling podcasts, powered by Love Velo and bringing you inspiring cycling experiences, unforgettable cycling journeys, and the people who make cycling what it is.
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