Passo Gavia (Bormio) - Cycling Inspiration & Education

Рет қаралды 143,392

9 жыл бұрын

Steeped in Italian cycling history the Passo Gavia is one of the most feared and famous climbs in the Giro d’Italia, first used in 1960 and regularly stirring up its snowy mischief ever since. I got to sample that first-hand back in the (so called) summer of 2009 as I grovelled up its slopes from Bormio during an event called The Race Across The Alps, one of my first forays into the world of endurance road cycling. The fact that the day before was idilic and yet just a handful of hours later it was worse than mid-winter is testament to the Gavia’s prowess at being able to throw a tantrum at a moment’s notice. So why do I find myself returning so often? Its unpredictability is all part of the draw and if you catch it on a good day I can guarantee the memory of its rugged landscape, unique challenge and the natural beauty of the Lago Bianco (white lake) at the summit will soothe your soul forever. Without question a truly inspirational mountain.
Start: Bormio
Length: 25.6km
Summit: 2,621m
Valley: 1,217m
Elevation: 1,404m
Max gradient: 11%
Thank you to our partners Mavic, Cannondale, Exposure Lights, Fi’zi:k, Haute Route, La Fuga, Lezyne, Map My Tracks, Muc Off, Scicon, The Sufferfest, Torq Fitness and USE for enabling us to bring these wonderful mountains to life for you all.
For more help and advice visit our website at thecolcollective.com, become part of our col community and sign up for our free newsletter for monthly updates.
Never miss a video, subscribe to our KZfaq channel or get in touch on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. We’d love to hear from you.
Stay well, ride safe and thank you for watching.
Mike Cotty
The Col Collective

Пікірлер: 88

@64pepara 5 жыл бұрын

Impresionante el Passo Gavia, en el 2014 los lagos de arriba estaban helados en Junio , las vistas y la orografía espectaculares, sin duda un puerto que todo ciclista quisiera hacer en la vida, salu2 desde España!!!

@oscargerardogalindomarquez5615 4 жыл бұрын

Espectacular, hermoso. Algún día subiré, este idílico puerto. Saludos a todos aquellos amantes del ciclismo. Gracias.

@ianbowden615 9 жыл бұрын

Another great film. Can't wait until August when I shall be climbing the Gavia.

@Charles_on_the_Line 9 жыл бұрын

great job on this one mike thanks for the share. climb climb climb!

@rik20091 9 жыл бұрын

Landscapes and your description are food for the soul

@TheColCollective 9 жыл бұрын

The mountains are the medicine for life Ricardo!

@rik20091 9 жыл бұрын

Exactly!

@Phaidrus 9 жыл бұрын

Marvelous, thanks!

@rahulkota1 9 жыл бұрын

Super work again, brilliant video, Mike Cotty seriously good to see your rides, the little pun on the road-sign will win you some more fans...doubt you would lose any with the videos that you give...Super work...keep them coming :)

@TheColCollective 9 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your continued support Rahul and for appreciating the sign stop ;-)

@miguelcapelli1200 8 жыл бұрын

Gracias a estos magníficos reportajes, mi hermano y yo hemos ido al norte de Italia, donde hemos subido desde Pratto al Stelvio y desde Bormio Passo di Gavia.

@TheColCollective 8 жыл бұрын

Gracias Miguel!

@Phaidrus 7 жыл бұрын

5:00 OMG!

@Robert1091995 9 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video as always, Mike, keep them coming. I'm off to the Dolomites this summer, can't wait to do the Gavia, Stelvio, Pordoi, Tonale, Zoncolan, Grappa et al!

@MikeCotty 9 жыл бұрын

Thanks Rob. Sounds to me like you have some sweet rides lined up! Good luck!

@steveharris3653 10 ай бұрын

brilliant work on passo Gavia I’m staying In Bormio and doing it tomorrow-hope the weather is as good as yours!!

@TheColCollective 6 ай бұрын

Niiiiice!! Sorry for the slow reply! Did you have good weather?? 🤞🏼

@VanHekTrading 9 жыл бұрын

Thanks The Col Collective for making these beautiful video's! Looking forward to my trip to Bormio in June.

@TheColCollective 9 жыл бұрын

OirschotEquip Roll on summer!!! Let's RIDE! :-)

@TheColCollective 9 жыл бұрын

+Jure Hribar To be honest there really isn't much to choose from either option both climbs and descents are spectacular. I guess it comes down to what is easier logistically, e.g. where you'll be staying etc. Either way, all sides of the Stelvio and Gavia need to be ridden at some point in your life. They are the rules! :-)

@richycoles 9 жыл бұрын

fair play I've not seen a dud video on this site...always top stuff. I wish I could get out there this summer..

@MikeCotty 9 жыл бұрын

Cheers Richy. Glad you're enjoying our stuff. Ride safe. Mike

@paololo7385 3 жыл бұрын

Fantastico !!!

@leedorney 9 жыл бұрын

Great vid. You're soo Pro. Great view at end...

@TheColCollective 9 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your support Lee. Views at the top are so special!

@MikeCotty 9 жыл бұрын

+Kosio Varbenov Great to hear you're enjoying the vids! We've got the Giau online already and have more from the Dolomites coming soon. Tre Cime di Laverado is on our list. Fingers crossed we can ride that amazing mountain this season. Thank you for your support. Mike

@Balayafull 9 жыл бұрын

All of your videos are so nice! They are really motivational and are loaded with tips and tricks. I envy your climbing style :D, you make it look so easy. Keep up the good work, I look forward to new videos!

@TheColCollective 9 жыл бұрын

Thank you Jasper, we really appreciate your support. Stay well. Mike

@koDiacc 9 жыл бұрын

The Col Collective its nice to see that even you as a really strong rider opting for 34/28!

@TheColCollective 9 жыл бұрын

koDiacc For sure! The easier it is to keep your legs turning the more efficiently you'll climb! Stay well, Mike

@richardbrighton3381 4 ай бұрын

Glad to see that the Stelvio isn't the only Col out of Bormio! Heading there in July and cannot wait!

@TheColCollective 4 ай бұрын

Absolutely. Check out Laghi di Cancano too, an absolute gem!

@richardbrighton3381 4 ай бұрын

@@TheColCollective - thanks for the tip - a true mini-Stelvio! On my list 🙂

@TheColCollective 4 ай бұрын

Enjoy!!!

@EKcyclist 5 жыл бұрын

A fantastic video, as always, Mike! Having seen the pics of the Gavia as it was removed from the 2019 Giro parcours, it's so difficult to equate the scenes you experienced with the 3 metres of snow just now (May 2019). Absolutely amazing!

@superluvver3 3 жыл бұрын

Gavia can be bitterly cold,I did it may 2019 with snow walls. It's so cold you go numb.best time is July to September like what Mike did , then it is undescribably great.its the best climb I've ever done.

@EKcyclist 3 жыл бұрын

@@superluvver3 thanks for the advice 👍

@snookerbg 9 жыл бұрын

Great job Mike, I've watched all of your videos and they are so beautiful and spiritual in a way, so a thank you from me! Is there any chance of videos on Tre Cime or Giau or anything in that area of the Dolomites? Cheers

@Sprocketboy1956 9 жыл бұрын

Another beautiful video of a gorgeous climb. The Gavia (shades of Hampsten!) is on my to-do list but if Michael Cotty needs a 34-28 I may need to order an E-BIke to ride this.

@TheColCollective 9 жыл бұрын

Ha, too funny Leslie. Take your time, enjoy the moment and you'll be great! M

@superluvver3 4 жыл бұрын

Get a triple or a long cage rear derailler with a 32 or 34! Its so spectacular in real life. If you start from santa caterina its easier to warm up.also it is sunny but cold so its easier to go harder. I get goosbumps watching mikes videos even after ive done it!

@andrewf8414 6 жыл бұрын

Did this a couple of weeks ago, it's deceptive to say the least - 5.5% includes a fair bit of flat/downhill which really skews the average. Nice until you get to the village but the switchbacks up to the top are brutal! Maximum of 11% seems low to me, we were all reading 12-16% at times on various different GPS devices especially on the corners. It's also a bit of a sketchy descent at times (back to Bormio) especially the first couple of miles from the top with terrible road surfaces, large drops, lots of motorbikes and no barriers to stop you! The weather also changed from glorious sunshine in Bormio to cloud and cold at the top. Still a highly recommended climb, although I did prefer the Stelvio if I'm honest.

@guymorris6596 Жыл бұрын

I personally wouldn't be worried about the descents because I'd be taking them nice and easy not riding balls to the walls.

@lucafranchi2027 8 жыл бұрын

Next time you must try Mortirolo pass from Monno, a little village near Ponte di Legno. Great job guy!

@Schlingsi 9 жыл бұрын

Wow how nice does it look up the top! I love my 34x32... need it daily so I can keep spinning.

@TheColCollective 9 жыл бұрын

Spin to win :-)

@angelobusillo5352 5 жыл бұрын

Sei un grande ESEMPIO

@stephenm8270 9 жыл бұрын

Surely you should be getting sponsorship from the local tourist board and flight companies."you wouldn't want to be anywhere else" no your right ! I'm booking my flights now ! Bring on the pain and suffering, heightened senses and emotions.....I want to feel alive again !

@tentifr 6 жыл бұрын

4:54 ohh ive been there last year, i went by car tho lol... btw, there is a restaurant in that yellow building, and that was some of the best food ive ever eaten, i'm gpoing to bormio again in a week and ill surely get up there again.. maybe with an e-bike i can do it lol

@TurkiyeCumhurbaskani 9 жыл бұрын

I use compact crank too 34/50 and 11-28T cassette, works for me at any mountain, including short distance %20 grades

@TheColCollective 9 жыл бұрын

***** Good setup there Cornelius!

@dominicbritt 4 жыл бұрын

Love these videos, but wish the music was less intrusive as it detracts from the amazing visuals

@mogglie 9 жыл бұрын

Whats the namn song in the beginning?

@djjackjones1 7 жыл бұрын

I struggle with a compact and a 11-32, never mind a 28 lol

@alpinisme07 2 ай бұрын

you're frequently riding on the wrong side of the road, my friend, it's Italy, not the UK. 'd be nice to do this, still on my wish-list.

@lucferrari3109 7 жыл бұрын

On the way up from Bormio, are there spots where you can fill your water bottles (without the need to entering a café or something like that) ?

@superluvver3 3 жыл бұрын

Lots of spots,there is water everywhere except after the middle of august,there is water after st Antonio on the right before Santa Caterina,that stretch is thirsty.the views are out of the park,beware gavia is really cold even on a sunny day ,the decents especially,but it is a beautiful magical place if you like nature and mountains.

@josediaspinto7438 9 жыл бұрын

Can you tell me the name of the music in this vid? By the way, which part do you favour more, the ascent, or the descent?

@TheColCollective 9 жыл бұрын

Hi José, we're glad you like the music. We use a library of songs many of which are not available commercially, but the names of the two tracks in this video are Atmospheric Dubstep (artist unknown) & Epic Inspiring 2 by Dmitri Simf. Now you are asking a difficult question, climbing is what cycling to me is all about, the descent is the reward for all the hard effort, I think having put the work in climbing to the summit, just makes the descents all the more enjoyable. Both to me are equally as enjoyable just in different ways. Mike.

@josediaspinto7438 9 жыл бұрын

The Col Collective Hi Mike, thank you for your answer. I watched the video of the descent, and to me personally, it seemed more technical, not only due to the (bad) tarmac, and traffic, but also in the way that you have to be much more confident on your skills, to blast down the Gavia at 70km/h. I mean, it is more thrilling, but also more nerve wrecking?

@MikeCotty 9 жыл бұрын

You're right, the descent needs a lot of respect. The road surface is so nasty, no barriers and super narrow all add up to make it a thrilling ride. It's a descent that you really do need full concentration on at all times. If in doubt, slow down a touch and enjoy the view! :-)

@JureHribar 9 жыл бұрын

Hi Mike. What would you prefer or advice. Prato -> Stelvio -> Gavia -> Ponte di Legno or the other way Ponte di Legno -> Gavia -> Stelvio -> Prato? Love your videos!

@jonasdecraene7908 7 жыл бұрын

I have done both sides of the Stelvio and the Gavia from Ponte di Legno. From your options, I would go from Ponte di Legno to Prato. The Stelvio might be better from Prato, but that is outweighed by the difference in the two sides of the Gavia... Because: 1. The climb from Bormio to S. Catharina is just daft, 2. Descending the Gavia to Ponte di Legno is certainly not an easy one, 3. Most parts of the descent to Bormio are fast and safe. Have fun! And don't forget the Umbrail.

@_Winterz 9 жыл бұрын

Great vid, great climb, and great music! As always! Any updates about a Spotify playlist? :)

@TheColCollective 9 жыл бұрын

Winterz691 Thanks for your support. Unfortunately we're not having much joy with Spotify. Although we're always thinking about how it may be possible to share the soundtracks. Just can't find a solution :-(

@_Winterz 9 жыл бұрын

The Col Collective Oh, maybe on SoundCloud?

@TheColCollective 9 жыл бұрын

Winterz691 Main problem we have is we don't have the rights to distribute the music we've licensed further than the videos we use them for. Sorry about that.

@nightfly222 8 жыл бұрын

+The Col Collective no way of sending to iTunes with a list? I have no problem paying for it.

@TheColCollective 8 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately not, we don't own the music or have the rights :-(

@srennejmann826 9 жыл бұрын

What saddle bag is that? And does it fit 2 tubes? :-)

@TheColCollective 9 жыл бұрын

Søren Nejmann It's the Pod Caddy S/M from Lezyne. It's good for one tube, tyre levers and a multi tool. If you pack some glueless patches too in there then you should be covered. Ride safe, Mike

@netfischer 9 жыл бұрын

Any plans on doing my local mountain, Passo del Rombo/Timmelsjoch?

@TheColCollective 9 жыл бұрын

Keeping our fingers crossed we'll be able to one day! :-)

@ianrob4760 9 жыл бұрын

all this is making me think of Italy rather than the Prynees for 2016.

@TheColCollective 9 жыл бұрын

Ooh, crikey, tough decisions but whatever you go for I have no doubt you'll have an incredible time!

@ianrob4760 9 жыл бұрын

just the views look spectacular but get a taxi down :-)

@akshayhungenahally6100 6 жыл бұрын

I wonder if the deceptive sign is an old world war 1/2 tactic??

@tentifr 6 жыл бұрын

nah man, thats a 20 year old sign at max, here in italy we make dumb mistakes all the time

@nicofico88 3 жыл бұрын

@2:30 ahhahaah

@cosimogritti18 5 жыл бұрын

Scherzo

@Hakan-xv6qm 9 жыл бұрын

0:08 name of this song?

@davewyman 4 жыл бұрын

Hakan 2008 sunrise - samvel

@tedder42 9 жыл бұрын

it's snowy mischief = "it is snowy mischief" its snowy mischief = "snowy mischief [owned by the mountain]"

@TheColCollective 9 жыл бұрын

Of course, thanks for the spot....description has been updated, it's been a long day getting the latest videos finished. Serious square eyes squinting at the screen. Ride safe. Mike

@tedder42 9 жыл бұрын

The Col Collective totally! thanks for the vids.