Girona Pyrenees & Coll de la Creueta - Cycling Inspiration & Education

Today we're heading off on an adventure in an area I've been quietly intrigued by for quite some time but never really had a chance to explore, so we got the maps out and headed 100km northwest of Girona to the ancient village of Ribes de Freser in the Vall de Núria, Catalonia.

Such is the nature of every good exploration I wasn't quite sure what we'd find on the road, I'd only seen the Serra de Montgrony National Park in photos up until now so wondered if it would live up to expectations?

Naturally I was keen to find some climbs but instead of researching every pedal stroke of the way I was excited to head into the unknown, immerse myself in the landscape and let the day bring what it may. I could see the profile topped out at close to 2,000m elevation so with that in mind it would always be a good day!

Start: Ribes de Freser, Catalonia
Length: 98km
Highest point: 1,888m
Elevation gain: 2,088m

Main climb: Coll de La Creueta
Start: La Pobla de Lillet
Length: 21km
Summit: 1,888m
Elevation gain: 1,044m
Average gradient: 5.2%
Max gradient: 13%

I very much hope you enjoy the ride and one day you can explore this magnificent region for yourself. Until then, ride safe and enjoy!

Mike Cotty

Thank you to our partners Mavic, Cannondale, Exposure Lights, Lezyne, MyPower by InfoCrank, Muc Off, The Sufferfest, TORQ and USE for enabling us to bring these truly special moments 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 :-)


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Stay well, ride safe and thank you for watching.

Mike Cotty
The Col Collective

[Liubomyr]

Man this content is iconic. This is probably the best cycling videos I've ever seen, really. Every shot is a bless. And the fact it's been 7 years already makes it even more crazy. Thank you so much for your work guys!

[whateveronutube]

Goosebumps with every new video. What a wonderful Channel. !!!

[fantasys]

After several years I returned to never get tired of seeing these beautiful works of yours, I have a lot of nostalgia for this one, it is precisely my town where I was born. You passed through the Artigas gardens on the outskirts of Lillet... sculpted with natural works by the great architect Gaudi. The ancient historic cement train. You linked along the side of the old museum towards Castellar de n'Hug, Llobregat fountains. You will surely see some marmot in the Creueta natural park. Again, if you came back, try cutting right at the intersection after leaving gombreny towards the right direction Castellar de n"Hug through the Mataplana castle. You will surely like the ruins of the castle and the Mongrony Monastery;)

[saavirov]

Those scenery and music combination, result is stunning.

[DavidYamaha]

Amazing! That's why I love cycling. Thanks Mike!

[josieq]

Just marvelous!!.. And just as if the nature is not magnificent enough, you have these perfect matching background music that transport me to another universe!.. The universe of cycling!!..Thank you for such an amazing production with these videos!!..🙏🙏💕🌷💐💐🌺🌺

[Wyzbowski]

I have thoroughly enjoyed every single episode of this series. In the title you put the word inspiration, and it truly is. I'm now going to prep my bike for a ride tomorrow, unfortunately not in quite the stunning scenery of this vid! Keep theses amazing vids coming please.

[brunofiori]

Please, don't ever stop doing this, Cotty!!

[ChamBatJazz]

I love that moment on 8:26 and I love each video you create. Thank you Mike for your job and all The Col Collective team.

[leroyyoder]

Once again you make me long to be on European roads again! I always enjoyed getting on my bike whenever we made a port visit. Just get on and go, sometimes alone, sometimes with my buddies. New adventures and friends were in abundance. Thanks again and keep the videos coming!

[massimilianovolpi]

Mike, everytime something special from you guys. Awesome, really pure round beauty !

[coachneal]

That was mesmerizing to watch. You keep giving me so many more bucket list items! Thanks to you and the crew for continuing to put these rides together. They are very inspiring.

[danielmontgomery]

Simply stunning! You produce the most enjoyable cycling videos to watch. I particularly enjoy the superb routes you discover for your audience. I also appreciate the superb quality of videography , the background music choices, and your informative/interesting commentary. Thanks!

[erikpratama]

nice shoes, lovely dog, stunning scenery.. what else could you expect? great job Cotty..

[louiswassong]

Another inspiring cycling video! Makes me want to jump on my bike & explore!

[anthonyhomercycling]

I shared this so many times on social media! Keep doing what you doing cotty and the crew you are the inspiration of everyone. I'm your number 1 fan!

[braddemarco]

As usual another great video. Beautiful ride. Please keep the videos coming.

[samzam]

Thank you for these great videos, they allow us to explore and dream about where we would love to ride.. The production, editing and soundtrack of these video are really the outstanding.

[nicolaslstl]

Thank you Mike for sharing your passion with us.

[B.r.o.t.h.e.r.]

Me and my girlfriend love your little story's and watch them all. Keep on going and those shoes are awesome