“Whatever you think your boundary is, if you can get to that point
but then step a little bit further, the whole world opens up again.” Mike Cotty. ( Anchor & Leap)

New 11×14 oil on board- photo research credit Deborah Malin

The story of Mike Cotty and the Col Collective is quite fascinating.
In less than a year since it’s launch in 2014, the company has been featured in numerous magazines, blogs, and podcasts.

“The name The Col Collective came about when I initially thought up the idea of creating this video library of climbs, the French word ‘Col’ meaning pass, married up with the collective of videos we were creating just seemed to fit perfectly.” he says.
Some of those videos have reached over 50,000 views.

I was captivated by the incredible landscapes and was immediately a fan upon seeing the first video.
Intrigued just as much by what the videos didn’t include, as by what they did.

1) They lack annoying hammering music and suffer-fest display one often sees in a cycling video.

2) The Col Collective site displays an educational feature, complete with gear information, and cycling techniques a recreational cyclist like I can understand. Mike’s stretching routine would suit many, including artists.

3) They supply site- specific information, for those who want to explore these incredible places. Col Collective delivers details on the climbs.

4) Artfully filmed with breathtaking panorama’s~
they’re like an extraordinary moving, living painting.

5)The mountains steal the show.
Col Collective created the videos with just that in mind.
Even Mike’s commentary is reminiscent of sanctuary.
“Ease into it” he says softly as he cycles up the mountain.
“Relax and enjoy the view, it just doesn’t get any better than this”.

With Videographer Michele and photographer Deborah collaborating as a powerhouse creative team,
together they bring the videos to life with Mike and Jérôme, their (Canadian) Graphic Designer.

Mike’s path to the Col Collective and Media-24 (his company), is nothing less than remarkable.
You can hear about his journey in the Rich Roll podcast, here.
It’s inspiring stories like his that continue to express dreams come to fruition thru hard work, persistence, passion and faith.

Rich Roll called him both Athlete and Artist in his podcast interview.
I asked him how he felt about that.
“It was the first time anyone had described me as an artist, most of my creativity came through writing before The Col Collective so I hadn’t recognized that in myself.
When he used that simple analogy, Deborah said to me after the interview, “wow, that is exactly who you are and why you are so unique”. It was a huge compliment, as I put as much time into the creativity as I do the athletic training if not more, so to be recognized like that by someone totally independent was humbling.”

Mike exudes a quiet humble confidence that transpires in his interviews.
“Some of what we (Media-24)are doing is about trying to get people back into nature, back into that feeling, because I think that is the most powerful feeling in the world. (Anchor & Leap 2015)”

I agree with Mike. It is the most powerful feeling.
By finding ways to bring people back to nature, we can make the world a better place.
Discovering nature by participating & immersing in it, we connect with it in a deep way.
Whether we are on a bike, in a canoe, traversing on foot, or painting outdoors.

Photo- Col Collective- Deborah Malin

“Every time I ride in the mountains I feel a certain serenity that’s beyond words. It’s like I feel safe, inspired and energized by life all at once. The landscapes are so beautiful, every one tells a different story and teaches you something new about yourself (even if you may not realize it at the time). I really wanted to try and let each mountain speak for itself, to bring the emotions that I feel when I ride to life in a way that can help people experience that little piece of escapism and freedom again.” He wrote.

Whatever your ‘mountain’ may be, the Col Collective inspires you to take the leap. Believe in yourself and possibilities.
To reap not just hard won efforts at the top, but to enjoy the journey, one step or in this case, pedal stroke at a time.

~ Special thanks to Mike Cotty, Deborah Malin & the Col Collective for generously sharing their incredible photos, and kind response to my questions.