Monte Grappa (Semonzo) - Cycling Inspiration & Education
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- Few mountains carry as many accolades as Monte Grappa. No matter which of its ten ascents you choose to ride the sense that you are in a special place resonates from the start. Rising out of the Veneto plains much like Mont Ventoux's dominance over the Southern Provence, this mountain encapsulates you on a journey of wonder, not only by its beauty and magnitude but of the many reminders of darker days past when the Grappa's slopes became a ferocious battleground for thousands caught at war.
The many sides of Monte Grappa begin from three main directions, each of which offer a very different journey on their way to the summit. It has to be said, every climb is a challenge in itself providing a cycling playground that caters for everyone. From the north, three sides feature a Dolomiti backdrop (Cismon, Caupo and Seren) five menacingly brutal adjoining climbs from the east (Alano di Piave, Pederobba, Cavaso, Possagno and Paderno, the latter two with long stretches well beyond 20% gradient putting them on the podium alongside the fearsome Zoncolan and Mortirolo as Italy's hardest) and two rise up from the Veneto plains from the south. The southern ascents can both be reached via the romantic city of Bassano del Grappa (where the digestivo Grappa originated) and despite the official starting points of Semonzo and Romano d'Ezzelino a visit to this medieval city is an absolute must if you're tackling the climb from the south. While Romano is the 'classic' side, probably because it's the easiest, it's not the prettiest on offer so on this occasion, after a morning in Bassano, we rolled out of town towards the ascent starting from Semonzo, a serious test and real showcase for the mountain along with being the host of the Stage 19 time-trial in the 2014 Giro d’Italia.
Semonzo is a tiny commune of Borso del Grappa, it's here where the ascent officially starts, pitching straight up to 9% and holding that for not far off the first 9km. Rising up from the Veneto plains on the poplar tree lined road, the gradient and stifling heat mean thoughtful pacing and plenty of fluids are an absolute essential if you're going to survive the 20 switchbacks that come in quick succession over the first half of the ascent.
Rolling vistas, rock carved tunnels, paragliders and an abundance of wildlife keep you well entertained until the climb opens out towards mid distance, weaving through lush meadows whilst clinging to the edge of a cliff face. Enjoy the last moment of respite before the gradient starts to turn the screw once more, regularly tipping double figures the higher you climb. It's here where we started to really feel the spirit of the Grappa. Looking out over the vast peaceful slopes it's hard to imagine a time when the very place that was bringing us so much pleasure were scenes of war and unthinkable acts just a few decades ago.
Knowing the history of the Grappa only adds to the respect and sheer blessing we have to be able to enjoy this mountain in times of peace. Numerous memorials serve as a reminder that this was not always the case. Brutal, bloody battles in WW1 and WW2 between Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops saw the Italians fend off invasion but not without an immense loss of life. The Sacrario Militare del Monte Grappa at the summit is a guarded monumental burial site, in which 22,910 identified and unidentified soldiers rest. There is an overwhelming sense of spirituality throughout the Grappa, somehow with the reminders of war within your tired gaze the challenge of the mountain and testing gradient pail into insignificance, eclipsed by thought and moments of reflection.
Monte Grappa is an Italian national treasure one to be enjoyed, respected and visited every once in a while. Peace.
Start: Semonzo
Length: 18.5km
Summit: 1,745m
Elevation gain: 1,530m
Average gradient: 8.3%
Max gradient: 14%
Ridden in July
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 :-)
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Mike Cotty
The Col Collective
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I want to commend you Mike and your production team for respecting this mountain and the fallen soldiers upon it. It adds a additional layer of class to your film and well contrasts the freedom we have to enjoy things like riding because of the sacrifices of those brave soldiers. Well done.
Thank you for your kind words Gerard. I'm humbled to be fortunate enough to explore some wonderful places on my bike and the Monte Grappa is a mountain that truly makes me appreciate how lucky we are. Deep breath, and peace.
Gerard van Ommen Kloeke The soldiers of both sides in WW I were very brave but nobody fought for freedom. It was a war with old motives (in the case simply territorial increase) but with new weapons which brought the casualties up to enormous numbers.
@@spaluny In Italy we call it the second War of Indipendence so even if the other parties did not fight for freedome Italy actually did.
Riccardo S The Italian Kingdom was neutral at the beginning of the WW1 but negotiated a better territory deal with the Allies and declared war to gain these territories and “glory”. I am not blaming Italy or its people at all. I think the Italian government of this time behaved like everyone else and based on how wars were done over the last centuries: declare war, loose some replaceable people and gain territories and prestige. The tragedy of the WW1 is that this had changed with yet untested weapon advancements and industrial states that could support a war longer.
Okay, but a bit of history -- while Italy fought with Britain and France in WWI, it fought alongside Hitler in WWII. So, I'm not sure I'd celebrate those particular soldiers, although they may not have had much choice in their destiny, however ignoble it was.
I'll never get tired of watching these videos. Good job !
Thank you Nicolas!
I am so awed!!! thank you very much,
Am I the only one that's here because of battlefield 1?
Good for you. Now go buy a bike!
i have one already
I am also here because of battlefield 1 :)
Looking at the scenes in this video you can imagine it all...........the carnage
Hhhhhh me too
I rode the monte grappa 4 years ago. What a feeling when you reach the top, because it is a beast of mountain 🇮🇹
You’re absolutely right! So rewarding by the summit 🙌🏼
Wow! Amazing video which gives pause for thought. I had the same impression and feelings when I've been mountainbiking Monte Grappa's military sentieros. When having fun on the trails we should always be aware for which reason these trails have been built.
Yet another piece of art by this great channel. Many thanks to Mike and everyone else who is involved in the making of these videos!
uGarbageMan Thank you for your appreciation, it means a huge amount to us! Ride safe, Mike
Congratulations for this magnificent series.
Certainly, we are all waiting for more.
Greetings from Portugal.
Thank you Jose, we have many videos that are coming. We really appreciate your support. Best wishes, Mike
Perfect work Guys! Absolutely amazing!
Miklós Török Thank you!
New goal! What a beautiful climb
Col Collective... thanks for these and keep em coming. I've got a knee injury and haven't riden all year and it's films like these that keep me believing.
Wow, that was gorgeous. Lots of history on that climb...
Beautiful work.
Mike, I love your videos you inspire me to push myself every day. Thanks to you I have added many climbs to my bucket list. Next time your in the US try mount Washington or Lincoln's gap, most epic climbs on the east coast. They will test your capabilities in all the right ways. Love the videos, keep them coming!
So good to hear the vids are helping! Thanks for the tips on the east coast. Both are on the bucket list 😀
I have ridden over that bridge as well, we all did. I had coffee at that restaurant at the top.
Well done!!! 👏🏼
Congratulations you always do awesome videos.
Memories. I completed this ride in Sept 96 from Borso del Grappa. It was grueling!
Mike is just like Contador...out of the saddle all the time on all the climbs :D
oh man ! this video really brings me back Mike ! I really like it a lot , thanks Bro ... amazing , this is the best !!
another great video, thanks!!!
with these videos... my list of places to visit and cols to conquer just gets too long :D
really appreciate the work you put in to these beautiful videos!
alogli That's the plan! Creating the ultimate mountain bucket list for all :-)
if you're ever in the vicinity you could check out the col du sanetsch in the bernese alps. it's a great one! cheers
Stay tuned, we filmed the (incredible) Sanetsch this summer (just for you ;-) Video coming soon!
you guys are seriously the best :)
alogli we try as hard as we can to bring amazing climbs and regions to life for everyone to enjoy! Thank you again for your support.
R8 man. You keep me going. Thanks 4 the collectives !!
Superb as always. Thanks.
Awesome!
Monte Grappa - Battlefield 1
How wonderful are these videos, keep on the superb job!!
Thank you so much for your appreciation.
Monte Grappa Battlefield 1! But what a climb! 🦾
thanks Mike, awesome video.
Battlefield 1
What are the musics un this video?
It’s crazy how video games, specifically war games, made a positive impact on my desire to travel around the world, LMAO.
Hi Mike, excellent video, and the inspiration for our Club's tour next year! Can you recommend where to base ourselves in order to take on the Semonzo ascent, Bassano? and any other good routes you can recommend around the foothills? Much appreciated and keep them coming! Matt
Hi Matt, Bassano del Grappa is a beautiful town to base yourself out of. For routes and rides around the area this may be useful italy-cycling-guide.info/veneto/veneto-cycleways-cycle-routes/. There are a lot of super nice roads to explore. From Bassano you can head east towards Conegliano and Vittorio Veneto (don't forget to check out the Passo San Boldo). Or head south west towards Vicenza. Of course going directly north means you have the Grappa playground. An amazing area, it's hard to go wrong! Ride safe and enjoy! Mike
Trully inspiring video. Nice parallelism with Mont Ventoux... By the way, the song has a name?
Questa è l' ITALIA!!
Un autre projet de vacances
How are you doing that there are never cars with you on the street?
great stuff btw ;)
The other thing about this climb is their is very little when it comes to places to refill water bottles until you get to the top.
Definitely Brian, you really do need to make sure you're well prepared.
whats the name of the song at the first half of the video?
six years later and I'm still waiting
@@iluvtheweeknds Im also looking for the name, there is magic in that song.
Sitting at home with a broken foot and unable to cycle suffering from colcollective withdrawal symptoms, at least one thing fixed
Glad we could help. Sorry to keep you waiting so long. Stay tuned for more and get well soon!
Thanks Mike
It doesn't seem right to put politics and war with sport yet you can't ignore it, sadly...
Spent time in the Veneto once the humidity is high.
Prega per me mamma
Emh....
I can imagine all those snipers
Another amazing video. Inspirational and thought provoking. Thank you for not only the cycling inspiration, but also the reminder of how lucky we are to be able to indulge in our passion.
Peace.
Beautiful video Mike. We were all eagerly waiting for another. Thanks for the poignant reminder about those sacrificed so much.
The next vid is already work in progress 😀
Super video and ...superb climbing! PLease keep on posting. Thanks
Thank you Normand, many more video on the way! :-)
what a piece of true climbing monument....can´t wait for next year round around Grappa...with italian grappa :)
Mike ! I continue to find a meaningful connection , I get it man ! The message you are putting out , is undeniable the inspiration that comes from viewing your films really really is a gift , well done Muchacho !! Thanks so much for sharing your gift amigo , today is a day to remember the fallen , is only by coincidence that I get to see this film today for the first time , is perfect !
by the way since the first time i discover The Col collective a couple year ago before my first trip to the Alps , i have been to a handful of places thanks to you man ! made some great memories and made some great friends , i have completed three fantastic cycling trips to the Swiss , Italian And french Alps , and visited some cycling areas in Bavaria , just missed you this time around I was in Bourg D' Oisans for 2 weeks ,at the end of September , and manage to do a few climbs from there ,some monster rides , Izoard and Agnel via Briancon , Galibier , Glandon , Croix de Fer , Madelaine , Bonnete , Noyer , Chaussy ,Lacets de Montvernier , and a bunch more , one of these days we may cross paths eh ! then i hope i can shake your hand and thank you in person for such great job , thanks again , pedal hard , stay strong and see you some day on the lonely roads ...
Bellissimo video, luogo storico, paesaggio stupendo , bellissima strada!!
Great video! Next season can you show us Transfagarasan? I would like to see that mountain!
We're working on a trip to Romania, not confirmed yet but work in progress! Stay tuned!
Arguably the best channel on TH-cam. Simple, concise but informative. Thanks Mike and team 👍🏿
Awesome climb! Just curious as to how many watts you are averaging on this climb? Your riding it like its a flat. Cheers.
Monte Grappa is a legendary Mountain, and many routes to climb it, from different angles. Taken from the Salto della Capra (the goat's jump) and then up is even more challenging than this. It is challenging also from North. So many ways to climb the mountain, in and off road. Its like 9 different mountains
Your videos are amazing. I would love for your team to come to my area and experience some of the climbs of North and South Carolina. Sassafras Mountain, Caesars Head, Skyuka mountain road, Howard Gap Road, Green River Cove Road, Highway 215 to Devil"s Courthouse, Mount Mitchell From Marion or Ashville - they aren't the Alps or Rockies but they are all tough climbs. There are many more. Thanks for all of the good footage that you post. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the tips James! So many climbs I'd love to explore one day I hope! Ride safe, Mike
one other technical question... please give me a hint regarding the music. Is it under cc license?
Alexander Krzepinski we use music from various libraries (it's part of HR process that we spend a huge amount of time on). We licence it specifically for each video. Really glad you're enjoying it! :-)
canonndale 😍😚😚😚😘
Awesome! Am just back from there a few months ago, and this video does the place justice! Including the comments about the mood. So much happened there. And such a beauty from all angles... Thanks.
its clear: when p
riding with only 1 chainring, you always have to stand on the pedals. - dear col collective: try 3 chainrings, you will be surprised how easy cycling will be, and then you can also sit on the bike saddle.
😅😅😅
Thanks for those inspiring videos!
Hi Mike.I love your films as usual.I just wanted to know.What size tyres are you using for your climbs.Are they 25,26,or 28 mm tyres.I need advice for my climbs.
fantastic the bar just keeps getting higher
I was so looking forward to these climbs and when I arrived there in mid summer I nothing but 5 days of heavy rain forecasted. After a rainy day in Bassano del Grappa and heavy rain clounds around the mountains it was decided to head to Venice which had 25°C and pure sunshine for the whole week in the flatlands. So yes, it's good that the Grappa mountains rise up abruptly from the plains which gives you many alternatives instead of being stuck in the middle of the Alps in rainy weather.
watching this on Remembrance Sunday....these videos make just want to ride....another great one Mr Cotty
Musik?
wonderful video Mike thanks always love you rides amazing and well done
Nice one! My favorite climb since I lived in Italy for a few months.
I rode up that road in 1984. I used a 42-21 and my legs turned like the hour hand on a clock
42/21. Holy cow!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Take it easy. I was young and dumb @@TheColCollective
Mike love your video's keep on make them they are extraordinary.
Giro 2024 I will be there !
Vai, Vai, vai!!!! 🇮🇹
@@TheColCollective certo and thx for the video :)
m1903's m1903's everywhere
Thank you Brasil 👏
I mean the first song, thx!
spectacular!
Perfect!
Beautiful
Breath taking view... what an amazing video, very immersive. Always makes me want to just get out there and suffer. Keep up the great work, Mike. Your videos never fails to motivate me.
Thank you for your appreciation 👍🏻
I live in Vicenza and I have never been to Monte Grappa..but after this video you inspired me to plan to go next spring! Good job, thank you!
You need to visit, it's such a special place. Enjoy your experience. M
I was there last May. Because of bad weather I could not climb to the top even after 3 trials from Borso del grappa. Great montains and nice area to cycle.
I hope you get a chance to tackle it again one day. Thanks for watching! Mike
Another stunning video, giving this historic mountain the gravitas it deserves. Wonderful stuff Mike & team.
Thank you kindly Rob.
what a video !!! this is epic and all your videos are amazing, thanks Mike 💪💪💪
Thank you.
Grazie.
Thank you so much for your support. Hugely appreciated 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thanks Mike for delivering once more a very inspirational video and for bringing all these mountains to life, concerning the Monte Grappa, it really seems to be a cyclists playground! Good job!!
Thank you Nathan. Hope the Col Collecting is going well. Keep it up!! Mike
Thank you Nathan. Hope the Col Collecting is going well. Keep it up!! Mike
Mike, thanks for yet another beautiful video! For a climb like this and a fit rider, say like yourself, which gearing would you recommend for a decent non-grinding cadence? Is it doable with 53/39x11-30, 52/36x11-28 or as you indeed mention 50/34x11-28?
I don't understand why you ask when Mike wrote it in the video... :-)
Btw: it is "doable" even with 42x23, the old guys proved that - but that's grinding at it's best...
Apologies for being garrulous - and thanks for the historical information.
I'd say the easier sides are doable on a 34x28. I rode each of the 10 sides in 3 days after a monster filming trip and the steeper routes (Possagno, Paderno, Cismon, Alano di Piave) definitely had me grinding for quite a way. Sometimes the gradient is relentless, well over 20%. If I'd have know that in advance I'd have fitted a lower cassette but then sometimes the unknown is what keeps you pushing hard.
+fiddler on the bike 42x23 would mean I'd look like a photo if we ever filmed in slow motion 😉
Thanks for replying. Well, yes, at 20% even 34x28 is hard to push!
bf😍😍❤❤❤💚💚💚💚