Cogals (pronounce it correctly: kog-al) are meetings of like-minded misfits brought together by the promise of beer, preceded by a bike ride. Cogals are free, open to all, organized by our fellow Velominati and are always followed by consumption of post-ride recovery ales and merriment. These are gatherings of unbridled observance of Rule #4.
Cogals differ themselves from other group rides by the meeting the following criteria:
- First, Cogals are free, organized and supported through Velominati, though not necessarily a Keeper. Anyone is welcome to join a Cogal. Legally speaking, however, we have no involvement, so if you crash or die, it’s your own problem. Please be careful to study the route previously and take precautionary measures to stay safe.
- Second, a Cogal is a day-long undertaking that focuses 100% on the bike. The rides are categorized (Casually Deliberate, Rule #5, Rule #10, for example) but are long. This is what you’re doing today, nothing else; see Rule #4. Rides can be any length, but a minimum distance of 130km should be expected.
- Third, Cogals always include a session of Malted Recovery Beverage Consumption after the ride. Whenever possible, it should also include a pre-ride espresso.
Not all the events in The Cogals are actual Cogals. We also post rides and events that are of interest to the community, as well as Keepers Tours, which are Velominati-hosted, paid cycling Tours tailored to the tastes of a velominatus.
Any member of the community is welcomed to organize a Cogal. If interested, either post your interest below or email us with the following information:
- Date of Cogal
- Starting Address (ideally somewhere neutral, like a café or park)
- Route (MapMyRide, Bikely, or Strava)
- Ride Classification (Casually Deliberate, Rule V, Rule VV, or suggest another)
- A paragraph describing the Cogal
Upcoming Cogals
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Submit Your Own Cogal:
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Hmmm, seems the comments for the Cogal article itself have disappeared so I'll drop it in here instead.
As a birthday present to myself I headed out solo to do a recon of the Adelaide Cogal route yesterday, did all of it except for the last climb as I was running short of time, apart from one fairly forgettable 10k flat & straight section at around 90k's all of those attending are in for a cracking day out!
@frank any reason the comments seem to have disappeared from the Adelaide Cogal article? Also what do we need to do to organise the ordering of pints?
@Mikael Liddy - Adelaide Cogal - Any idea of how many punters? - thinking of coming across. Glad you enjoyed your "Birthday" ride.
@frank @gianni
I've just seen the piece on the Bristol Cogal next year. Is there any reason why comments cant be posted against the article?
Help!!!
@936adl
+1.
I should hopefully be able to make the Brizzle cogal and the Bespoked show looks brilliant - http://www.bespokedbristol.co.uk/BespokedBristol/Bespoked_BristolThe_UK_Handmade_Bicycle_Show_2013.html
@motor city
The bespoked show is really something else. I went along last year and it was simply awesome. Just keep your credit card in your pocket!
Attention Maui Velominati:
Gianni and I are working on setting a date for the East Maui Loop Cogal the second week of January. Please stand by for further information, but the ride will be supported, and we will have it during the week in order to keep traffic to a minimum.
Stand by for more information.
Cheers.
Any UK/South East Velominati interested in a Cogal, or just a ride around Christmas time ?
I will be back for a week from the 21st to the 29th, so maybe the Sunday before Christmas (23rd) or the days after Boxing Day (27th).
I'm in south London so maybe something taking in Box Hill, or a little further south around Ashdown, although I don't know that area so well but open to suggestion.
The trick will be sticking to relatively open roads in case of ice. If we're lucky it will rain as well.
Damn! I'm down in Winchester and would have jumped at it...although it would need to be very very casually deliberate..but unfortunately the ankle rehab continues apace and I am not allowed outside on a bike till 1st Feb.
I am becoming quite friendly with my turbo though....it feels a bit like Stockholm Syndrome!!
@ChrisO
I'm up in Essex, would love to come on a Cogal some time, need to find a rack for an A4 that won't muller the bootlid first though! Either that or come on the train...