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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View Comments
I seek input on a proposed PNW USA cogal. The VMH and I would like to host a cogal involving an out-and-back from our place (between Sequim and Port Townsend) to Hurricane Ridge. My question has to do with timing. Here are two considerations.
First, there is the organized version of the climb taking place on August 4th; the upside of this is that the road is closed to vehicles until noon; the downside is that you're expected to pay the stewpid reg fee for what is a scenic but somewhat poorly-supported event. She and I will likely do the ride that day one way or the other, but I'm curious to know how people would feel about running a cogal on the day of the organized event.
Second, I see that there's a cogal planned for 8/24 in Vancouver, so we don't want to plan one down here to compete with it. Herself and I might head up to Vancouver for what looks like a great ride.
In any case, we have plenty of space (indoors + large covered porch) for sleeping, eating, and drinking, in increasing order of importance. El Rancho del Stumpo del Norte is very private if somewhat rustico.
@Deakus
@Deakus -- you nailed it. As the photographer, I can assure you that the photo was a total goof -- our take on a self-serious Rapha catalogue shoot.
@HighStCannibal
Goof or not the Cannibals rule and deserve the best club name prize. I am stoked to join in the CT cogal next year!
@Rob
Am looking into moving hell and high water to get down for this one...
@HighStCannibal
@Rob
@Steampunk
I've marked the date.
@xyxax
I can hook you up with a stranger who might be able to take your bike for you.
@Steampunk
Ha. I'm not falling for that again.
I'll go to the local Kinko's and get my bike printed out on a 3D printer.
I hope it doesn't rain.
Anybody organizing a South Ontario cogal in 2013 ? Need to visit my daughter in Cabbagetown, so would be good to get the timing right as well.
I've mailed Gianni regarding the possibility of another Alpine Cogal this coming summer. Hopefully it will appear on the list soon.
We're hoping for a Croix de Fer/Glandon double header!!!
@PeakInTwoYears
Yeah, my Cogal, the Triple Crown. 3000m of climbing, ~140km.