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
@JohnB nice one coach.
Eroica Britannia has been signed up for, and I appear to be in the first 500 so June next year will see a reprise.
I can't see it being done with the same Italian flair, but here's hoping. For example, there was a limit of 5000 riders for l'Eroica. Unless you were female, in which case you had a place regardless of numbers. And I believe if you were over 65 you got a place.
Did food stops consist of water, bananas and energy gels? Er, no. Chianti, sausages, hams, cakes, Chianti again, breads with dipping olive oils, cheeses, and did I mention Chianti?
I'll see if Frank is interested in my scribblings!
David
@JohnB
Ooh - pictures of me upright on a mountain bike.
That was a Fantastic day out.
@davidlhill
Did you just do that? How did you discover you appear to be in the first 500? Sounds like good news as I signed up must be at least a week back. My understanding is that the UK will be 2,000 riders.
@frank sounds like we need a woolen V_Gear in a suitable retro font / style.
My understanding of the food situation is that it will be Meat Pies with gravy, Pork Pies, Wensleydale cheese, Bakewell tarts and Beer.
@davidhill re the drinks......
THORNBRIDGE BREWERY - PROUD TO SPONSOR L'EROICA BRITANNIA
Simon Webster, Thornbridge Director and Co-Founder, is excited about partnering with L'Eroica Britannia - 'it reflects so much of what we see ourselves to be at Thornbridge - passionate about what we do, excited about breaking new ground whilst paying respect to our heritage'. 'Being based in the Peak District inspires us every day and we know that those that visit the area for L'Eroica will be blown away by the outstanding beauty of the area.'
Look for the Seattle Summer Cogal (STV) on 7/12/14. Article and description pending with @gianni.
@eightzero
Yeah! This is planning ahead. This is making things happen. Can't wait to see it.
@PeakInTwoYears
You and Mrs Peaks are gonna dig it. Close to you. Start/End at a brewery. Gran Fondo distance. Not huge verticle. Epic. Lots of Epic.
@davidlhill
I've just tracked the route near as I can from their map. The full route looks like having around 3,500 metres of climbing. Nice. I think.......though I've also noticed something I did not know before - that there is a hill in England that is a bit about 25 km long.
Teocalli,
I received an email from the organisers saying I was one of the first 500 to apply and that I'd get a reduced fee as and when the registration opens.
Cheers,
David
3500m climbing - wow! Sure you haven't missed out some disused rail tunnels through the hills?!