The Cogals

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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  • The Cogals »

    @Steampunk

    @Buck Rogers
    Yes, Flesherton. Forks of the Credit is a must. A buddy has a house in Carlisle we could use as a staging ground. Currently making double chocolate cheesecake while listening to Billy Talent and drinking Guinness.

  • The Cogals »

    @Steampunk

    The Cogals »

    @Buck Rogers
    But you're the pater familias, godammit!

    Buck has 5. He is the V Pater Familias.

    Also I've chimed in a few times above on this topic but must have insulted the dutchmonkey (damn nonbreeder!) somehow as my comments got hung up in the moderation queue.

  • The Cogals »

    @Nate

    The Cogals »

    @Steampunk

    The Cogals »

    @Nate
    No. Indubitably not. Having said that, I have a theory that Velominati paterfamiliae are 127% more endowed in The V (note the use of >100%, just to rankle Frank). I'll spare you all the virility angles to this, but:
    1. Our time is invariably limited, so we hammer harder.
    2. Our windows of opportunity are equally reduced, so Rule #9 become a fact of life.
    3. We have a built-in morale sucker (typically referred to as the VMH); if you can still stand upright after Mrs. Steampunk's withering tirade, you can eat cobblestones for breakfast.
    4. We are responsible for raising the next generation of Velominati. There's a Darwinian element to this.
    As a result of all this, Velominati paterfamiliae (love that, by the way) tend to fall more heavily into the Cognoscentus camp. I don't mind breaching Rule #11 from time to time, because to adhere to all rules all the time would tend towards Rule Holism, which isn't the Hardman way.

    Agree 136%. I haven't gotten my ride in yet today, as I was engaged in Category IV velominatus paterfamilias activities. Today's lesson was inspired by Mr. Paris-Roubaix, Roger de Vlaeminck:

    Very strong work! Nicely done.

  • The Cogals »

    3. We have a built-in morale sucker (typically referred to as the VMH); if you can still stand upright after Mrs. Steampunk's withering tirade, you can eat cobblestones for breakfast.

    Incidentally, I used to be taller than Frank. Sixteen years of marital bliss, however, has me down to 178cm...

  • The Cogals »

    @Mikel Pearce


    The Cogals »

    @Steampunk
    @Buck RogersYes, Flesherton. Forks of the Credit is a must. A buddy has a house in Carlisle we could use as a staging ground. Currently making double chocolate cheesecake while listening to Billy Talent and drinking Guinness.

    I'm now deep into a bottle of Grand Marnier mself with my Italian Cafe Music CD spinning and all seems possible!

    Of course the V kiddos are all asleep and the VMH is headed there herself.

    I had better hurry there myself before she falls asleep!

    Until tomorrow, Gentlemen!

  • The Cogals »

    @Steampunk
    Chapeau. Tomorrow, we ride.

    (I have some 23 year old Pappy Van Winkle if you really like bourbon--I'll bring it to VT)

  • The Cogals »

    @Nate

    The Cogals »
    @Steampunk, @Buck Rogers
    Bulleit Bourbon. Padawans fast asleep. Rain. Tomorrow, Rule #9.

    Bulleit makes a rye too. Try it for comparison.

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