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
@ChrisO
Makes sense to go with your first suggestion in that case Chris.
@PedallingTom The worst one is the one I live on the top of. So I always have that to look forward to at the end of every ride.
@Teocalli
I understand that pain. Hopefully compensated by good views the rest of the time.
@ChrisO
Yes. It is at times similar to The North Beyond the Wall in GOT. A world where Rule #9 nearly always applies.
Where does this North start? Probably north of the river for you chaps.
A mini cogal sounds like fun, I know I've got one post Christmas day free to ride - the kids are going to the panto with the womenfolk and the rest of the men are golfing. I'll check when it is.
I might be seriously struggling for form though. Been to busy making snot.
@Chris
"Been too busy making snot" - charmingly put! You have my sympathies.
As a midlander I'd say the North starts at around Nottingham but most southerners normally say that the North starts at Watford Gap services on the M1 (or the river as you suggest!).
@PedallingTom Sneaky little correction there. You'll get so well with the @ChrisO.
Close to Huntingdon so nothern for the those south of the river but I probably live too close to the fens to ever be properly classed as a northerner.
@Chris
:-) Couldn't help myself! Not possible to rewrite it without correcting.
I recall your location from the chat about Flat Out in the Fens 2014. I think you're a Fenlander.
@PedallingTom Not quite a fenlnader. Clear and distinct bloodlines.
I'm close enough to the edge of the fens that I'd be very close to the beach if the ice caps melted but I rarely head out that way. At this time of year you'd have to be Freddy Maertens to train out there. Also, the average fenlander has no concept of speed or distance let alone road laws which manifests itself in their tendency to drive end most journeys upside down in a drainage ditch.
@Chris
Hahahaha. Most amusing. In that case I retract my Fenlander comment and join the ranks of those who can't quite place you.
As for training out there - it's flat isn't it? In the absence of hills I find the wind a good training tool and with good planning it's at your back for the last third of a ride providing the pleasure of speed with little output.
@PedallingTom It's never on your back out there. I tend to head west to enjoy what hills we have round here.
If I can escape the clutches of this vicious manflu, this is what I had in mind for an alternative to the family festive golf day.