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
@Teocalli and @ChrisO
Mon and/or Tues are good for me too. Just let me know a meeting place and time and I'll see you there.
OK then let's pin it down to Monday Dec 30 for the London demi-cogal.
Richmond Park start, 10am.
Distance 60-70km so we have the option of lunch at the end.
Route TBC but Box Hill and back to RP or Bushy Park is on the table.
There's lots of good pubs along the river but does anyone have a particular recommendation?
Oh and just to add a caveat - as most people seem to be easy with Monday or Tuesday we'll check the weather forecast over the weekend. If Monday looks biblical and Tuesday better then it might make sense to swap.
@ChrisO
....and take the biblical one just for consistency?
@Teocalli Well said. That said, another biblical day would mean further exposure to the granny tights.
Family duties rule me out of this one but I'll be looking out for the mini report although I'm not sure it counts as a mini London cogal with out some mention of cake.
@PedallingTom Shame, always to meet fellow Velominatus. Next time maybe.
@Chris Good point re the granny tights - that defo means we have to take the other option, I don't think I could take more of those. Phew! Cakes stops do need to be planned and taken this time.
@Teocalli Alternatively, if you each brought some Christmas cake along, it could double up as the Great Velominati Bake Off or V-Bake for short.
It's OK chaps. I have remembered to bring my Rapha legwarmers with me.
Although I am also obliged to point out the difference between wearing tights like granny's and riding bikes like grannies...
@ChrisO
I do believe that the original date chosen should be adhered to, regardless of weather forecast, in the Spirit of Rule Nine, unless The Rules are different dahn sarf ?