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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@Chris ...and I think the "all ride very slowly" part is kind of a given anyway.
Decision time folks. On call rota checked and its my turn over the weekend 15/16 so proposing Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August for Caledonian Cogal V. A plus is that it's nearer the end of midge season. I'll email details to the keepers as soon as. If you are staying (Friday and/or Saturday) then you'll need to get yourself booked into the Kinlochewe Hotel bunkhouse (or the hotel itself) in double quick time as there are only 12 bunks. They will do early espresso for us. Post ride recovery ales are a given.
Speak to Andrew or Gail at the hotel (no online booking facility yet) on 01445 760253 or email info@kinlochewehotel.co.uk for a provisional booking, confirmed when you phone to pay.
Get in...
Hail me Velominati. I have persuaded my wife to stay at the Kinlochewe hotel on the weekend of the 23-24th for our 20th wedding anniversary.
This was also after the full disclosure that I would take my bike and ride (only one day). The decider was that they allow dogs so while I ride she and the dog can go walkies.
Fuck I amaze myself sometimes.
Chapeau to Mrs ChrisO too for being jolly tolerant. Although I wasn't going to risk just booking it, bringing the bike and then being amazed to find a bunch of Velominati at the same hotel. What a coincidence that would have beem.
Unfortunately that could be summertime! So probably working hard (or hardly working).
If the weather at home is poo I will be there, if there is no accomodation available by then I'll try and score a tent from someone!
@JohnB Good work! Will speak to my VMH tonight and see if she fancies a weekend out of the city. If not, I will try and book myself into the bunkhouse. Looking forward to this one already!
Good news gentlemen, its taking shape nicely already. I'll have at least one new face there with me. Rule #3.
@JohnB nice one Coach, if I can get on a phone tomorrow I will book me a bunk. Should be epic.
Booking Kinlochewe tomorrow
Thats me booked a bunk in bonnie Kinlochewe. Careful though, it is in the middle of haggis hunting season then so the place might get busy.
Booked me a bunk for Fri/Sat in sunny Kinlochewe (is that wishful thinking?) I will be travelling alone as the VMH refers to all locations in the highlands/west coast as "midgie hell holes."