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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That should be me booked in as well. I was up there at the end of July last year and it was fantastic, lets hope the weather is similar this year!
Just got the confirmation email, booked in for the Friday and Saturday nights. Not sure if anyone has plans for the Sunday(assuming Saturday is the Cogal) but a recovery ride to Gairloch for some lunch and back could be nice? It's pretty flat along Loch Maree with just the climb up & over to Gairloch to negotiate. Need to make the most of the weekends riding time after all!
@campbellrae1
Good man, this is shaping up to be a Classic. Sunday we will ride. I may take a look at the map to see options.
Have booked a room because a) I'm very old and b) that's how I roll - the VMH is thinking about it
I may have mentioned this before but the Kinlochewe hotel was the setting for my mum and dad's first date post a "chance" meeting on their bikes by Loch Maree.
Karma huh?
@the Engine
Not slumming it with the plebs then ?
Chuck something over to the cogals email addy and we'll get this on formally.
@JohnB Have you got a route map? I was guessing this was the plan, but we always have the option of the 30 odd km extension along the stupidly steep & hard road to the west of Torridon to Lower Diabaig and back. Correct me if that route is wrong!
http://www.strava.com/routes/98589
@frank Full and formal Cogal details inc route will be emailed this week. @campbellrae1. You've got the Saturday route spot on. Sunday recovery route can be flexible.
@strathlubnaig
I'm saving you from my snoring