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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@John903
Chapeau.
Midwestern, and Appalachin state Velominati, who among you would don your Flandrian Best for a March cogal?
Holy SMOKES!!! I'm just back from a week's vacation in Montechiaro, Italy which is about 25 k from the Stelvio Pass.
So unbelievably amazing!
We were there for a Nordic skiing holiday and not riding but I really need to set up a Cogal to ride the Stelvio within the next two years. So much AMAZING macchiato and grappa and wine--just blew me away. I could EASILY live there. So gorgeous!
Anyone game???
@Buck Rogers
Colleague of mine did the Stelvio a while ago, some kind of open participation cycle event. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stelvio_Pass#Stelvio_Bike_Day
Still working on my own power to weight ratio first. And also thinking more about the Dutch Eroica.
@Buck Rogers
DID YOU SEE THIS? On top of Stelvio apparently...
https://housublime.com/gallery/transformed-bicycle-cafe-pops-in-the-heart-of-the-italian-alps-10878/img/6
I just learnt about its existence from @Frank's Packfiller podcast..
@KogaLover
I had not heard of that but that sounds like the day to ride it! Very narrow road with all those hairpins. I would not like to ride it with much car traffic!
@Buck Rogers
count me in the planning. Though i too will qork on my power to wight ratio......
@chris
@Teocalli
@davidlhill
@ChrisO
Welsh Cogal planning post - What dates would folk prefer?
I can limit my availability to a Saturday in May or June, but not the 13th of May or the 17th of June.
Lets try and get a firm date and then I'll start taking votes on routes and that.
@Buck Rogers
Game here.
Pretty flexible bu NOT 20/21 May, 17/18 June, 1/7 July