Asheville, North Carolina Mini-Cogal
Asheville, North Carolina holds the distinction of being the only town in the world wherein I came across an elderly gentleman who asked me where the “shindig” was. The shindig, I came to learn, was in reference to an impromptu bluegrass festival the town was having, and a while later we came upon the same gentleman busy ripping it up on the spoons. A pity he was occupied as such, since judging by his appearance, he may well have witnessed the Civil War and I have some nagging questions on the subject I would have liked to ask him.
They say the South will Rise again, and it may well start with the Asheville, North Carolina Cogal. @Anjin-san is hosting an impromptu one since @gaswepass will be traveling to Asheville the later part of March and the two thought they’d link up for a ride. For any Velominati within travelling distance of the Southeast, I can vouch first-hand that this is some seriously beautiful country, perfect for riding – if you don’t believe me, ask whoever organized the routes for the Tour de Trump and Tour DuPont back in the 90’s. Not to mention the weather will be heating up, and the Blue Ridge Mountains will be showing signs of Spring.
99 km, 1033 m climbing
Date: March 30, 2012
Start: REI- Asheville at precisely V past 10
Categorization: Casually Deliberate, Rule VV
This ride is going to be hilly, but we are avoiding the big mountains in favor of rolling terrain that is more conducive to building camaraderie among our fellow Velominati. There are numerous bail out points on this route, but if you aren’t familiar with the area your chances of getting lost or finding yourself on a killer climb are high.
Route and location details on the Cogal Event Page.
Come one, come all, this is going to be a seriously fun ride with goods times after. Any questions please feel free to shoot me an e-mail at dnolletti@stonypoint.com
Thanks for posting Frank!
This will be a gorgeous ride in a lovely – and really ideal – part of the country for riding. My in-laws live just down the road in Hendersonville where we spent New Years. Driving around site seeing I was so completely bummed I didn’t have my bike. Rouleur – Puncheur – Grimpeur it’s got it all. I wish I could make it. Have fun.
You could win some points suggesting to your spouse that you go visit the in-laws… Next time you are in the area please let me know so we can go for a spin!
Yes — sure that I will make plans to join you. The time to ride is when people are ready to ride! Will aim to arrive early (9:30). Thanx for posting! And guessing 3 to 4 hrs in the saddle ?? And a 23s or 25s on the back ??
@Chipomarc
there’s no lack of clarity. Now, it’s a party!
@UNPULL
Either tire choice will be fine. I’ll be on 23s. The roads are in pretty good shape. There is one technical fast descent on the back side of Bearwallow Rd. that will test your skills- I go pretty easy on that one so bring what works for you on the backside of the hills. I’ll be at REI early as well… look for the V-Kit!
@UNPULL
Oh yeah, it’ll be a good 4 hours. There are a couple of places to refill bottles and grab a snack along the route… No espresso, more like Mt. Dew and candy bars, but food none the less…
no espresso? awww bullshit!
@Anjin-san
Oh, I was anticipating a 23 sprocket or 25 sprocket on the back of the cassette — not tire width. My short-slang-speak mis-spoken comment.
Shouldn’t mini-cogals be called compact cogals?
@Marko
I expected no encouragement or reference to something being a “compact” here ?? I can only comprehend in terms of “double” — 39/53 or 42/52 and 44/54. And I know I probably missed your point!
@Marko, @UNPULL
Cogal is derived from “cog” not chainring, so a mini-Cogal is akin to an 11T sprocket on the back. But to your point, then, a mini Cogal is more badass and we should drop the casually deliberate designation!
Seriously. Who’s ready for spring?
@Chipomarc
all you need is a cippo-esque cigar! lmfao!!!
@UNPULL
OK, once again I am proving how dense I am… If you are riding a 53/39 I’d go with the 25 tooth cog.
@gaswepass
Espresso at the end of the ride… not during. We’ll be out in the kountry where you are more likely to find a meth lab than a barrista ; )
@frank
I will now always refer to “cogs” within a cassette stack. Sprockets have always reminded me of Mike Myers as Dieter anyway — and that form of “dancing” did not sustain any work while climbing. 11/25 will work.
Awwww, this is the first cogal this year within a reasonable distance of me, living in dc, but I’m going to be on in Orlando! This is a tragedy.
@Red
red, you’re in dc? another velominatus also in the district! wishing i could go too, since i spent 2 summers in boone–beautiful ocuntry. & yes, much more likely to find a meth lab than a st*rb*cks.
we’ll have to get a dc cogal set up here…
@actor1
“country”…
Asheville is fantastic. I can’t make it, but this cogal is a great excuse to visit a wonderful town and see some of the best riding in the East. I suggest scouting Mt. Mitchell by car even if you don’t have time to ride it. Leo
Hmm, I would like to make this but I have some b.s. pre-wedding party nonsense. How many parties can ya have before the actual wedding? (but then again, one should never complain when one throws you a party, unless it is a bachelor party. Thankfully, I think mine will fall after this ride, so I’ll still be able to ride a bike.)
Never been to Asheville which is a severe shame, since I only live o’er yonder in central NC.
Glad someone asked about what sort of cassette to slap on. I’ve ridden Hanging Rock and Pilot Mtn. in the past and was able to get away with what I already ride on one of my road bikes.
@Ron
No better time than the present to introduce your fiance to Rule #11. She does, after all, really need to understand what she’s getting herself into.
@actor1
@Red @actor1
Live in DC too – DC Cogal would be outstanding
@JCZ
I make it to DC quite often… be there March 21, 22, and 23rd if anyone wants to organize an impromptu ride…
Hoegaarden — the original Belgian white beer ?? Do we need this March 30th ??
@UNPULL
That is a good choice… we’ll do that and some local brews!
@Anjin-san
any guess on the number of riders from the area and elsewhere for March 30 ??
@Anjin-san
Aren’t you coming up to New England this summer, too?
@Vin’cenza
Right now we are at 3 or 4. Are going to join? Should be a good time. I am going to invite the guys from my local club to join- there are a few that are good for a ride anytime so we should have at least 6 or 7 I would think.
@Calmante
Yes, we usually take a family vacation to Northern Vermont in June and August- you close?
@Anjin-san
Probably a rule about retracting a commitment on a group ride, but I have registered for a 90km road race March 31. Budget will not allow me to travel to NC and race the next day and neither will my legs. Hate to miss meeting new people — Anjin-san, and you most of all Chipomarc !!
@Anjin-san, mcsqueak’s recent entry on ‘The Bikes‘ had me thinking about this area. Some friends and I drive from Pittsburgh to Asheville for a couple of nights and MTB in and around the area (mainly Slickrock). We also head up near Bryson City for 2 nights with a cabin rental (Cabin #3) and hit Tsali.
I think a Cogal centered around a cabin rental, Asheville, local microbrews, and grilled food would be sweet. A few Velominati and the cabin price becomes pretty low per rider.