Categories: Cogals

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.

frank

The founder of Velominati and curator of The Rules, Frank was born in the Dutch colonies of Minnesota. His boundless physical talents are carefully canceled out by his equally boundless enthusiasm for drinking. Coffee, beer, wine, if it’s in a container, he will enjoy it, a lot of it. He currently lives in Seattle. He loves riding in the rain and scheduling visits with the Man with the Hammer just to be reminded of the privilege it is to feel completely depleted. He holds down a technology job the description of which no-one really understands and his interests outside of Cycling and drinking are Cycling and drinking. As devoted aesthete, the only thing more important to him than riding a bike well is looking good doing it. Frank is co-author along with the other Keepers of the Cog of the popular book, The Rules, The Way of the Cycling Disciple and also writes a monthly column for the magazine, Cyclist. He is also currently working on the first follow-up to The Rules, tentatively entitled The Hardmen. Email him directly at rouleur@velominati.com.

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View Comments

Anjin-san says:

Mar 8 2012 at 5:09 pm

@Calmante

@Anjin-san

Aren't you coming up to New England this summer, too?

Yes, we usually take a family vacation to Northern Vermont in June and August- you close?
Vin'cenza says:

Mar 12 2012 at 7:40 pm

@Anjin-san

@Vin'cenza

@Anjin-san
any guess on the number of riders from the area and elsewhere for March 30 ??

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.

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 !!
Tartan1749 says:

Sep 6 2012 at 10:46 am

@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.