@Cyclops has taken it upon himself to organize North America’s first official Cogal right in the backyard of where it all started: Seattle, Wa. @Scaler911 and @McSqueak have confirmed that they will be driving up from Portland, OR to attend and we hereby invite any and all Velominati to attend.
We’ll be doing a no-drop ride on Whidbey Island, following a route that is not terribly hilly and easily accommodates varying distances, though I myself will be planning on a 100k or more. We’ll leave the Coffeehouse Bookstore in Langley at V minutes past 10 to give everyone plenty of time to find their way up to the island and into Langley. Route details will be published in the posts below when it is confirmed. (I have to do some research as I’ve not done the ride in it’s entirety myself.) Hope to see you there.
UPDATE: The route has been posted on MapMyRide. It is a 160km ride with the option to cut section off for those who are getting tired.
UPDATE: Those who are interested are invited to dinner Friday Evening at Quinn’s Pub on Capital Hill in Seattle. Please arrive as close to 6:30 as possible; late-comers will not be guaranteed a seat at the table if the place is full.
Yours in Cycling,
Frank
—
Though there are two 2011 U.S. National Champions about 30 minutes down the interstate from me – southeast Idaho isn’t exactly a road bike Mecca. And I wear the V-Shirt whenever I’m traveling in the area to races (whether to participate or spectate) but I’ve only had one person recognize the Sign of the “V”. So the chances of running into or riding with a fellow Velominati are pretty slim. Let alone the demented brainchild of all this nonsense – Darth Strack. What’s a boy to do? Take the bull by the horns and make it happen my own self, that’s what. I figure that anywhere that I can drive to in a day is not too far to go for a ride so I’m off to Seattle to see whether this “Frank” character is indeed worthy to be praised or if he’s just some guy behind a curtain pulling levers and turning dials.
The plan is for a meet and greet (and eat and drink) Friday night Oct. 14 and a ride on Saturday the 15th. A few blokes from Portland way are planning on coming up as well so it looks like it is going to turn into a little Gran Fronkdo. Anyone that can make it is invited. We haven’t sorted out the details of the route or meeting place or time or anything important like that but we should have all that set in cobbles by early this week, so stay tuned.
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@eightzero
I just had a quick look around the town of Mukilteo on Google Maps, and I imagine there is street parking within a 2-3 min bike ride of the terminal. The website does say that parking "near" the terminal is very limited and had a 4 hr time limit, but I'm guessing they are taking into account people who need to walk and don't want to park 15-20 blocks away.
Also cyclists get to load first, as well.
@eightzero
Ha, yeah - as I read the Washington ferry site more I realized that buying a ticket ahead of time doesn't actually reserve you a spot, it just makes it so you don't have to worry about payment then and there.
@Marcus
Today I was at the barber shop and what came on their iPod music system? Fuckin' Men at Work "land down under" or whatever that shit is called, which I was insulting you and your countrymen with some time back. I had a chuckle, because I was also reading this very site on my iPhone at the same time.
Love to join you guys, but due to my location in the east, and the fact i work weekends, there is no way I'm going to be able to make it. If anyone wants to organize an East Coast get together somewhere like scenic Lancaster, PA or in Mountainous Central Vermont, I could find a way to make either of those.
@mcsqueak
Ya, OK fucker. I'm going to be a at frackin' mostly forced 'prog rock' show on Friday night in Tacoma (Washington's right armpit, Spokane being the Left). Bunch of 50 somethings reliving the glory days of arena rock. Merckx bless my neighbor, great guy, and the only reason I'm doing it. Sooooo, I'll be hung over, and smelling of Ben-gay. Just take it easy on a fellow VM, yes?
Hey, all. Long time reader first time poster. Really love the site and the passion for the sport. The pictures and the knowledge have been a great way to pass some slow work days. Just wondering if you would welcome a Vancouver rider for the Cogal? I've been looking for a reason to ride in WA, and this seems like a great one. Cheers!
Whidbey Cogal V-Team - do yourselves a massive favor, and stop in at Mosquito Fleet Chili in Coupeville for some coffee and a piece of pie or a pecan roll...
These folks (husband & wife team) bring The V to their cooking and community.
Top Notch.
I cannot recommend more highly...!
Would love to join in the fun, but flying out from CO is not in the cards next weekend...
Your 100k will roll by like nothing.
And now for something completely different...
I want to be prepared for whatever weather might greet me for the Seattle cogal so I was at a huge store that shall remain nameless tonight in search of a long sleeve insulated Under Armour type shirt to wear under my jersey just in case it's a bit nippy next weekend. So I was thinking of cycling and focused on getting to the other side of the store not really aware that I'm following a woman pushing a shopping cart. I'm just behind her off of her right quarter when all of a sudden she gives her right elbow a little flick. Seeing as I had cycling on the mind and was focused elsewhere - as opposed to walking down the aisle of a huge store - I immediately thought to myself "My turn to pull." Then I realized where I was and began to chuckle to myself.
I love bikes.
If you're not there you suck.
@Drew
My browser is acting weird. Like I said, "If you're not there you suck." Seriously dude. You definitely need to come.
I'll be there!
I have an extra 56cm Cervelo available to lend.