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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@Nate For the summer, any time in July probably works for me the best. Y'all put something together and I'll try to get out there. Not having ridden in NoCal, I'll leave it to you boys to pick an epic route... Sure liked the looks of lasts years Cogal in the Marin area.
I'm wondering if there might be any interest in an "Around the Block" cogal? Round these parts - southeast Idaho/western Wyoming riding "around the block" means doing a loop that includes Jackson Hole, WY, Victor, ID, and Swan Valley, ID. The scenery is incredible with views of the Tetons as well as cruising along the Palisades Reservoir and the Snake River through Hoback Canyon. Then if we were feeling froggy we could tack on the ride from Victor up to Targhee Ski resort and back. You can look at the MapMyRide profile here. Around the Block is 172k and adding Targhee would bring the total up to 236k. Climbing would be 1500 to 2100 meters depending on if we went up to Targhee or not. Beautiful scenery, Tetons, Targhee Nat'l. Park, lunch in Jackson Hole, post ride at the brew pub in Victor, etc. What's not to like? I would prefer late in the season (September) but let me know if anyone is interested. Oh, I make a mean margarita and grill an awesome steak and if people didn't mind sleeping on the floor I have access to my church so there is plenty of room to put people up.
Let me know. ken@deaconbikes.com
What to potential NorCal'ers think about July 6 or 7? Too close to July 4 as to interfere with other plans folks might have?
@Nate
Should work for me. A slight chance that my travel for the 11th - 15th could be moved up, but unlikely. I'd vote for Marin or coastal if elsewhere. Not a fan of the heat. will be fun. Let me know how I can help.
@Cyclops
Definitely interested if date corresponds with a J Hole trip in the works with one of my riding buddies. That, however, would not be late season. If it doesn't work, we'll try to get in touch with you for a ride when we do make the trip.
@Cyclops
Will there be any custom Deacon bikes available for those coming from out of town? Because that would be awesome! More seriously, that's some of the most beautiful country I've been in; I wish it were closer and I could swing this. Sounds like a great plan...
@Dave R
Aight.
@Nate Both days should work for me. The 7th would be good because I'd be able to bring along one of my riding buddies. He's a bit of a rule breaker, but does tend to live by Rule V and VV.
@xyverz, @Dave R, @El Mateo
Turns out my MIL is turning 70 the weekend after 4th of July and the spouse is, shall we say, not on board with me spending an entire day on the bike that weekend. Assuming the following weekend still doesn't work for @Dave_R, how is July 20 or 21?
What level of Velominati do you need to be initiate a Cogal? I think we need one in here in Colorado, for several reasons, but primarily to set a glowing example. 1. We have alot of posers that wear their kits all f'ed up. 2. Just because you are riding an expensive carbon bike up a mountain doesn't mean you should be chatting, HTFU. 3. Our team rides all year long, one member even crashed in 10 degree weather with a brain hemorage after drinking copious amounts of malted beverage, requiring an ambulance ride and a sanity test by the medical professionals. 4. "kit confusion" nuff said.