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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View Comments
@VanBrudenrijden any level you like I do believe, just a bunch of like minded souls going for a ride is what it is. Just make sure you plan a fairly interesting and/or challenging parcours and follow the Rules.
I do believe this is how I'll show up to the next cogal I attend. After careful review of The Rules, I find no specific rule banning cats.
@mcsqueak
Ah, here now: there's the letter of the law, and then there's the spirit of the law. You have to know you're courting excommunication just for posting that...
@Steampunk
I think this is a case of "transcending" the rules.
@mcsqueak
Mmm, well..........ya. I got nothing.
Hi (site) keepers. FYI, links to previous Cogals, eg. 2much on 100, 2012 are not routing properly. Would love to read about upcoming Cogals from last year's reports.
Thanks!
Ok, I'm in the unfashionable but very pointy Eastern Pyrenees and available for a ride in the environs of Foix between the 16th and 26th of July - there's talk of the VMH taking me to the Tourmalet (or the Tourmaline as she's named it in her special world) too. Anyone around and want to plan un Cogal?
What are the rules on a cyclocross/gravel road style cogal? For the Scottish/British Velominati, would many be up for it after the success of Snoov's recent ride?
@campbellrae1
I am trying to concoct a route that takes in short but steep hills and rougher Tarmac, however finding decent gravel that doesn't need an off road bike is difficult. Forestry roads might be ok but they are often just dead ends, farm roads are probably too rough for PR style machinery, after all we want to have fun not punctures. There are plenty of steep routes around here so that may be the better route to go. Ideally you would have 2 lane roads for the desending section to make warp speed a bit safer!
@the-farmer The route I had in mind was definitely more cyclocross than road ride, so would require a CX bike at least!
Liking the idea of the classics style cogal route though!