Categories: CogalsRoutes

Velominati Cogal: Welli-Roubaix 2011

Artwork: Richard 'Rigid' Ainsworth.

It’s a call to arms.  No, it’s a call to legs, hearts and minds.

Just as the Illuminati would stage their fabled, and somewhat feared Cabals, we the Velominati will this year stage our own modern-day versions, the Cogals.  A meeting of like-minded misfits brought together by the promise of beer, preceded by a bike ride. Sound like a formula you could enjoy?  Then Welli-Roubaix is just the ticket.

Assembling at Hataitai Velodrome, Wellington on Sunday April 10, the date of the Queen of the Classics, we will share a cocktail of gravel and tarmac (in the place of real cobbles). It’s a ride, not a race, but attacking on the gravé is encouraged, as is banter in between bouts of the V.  Sprinting on the banked concrete at the conclusion of the ride is mandatory, but no ‘winner’ will be crowned, no trophy awarded except that of cold brews and a set of commemorative  V-Cards.

The next morning (Monday), lashings of Chimay, Duvel, mussels and frites en mayo will accompany the live viewing of the the main event at downtown Belgian bar Leuven. We implore the Welliminati to gather en masse, and encourage our Aussieminati to make the jump across the ditch and join in a weekend of V-based activities on and off 700 x 25s.

*In the light of the terrible events in Christchurch, we will dedicate the ride to those unfortunately affected by the earthquake, and donate V dollars (or more) each to a reputable appeal.

Good times, good people, good cause.

Brett

Don't blame me

View Comments

  • G'phant :

    But it's the disarming modesty and compulsive self-deprecation of Australians which truly endears you to the rest of the world.

    +1

    Touche

  • @il ciclista medio
    I could as easily have said "But it's the insinctive self-belief and endless reserves of self-confidence which really makes us jealous." But then I'd have been deported.

  • @il ciclista medio
    I have to admit a grudging respect for the guy, despite the fact he's batshit insane (who's to say I'm not and just don't know it?) he sticks to his guns and talks in a straight line.

  • bear in mind that's an arms length observation. If I lived in FNQ I'd hate him with my eye teeth

  • G'phant:
    @il ciclista medio
    I could as easily have said "But it's the insinctive self-belief and endless reserves of self-confidence which really makes us jealous." But then I'd have been deported.

    With those thoughts I'd have a room for you at our house.

    Though a lot of that self confident bullshit is hiding a hell of a lot of insecurities from "the arsehole of the world" (thank you former PM Paul Keating)

  • @minion
    Point taken - begrudgingly. He is totally black and white but still living and voicing the same beliefs that were being tossed around 40yrs ago.
    e.g. he stated that (paraphrased by moi) "there aren't any homosexuals in his constituent" sorry where are you living, the moon?

    @Brett
    just re-reading your blog and being whimsical, I could almost have read the word "grave" and pronounced it "gravy"!? Then I had a vision of the bunch attacking on the gravy, may be with added frites literally riding in the brown stuff. Pathetic I know, but I can have a sorry sense of humour. At least I keep myself amused.

  • Ron: I consider them the Canadians of the Southern Hemisphere, since I like all the Canadians I know.

    Here I thought all this time that Canada was the Mexico of the North. What would that make Australia and New Zealand then? Now I'm just confused.

  • Steampunk:
    Of course, when Cascadia finally secedes from North America, I'll be back in a heartbeat.

    One of my favorite local breweries put out a dark ale they called "Cascadia", with a map of Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia on the bottle. Sounds good to me!

  • mcsqueak:

    Steampunk:
    Of course, when Cascadia finally secedes from North America, I'll be back in a heartbeat.

    One of my favorite local breweries put out a dark ale they called "Cascadia", with a map of Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia on the bottle. Sounds good to me!

    That's the one. I'll live there.

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