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.
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Ricco--"I Fought the Law" (The Clash live version)
Eddy - We are the Champions.
Enuf already.
Still is. 'Austin Skyline' by Jimmy Lafave is still one of my favorite albums (though, as the name suggests, owes as much to Dylan as it does to Austin). I saw him live in an underground bar in Wellington in the mid 90's - just him and a bass player. Fantastic. And isn't Darden Smith from around those parts?
@xyxax
Well played. I couldn't think of anything for the Schlecklet. You nailed it.
@Marcus
No, JENS and the PS Boys would be strange bedfellows. And I think 'Hurt' (probably the Nine Inch Nails version, rather than the Johnny Cash version) should be JENS' signature tune.
@minion
Y'all take your beer very seriously. Texans, not so much. We're more about how cold can you get the beer and how does it taste with either barbeque or Tex-Mex (our version of Mexican food). It pretty much comes down to Lone Star and Shiner Bock.
We learn early in life that Friday night is high school football, getting drunk, and getting laid. Saturday is college football, getting drunk, and getting in a fight with either your girlfriend or some guy who's staring at your girlfriend. Sunday is church--mostly Southern Baptist. Real hellfire and brimstone. Makes you feel bad about what you did on Friday and Saturday. By Monday you get over it, and by Friday, you're ready to go again. What was my point? Oh yeah. We're not particularly sophisticated, and our beers reflect it.
One can never accuse Lone Star or Shiner Bock of being great beers. They're good beers, dependable, consistent, and traditional to Texas.
@G'phant
Darden Smith--yep. Robert Earl Keen and his college roommate, Lyle Lovett, are from around here. From a little west of Austin, you've got Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely, and Butch Hancock.
@Steampunk
Please don't ever make me responsible for Alanis. On the other hand you are responsible for Ron Sexsmith, who as far as I'm concerned is the mutts nuts.
@Jeff in PetroMetro
You know, I've been a fan of Lyle Lovett for a long time. For me, probably about the coolest modern country music around.
He finally played in Sydney last year after what must have been about a 20yr wait, and I would have to say it was one of the best concerts I've ever been to. Had the punters in the palm of his hand, sublime.
I'm not old enough to drink so this beer conversation is over my head.
@il ciclista medio
Yup. Weird guy, brilliant (if disturbingly misogynistic) music. Would love to see him live. Bet he rides something odd - recumbent with Campy Chorus, or something.
Has got me wondering what type of bike other musicians might ride. But I'm not sure we should go there...
@G'phant
Mmmm, perhaps some of it may be but I was just thinking of something like "North Dakota" which is far from being misogynistic. Quite beautiful and poetic to me. Guessing it's more of one's interpretation of the lyric's plus that cowboy slant he puts on most things.
Now bikes and musician's....
Snoop on a low rider cruiser tandem, blinged to the max, speakers and spliff holder, with some voluptuous bimbo wearing totally inappropriate attire (for a bike that is) on the front, doing the hard work
Morrisey on a single speed Raleigh, scarf and hounds-tooth jacket with an un-oiled chain giving off just the right whine as he forlornly pedals past
The Chilli Peppers on BMX's (too obvious?)
James Blunt on a tricycle, possibly orange, to allow the continual strumming of guitar while yodelling "You're beautiful" until unceremoniously being hit by a bus whilst in the cycle lane
Mariah Carey - solid gold MTB with all of her platinum disc's melted down to make the bars, some gold CD's as mirrors, not for traffic but for hair and make-up checks whilst stopping every 10 meters
I think I could do this all night.....just let me grab another beer......