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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@Buck Rogers
Well, for me, it's not Omerta. I know no details, so I wouldn't have any specifics. What I do know is, when he's not happy, the close folks put it this way--"That's just Lance being Lance." If I were close to a global mega-star, I'd probably learn to accept quirks.
Put them together, you get Flatlanders. Effin' brilliant stuff.
@Nate
Yes you do, and yes it is.
@G'phant
Riding in Austin: I moved away in '94, so I don't know any routes anymore. Real estate development has plowed over a bunch of my old training loops. When I lived there, the Tour of Texas was the first stage race of the global calendar for the amateur scene. All the national teams from all over the world showed up, as well as all the major domestic squads. The weather was usually good, but it could be bad enough to toughen up riders. It was hilly. It could get windy and hot. Point-to-point races were mixed with criteriums. It went all over the state, but it was based out of Austin. I got to train with true global studs: Dutch national team, Canadian national team, domestic gods. It was like the music scene, only on bikes. And it was only for about a month, but it was AWESOME. Pretty cool, successful racers have crashed at my place or, at least, came over for dinner and went out with me on training rides. Races? I was never fast enough to be amongst them.
Riding now--I hear it's as good as ever, just farther out. It's very hilly west of Austin. It's more rolling and gets flatter east of Austin.
It's always beautiful. If I were hi-tech in anyway, I'd move back. Software is the industry that drives the economy.
Both you and Buck Rogers should get the book "Best Bike Rides--Texas" by Andy White. I don't know if it's been updated since '98, but most of the rides are probably still do-able. It's helpful if you want to get a feel for what to expect. Most of the rides are in Central Texas, in the Hill Country. The next large grouping is in North Texas. The rest are scattered about. Austin and San Antonio are in the Hill Country. Anything around those two cities is great for cycling.
@frank
Is that your recumbent, Frank? If it is, I don't know what to say. It's like finding out the Pope puts on a shiny suit, fake sideburns, blow dries his hair big, and moonlights as a Protestant TV evangelist.
Fuck'n A
@Marko
Bwa-ha-ha! A day for the hardmen.
@Marko
VERY NICE!!! Let the games begin!
@Marko
I've been looking forward to tomorrow morning for quite awhile. This is going to be fun. It's a good-looking field, too.
I love the Flecha comment here. Cobblestones in his dreams and soul, not just on the bike. Beautiful.