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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So very soon, all will be right with the world. A-Merckx.
@Jeff in PetroMetro
+1!
I am trying something technologically new for me this weekend. I now have mobile internet access on the CLEAR network. Theoretically, if I can get a live feed and I can stay on the CLEAR network, I will go to my daughter's riding lessons in the morning and not miss a thing. Rule 11 will be mildly enforced. I will not be on my bike, but I will worship at the alter of all things cobbled, cold, and miserably beautiful.
It's good to be with you all for 2011.
@Welliminati... Frikkin awesome news, we have secured the Leuven Belgian Beer Cafe in downtown Welli to watch the live coverage of Paris Roubaix on Monday April 11! While checking out their website I came across their cycling club, and emailed them. Todd, who ran the rides said they had folded due to lack of support, but is willing to give us all discounted breakfast and beers while we take in the action. Sweet bros!
@brett
Fantastic. Something about the phrase 'discounted breakfast and beers' just sounds ... right.
Did a reconnaissance run today, added about 40km of new route, and upped the gravé sectors from one to six, plus a grass sector. And it will be Hell, today Rigid had a flat and destroyed his front derailleur! If it rains it will be carnage!
Just put the call out to the Augusta, Georgia area that in honor of Milan-Sanremo I am going to ride 150 kms (half the distance the pros will ride) on Saturday. I suppose it should actually be 149 kms as I think MSR is actually 298 kms but I do so love a rounded-off number. I realize it is not a super long ride for a lot of people, but this early in the season it will be a REAL ride for me! Hopefully a few people join in but it might just be a solo jaunt for around 5 hours!
As for my own mini-MSR here at Ft Gordon in Augusta, Georgia I actually had one guy show up and ride one 40 km loop with me before he stopped. I ended up doing 161 kms. First time I have gone that far in a long time. The guy who rode the first loop had an altimeter watch with him (not me, I rode with just time showing on my cyclometer :) and said he will let me know the elevation per lap as it is a HILLY loop!
@frank
Is your Pre-Flanders ride in Seattle still happening this Saturday? What's the time and starting location?
Bretto, how long has the ride pushed out to now?
And are freds allowed?