@frank Confused here Frank.  Are you placing the order as soon a minimums are met or after we have a chance to see the new design first?  Time frame? »

@frank “Thanks – we’re gearing up to get our next kit order in; the delay has been on a few fronts – we’re not at our minimums yet, and we’re doing a redesign and want to give people the chance to choose between the two.” Good to know.  I’m just waiting… »

My white socks usually end up with a nice shade of chain grey/black. »

After some IPA fueled texts between myself, the Dutch Monkey and McSqueak, we decided that it was time to take this whole Cogal thing up a notch. More specifically, we’re aiming for this to be the standard for which all others will be judged by.

The date will be August 16th, 2013. We will roll out from Lower Lewis Falls Campground at 0730 on that day as V after VV will be too late a start. There’s a Cat II 14K in, you know, to warm up. Then we’ll get lulled by the speed of an endless decent some 65K long down to the Columbia River. Short trip up the river to White Salmon WA, then we get to go to “work”. A solid 30K of low angle climbing, except right at the end. Screaming fast decent, and of course, another Cat II. I thought it’d be nice to have a short bit of gravelling at the end. So this route is 210Km long with a solid 2700M of climbing. That’s 130 miles and 8800feet of climbing for us Americans that can’t visualize that distance in our head.
This Cogal is not for the faint of heart, and you REALLY need to assess your ability to finish this during daylight hours. This is truly going to be Rule V/VV stuff. There will be no sag wagon, and while there are small towns to refuel at, the last 60K there’s nothing except the occasional car and no cell service. Run out of gas, and you’ll be sleeping in alone, in lycra, in Sasquatch Country and/or poison oak, with just carbon to keep you warm.
Once we figure out the number of people giving this a go, we’ll co-ordinate getting cars/ camping supplies to the campsite at the end. The site is wonderful, but there’s no 5 star, marble showers to be had. A glacier fed river will wash away the day. There will be a keg of the PNW’s finest, and Mrs Scaler, Ms McSqueak, and any other tag-along’s that just want to camp, will have food waiting.
The route is tough, the views second to none, and the suffering: glorious.

@scaler911 I may give it a go someday.  Intrigued by @eightzero’s RIDE542 post.  Got another imperial century this Sunday then Ride the Hurricane on Aug 5th (Hurricane Ride outside Port Angeles, WA).  After, start to train for the PDX Firefighter Stair… »

Ugh…I meant @mcsqueak.  Hate typing on the iPhone. »

Optimism – it’s what keeps me going to achieve shaving zen.  Been four months now as I observe Rule #33 and I just now purchased a luffa sponge and exfoliant to overcome the razor burn.  Thanks for the advice @mcaqueak. »

@frank Regarding your pics, why take that corner so wide?  Lose a couple seconds there maybe? »

How about adding a V water bottle? I really like the Purist Hydroflow and you can create one here: http://specializedwaterbottles.com/gallery/ »

@frank-14:18 »

“…and rather than slipping into the big ring, ghost-shifting into a non-existent lower gear.” Haha!  Yep, done that many o’ times with a sudden realization that I’m screwed. »

The ride starts and finishes at the Red Hook Brewery in Woodinville WA. This is an easy location for visitors to Seattle. Plan is a V past VV departure, giving ample time for a tour of the beautiful Snoqualmie river valley after the obligatory pre ride espressi. There are a few semi-urban areas to traverse, but the return to the brewery should provide a pleasant post-ride food and fresh malted beverage experience. The ride is mostly gentle country roads, but includes both the Tolt River Climb and the Ames Lake Climb after some flat touring to soften the guns. Be advised that experienced riders will mark the heads of state on 12% Tolt, then after the technical descent are sure to launch the selection attack at the base of the longer, yet less steep Ames Lake climb. A regroup is likely on the long descent back to a short section of bike path to the brewery –  a sprint finish is likely, but experienced riders of the route will know that presence of YJAs and Hairy Hippie Douchbags may require vigilance in the lead out (especially on a Saturday.)

Plan is for a Casually Deliberate pace – regroups as needed or desired, but as you can see from the profile, the peloton is likely to enjoy a quiet day of touring. Except of course we all expect the blistering initial attack from @cyclops at the drop of the gun after the neutral pull out from the brewery. There are nice locally owned places for refuel in both Duvall and Carnation.

As is the tradition, a Friday night pre ride revelry event will be planned and discussed in the comments.

VLVV

The ride starts and finishes at the Red Hook Brewery in Woodinville WA. This is an easy location for visitors to Seattle. Plan is a V past VV departure, giving ample time for a tour of the beautiful Snoqualmie river valley after the obligatory pre ride espressi. There are a few semi-urban areas to traverse, but the return to the brewery should provide a pleasant post-ride food and fresh malted beverage experience. The ride is mostly gentle country roads, but includes both the Tolt River Climb and the Ames Lake Climb after some flat touring to soften the guns. Be advised that experienced riders will mark the heads of state on 12% Tolt, then after the technical descent are sure to launch the selection attack at the base of the longer, yet less steep Ames Lake climb. A regroup is likely on the long descent back to a short section of bike path to the brewery –  a sprint finish is likely, but experienced riders of the route will know that presence of YJAs and Hairy Hippie Douchbags may require vigilance in the lead out (especially on a Saturday.)

Plan is for a Casually Deliberate pace – regroups as needed or desired, but as you can see from the profile, the peloton is likely to enjoy a quiet day of touring. Except of course we all expect the blistering initial attack from @cyclops at the drop of the gun after the neutral pull out from the brewery. There are nice locally owned places for refuel in both Duvall and Carnation.

As is the tradition, a Friday night pre ride revelry event will be planned and discussed in the comments.

VLVV

The ride starts and finishes at the Red Hook Brewery in Woodinville WA. This is an easy location for visitors to Seattle. Plan is a V past VV departure, giving ample time for a tour of the beautiful Snoqualmie river valley after the obligatory pre ride espressi. There are a few semi-urban areas to traverse, but the return to the brewery should provide a pleasant post-ride food and fresh malted beverage experience. The ride is mostly gentle country roads, but includes both the Tolt River Climb and the Ames Lake Climb after some flat touring to soften the guns. Be advised that experienced riders will mark the heads of state on 12% Tolt, then after the technical descent are sure to launch the selection attack at the base of the longer, yet less steep Ames Lake climb. A regroup is likely on the long descent back to a short section of bike path to the brewery –  a sprint finish is likely, but experienced riders of the route will know that presence of YJAs and Hairy Hippie Douchbags may require vigilance in the lead out (especially on a Saturday.)

Plan is for a Casually Deliberate pace – regroups as needed or desired, but as you can see from the profile, the peloton is likely to enjoy a quiet day of touring. Except of course we all expect the blistering initial attack from @cyclops at the drop of the gun after the neutral pull out from the brewery. There are nice locally owned places for refuel in both Duvall and Carnation.

As is the tradition, a Friday night pre ride revelry event will be planned and discussed in the comments.

VLVV

The ride starts and finishes at the Red Hook Brewery in Woodinville WA. This is an easy location for visitors to Seattle. Plan is a V past VV departure, giving ample time for a tour of the beautiful Snoqualmie river valley after the obligatory pre ride espressi. There are a few semi-urban areas to traverse, but the return to the brewery should provide a pleasant post-ride food and fresh malted beverage experience. The ride is mostly gentle country roads, but includes both the Tolt River Climb and the Ames Lake Climb after some flat touring to soften the guns. Be advised that experienced riders will mark the heads of state on 12% Tolt, then after the technical descent are sure to launch the selection attack at the base of the longer, yet less steep Ames Lake climb. A regroup is likely on the long descent back to a short section of bike path to the brewery –  a sprint finish is likely, but experienced riders of the route will know that presence of YJAs and Hairy Hippie Douchbags may require vigilance in the lead out (especially on a Saturday.)

Plan is for a Casually Deliberate pace – regroups as needed or desired, but as you can see from the profile, the peloton is likely to enjoy a quiet day of touring. Except of course we all expect the blistering initial attack from @cyclops at the drop of the gun after the neutral pull out from the brewery. There are nice locally owned places for refuel in both Duvall and Carnation.

As is the tradition, a Friday night pre ride revelry event will be planned and discussed in the comments.

VLVV

The ride starts and finishes at the Red Hook Brewery in Woodinville WA. This is an easy location for visitors to Seattle. Plan is a V past VV departure, giving ample time for a tour of the beautiful Snoqualmie river valley after the obligatory pre ride espressi. There are a few semi-urban areas to traverse, but the return to the brewery should provide a pleasant post-ride food and fresh malted beverage experience. The ride is mostly gentle country roads, but includes both the Tolt River Climb and the Ames Lake Climb after some flat touring to soften the guns. Be advised that experienced riders will mark the heads of state on 12% Tolt, then after the technical descent are sure to launch the selection attack at the base of the longer, yet less steep Ames Lake climb. A regroup is likely on the long descent back to a short section of bike path to the brewery –  a sprint finish is likely, but experienced riders of the route will know that presence of YJAs and Hairy Hippie Douchbags may require vigilance in the lead out (especially on a Saturday.)

Plan is for a Casually Deliberate pace – regroups as needed or desired, but as you can see from the profile, the peloton is likely to enjoy a quiet day of touring. Except of course we all expect the blistering initial attack from @cyclops at the drop of the gun after the neutral pull out from the brewery. There are nice locally owned places for refuel in both Duvall and Carnation.

As is the tradition, a Friday night pre ride revelry event will be planned and discussed in the comments.

VLVV

The ride starts and finishes at the Red Hook Brewery in Woodinville WA. This is an easy location for visitors to Seattle. Plan is a V past VV departure, giving ample time for a tour of the beautiful Snoqualmie river valley after the obligatory pre ride espressi. There are a few semi-urban areas to traverse, but the return to the brewery should provide a pleasant post-ride food and fresh malted beverage experience. The ride is mostly gentle country roads, but includes both the Tolt River Climb and the Ames Lake Climb after some flat touring to soften the guns. Be advised that experienced riders will mark the heads of state on 12% Tolt, then after the technical descent are sure to launch the selection attack at the base of the longer, yet less steep Ames Lake climb. A regroup is likely on the long descent back to a short section of bike path to the brewery –  a sprint finish is likely, but experienced riders of the route will know that presence of YJAs and Hairy Hippie Douchbags may require vigilance in the lead out (especially on a Saturday.)

Plan is for a Casually Deliberate pace – regroups as needed or desired, but as you can see from the profile, the peloton is likely to enjoy a quiet day of touring. Except of course we all expect the blistering initial attack from @cyclops at the drop of the gun after the neutral pull out from the brewery. There are nice locally owned places for refuel in both Duvall and Carnation.

As is the tradition, a Friday night pre ride revelry event will be planned and discussed in the comments.

VLVV

@mcsqueak I too am guilty. In fact, I don’t have arm warmers yet – just, eh hem, long sleeve jerseys for inclement weather. I find I’m not a letter of the law, but spirit of the law kind of guy. Sort of like the pirate code… And regarding Portla… »

Portland just named best bike city in U.S. And probably the most concentrated group of Rule violators. @mcsqueak, this isn’t you is it? »

The ride starts and finishes at the Red Hook Brewery in Woodinville WA. This is an easy location for visitors to Seattle. Plan is a V past VV departure, giving ample time for a tour of the beautiful Snoqualmie river valley after the obligatory pre ride espressi. There are a few semi-urban areas to traverse, but the return to the brewery should provide a pleasant post-ride food and fresh malted beverage experience. The ride is mostly gentle country roads, but includes both the Tolt River Climb and the Ames Lake Climb after some flat touring to soften the guns. Be advised that experienced riders will mark the heads of state on 12% Tolt, then after the technical descent are sure to launch the selection attack at the base of the longer, yet less steep Ames Lake climb. A regroup is likely on the long descent back to a short section of bike path to the brewery –  a sprint finish is likely, but experienced riders of the route will know that presence of YJAs and Hairy Hippie Douchbags may require vigilance in the lead out (especially on a Saturday.)

Plan is for a Casually Deliberate pace – regroups as needed or desired, but as you can see from the profile, the peloton is likely to enjoy a quiet day of touring. Except of course we all expect the blistering initial attack from @cyclops at the drop of the gun after the neutral pull out from the brewery. There are nice locally owned places for refuel in both Duvall and Carnation.

As is the tradition, a Friday night pre ride revelry event will be planned and discussed in the comments.

VLVV

@The Oracle According to the article, women. Wisconsin – dunno. Could be Anywhere, USA. »

“As Cyclists, however easy our lives may be, the bicycle brings us some degree of hardship and struggle. For many of us, our easy lives are what draw us to the bicycle in pursuit of a harder life.” I love and hate my bike at the same time. “By and larg… »

@Jarvis I hear ya Jarvis. My Rule #91 happy place is usually eating something (gel pack) within the first two hours. So…no I don’t take them too seriously. »

@Buck Rogers Having responded to a few cyclists vs autos over my career as a firefighter, this is good advice. Not a pretty sight. Be safe out there my fellow Keepers. »

New lexicon is needed: Vonk/Vonked – Failure to find your Rule #91 happy place. »