The Cogals

Cogals (pronounce it correctly: kog-al) are meetings of like-minded misfits brought together by the promise of beer, preceded by a bike ride. Cogals are free, open to all, organized by our fellow Velominati and are always followed by consumption of post-ride recovery ales and merriment. These are gatherings of unbridled observance of Rule #4.

Cogals differ themselves from other group rides by the meeting the following criteria:

  • First, Cogals are free, organized and supported through Velominati, though not necessarily a Keeper. Anyone is welcome to join a Cogal. Legally speaking, however, we have no involvement, so if you crash or die, it’s your own problem. Please be careful to study the route previously and take precautionary measures to stay safe.
  • Second, a Cogal is a day-long undertaking that focuses 100% on the bike. The rides are categorized (Casually Deliberate,  Rule #5 Rule #10, for example) but are long. This is what you’re doing today, nothing else; see  Rule #4. Rides can be any length, but a minimum distance of 130km should be expected.
  • Third, Cogals always include a session of Malted Recovery Beverage Consumption after the ride. Whenever possible, it should also include a pre-ride espresso.

Not all the events in The Cogals are actual Cogals. We also post rides and events that are of interest to the community, as well as Keepers Tours, which are Velominati-hosted, paid cycling Tours tailored to the tastes of a velominatus.

Any member of the community is welcomed to organize a Cogal. If interested, either post your interest below or email us with the following information:

  • Date of Cogal
  • Starting Address (ideally somewhere neutral, like a café or park)
  • Route (MapMyRide, Bikely, or Strava)
  • Ride Classification (Casually Deliberate, Rule V, Rule VV, or suggest another)
  • A paragraph describing the Cogal

Upcoming Cogals

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Submit Your Own Cogal:

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843 Replies to “The Cogals”

  1. @frank

    @brett

    Who is posting up Cogal details these days for me to send info?

    Planning for a SE England Cogal Saturday Sept 16th.  Start at Hemmingway’s in Haslemere (direct train from Waterloo).  Start TBC based on train time for anyone coming out of London.  Provisional route here.  A couple of decent climbs oh plus the final one over the Punchbowl.  Home made soup at the end.

     

  2. It’s pencilled in my diary. There’s a guy at my work who’s interested and he’s definitley a grimpeur……

  3. @davidlhill

    It’s pencilled in my diary. There’s a guy at my work who’s interested and he’s definitley a grimpeur……

    0

    Excellent.  Though we could do with some Rouleurs for the return leg.  If it’s windy it’s pretty much due S/W so Rule #67 will apply.

  4. @Teocalli

    @davidlhill

    It’s pencilled in my diary. There’s a guy at my work who’s interested and he’s definitley a grimpeur……

    0

    Excellent. Though we could do with some Rouleurs for the return leg. If it’s windy it’s pretty much due S/W so Rule #67 will apply.

    0

    ha ha – I’ve always attempted to do my time in the wind but you guys are so damn quick it’s hard for me to get to the front!

    Having said that, I do recall during my ‘lost and found’ period (due to being between groups) in the first Surrey Cogal I asked Chris)’s permission to wheelsuck him back to you lot. Since he’s a monster on the bike I don’t think he minded too much……

    BTW I was out riding a few weeks ago one Sunday morning and bumped into Ephraim coming the other way – I’m sure he’ll join us in Surrey.

  5. That was supposed to read “Chris0’s permission” – but you knew that!

  6. 2nd Annual Surrey Soup Cogal

    All – do we have a Quorum for the 2nd Annual Surrey Soup Cogal Saturday 16th September?  Ran out this route at the w/e and it run pretty well I think.  Pretty traffic free for the most part.  Good for the Rouleur with just a couple of hills in the first third.  Tanhurst Lane up Leith Hill is a bitch.  Cruise up Box Hill then a nice rolling route till the final climbs up to the Punchbowl.  Start time TBA based on train times for anyone coming out of London.  I can arrange for travel clothing to be picked up.  Start from Hemingway’s in Haslemere.

  7. @Teocalli

    2nd Annual Surrey Soup Cogal

    All – do we have a Quorum for the 2nd Annual Surrey Soup Cogal Saturday 16th September? Ran out this route at the w/e and it run pretty well I think. Pretty traffic free for the most part. Good for the Rouleur with just a couple of hills in the first third. Tanhurst Lane up Leith Hill is a bitch. Cruise up Box Hill then a nice rolling route till the final climbs up to the Punchbowl. Start time TBA based on train times for anyone coming out of London. I can arrange for travel clothing to be picked up. Start from Hemingway’s in Haslemere.

    0

    Nope, I’m not going to be down that way for this.

    Some other time.

  8. @RobSandy

    OK – we wat to get over to the Gower sometime so will let you know if we manage to fit that in this year.

  9. @eightzero

    @Teocalli

    Hey @Frank @Brett – Who is loading Cogal details these days?

    0

    Anyone? Anyone? Buhler?

    DS possibly for rent for the Cogal of the Falling Leaves on VVhidbey if anyone is going to set it up.

    0

    More like Ride of the Tumbleweeds.

  10. @Teocalli

    2nd Annual Surrey Soup Cogal

    All – do we have a Quorum for the 2nd Annual Surrey Soup Cogal Saturday 16th September? Ran out this route at the w/e and it run pretty well I think. Pretty traffic free for the most part. Good for the Rouleur with just a couple of hills in the first third. Tanhurst Lane up Leith Hill is a bitch. Cruise up Box Hill then a nice rolling route till the final climbs up to the Punchbowl. Start time TBA based on train times for anyone coming out of London. I can arrange for travel clothing to be picked up. Start from Hemingway’s in Haslemere.

    0

    All – we are a go for Saturday if there are any late callers.  Rollout will be 9:0V but from Caracoli’s in Haslemere as Hemingways is not open early on Saturday.  This is the route.  @itburns looks like he will send us a greeting card somewhere along the way but we should be starting in the dry.

  11. The Second Annual Surrey Soup Cogal.

    OK so at the moment this seems to be the only way of keeping things rolling so….

    Chris O’s Take

    I’ll just say y’all missed a very nice ride through some lush bits of Sussex and Surrey. (Remember what grass looks like Chris?)

    Although there were dark clouds to be seen all day Dave had managed to plot a route which seemed to magically move between them. We had nothing more than a short attempt at drizzle which didn’t even require stopping to put on rain jackets. And yet again managed to time our finish about 5 minutes ahead of the rain, by which time we were downing hot mulligatawny and tea with cake to come.

     It was just Dave, his mate Simon and me. A steady pace with some tasty climbs; we averaged nearly 27km/h and the second half was a bit slower as Simon tired. I was up for giving it some beans on Box Hill and thought I might have cracked a new PB but I was a frustrating few seconds over – should have dumped my rain jacket and second bottle at the bottom.

     Pictures attached, including the very appropriate Hammer Lane. We also did Lickfold and Balls Cross but no Cocking this time. The cap and socks are all that remains of my V-kit these days. If the weather is good we should do something around Christmas/New Year (as long as there’s no ice !). 

    Teocalli’s Take

    Well it’s the UK so we have to talk weather.  On the run in to the weekend the forecast flipped between sunny and dry to downpours with thunder and lightening.  As it turned out @itburns smiled on us and after a chilly start to be expected at this time of the year, it was a jolly decent day with just a small shower late on.  Participants gradually dwindled during the week with David having to fetch a boat from France (hope you had good enough weather to get it back) and E-Diggs having an offer he could not turn down.  So in the end it was Chris O, my main cycling buddy Simon and myself that headed out from Caracoli on time at 9:0V.

     

    The route was good one for the Rouleur rolling out to the base of Leith Hill with a net loss in altitude from the start that made for a good warm up for the first hour or so.  Tanhurst Lane up Leith Hill delivered the expected burn and Chris O duly disappeared up the road to wait for Simon and me at the top.  A high speed descent delivered us to Dorking and Box Hill where Chris O disappeared again leaving the two of us in the smoke haze of his wake.  Refuel number 1 at the top with Tea and Cake.  From there it was back to Rouleur terrain to the next water stop at Kirdford.  Somewhere along the way Simon’s fuel gauge hit zero and The Man with the Hammer joined the ride.  It was a bit surprising as the previous weekend we had done a decent ride and on his new Giant Defy Simon had been pushing me worryingly hard.  Happen that being towed by Chris O a bit faster than our usual cruise speed a gasket blew but the water stop at Kirdford turned into a Coffee and Meat Pie refuel stop for Simon.  The Man lurked with us until the final two climbs up Lynchmere and Sandy Lane delivered us to the aptly named Hammer Lane and the final mile up to the finish and some fabulous Goulash Soup prepared by Mrs T with home made bread (just a touch overcooked by me the previous evening!) and home made cake also by Mrs T.  If that doesn’t send out the call for the next Surrey Soup Cogal nothing will.

  12. @Teocalli

    Nice little report. If the stars had aligned I might have made it.

    Some other time I’m sure – is there still any interest in a South Wales cogal?

    I’m up for hosting more or less any time.

  13. @Teocalli

    Nice report – shame I couldn’t make it this time but I will next.

    No, sadly the weather Gods refused to play ball, and Kyanna is still in Calais. Insurance firm insists on F4 or under forecast. Looking like Monday is the earliest – if you fancy a delivery trip we are a body short……… over to Calais Sunday night, bit of a slap up, up at first light and first stop probably Margate. Only going on Sunday if the forecast is good.

  14. @RobSandy

    @Teocalli

    Nice little report. If the stars had aligned I might have made it.

    Some other time I’m sure – is there still any interest in a South Wales cogal?

    I’m up for hosting more or less any time.

    0

    Definitely up for a S Wales one next year.

  15. @Teocalli

    In your experience, what’s the best way to make it happen?

    Canvas opinion or just pick an abitrary day and see who is free?

  16. @RobSandy

    Pick a few options and then canvas opinion.  A bunch of us have each other’s email so actually my last 2 were mainly arranged by email.  I can fwd out anything you post.

  17. As this thread is little used I suggest we put VSP stuff in here so that other posts do not get lost in Bikes and Rides.

    Current entries for this week are……

  18. @Teocalli

    Not a bad idea to get it out of the bikes and rides threads, but as long  as we move it, why not put it in the VSP thread?

  19. @MangoDave

    @Teocalli

    Not a bad idea to get it out of the bikes and rides threads, but as long as we move it, why not put it in the VSP thread?

    0

    Ha Ha!  Only just realised that was still active.  Will do.

  20. @Teocalli

    @MangoDave

    @Teocalli

    Not a bad idea to get it out of the bikes and rides threads, but as long as we move it, why not put it in the VSP thread?

    0

    Ha Ha! Only just realised that was still active. Will do.

    0

    Ok, I think I’m caught up with the pick entries on my own spreadsheet.  My scores were the same as yours for MSR, which tells me my algorithm is working properly.

     

    I’m trying to think of something for the VSP prize list (or just overall winner).  It won’t be the caliber of past prizes so, sorry guys, no custom frame or carbon wheels.  I’d do something like a V-pint glass if I knew I could actually get one.

  21. @Teocalli

    Ooops – rather…….

    @Rick – you entering Ghent Wevelgem?

    0

    Just checked out the VSP page – seems i will be recorded as winning the 2017 VSP!

    Oh, loving the V orange on your spreadsheet.

  22. @Teocalli

    Ooops – rather…….

    @Rick – you entering Ghent Wevelgem?

    0

    Yes, I will be entering. Will get picks in by weekend.

  23. Before the site goes for good – is there still any interest amongst the faithful for a Welsh Cogal?

    I’ve just been thinking about routes and I’d like an excuse to go for a big ride sometime – end of the summer/start of autumn perhaps.

  24. @RobSandy

    Before the site goes for good – is there still any interest amongst the faithful for a Welsh Cogal?

    I’ve just been thinking about routes and I’d like an excuse to go for a big ride sometime – end of the summer/start of autumn perhaps.

    0

    Potentially yes but I may be off the bike for a bit at the end of the summer.

  25. @RobSandy

    Hi,

    if it’s the last weekend in Augist or 1st weekend in September you have 2 definite attendees. My self and my partner – she’s a VERY strong rider.

    Cheers,

    David

  26. @RobSandy

    Before the site goes for good – is there still any interest amongst the faithful for a Welsh Cogal?

    I’ve just been thinking about routes and I’d like an excuse to go for a big ride sometime – end of the summer/start of autumn perhaps.

    0

    Hi,

    do those dates work for you?

    Cheers,

    DAvid

  27. @davidlhill

    @RobSandy

    Before the site goes for good – is there still any interest amongst the faithful for a Welsh Cogal?

    I’ve just been thinking about routes and I’d like an excuse to go for a big ride sometime – end of the summer/start of autumn perhaps.

    0

    Hi,

    do those dates work for you?

    Cheers,

    DAvid

    0

    Provisionally I think I’m free – but lets see if we can get a few more people involved.

    I’d rather run it when we can get a decent group together.

  28. of course – we’ll keep the weekends free for now. Let’s hope there is enough interest!

  29. I can’t do the last weekend in August, but could potentially do the following week (Sep 1/2).

    But later is probably better for me, as in the late summer/early autumn option you mentioned first – I assume that’s more like end of September/early October.

    Although it is Wales, so it could be the second and third weeks of July…

  30. One of the two weekends has now been taken – a friend has invited us to cycle around Cheddar Gorge 25/26 August. Rob, Chris et al you;re welcome to join us!

    David

  31. Cheddar Gorge is actually 26/27 – the Sunday and Monday bank holiday.

    And the second w/e mentioned1/2 Sep has not been taken as we will be in Scotland.

    One day a Welsh COgal will happen that we can join!

  32. @davidlhill

    Cheddar Gorge is actually 26/27 – the Sunday and Monday bank holiday.

    And the second w/e mentioned1/2 Sep has not been taken as we will be in Scotland.

    One day a Welsh COgal will happen

    0

    Fixed your post.

    I’m just terrible at organising things like this. ChrisO is moving nearby in the near future so that might be the time.

    Wales is awesome to ride in any time of the year. And also probably wet, any time of the year.

  33. More like the medium-term future. We’re talking this time next year really.

    Although it rather also depends on Brexit as that will be exactly when we need to sell our house. If there’s looting on the streets of London it might have a negative impact on property prices…

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