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…

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.

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!

David

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…

@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.

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

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

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.

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.

D’hoore

Hosking

Rivera

Wild

Vos

Sagan

Demare

Groenewegen

Viviani

Van Avermaet

Ooops – rather…….

@Rick – you entering Ghent Wevelgem?

0

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

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.

@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.

@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.

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?

@Rick – you entering Ghent Wevelgem?

Current entries for this week are……

Sounds sensible. I’ll PM you.

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.

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?

@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.

A wee bit busy at work at the moment unfortunately

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.

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.

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.

https://www.marktplaats.nl/a/fietsen-en-brommers/fietsaccessoires-kleding/m1203668434-nos-detto-pietro-wielrenschoenen-maat-41.html?c=c8f4e03ae2528df01038ea9fdce70644&previousPage=lr&pos=1&lr_snippet=horizontalRichSnippet

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.

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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.

@Teocalli

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

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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.

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.

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

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.

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.

@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.

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.

@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.

@RobSandy

I’d be up for coming over for a S Wales one but dates in what is left of Summer may be a bit of a challenge.

0

True nuff.

I’d be up for coming over for a S Wales one but dates in what is left of Summer may be a bit of a challenge.

@ChrisO @RobSandy @DavidHill

How about 16th Sept as a tentative date. @DavidHill it’s more of a Rouleur route for this year. Kinda rode it this morning bar a few wrong turns – and I need to remove the bit that is a mountain bike trail over Leith Hill.

0

Date’s in the diary – can’t give more than a tentative expression of interest at this stage.

I’m still up for hosting a S wales Cogal some time later in the summer, too.

How about 16th Sept as a tentative date.  @DavidHill it’s more of a Rouleur route for this year.  Kinda rode it this morning bar a few wrong turns – and I need to remove the bit that is a mountain bike trail over Leith Hill.

Middle to second half of September would be best for me – I’m away for two weeks at the end of August, beginning of September and have a vague plan to do a two-up TT on September 10.

Although I suspect my partner is going to blow me out so if anyone fancies it, keep the date free.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/23118305/edit

If there is interest we can look at a date.

@RobSandy

Day can be flexible

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Awesome. I’ll keep it in mind. However, don’t make plans around my attendance. Sort out a convenient day for everyone and I’ll see if I can join.

Day can be flexible

@RobSandy

@DavidlHill

@Teocalli

i certainly could be (unless I’m the only non-grimpeur and in which case……)

0

@Teocalli

I didn’t get many responses to the Wales Cogal plan so assumed enthusiasm had waned…

If the time and location was ideal I might be able to make a Hampshire Cogal. I.e striking distance from Southampton.

0

Start point is only about 45 mins from Southampton…….

0

It’s possible then. Has to coincide with visiting the in laws. Assume it’d be a Saturday?

@DavidlHill

@Teocalli

i certainly could be (unless I’m the only non-grimpeur and in which case……)

0

@Teocalli

I didn’t get many responses to the Wales Cogal plan so assumed enthusiasm had waned…

If the time and location was ideal I might be able to make a Hampshire Cogal. I.e striking distance from Southampton.

0

Start point is only about 45 mins from Southampton…….

@Teocalli

i certainly could be (unless I’m the only non-grimpeur and in which case……)

0

@Teocalli

I didn’t get many responses to the Wales Cogal plan so assumed enthusiasm had waned…

If the time and location was ideal I might be able to make a Hampshire Cogal. I.e striking distance from Southampton.

i certainly could be (unless I’m the only non-grimpeur and in which case……)

Highwood Pass ride will start for us at 1100 at the gates on June 11th.

Later,

Mike

I will be doing the Highwood pass on June 11th, a Sunday. I will hopefully be bringing a few riders from Edmonton along.

I will post later when I have a time but for now mid morning.

Hope the weather is better than last year.

Take care all,

Mike

Looks like just you and me then!

The snow is slow melting and evaporating here in Alberta.  It is now two wheel, outside, season!  Anyone interested in doing Highwood pass again this year? Looks like the road opens to cars on the 15th, so Saturday the 10 or Sunday the 11th works.

Takers?

Cheers,

Mike

Pretty flexible bu NOT 20/21 May, 17/18 June, 1/7 July

This is the sort of answer I needed.

I’m going to make a spreadsheet!

Game here.

@Teocalli

@davidlhill

@ChrisO

Welsh Cogal planning post – What dates would folk prefer?

I can limit my availability to a Saturday in May or June, but not the 13th of May or the 17th of June.

Lets try and get a firm date and then I’ll start taking votes on routes and that.

Holy SMOKES!!! I’m just back from a week’s vacation in Montechiaro, Italy which is about 25 k from the Stelvio Pass.

So unbelievably amazing!

We were there for a Nordic skiing holiday and not riding but I really need to set up a Cogal to ride the Stelvio within the next two years. So much AMAZING macchiato and grappa and wine–just blew me away. I could EASILY live there. So gorgeous!

Anyone game???

count me in the planning. Though i too will qork on my power to wight ratio……

@Buck Rogers

Colleague of mine did the Stelvio a while ago, some kind of open participation cycle event. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stelvio_Pass#Stelvio_Bike_Day

Still working on my own power to weight ratio first. And also thinking more about the Dutch Eroica.

I had not heard of that but that sounds like the day to ride it!  Very narrow road with all those hairpins.  I would not like to ride it with much car traffic!

DID YOU SEE THIS? On top of Stelvio apparently…

https://housublime.com/gallery/transformed-bicycle-cafe-pops-in-the-heart-of-the-italian-alps-10878/img/6

I just learnt about its existence from @Frank‘s Packfiller podcast..

Colleague of mine did the Stelvio a while ago, some kind of open participation cycle event. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stelvio_Pass#Stelvio_Bike_Day

Still working on my own power to weight ratio first. And also thinking more about the Dutch Eroica.

So unbelievably amazing!

We were there for a Nordic skiing holiday and not riding but I really need to set up a Cogal to ride the Stelvio within the next two years.  So much AMAZING macchiato and grappa and wine–just blew me away.  I could EASILY live there. So gorgeous!

Anyone game???

Chapeau.

So I am looking forward to Fallen Leaves Cogal next, and I hope to see more folks next year.

John

@Barracuda

@Teocalli

Drove up one of the routes I have in mind today, that is, as far as the current snow levels would allow. Stunning views – 30 Km steady climb along the Taylor River till it turns to gravel and continues upwards!

Jaw drop, that is spectacular … scrolls through airline prices from Australia.

*Google searches “selling kids in to indentured servitude”*

Ha Ha.

Though at the moment the VMW seems to want to have a series of long weekends in the Uk and Europe vs an autumn trip back to Colorado.  So it’s a tough call between working a trip back to the condo or a trip to the Dolomites and riding round the Sella Ronda and surrounding area.  Decision, decisions.

@Teocalli

Drove up one of the routes I have in mind today, that is, as far as the current snow levels would allow. Stunning views – 30 Km steady climb along the Taylor River till it turns to gravel and continues upwards!

Jaw drop, that is spectacular … scrolls through airline prices from Australia.

*Google searches “selling kids in to indentured servitude”*

Drove up one of the routes I have in mind today, that is, as far as the current snow levels would allow. Stunning views – 30 Km steady climb along the Taylor River till it turns to gravel and continues upwards!

Jaw drop,  that is spectacular …  scrolls through airline prices from Australia.

Only on holiday, normally UK.  That is our place up in CB.  Heading home on Sunday.

Nice — you in Colorado, too?

Relief station looks right – roads are better up here now, though hardly surprising Feb vs April.

This would be HQ – depending on numbers.

Who is within jumping distance of Colorado, more specifically Gunnison and precisely Crested Butte?

Making some early plans to be back here in the late Summer / Fall to try out some of the Gravel around here such as……

and to put my bike here (this is not mine)…….

More details when I have firmer plans but initially wondered if there many be any interest in a long weekend Colorado Cogal.

I’m in Boulder — put me down as intrigued!

Here’s a shot from the Old Man Winter Rally in February. This was at the relief station where we started our descent down Sunshine Canyon into Boulder…

Making some early plans to be back here in the late Summer / Fall to try out some of the Gravel around here such as……

and to put my bike here (this is not mine)…….

More details when I have firmer plans but initially wondered if there many be any interest in a long weekend Colorado Cogal.

Ha Ha.  Pun not intended but I did mean snow.  Though there are probably some who think I’m away with the fairies most of the time.  Plus Crested Butte does have a bit of a reputation as the last Hippy outpost in Colorado.

@chris

I think I’ll be away on the white stuff

Ha ha, just saw this, I’m hoping you either meant snow or the strade bianche

I think I’ll be away on the white stuff

email sent!

David

Venue is tbd so keep an eye on the Cogals page or email me on london.cogal@gmail.com and I’ll let you know where and when it’s going to be.

If you’re not really into sportives this is a good one. A Clayton’s sportive (which will only make sense to Aussies). More like a great big club ride in groups than a mass sportive.

It starts at Herne Hill Velodrome, does 115kms with some nice lumps in the Surrey/Kent hills and finishes just down the road at Dulwich Sports Club.

Cogal of the Falling Leaves – I humbly suggest Saturday, October 17 for a proper chance at some fuckedness and so as to not interfere with Canadian turkey weekend the week before.

Seconded.

#Happy70Eddy

Merckx turning 70 years

However, Eroica Britannia is coming up – who’s doing it from here?

David

@JohnB @strathlubnaig @theengine

Any plans for the 4th Scottish Cogal? I’m happy to host if that helps spur things on! Got a few routes in mind, probably in the 160-200km range with upwards of 2500m of climbing.

Do you guys fancy meeting half way(ish) and trying to arrange something in The Lakes?

Any plans for the 4th Scottish Cogal? I’m happy to host if that helps spur things on! Got a few routes in mind, probably in the 160-200km range with upwards of 2500m of climbing.

Well I’m game for one but preferably with the intent of a dry sunny day.  Diary is pretty full already so setting a slot would be good and then decide where?