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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View Comments
@sgt
A Cal Cogal is very much in order and I'll make every effort to be there (Wilier and all). I'd need to run the traps on work and velominatus paterfamilias conflicts etc.
@eightzero
I like the idea of an international V-ride day, cogals or just solo rides.
However, there is a risk that with so many people throwing down the V at the same time in different locations that the earth moves from its current axis.
I think its a risk worth taking...
@sgt
If it were April or may I would be definitely interested. I am less than two hours away.
@motor city
Perhaps if we all rode east at the same time we could reverse the rotation of the earth and turn back time a la Superman!!
@scaler911
That's one possibility... But have you ever ridden Foxen Canyon or Harris Grade? Hwy 150 pales in comparison.
What about a 2 day? Day 1 Santa Ynez Valley, Day 2 Santa Barbara / Ojai?
@sgt
No. I haven't. Did 150 when I was down there for the winter a couple years back. Just remember it being a great climb.
@frank Maybe under the cogals there should be a place where all the expected participants can be listed as to get an idea of how many people plan on attending? I don't know how many hour of coding that would take, but I think it would help organizers get an idea what to expect.
The tiniest of Cogals took place last Saturday on Beach Road, Melbourne. G'rilla was in town from Seattle (do we call that place the home of Velominati?), and joined Kiwicyclist and myself for a little 40k spin down to Mordy - with about 30 others in the bunch. G'rilla was resplendent in what might have been the first appearance of the V-Kit on Beach Road?
Whilst it may have been a mini-Cogal, with the USA, Aus and NZ represented, I believe it was the first Tri-Nations Velominati gathering? However as always I stand to be corrected.
ANZUS.
Behold the V-Pint in all its glory! Merckx be praised!
@Mr Haven
Don't wait for that lazy ass to organize one! Do it! You are empowered. In fact, I'm just thinking now that we need a special badge for people who have organized Cogals.