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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Yeah, the logistics on this is very tough. I am hoping to hire a friend to help get me back to my place on the Lake after the ride and possibly take a few others with me.
It's going to have to be a situation where the local riders, myself included, have to provide their own trans to point A and from point B, and hopefully help out some of the other riders. Depending on how many show, it could be a real limiter.
The Hoosick Falls, NY place sounds very doable. That might work perfectly.
As for changing the route, I am not for it personally. I plan on riding Route 100 all the way to the border through Stamford. Why? Because it just seems right and it is the 200-on-100 after all! :)
I actually have a few ideas, but I'll reserve them for the official cogal posting when the interested riders will be more present.
@King Clydesdale; @Buck Rogers:
Re. logistics. There's some merit to all starting out at a single departure point (ie. Buck Rogers's base). Vehicles, etc. can be left there. Depending on numbers, I still think we might want/need two cars on the road. I'll likely rent a bigger SUV to transport extra wheels/gear, etc. If we had a second, that might allow for the proper transportation from B back to home base (A is a bit distant even by car). Just thinking out loud.
@Steampunk
Just not sure of the numbers. If we have only five to ten people it should be okay with just two vehicles for transport. I am trying to get a buddy to help out with the return trip but i am not at all sure that it will happen.
As for point A, I am just going to try to get a different friend to carry me up the the night before and leave me at the dive motel that we can all stay at, hopefully.
I'd say that everyone needs to arrange a ride to the start with someone who is going already locally. I'll be able to, hopefully, take a few people myself to the start.
It would be best to try to meet somewhere near North Troy the night before for dinner, crash locally and then ride the next day and have a drink and dinner somewhere near the border. Return rides will be difficult as well. Not sure how to handle it.
Maybe we can all chip in and rent a van and pay someone to drive it that day? That might work well.
@Chris
We're based in Shifnal so the ride will start and end there. We're pretty likely to run through Much Wenlock at some point, as the route will take in the best the Shropshire Hills have to offer.
It's a real pity but it's unlikely the new Rourke will be ready for the Cogal, so I may never to make do with the current steed.
@936adl
Long Mynd included I would assume? Is the date and route set?
The Mynd will almost certainly feature, it's a must. I'm still working on the finer details of the route.
Date is likely to be 14/4, but subject to confirmation.
@936adl
Ah now that might be a little tricky. I've got this on the weekend of the 25th of March and this on the weekend of the 31st. Three trips in four weeks would be pushing it.
Sod.
Maybe see you over in that direction for the Wild Edric in October.
@936adl
All this talk of Shifnal, the Long Mynd and Much Wenlock, almost makes me homesick. And then I remember the weather.....
Hello Shifnalite. I was born in St Georges just up the road. I recall many a decent ale drank in the White Hart many moons ago.
@936adl
Will be in Oxford shortly after that. Any chance to shoot for a midweek, 26/4 kind of date?