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
[events_list limit=”5″]
CONTENTS
[separator break=”true”/]
Submit Your Own Cogal:
[event_form]
[separator break=”true”/]
View Comments
@frank
I'll have to disagree with you on this. The Ontario cogal is 5 months away and I need every bit of it to prepare coming out of Winter. Similarly it keeps me psyched about riding (indoor/outdoor). With a family and such it allows me to plan and convince the VMH on why it is such a good idea as well. At least add the CA cogal to the calendar for those that may be interested (I just checked above and it is not listed) and save the detailed article for a month beforehand.
For those of you doing the Roubaix Cogal, here's a perspective on the cobbles from Fyxomatosis to get you in the mood. As if you need it.
@Tartan1749
+1, as a vel. paterfamilias considering traveling to one or more of these I need real lead time to make the trip happen. A short article announcing scheduling would be great. Then something with a bit more detail can go up closer to the date, or maybe the original article can simply be reposted/bumped to the front page closer to the date. Otherwise if the date is just mentioned in comments or appears with no fanfare fools like me are likely to miss it.
@sgt
Is there a date yet?
@Oli
All right, it's a new year. Cheers to u on that one! Cool write up, thx for the link! (complete w pic of super cool old school helmet!) jealous of those who can make it to the tour, long way away from hitting that event.(kids etc)
@Tartan1749
@Nate
I have to agree with both of these fine gentlemen, albeit for different reasons. I have to look towards getting my finances in order, as well as a worthy bike (hopefully). There is also the matter of obtaining a passport, and who knows how long that may take.
Cheers, @gaswepass - the good will is both appreciated and reciprocated.
@Keepers:
It appears that a gentlemen's challenge has been set for the Flanders Sportif by the resident AusCanuckle whippet locomotive at Cycling Tips Blog;
et viola;
Better get serious about peaking in 3.5 months!
I am sorry to see that Pavé is shutting down the blog. Any effect on the upcoming Keepers Tour?
@xyxax
Are they not two different entities? This one appears to be shutting down and this one is the Tour company. They both link to different twitter accounts and refer top different people.
@Chris
Hmmmm. I alternate between stating the obvious and the confused. Time to run for president?