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
@RedRanger
They are euro-style dates, day-month-year. Just made booked lodgings yesterday for my trip down there.
@Nate
that makes sense, Im just an idiot.
@RedRanger
I found it confusing at first too.
Day Two of the Cali Cogal tomorrow! Who's in?
http://www.velominati.com/the-cogals/california-cogal-day-2/
Day 1 was most excellent! Anybody coming to Solvang tomorrow?
I would love to. That area is fantastic for riding. My VMH's parents live up the 101 in Santa Maria, and other family is in Lompoc. I love visiting there, as there is slightly more climbing than is available here in the alps of Houston. All our climbs are the opposite of hors categorie. (What would that be? Dessous categorie? DC, if you will?)
Anyway, it's overpasses or nothing for climbing down here.
@sgt
Yes indeed and chapeau to the host! Sorry couldn't do the whole weekend but ride together again we shall.
I know we haven't even started the Keeper's Tour yet but I've just been having a look at flight prices on ryanair.com, £57 gets you from Stanstead to Marseilles which is a just a short drive to Carpentras near the foot of Mt Ventoux. Anyone fancey a late September cogal?
@Chris Out of all the famous climbs Mt Ventoux is at the top of the list, there is something about those last few km's of bare rock and chalk. Unfortunately, the chances of me getting away for an international cogal to tackle it this year are pretty slim. If I get the chance it'll probably have to be as part of a family holiday of some description.
If you are going you should consider doing the 3 different ascents in one day to join Club Des Cingles? - http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=6197
Will a 200 on 100 Cogal V-Pint be made available?