The Austin, Texas Cogal; December 4, 2011

"I wanna go home with the armadillo..." Gary P. Nunn, London Homesick Blues

Stop the presses, North American Cogal #2 is off and running.  @Jeff in PetroMetro is organizing a ride deep in the heart-o-Texas on December 4, 2011 for the rider who wants a taste of drought, dust storm, truck nuts and fun. Lest we forget what a Cogal is, “… A meeting of like-minded misfits brought together by the promise of beer, preceded by a bike ride.” Commemorative V-Pints can be fabricated for such a thirst inducing event, please send orders through Velominati central ordering department.  They may even be ready in time to wash that Texas dust down the neck hole.

Keep the rubber side down, Gianni

Dang!  We’re havin’ a Cogal in Austin!  How ’bout that?

I guess I’ve been a Velominatus for a little over a year now.  In that time, I’ve gotten to know many fellow Velominati online.  And I feel like I know y’all.  But I’ve never had the opportunity to meet any of you in person.  And for that matter, I don’t know most of y’all by your given names.

But some of that is about to change.  On the weekend of December 4th, in Austin, I get to meet, live and in Technicolor, Buck Rogers, Itburns, Bongo, and, rumor has it, Souleur.  Buck’s coming up from San Antonio with Mrs. Buck and the Buckettes.  Itburns is driving in from Houston (Yewstun), same as me and my relations.  Bongo’s on his way from Waco (Way-Coe).  And Souleur’s coming from I don’t know where.  But I know it’s a long drive.

Why Austin?  ‘Cause it’s not Houston.

Austin’s pretty.  Austin’s cool.  Austin’s where I lived as a student, a bike racer, and as a young college graduate with a good state gubment job.  Austin’s got rolling hills, good barbeque, and cold beer.  And, in case I forgot to mention it, Austin’s not Houston.

So, here’s the plan, set in sand in a windstorm:  I’m driving up Friday night, December 2nd, and spending the weekend.  I’m staying in a hotel near the Arboretum which is in northwest Austin.  That’s near the north end of Highway 360 (Capital of Texas Highway) almost where it meets Highway 183.  360 is a great jumping off point for a rolling, hilly ride west of Austin.  We’ll start in the parking lot of the Arboretum.  I’ll let y’all know exactly where late next week.

We’ll head southwest and make a counter-clockwise loop.  As we come back east, approaching Austin from the south, I’d like to go through Buda (Bew-duh).  As we come up through Austin we’ll make our way up to 35thStreet, then west over Mt. Bonnell and back toward 360 for a ride north to our starting point.

Mind you, all of this is subject to change after next Tuesday, when I’m riding reconnaissance in Austin.

I’d like for all of us to get together on Saturday evening at the Shady Grove restaurant on Barton Springs Road.  We’ll get some good food, some good beer and/or margaritas, and put some faces with some names.  Time to be determined, but I’m guessing around 6pm so we can eat, drink, visit, and still get some decent sleep.

Sunday morning, we’ll get a big stack of gingerbread pancakes at Kerbey Lane Café.  Then at either V before 10, or V after 10, we’ll head off into the wild blue yonder.

My intention is to keep the ride between 130km and 160km.  There will be quite a bit of rolling hills and not much flat.  This will be a Casually Deliberate ride.  No one gets dropped by much or for too long, and there will be plenty of places to stop and load up on food and drinks.

I’ll post more details after my visit to Austin on Tuesday.  Stay tuned.

If anyone else can join us in Austin, please do.  I’m looking forward to seeing y’all.

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193 Replies to “The Austin, Texas Cogal; December 4, 2011”

  1. @Jeff in PetroMetro

    I’m not sure we want that link on our site, sheesh! Ready for the End of Days? And I wonder what kind of heater Jesus would pack. Perhaps a Desert Eagle?

  2. Oh wow, I had a dream last night I was meeting a lot of you guys, shaking hands, doffing my cowboy hat…

    I guess I was dreaming I was at a Cogal! Craziness. Velominati Vision Quest!

  3. Everyone’s talkin about packin..but hey, aren’t we all of Cogal Cognoscentia, packing guns? As in twin pistons? As in Double Barreled sawed off guns?? Who needs a Colt when your packin w/Clydesdales??

  4. @scaler911

    @Dino
    @wiscot
    “I’ll be happy to be the point man for a WI Cogal next spring. I’m within 90 mins of all major metro areas. Oregon is a serious beer=producing state. Fantastic riding country too. Anyone else interested?”
    I will second your motion for you to Ochowicz this WI Cogal. I am looking forward to it! I am sure there are several Velominalurkers in and around the Beer City (Portland)and the Peoples Republic that will have some interest. I would be happy to be a domestique for you if needed on the setup.

    Fixed your post!

    There are always those that dream big, but around here we usually just lay down the V and remind folks that when they get a professional sports team nicknamed for brewing beer, then we will resume that talk! Until then, I think Milwaukee will keep the Beer City Tag and continue to pump out Miller and Coors, along with gallons of exceptional craft beers, for the rest of the Country! Thanks for playing!

  5. @wiscot

    @Dino
    Dino, Sounds grand. As you are a Tosa-man, you’re practically a neighbor to West Bend.
    Although it’s a verboten phrase around here, I think we might be reaching a “critical mass” for a WI Cogal. Mind you, while it was suggestively slated for late March when applications of Rule #5 would be de rigeur, I’m going to suggest May. Still plenty of opportunity for obeying Rules #5, #9, #21, #23 and #67. Kinda far out right now but I’ll come up with some dates in the Spring for sure.

    If you build it, they will come! Still willing to Rickshaw for you when you pick a date.

  6. @Torvid

    @wiscot

    Being TX, does someone in the group have to pack heat and if so, is there a rule on how this is done? Can a holster be strapped to the side of the headtube? That would be the logical place for easy access.

    I would have though the same rules for a pump action would apply as they do with frame pumps rear triangle or a maybe have to have a .22 so as not to make the back pocket sag?

    I think you have to find a small .38 and tape it under the bottom bracket, Michael Corleone-style.

  7. @Steampunk

    @Marko
    The only guns I have are the ones cloaked in lycra on the bike. Not concealed. They’re the BFGs.

    @Souleur

    Everyone’s talkin about packin..but hey, aren’t we all of Cogal Cognoscentia, packing guns? As in twin pistons? As in Double Barreled sawed off guns?? Who needs a Colt when your packin w/Clydesdales??

    No need for special permits for those!

  8. Wish I could be there too, sounds like such a great time! @JiPM, thanks for setting this up. Check back and we’ll get a link set up for ordering V-Pints for the ride. Catch being, they can only be picked up from JiPM and as such you’ll have to have ridden/attended the Cogal. Cheers!

  9. If u want to learn about how to pack heat on a bike speak to someone who lives in Jo’burg. Bunch rides there have two riders – one front and one back- carrying at all times.

    And they have good reason…

  10. @Dino

    @scaler911

    @Dino
    @wiscot
    “I’ll be happy to be the point man for a WI Cogal next spring. I’m within 90 mins of all major metro areas. Oregon is a serious beer=producing state. Fantastic riding country too. Anyone else interested?”
    I will second your motion for you to Ochowicz this WI Cogal. I am looking forward to it! I am sure there are several Velominalurkers in and around the Beer City (Portland)and the Peoples Republic that will have some interest. I would be happy to be a domestique for you if needed on the setup.

    Fixed your post!
    There are always those that dream big, but around here we usually just lay down The V and remind folks that when they get a professional sports team nicknamed for brewing beer, then we will resume that talk! Until then, I think Milwaukee will keep the Beer City Tag and continue to pump out Miller and Coors, along with gallons of exceptional craft beers, for the rest of the Country! Thanks for playing!

    Ha! Just playin’……

  11. @Marcus

    If u want to learn about how to pack heat on a bike speak to someone who lives in Jo’burg. Bunch rides there have two riders – one front and one back- carrying at all times.
    And they have good reason…

    … In case aliens attack?

  12. Had a great ride at the Tour de Gruene today. Only a 27.4 km course but with two decently long climbs, one at 6% grade and one at 9% grade up to the finish. I rode the Merckx (non-aero) division (of course :) and averaged 33.3 kph. Not super fast but fast enough for third in the Merckx division. Average HR was 180 with max 193. Knew the pace was just right when I threw up in my mouth at two different points on the course. Felt so good to be racing again. Highlight was getting to finally meet a fellow Velominati at the start. Itburns was at the start after just competing the metric century that morning. Great day overall. Good to be “back in the arena” as TR said.

  13. @mcsqueak

    @Marcus

    If u want to learn about how to pack heat on a bike speak to someone who lives in Jo’burg. Bunch rides there have two riders – one front and one back- carrying at all times.
    And they have good reason…

    … In case aliens attack?

    I was actually wandering if Marcus actually meant to send this post or if it came here by accident. It makes no sense. I’m guessing he was spat on by one of those aliens.

    +1

  14. We’ve been under armed escort in Abu Dhabi for the last few months.

    Not by choice but we have a diplomatic VVIP riding with us so there are two large black cars that accompany him with several men who look they would be able to use tyre levers as a lethal weapon if called upon.

    It’s actually quite handy because they also act as a rolling road block at roundabouts but I assume their main mission is to make sure no terrorists kidnap him.

    Chapeau to the guy for going out. I think if every time I wanted to go for a ride I had to notify my security detachment I would end up spending a lot of time on rollers.

  15. @Buck Rogers
    Great job BR. Checked out the profile the other day and your kph is laudable. How’d the lone guy in the 70+ category do?
    I like that they have a “merckx” non-aero division and a steel frame “retro” division.

  16. @Oli
    This. Which makes all the gun-toting “self-defense” Americans absolutely laughable.

  17. @ChrisO
    I’m a Drama teacher. From Doha we took students to a few different countries/cities for Fine Arts festivals. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Jordan. It was interesting when VIP’s kids were in the performances. Guys in black suits and ear pieces, bulges in jackets under arms. Guys in combat boots and fatigues. Guys just plain carrying automatics. We had local royalty and the kids of western (usually US) diplomats, ambassadors, etc. Things are bit more relaxed here in Sing.

  18. @Marko

    @Jeff in PetroMetro
    I’m not sure we want that link on our site, sheesh! Ready for the End of Days? And I wonder what kind of heater Jesus would pack. Perhaps a Desert Eagle?

    Jesus is Jewish so he probably packs an Uzi.

    Speaking of packing – I just bought a Springfiled XD 9mm last week. I love Idaho, I was at a local hot springs yesterday and while in the dressing room I could hear the conversation in the woman’s dressing room over the top of the wall. Two women were carrying on a conversation about tacticl shotguns. Nice.

  19. When Americans I know, and have known for a while (and in Velominati’s case, guys I’ve known of for a while) suddenly discuss their guns, it’s as surprising to me as if they suddenly bring up in conversation a predilection for swinging, as if that’s a commonplace thing too.

  20. Speaking of swinging guns (?), I just discovered today that Jens Voigt and I both have a 4-year old daughter named Maya.
    Just to be clear, these are two separate little girls.

  21. @xyxax

    @Buck RogersGreat job BR. Checked out the profile the other day and your kph is laudable. How’d the lone guy in the 70+ category do?I like that they have a “merckx” non-aero division and a steel frame “retro” division.

    I think I saw that he ave’d 14.4 kph.

    The top three aero guys ave’d mid-40’s kph. Dudes were smoking.

  22. @Buck Rogers

    @xyxax

    @Buck RogersGreat job BR. Checked out the profile the other day and your kph is laudable. How’d the lone guy in the 70+ category do?I like that they have a “merckx” non-aero division and a steel frame “retro” division.

    I think I saw that he ave’d 14.4 kph.
    The top three aero guys ave’d mid-40″²s kph. Dudes were smoking.

    Have you received your new Merckx yet? Which bike did you ride? Surely rocking the DT’s would have been the most true to the “Merckx” category?

    @ChrisO

    We’ve been under armed escort in Abu Dhabi for the last few months.

    Not by choice but we have a diplomatic VVIP riding with us so there are two large black cars that accompany him with several men who look they would be able to use tyre levers as a lethal weapon if called upon.

    It’s actually quite handy because they also act as a rolling road block at roundabouts but I assume their main mission is to make sure no terrorists kidnap him.

    Chapeau to the guy for going out. I think if every time I wanted to go for a ride I had to notify my security detachment I would end up spending a lot of time on rollers.

    Woah.

    @Oli

    @Frank
    Hijackings and robberies are commonplace around Johannesburg, I gather.

    Yes. It was a joke. Its actually a really scary place; the VMH spends time there for work and its always unnerving; her security escorts are ratcheted up considerably – less than in some of the more war-torn areas in Africa, but much more than in most large cities.

  23. @frank

    @Oli

    @Frank
    Hijackings and robberies are commonplace around Johannesburg, I gather.

    Yes. It was a joke. Its actually a really scary place; the VMH spends time there for work and its always unnerving; her security escorts are ratcheted up considerably – less than in some of the more war-torn areas in Africa, but much more than in most large cities.

    Well, there are parts of Texas I’d recommend staying away from too. Like the saying goes “It’s like a whole ‘nother country.”

  24. @frank
    No, unfortunately the frame is hung up in customs. Not sure why. I did receive the cranks, handlebars, wheels and some of the other pieces in one box, but the frame was shipped separately and I am STILL waiting for it. Painful!!!

    I rode my 2007 Merckx, the only Merckx I saw all day, and I was looking at everyone’s bike. Surprised not to see at least one other one.

    But there were some SERIOUS money bikes there. 10,000+ dollar bikes being ridden by tri guys in tight skin suits who were at least two months from peaking, if you get my meaning. But, at least they were out there riding and giving it their all.

  25. @il ciclista medio

    Sounds like it’s going to be along the lines of fun, fun, beer, BBQ, fun, fun, Cogal, fun, fun, more beer and BBQ and more fun! Enjoy!!
    @brett
    Still up for something whilst in Oz? Happy to co-ordinate something for Shidoney if we can get some takers? @harminator? plus some locals to make up the numbers if not enough Velominati?

    Do something Sydney-side so I can cheer you guys on!

  26. @mcsqueak
    @ChrisO

    We’ve been under armed escort in Abu Dhabi for the last few months.
    Not by choice but we have a diplomatic VVIP riding with us so there are two large black cars that accompany him with several men who look they would be able to use tyre levers as a lethal weapon if called upon.
    It’s actually quite handy because they also act as a rolling road block at roundabouts but I assume their main mission is to make sure no terrorists kidnap him.
    Chapeau to the guy for going out. I think if every time I wanted to go for a ride I had to notify my security detachment I would end up spending a lot of time on rollers.

    How cool!. You should get them to carry your spares. Then you can ride tubs all the time. And if the security guys are any good at their jobs (ie. don’t want to stay still too long and be a sitting target), they would probably give you awesomely fast wheel changes.

    @Cyclops
    You bought a gun? Weird. Presuming you have every piece of bike equipment known to man (“should I go the Zipps or the handgun?” The Zipps win every time, so presume you have them already.) you know you could have bought some PEDs with that money?

    Or maybe you bought the piece to hold up a drugstore (we call them chemists) to steal PEDs? If so, chapeau!

  27. When’s the invitation going out to Austin’s #1 son. Perhaps the ride should start and finish out front of the Pharmahacienda.

  28. @jen
    You could join in? The more the V merrier!
    @brett

    @il ciclista medioYeah, I’ll be keen… won’t have my own bike though, so will have to rustle something up.

    Depending on your size, you’d be welcome to one of mine? I’m around 178cm, i.e. depending on who I’m talking to ;). Well if we can get harminator and a few others, let’s pick a tentative date, suggest a route or two (Royal National Park and surrounds spring to mind). Any Melbournites up for it or even in Syd over the New Year?
    Looks like we might at least have a cheer person @Jen as well.

  29. i’m supposed to be moving apartments that weekend, but i might have to rearrange my schedule so i can attend. if you are riding mt. bonnell, might i also suggest a trip up mesa? it’s not long (nothing in austin is), but it is a category 4 ranked climb.

  30. also, you can stop at mellow johnny’s, but the corner grocery store across the street is a better place to refuel (imo).

  31. @Marcus

    Cyclops does have Zipps (saw the back of them for about 5 hours at the cogal), so I bet the only thing the man is missing in his life (now that he’s the Iderhoe state champ, and has his LOOK) is a nice gun.

    Plus, you could like four good used hand guns for what a set of Zipp 404s will run you….

  32. @rufio

    i’m supposed to be moving apartments that weekend, but i might have to rearrange my schedule so i can attend. if you are riding mt. bonnell, might i also suggest a trip up mesa? it’s not long (nothing in austin is), but it is a category 4 ranked climb.

    Sounds great. You’ll definitely have to join us. Not sure, though as JiPM has already done a bunch of work on the route so it might be a bit late to monkey with it. But PLEASE join us, the more the merrier!

  33. It was great meeting @Buck Rogers after my 100k and before his ITT at the Tour de Gruene. He was rockin’ the V-kit, but even without that I would have suspected his membership in The Order. He was going over his Merckx machine with the love and detail of a mother for her newborn.

    I propose the Tour de Gruene as an annual fall event for Texas Velominati. The host hotel would be the Faust brewpub and hotel located a few miles away in New Braunfels where I meticulously prepared for the 100k by several applications of Altbier. A free ticket to Wurstfest is included in the ride registration. This is the local German beerfest celebration. Everyone would gather Friday at Faust and prepare, ride the ITT or another route the next day, then lie about how awesome the guns performed at the fest that night.

    Looking forward to having the legs ripped off at the Cogal. Lanterne Rouge, here I come.

  34. @Marcus

    @Cyclops
    You bought a gun? Weird. Presuming you have every piece of bike equipment known to man (“should I go the Zipps or the handgun?” The Zipps win every time, so presume you have them already.) you know you could have bought some PEDs with that money?
    Or maybe you bought the piece to hold up a drugstore (we call them chemists) to steal PEDs? If so, chapeau!

    Gold. +1

  35. damn…I wish I could do this…but…y’know, cycling has but one weakness (it’s not a small drainage culvert though). It is that it COST WAY TO FREAKIN’ MUCH (for a college freshman with no income anyways)…ok good…got that out of my system…anyways enough of what I can’t do, what could I do…hmmmm… robabank…no…get a job…yes, but job selection for a freshman, well, sucks…getajobatabankandrobfromthecustomers…hmmm that might just work…well, maybe I could just fulfill the role of “team car” and see how far I could back traffic up :). Once I do get a bike though (other than a 30 pound early 2000’s Gary Fisher Marlin), watch out Boerne, literally (there are some awesome climbs around there but the roads themselves are really crappy for riding (or even running for that matter)), ok, I shut up now… /end rant

  36. @itburns
    Well, give me about twenty years or so, then we’ll see…oh, and we’ll also have to plan some sort of controversy, you know, for the publicity…you know, to feel truly, truly pro…hmmm…my mom is a pharmacist, so I think I might just have a head start on that one :)

  37. @itburns

    It was great meeting @Buck Rogers after my 100k and before his ITT at the Tour de Gruene. He was rockin’ the V-Kit, but even without that I would have suspected his membership in The Order. He was going over his Merckx machine with the love and detail of a mother for her newborn.
    I propose the Tour de Gruene as an annual fall event for Texas Velominati. The host hotel would be the Faust brewpub and hotel located a few miles away in New Braunfels where I meticulously prepared for the 100k by several applications of Altbier. A free ticket to Wurstfest is included in the ride registration. This is the local German beerfest celebration. Everyone would gather Friday at Faust and prepare, ride the ITT or another route the next day, then lie about how awesome the guns performed at the fest that night.
    Looking forward to having the legs ripped off at the Cogal. Lanterne Rouge, here I come.

    SUPER IDEA!!! We should make it an annual gathering. Great riding and great atmosphere.

    As for ripping legs off, remember that this Cogal is a Casually Deliberate affair, not a Rule V event! :)

  38. @Buck Rogers
    Yes, but I have seen you and my spies in Houston have met JiPM – I foresee casual conversation directed at me during climbs that goes unanswered.

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