It’s a call to arms. No, it’s a call to legs, hearts and minds.
Just as the Illuminati would stage their fabled, and somewhat feared Cabals, we the Velominati will this year stage our own modern-day versions, the Cogals. A meeting of like-minded misfits brought together by the promise of beer, preceded by a bike ride. Sound like a formula you could enjoy? Then Welli-Roubaix is just the ticket.
Assembling at Hataitai Velodrome, Wellington on Sunday April 10, the date of the Queen of the Classics, we will share a cocktail of gravel and tarmac (in the place of real cobbles). It’s a ride, not a race, but attacking on the gravé is encouraged, as is banter in between bouts of the V. Sprinting on the banked concrete at the conclusion of the ride is mandatory, but no ‘winner’ will be crowned, no trophy awarded except that of cold brews and a set of commemorative V-Cards.
The next morning (Monday), lashings of Chimay, Duvel, mussels and frites en mayo will accompany the live viewing of the the main event at downtown Belgian bar Leuven. We implore the Welliminati to gather en masse, and encourage our Aussieminati to make the jump across the ditch and join in a weekend of V-based activities on and off 700 x 25s.
*In the light of the terrible events in Christchurch, we will dedicate the ride to those unfortunately affected by the earthquake, and donate V dollars (or more) each to a reputable appeal.
Good times, good people, good cause.
I know as well as any of you that I've been checked out lately, kind…
Peter Sagan has undergone quite the transformation over the years; starting as a brash and…
The Women's road race has to be my favorite one-day road race after Paris-Roubaix and…
Holy fuckballs. I've never been this late ever on a VSP. I mean, I've missed…
This week we are currently in is the most boring week of the year. After…
I have memories of my life before Cycling, but as the years wear slowly on…
View Comments
@frank
'Grave' is pronounced 'grah-vay', to rhyme with 'pave'. We have no cobbles, but we have metal (I.e. gravel) roads, hence 'grave'. That said, I expect all participating will bury themselves.
G'phant may well get buried, along with the rest of us!
'Grave' needs an inflection over the 'e', but I don't have a Belgian keyboard or any technical skills I'm afraid. So say 'grah-vay'.
Great stuff from all to organise local Cogals this year, hopefully culminating in a real Flanders/Roubaix Cogal in 2012...
Wow, I would love to attend anything in NZ, especially if it involved bicycles. Sounds awesome. Hope I can find some sort of ride in my parts on April 10. I'll be in awful shape - returning to the U.S. on April 1 after eight weeks off travel and without a bike. I'll be eager to get back on form as soon as possible.
Can't believe what is going on in New Zealand. Not good news at all.
I'm jealous. I've always wanted to go to NZ or OZ.
@sgt
I'll also hosting a Worlds Cogal in Solvang Sept. 25 if anyone's interested. (just remembered the Worlds are in Copenhagen this year).) The Santa Ynez Valley looks a lot more like Andalusia than Denmark, btw, and has some of the best riding roads anywhere.
Cyclops - they are both awesome! I know we have Aussies and Kiwis on here, so I can't say as much...but I spent a semester of college in Queensland, Aus. and then lived in Titirangi, NZ after I graduated. Some of the best times of my life. And I wasn't even into cycling back then! Both countries are beautiful and I never met a Kiwi or Aussie I didn't like. Know joke. I consider them the Canadians of the Southern Hemisphere, since I like all the Canadians I know.
That poster artwork is fantastic. And Welliminati!?! Should be added to the lexi. These are the types of events that color me green with envy (and not in a points jersey shade of green). Living in a vacuum of cycling culture where I do the opportunities just don't exist. Have fun. I've got a 40 of Red Label Chimay I'm saving for that weekend. I'll toast you peeps when I open it.
Would love to get there Brett but have a Little pre-Flanders ride the weekend before (527kms across Victoria in 24 hrs - report will be provided).
My domestic D-S keeps me on a minimal classics schedule which prevents full participation in Flanders Week.
FTW!
Let me introduce to an Australian who now doesn't like you!