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.
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@Ron
Canadians are... nice. Thanks for painting us with a broad, single brush. How many Canadians do you know (no, I don't know Alice from Winnipeg, but I'm sure she's very nice, too)? And never, ever compare Canadians to Australians. That's an island of convicts. We are a nation of well-to-do British ex-pats (and Scotch-Irish refugees). How's that for stereotyping?
@Rusty Tool Shed
Now THAT sounds awesome! I'll have to try to make it to Wisconsin!
@Steampunk
I prefer the term "chill-billies" for Canadians. "Convicts" for Aussies sounds about right tho. These are the only Kiwis I know:
Good on ya, Ron! Now this thread can really start rockin!
@Steampunk
Not bad Steamy - but really, the last people to be really interested in Canada were US draft dodgers during the Vietnam War. Other than that, you are just really another state of the States who suck during the Commonwealth Games, and put on mediocre Olympic Games. But your mooses are cool.
Australians on the other hand, have an interesting past, currently turn out great cyclists and put on great Olympic Games.
And our kangaroos crap on your mooses (or is that meese?).
From where I sit you're all a pack of whiteys who made the mistake of selling guns to the Maori (indigenous people of New Zealand) BEFORE you tried to annex the country in the name of the Queen. Good luck with that.
FWIW no racial insult intended, I'm half English half Maori so can't win (or lose...?!?) no matter what side of the fence I sit on.
Agree with Steampunk though, Australian = convict. Can't help think that every time I see one of their politicians on TV
@frank
I'm in for a Seattle trip, especially since our dollar is worth more. Just saying.
@Steampunk
Steamy, you know we are great. How Canadian of you to say right off, "Thanks," so as to maintain stereotypes of our politeness. Always the peace keepers.
@All
If you'd like to make a donation to the earthquake appeal, the best way would be through the Red Cross... DONATE HERE
Interestingly, the minimum amount is $5.
@nvvelominati
Careful how you go: the last time I informed Americans that that sound they heard was the Canadian loon about to devour the once-proud American eagle, it was suggested to me that I could now afford to buy the drinks. Of course, when Cascadia finally secedes from North America, I'll be back in a heartbeat.
@Marcus
Dude: they're the 11th province. Nuff said. We're also much better than Australians at ice hockey.
Fair point, but I think that might be a universal trait...
But it's the disarming modesty and compulsive self-deprecation of Australians which truly endears you to the rest of the world.
@G'phant
...and the shrimp. The koalas are cute, too.