Cog Bike Cafe

long weekend - long rides

2008-11-02T12:20:00.003+11:00

Cog now has brand new hire bikes. Bauer Comfort bikes and Jamis Trail X3 mountainbikes. We still have some of our Cannondales in use and will sell them off after christmas. We are also stocking more new bikes, Allegro, Jamis and Bauer.

Breakfast burrito anyone? On our recent trip to the Single speed world champs we dined at a fantastic Mexican cafe in San Fransisco. The burritos were massive,.... and tasty.

Nice trail!

2008-10-30T11:49:00.002+11:00

Lots of nice trails in the Silvan area close to the shop. Some old, some new and still the great thing about the area is that it is under-ridden. It is quite rare to see other riders on the trails. So, get out and explore legal trails close to Melbourne and avoid the crowds. Access is via singletrack from Cog (aquaduct trail) or enter through Silvan Dam picnic area or even from thr highside, Ollinda.

Whilst in Canada a couple of months ago, Libby and I rode on Hornby Island, off the coast of Vancouver BC. We rode most of the trails as a strategy to overcome our jetlag. The photo shows us on 'No Horses' trail with our borrowed bikes, Geoff Kabush's old Kona and his mum's Giant.

Dont forget the shop rides every 2nd Thurs at 6:30, next ride, 6th Nov.

new stuff at COG

2008-10-24T12:25:00.002+11:00

Howdy all, we now have double the bike parking! Along with some new lanscaping outside the shop, we have a new bike rack.

New product, we are now stocking the SPEX tyre sealant. It is an Australian made product for use in tubeless tyre systems and comes in half litre bottles, $38-

Just a reminder that the COG social rides are back on every 2nd Thurs at 6:30pm. Last night we went out and had a great blast through some of the new singletrack in Silvan,

$notmuch per litre

2008-10-19T09:36:00.002+11:00

Hope everyone had a nice 'round the bay in a day' The trail has been quiet this weekend probably due to the bay ride and the final crit of Herald Sun Tour.(all the more egg pies for us to eat!) Happy riding

Critical Mass

2008-10-13T15:32:00.002+11:00

With the current uncertainty in the world, what better thing to do than ride your humble old pushy. Ride it to work, to the shops, to the pub, to your mate's place, wherever. Riding a bike is cheap and good for you. The more you ride the better you feel,(bit like beans if you know the rhyme). Look after it though, it costs virtually nothing to maintain, but it does cost. If your bike squeeks, grinds or makes noises, get it serviced by your LBS (Local Bike Shop). Services here at Cog only cost $45. If I'm preaching to the converted, sorry and here's a photo of critical mass in San Fransisco from 2 months ago.

(yes it's a banana riding a bike and it's drinking Tecate) Sorry about the blurry photo, I took it with my phone.

blue skies ahead

2008-10-08T11:07:00.002+11:00

The forecast for this coming weekend is amazing. 25 and 28 degrees C. So there's no better time to get out and have a ride. Why don't you venture to Warby, through the lovely Yarra Valley with vistas of the Warburton Ranges. Yesterday I did and was reminded of the beauty of the ranges and Mt Donna Buang. I rode to the top to be presented with a snow capped mountain in cloud. A fantastic ride, albeit a cold descent. For those who aren't aware, our current hours are;

Friday 10am - 6pm

Saturday 9am - 6pm

Sunday 9am - 6pm

Our first shop ride of the season is tomorrow, Thurs 6:30pm blast off

2009 comfort bikes now in stock

2008-09-24T15:54:00.002+10:00

The Bauer Comfort and Comfort Plus bikes that have been so popular as hire bikes are now available to test ride and purchase. Both models come with ergonomic handlebar and grips, suspension seat post and the larger 700c wheels. These bikes are ideal for the Warby trail and feature a more upright riding position for those riders who are not racing to get to their destination. Check 'em out

Spring is here! (ride more)

2008-09-15T14:41:00.002+10:00

Damo and Libby are back from their OS jaunt and the weather is all over the place.
Cog Thursday night social rides start again when day light savings starts, the first one is 9th Oct, 6:30 start from the shop as usual. For those who haven't been on one of these rides, they take place in the Silvan forest and go for about one and a half hours.
See you in the shop for a coffee or a toastie.

Spring is here! (ride more)

2008-09-11T12:21:00.002+10:00

Hey all,
Libby and Damo are back from their jaunt overseas.
The weekend ahead is looking good for a ride, weather on Sat is forecast for 22 degrees C.
So come on out and have a ride through the lovely Yarra Valley. We still have one of the best coffees in the area and for those who haven't visited Cog for a while, we serve toasties on organic sourdough bread with tasty fillings.
happy riding

gone riding! (to sunny California and Canada)

2008-08-12T13:27:00.003+10:00

Hey all,
well to say it's a bit chilly would be an understatement, considering it snowed here at the shop for the first time in over 20 years! Not too many people around at the time so Libby, Kaylin and I took the oppurtunity to frolick a little in the snowflakes.
Just as Damo gets back, he's off again, this time for a holiday with Libby. It just so happens the World Singlespeed Champs are on too, in Napa, California. Libby will be racing her new singlespeed, the CHERRY BOMB. First stop is Hornby Island (off the coast of Vancouver, BC) where Libby and I will ride some of the flowing, picturesque singletrack, guided by our friends who live on the island. Our friend's son is Geoff Kabush, who is competing at the Oi!limpics next week,(mtb) good luck Geoff.
We then head to Portland Oregon to soak up some bike culture and maybe check out some op shops! Then it's off down the coast route to San Franscico to catch Billy Spaceman's event, pre SS Worlds.
See you all on the trail in a couple of weeks, Kaylin, Jess, Liz and James will be takin' care of business at Cog,
stay well and ride lots.

Damo back next week

2008-07-26T12:35:00.003+10:00

Damo is back in the country on Monday after finishing off his arts project in the UK. If you want to see what he has been up to check out the following links.

sundaysun site site http://www.bbc.co.uk/tyne/content/articles/2008/07/09/bamboo_bridge_feature.shtml http://www.sundaysun.co.uk/news/north-east-news/tm_headline=eighth-iconic-bridge-for-river-tyne&method=full&objectid=21353553&siteid=79310-name_page.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7508608.stm

WEB CAMS>> north tower cam>> www.tynebridgewebcam.com

photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/drj0n/

New coffee at COG

2008-06-05T16:17:00.002+10:00

Here at Cog we have been using Jasper Dominican Republic beans of single origin for over 2 years. We are now serving SIDAMO OROMIA beans from Ethiopia. Dominican Republic beans are often difficult to source and we thought it would be a nice change!
Our choice still remains ETHICAL and SUSTAINABLE. Feel good about drinking our coffee because it is;

ORGANIC, no chemicals are used in harvest or processing
SHADE GROWN, no trees are cut down, coffee trees grow beneath the rainforest canopy. This practice is often called "coffee for the birds"
FAIRTRADE, gives growers a fair return for their produce and efforts ie. they don't get ripped off by muli-national companies

By the way, will we be open on the Queens Birthday holiday, 10-4pm

Happy riding, see you on the trail.

Free women's intro ride

2008-05-11T11:49:00.003+10:00

There will be a free intoruduction to mountain biking ride for women from Cog on Saturday May 17 at 12.30pm. Just turn up ready to ride at 12.30pm with your mountain bike. There is no cost but bookings would be appreciated, call 03 9736 4999.

Women's free intro ride

2008-05-11T11:42:00.002+10:00

Saturday May 17 there will be free introduction to mountain biking ride for women from Cog. Just turn up with your mountian bike ready to go for 12.30pm, everyone welcome. Bookings would be appreciated call 03 9736 4999. We will ride for about 1-1 and 1/2 hours.

By Jeepers its Hot!!!

2008-03-14T17:03:00.002+11:00

Due to the lovely (ha!) hot weather we are experiencing right now, the women's ride on Sunday March 16 has been moved to 9am.

If you are getting out anytime in the next week: go early, drink lots and find somewhere to bathe your hot, sweaty body afterwards!!!

Girls go off

2008-02-24T15:36:00.002+11:00

About 15 of us gathered for a great women's MTB ride last Saturday (16.2.08) organised by Jane from Fat Tyre Flyers, thanks for the ride all.

Today a few of us hit the trails as the Cog women's rides get started again. The next one is on Sunday March 16 at 10.30am. Some mountain bike experience is essential. For any begninners stay tuned for a beginners MTB intro ride for women in April.

Cheers, Libby

More for the girls

2008-02-08T16:57:00.000+11:00

In addition to the FTF women's ride, there will be a Cog-run women's MTB ride on Sunday February 24 at 10.30am. Moderate fitness and experience required - if you're after an introductory ride, stay tuned there will be one announced soon.

Cheers, Libby.

Fatties chix come to COG

2008-01-25T17:19:00.001+11:00

The Fat Tyre Flyers women will be riding from Cog Bike Cafe on Saturday February 16 at 9.30am. For any women interested in a mountain bike ride visit this link for more info:

http://www.ftf.com.au/events/details.asp?IntContId=1152&IntCatId=3

Kicking off the New Year

2008-01-18T14:59:00.000+11:00

It's been a busy year so far at Cog. Lots of people have been out enjoying the Warby Trail and booking their bikes in for a service. Don't forget if you're interested in a ride to Warby next Saturday night have a look at the blog below for details. Ride on.

Happy New Year

2008-01-03T15:51:00.000+11:00

Happy New Year cyclists! We are having a bit of a break here at Cog Bike Cafe, sprucing the shop up a bit and getting ready to reopen again on Thursday January 10, see you then.

Next Warby Ride
To kick off the first month of the New Year we are planning another overnight trip to Warburton. We will be leaving Cog at 5pm or 6pm (depending on your speed) on Saturday January 26. Dinner will be at the Polish Jester and then we will be staying at the Alpine Retreat Hotel. Being the Australia Day long weekend it's important to book early, so call us and we will book you in for dinner, call the Alpine Retreat to book yourself a room on 5966 2411. Sunday we will ride back at own pace - have a long slow breaky or be back here in time for egg pies. Call us to let us know if you are coming along on 9736 4999.

Festive season closing times

2007-12-10T08:57:00.000+11:00

Hope a few a you bike enthusiasts went to the bike film festival in the city. Libby and Damo went in for 3 nights and saw some fantastic short films. Great to see a few nice rigs around.

Closing times
Cog will be closed from Christmas day until the 9th of January, re-opening on Thursday the 10th of January at 10am. We wish everyone a fun and safe break.

Last call for bike repairs!
We will accept bike repairs up until Friday 21st of December, after that there is no guarentee of return before the new year.

Next Warby overnight ride
We will be heading out to Warburton on Saturday the 19th, returning on the 20th. Come out for a great ride!

City bike events

2007-12-07T15:09:00.000+11:00

Howdy all,
thanks to everyone who came along to our 2 nd birthday ride. I can safely say that a good time was had by all.
Bike Film Festival and custom bikes
This weekend we have a couple of Cog bikes on display at the Custom Kings exhibition as part of the Bicycle Film Festival. Films are on Fri and Sat Dec 7th and 8th. Check out the website www.bicyclefilmfestival.com
Ride in and check some films
see you there or on the trail

We are 2!

2007-10-29T11:57:00.000+11:00

Yes , almost 2 years have past since opening the Cog here in Mount Evelyn. Thankyou to all our patrons and friends who have helped shape the Cog and keep it rolling along. To celebrate we are going for a ride!

If you haven't been on one of our Warby overnight trips, here's your oppurtunity. We will leave on Saturday Nov. 17th from the shop in 2 groups. The turtles leave at 5pm and the hares leave after helping Damo close up the shop, (probably 6:15 ish). Warburton is 34km away on a rail-trail through the beautiful countryside of the Yarra Valley.

We generally all eat together at The Polish Jester, so if you're coming please let us know because it is essential to book. ( ph. 9736 4999) There are many places to stay at Warburton, but most people like to stay at the Alpine Retreat Hotel. It is very affordable and clean. To book rooms, ph. 5966 2411, let them know you're with the COG group.

Sunday we ride back to Mount Evelyn but there is no set time. Usually it's nice to enjoy a big brekky in town and then ride back in groups at your liesure. There is a van leaving at 8:15am from Warby if time or the legs don't allow the return trip!

EVERYONE WELCOME

Upcoming events at COG

2007-09-30T15:00:00.000+10:00

Warby Saturday night
Fancy a ride to Warburton followed by Polish food and vodka? Saturday October 6 we will be riding out to that fine town followed by a meal at the Polish Jester and staying at the Alpine Retreat Hotel. If you'd like to come along let us know (9736 4999) and we'll book you at a seat at the table, book your own room on 5966 2411. Turtoise leave at 2.30pm and hares at 4pm (slow and fast crew if you're daft) from Cog Bike Cafe Mt Evelyn.

Chicks ride
The next women's ride is on Sunday October 14 at 10am. See you there (No skirts Pete!). Moutain biking in the Silvan forest - a decent bike and a few skills are required.

wheels turning

2007-09-27T10:00:00.000+10:00

Hey there bike riders and coffee drinkers,

Spring has sprung and the weather is good, good, good.

Damo is back from his international galavanting in Scotland and France. All went well at the Single speed Worlds and the Mtb Worlds in Fort William.

Cog bicycles got a little exposure with the release of the new model, the 'If 6 were 9'.

Exciting news for bike riders and Cog Bike Cafe patrons. We've started renovating a building in Warburton for a new shop, and it's looking great. Check it out if you're in Warby, it's right on the trail before the Water Wheel.