From the Area Director By Steve Smith
Northeast Area News
December 2002
Here is the last newsletter of 2002, chuck full for your winter reading pleasure. As with all volunteer based groups there is the inevitable ebb and flow of leaders, and such is the case here. Sadly, some fine AADs decided to step down over the last 12 months. The NE AADs have worked hard to build up the camaraderie and activities in their respective areas, and I know that each of these guys and their leadership will be missed. On the other hand, some wonderful people have come forward to help, and they will be great assets to the NE Area. I could easily devote many pages to the greatness and dedication these people put forth for you and COG, but I’ll save all of you from my ramblings. I will briefly fill you in on the changes in the NE area leadership. Doug Allen has volunteered to be the editor of the Northeast Area News. Fourteen-year member Kevin Martin volunteered his experience to be the AAD in Massachusetts starting in September. Mike Flynn recently came on board as AAD for the NY Hudson Valley area. Brad May eases into the AAD Connecticut role after while recovering from back surgery early in the fall. New Hampshire AAD Brian Riley decided to step down at the end of December after doing a top-notch job the past few years. When I put out a plea for help, Tony Shelver “jumped” on the “. . . the NE AADs have worked opportunity. Rick Shirk, the long time Pennsylvania AAD found that he was away more than home when his reserve unit was hard to build up the camaraderie activated numerous times over the last few years and decided it was and activities in their respective best to step aside. Eric Crookston and Jamie Headley were recently appointed as co-AAD for the Pittsburgh, PA area. (the PA areas . . .” area still needs northeastern representation) After many years of dedicated service, Clyde Watson has decided to “retire” from the Mid-Atlantic AAD position at the end of 2002. Arrangements were already in place for Patrick Sprague to officially step into the position in January. Recently, Karl Maskos (AAD-Canadian Maritimes) and Glen Liucci (AAD-Western NY) informed me that they are resigning their positions this year, leaving an opportunity there for the right enthusiastic individuals. As we were going to press, Russell Fleming offered to step in with his 12 years of COG experience and take on the AAD role for Maryland and southeast PA. I want to offer a HUGE “Thank You” to both the outgoing and incoming members of the NE leadership crew. From what I can tell, the summer and fall COG events were well received, with a decent turnout at all of them. I managed to get to the foliage rally in Kingston just in time for the group photo and the food. Thanks to Jim & crew for a job well done. Looking forward to the spring, I know that many of the AADs are already in the planning phase of the 2003 ride & events schedule. Many have indicated that there are not enough “local” rides. To be honest, this is where we can use your help. Please consider this to be an opportunity to lead a COG activity, and I don’t mean just riding activities. Based on the survey forms, it seems that there are many people interested in doing a dinner get together. If you have a favorite eatery, this may be a simple way to host an activity. Gather your ideas, contact the nearest AAD or myself, and we will get you going. All it takes is to pick a date, time, and a meeting location; then provide the information to us so it can be added to the schedule, and you are on your way. Begin this part of the planning well ahead so that the ride information is added to the 2003 ride/activity schedule in the next newsletter issue. As a very wise man said to me “If you schedule it, they will come.” It is the efforts of the local members like yourself, combined with the leadership of the AADs that has always made the NE Area ride schedule so full and what makes people say the Northeast Area Rules. For many, the 2002 riding season is winding down as the year comes to an end. Others are beginning to hook up their electrics. Whatever your pleasure, I hope that you have had a great year. I would like to wish you and yours a wonderful, joyous holiday season and a very healthy, happy new year. Hope to see you in 2003.
Steve
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Fall Foliage Rally—Kingston, NY
Inside this issue: From the Editor, Officer Contacts, and Member Survey
2
Mid-Atlantic Report
3
MASS Report, PA Report, CT Report, Motorcycle Shows Ontario Ride Report NE Area Ride Schedule Surprise Ride #2, Maritime Adventure
4 5-6 7 8-10
Ride to the Race, New Members
11
Spring Fling Registration Form
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We’re on the Web! www.concours.org/ne
From the Editor by Doug Allen A while ago I was asked if I would be interested being the editor for the quarterly newsletter. In one of my weaker moments, I accepted. I’m joking of course; I consider it an honor to serve in some capacity for what I believe to be one of the greatest groups in all of motorcycling. I’m 54 years old, a neighbor gave me a ride on the back of his BSA in the early 60’s and I was hooked. Fortunately, my dad caught the 2 wheeled bug soon thereafter and the garage quickly housed a Cushman Super Eagle and 2 Vespa Motorscooters. Dad, Mom and I rode together for a couple of years until I graduated high school and enlisted in the Navy. Four years later, I was discharged. A year after that, married. I managed to ride a cousin’s Triumph and a friend’s Harley a time or two but I worked 2 jobs while Mary and I raised 2 sons. In 1984 I bought a new 650cc Honda Nighthawk. Mary and I were able to sneak off on the bike for a weekend now and then, enjoying the freedom of the open road. In 1987, my employer (Conrail) relocated the 4 of us to the Albany, NY area, some 90 miles east of our former home. We met up with some Gold Wing owners and rode with them for several years. I edited and published the chapter newsletter, first on a typewriter, then an early IBM PS-2 computer. We sold the Nighthawk, bought a V65 Magna, then a 1200 Gold Wing. Professionally, I’m a Train Dispatcher, a job similar to an air traffic controller. I’ll be retiring in 4 years, 8 months and 26 days, but who’s counting? About 5 years ago my wife of 32 years decided that I was having too much fun piloting the Wing around. The boys had gone onto college, one married and we were about to become grandparents. She took the MSF beginner course, received her motorcycle endorsement and bought a 500cc Vulcan. She accumulated about 600 miles on it and announced that I had just lost my passenger. The Wingers were all getting old and we weren’t. It was time to leave the two-up riding style. Spring of ’99 found a new Connie in the garage and COG the group of choice. Mary moved up to a 900cc Triumph Legend that summer. It’s fast, has lots of torque, and a 28.5 inch seat height. We manage 13 to 15 thousand miles per year. We toured Yellowstone and the Badlands last year, the Cabot Trail this year. Hopefully the National and Colorado in 2003. As I said, it’s a pleasure to serve the Concours Owners Group as the Northeast Area Newsletter Editor, thank you Steve for the opportunity. I am looking forward to meeting many of you at the various functions. Doug
Northeast Area Officers Area Director Steven Smith Naugatuck, CT 203-720-7575 nead@concours.org
NY Hudson Valley Mike Flynn Bedford Hills, NY 914-244-3537 Keltwolf@optonline.net
Webmaster Rick Miller 410-646-5963 cog3k@yahoo.com
Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh Eric Crookston North Huntingdon, PA 724-864-1972 COG5130@yahoo.com
Newsletter Editor Doug Allen 518-731-9524 cog3517@yahoo.com
Assistant Area Directors DelMarVa & Philly burbs (PA/NJ) New Hampshire Brian J. Riley (2002) Newfields, NH 603-772-5954 bjr@concours.org Tony Shelver (2003) Moultonborough, NH 603.520.0324 Tony.Shelver@ctp.com Massachusetts Kevin Martin Dracut, MA 978-459-6275 kem@sprintmail.com Connecticut Brad May Wallingford, CT 203-469-9042 b.may@snet.net Metro NY/NJ Jim Clark Vallley Stream, NY 516-872-3694 bddjim1@aol.com
Bob Chappell Claymont, DE 302-791-0582 cog1283@yahoo.com Maryland Russell Fleming Hampstead, MD 410-374-9687 FLEMING@QIS.NET Mid-Atlantic States Clyde Watson (2002) Chesterfield, VA 804-675-0513 (Res.) cswatson@mindspring.com Patrick Sprague (2003) Luray, VA 540-743-4874 (home) 540- 743-5132 (work) 540-743-3229 (fax) PSprague@shentel.net Northeast Ontario, Canada Patty Smith-Verspoor Gloucester, ONT 613-830-4497 pattysmithis@rogers.com
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Northeast Area News Member Survey Results Thanks to those that replied to the survey. About 13% of all northeast members responded by press time. Results are based on the responses: Used email to send in survey Want newsletters by Email/Web Want newsletters by Regular Mail How many on the ListServ More day rides More dinner get togethers More camping Other (wrenching, weekend trips) Want to take an MSF ERC course Want to facilitate or lead a ride or event Want to write about an activity
59.42% 85.51% 15.94% 55.07% 62.32% 39.13% 21.74% 21.74% 66.67% 36.23% 30.43%
I will be providing the NE leadership additional details provided by members. If you have not responded to the survey, please consider to do so, as we really want to hear from you. I will continue to collect them via regular mail or email. ☺ Page 2
Jamie Headley Bethel Park, PA 412-835-3011 JRH@adelphia.net
Publisher: Steven Smith Editor: Doug Allen The Northeast Area News is a publication for members of the Concours Owners Group in the Northeast Area. Submissions are welcomed, and members are encouraged to share information about a wide variety of topics on motorcycling. The preferred method is via e-mail, so the editor doesn’t have to do a lot of typing, but any type of legible submission will be gladly accepted. Digital images are welcome, but please do not embed them in the document.
Submissions may be edited to best fit available space. If you would like to have your submitted material returned, please include a SASE. Please send submissions to:
Doug Allen 2 Molly White Drive Coxsackie, NY 12051-1119 cog3517@yahoo.com Many of the opinions stated in this publication may make no sense to those sound of mind and may just be conveniently ignored. If you use any of the information in this rag to incur damage to yourself, your motor or any innocent or not so innocent bystanders it is you own fault... you were warned!
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Mid-Atlantic Report By Patrick Sprague Greetings Mid-Atlantic COG members. I’m Virago, a Zuki GS850, a couple airhead BMWs, a ’94 Connie, a ZRX1100, KLR650 Patrick Sprague, COG #1887, and will be serving as your assistant area director starting and most recently a VStrom. I have been an 2003. I first want to offer a huge Thank You MSF instructor for the past 11 years. I to Clyde Watson, COG #948 of Chesterfield, learned to ride in an MSF class and have VA for all of his excellent work and service taken much pleasure in helping new riders to to the Mid Atlantic COG area. As you know, enter the sport, but I will be “hanging up my range cards” after this year because of my Clyde has served as AAD these past five age, to let some new years. Under his blood into the guidance many rides and “. . .We have some excellent program, and to get-togethers have been devote more time to enjoyed by “old timers” leadership in COG but the group my family and COG. and new Coggers alike. I am just beginning to exists because of what you do at Did I mention my age? appreciate the attention to details he aptly the local level. . .” Sharry and I started provided to insure that square dancing right we were able to enjoy after we were married. We enjoyed this very getting together. Clyde’s sensitivity and much and were told at the start that the responsiveness has allowed COG to change friendships we would make were the best and grow, and made membership experiences benefit of dancing. Because of some health a joy for many. Thank you for all your problems we haven’t danced in six or seven excellent work, Clyde. years but it was true... the friendships remain. I also want to thank Guy Young, former AAD who recently served as our NEAD. I have been fortunate to have both Clyde and Guy close by to learn from them, and I shall endeavor to continue in their tradition of service which makes “the Northeast Area Rules”.
So it is with COG. We joined when we bought a new Concours in ’94 and eight years later, though riding a different marque, the friendships remain. COG is the BEST group of people ANYWHERE. Those of you with lower membership numbers already know this; you newer members are finding this out.
COG. Mark your calendars now. Make calls and send emails. Get out and ride. The friendships are the best benefit of COG and will remain. Please let me know by email, telephone, fax, direct word, or smoke signal what you would like your COG to be. If you have any favorite roads, interests, attractions, areas, or eateries let me know and I’ll try to incorporate them into upcoming schedules. I will keep our favorite events in the schedule, as long as you enjoy attending them, and add others to keep some variety in there. The cement is setting around the 2003 schedule but still a change or two can be made. I’ve seen interest in a coal country WV ride, a lighthouse tour, a Civil War Rally, a track day at VIR or Summit Point (to watch or ride) and some of these will happen in ’04. The squeaky wheel gets the grease (or bearing replaced) so let me know. All comments, criticisms, likes, dislikes and ideas are welcome and indeed necessary for your best enjoyment of COG. Let me know!
As a COG member you should be getting a quarterly newsletter from our NEAD Steve Smith. Copy or print out the ride schedule and place it where it’s handy to check on upcoming rides. I will try to send out “ride reminders” by email one week or so before any Mid-Atlantic rides. IF you have changed A short history of myself. I am 57 years old your email address in the past two years, Take a look at the schedule of rides and (yow!) and live with my lovely wife Sharry activities for 2003. Whether you ride 500 please send me your new address. I want to (COG #1887A) in Rileyville, VA with two miles for a barbecue sandwich or 200 miles a be sure that you’re included and not an big dogs: Hawkeye, a German Shepherd “undelivered mail” member. Thank you! month, please join in as much as your job, Dog, and Benjamin, a Bernese Mountain family, and wallet allow. Where two or three Dog. We have four children and six When you contact me, email is best most of grandchildren scattered from New Mexico to day rides are scheduled, try to join in for one the time. I am home usually after 6 PM and of the days if your schedule precludes riding Virginia. Sharry is a Mary Kay consultant at work from 7 AM through 5 PM . If you the whole weekend. Not all of us can ride as and I practice family dentistry in Luray. I need to leave a message I’ll try to return your grew up in a no motorcycle tolerance family often as we would like. call quickly. I look forward to meeting you and so have been riding bikes for only some We have some excellent leadership in COG and riding with you in 2003. Best regards for fifteen years, starting with an ’82 Virago, and but the group exists because of what you do a safe, healthy and peaceful New Year. progressing through a GL1100, another ( See page 2 for contact info –ed.) ☺ at the local level: meet and ride. YOU are
Scenes from Helvetia Ride Weekend 2002
Clyde Watson heads out
John & Missy Cooking Boots at the Sprague’s One Wheel Only
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Massachusetts Report by Kevin E. Martin COG 145 –NEAAD-MA Fellow Coggers - I’ve recently taken over the position of NEAAD-MA previously held by Dave Fazzuoli who has done a great job at working to solidify the area membership by organizing his weekly “Meet-N-Greet” rides out of Shrewsbury. Dave has also, on occasion, combined his Saturday rides with the New Hampshire AAD, to provide an opportunity for MA Coggers to meet and ride with their New Hampshire neighbors. Hopefully Dave will be able to continue his Saturday “Meet-N-Greet” rides during the 2003 calendar year. Thanks Dave for all of your efforts during your tenure as the NEAAD-MA! In addition to Dave’s events, I’ll also be hosting some weekend rides from MotoMarket, located at 481 Great Rd (Rt.119), in Acton MA, and possibly from
“other locations”, throughout the year. Meeting at MotoMarket will provide an opportunity for those who are not interested in a group ride to just come by, say hello, and do some window shopping and socializing! MotoMarket is a great place to visit and talk motorcycles. The reference to “other locations” refers to my looking for volunteers who would be willing to help coordinate some local rides in their immediate areas! It would be nice if some of the Mass Members could co-host a day ride in other areas of the state, particularly somewhere outside of the 495 belt area, so that members who live further away can have the opportunity to meet for a ride as well! Meeting in Acton or Shrewsbury is great for people who live in this area of the State, but not so convenient for those who live out west
or down south. My goal is to provide all MA COG Members with an opportunity to meet, socialize, and go for a ride! All of this is easily achieved, just give me a call and I’ll help you put it together. Coordinating a weekend day ride is really no more difficult than making plans to go for ride by yourself or with some friends, you just need a little advanced planning and get the word out! I look forward to hearing from you volunteers over the off-season. More information regarding Massachusetts ride schedules will be provided to members as the 2003 riding season rolls out. Members who have access to the internet can view the entire Northeast Area ride schedule by visiting the COG web page or view Dave’s ride schedule direct on his website, at: www.fazzuoli.net/cog ☺
Western Pennsylvania Report by Eric Crookston/Jamie Headley – NEAAD-PA Greetings, This is a letter from your new local PA area directors. My name is Eric Crookston and I will be working in conjunction with Jamie Headley to organize COG events in (western) PA. We are excited to have such a high volume of members in the PA region - last I looked we were up to 80 or so. Our game plan as of right now is to get a feel for what members are interested in. I'll try to keep this short by saying that we have some ideas on meeting places and have
our eyes on some really cool day trip routes. Listed below are a few things that can help us along as we build up a relationship with local members. Let's use the off season as a stepping stone to kick things off for PA. Where, when and how often do you find yourself riding? We plan on having meetings in Monroeville PA (Exit 6 off the PA turnpike) and Robinson Town Center off Rt. 376 near Pittsburgh. We are open to suggestions. For those with internet
connection, you can check the NE ride schedule or the COG web forums (rides & rallies) for PA events coming up in the future (www.concours.org/forum/forum.asp) Check out your COG handbook, or the online COG member directory, and contact a nearby member or two. Feel free to submit comments and introduce yourself to us. (See page 2 for contact info –ed.) ☺
Connecticut Report by Brad May – NEAAD-CT Will she like the idea of a motorcycle? Will she ride with me? Will she enjoy it enough to make it a hobby? “Yes” to all of those was my wife’s adamant response. So just after 9/11 we purchased a 2001 Concours and have spent many enjoyable hours touring throughout much of New England. Both of us looked at a number of bikes from the STs to the Wings. (Previous owner of 2) I decided on the Conc for many reasons that most of you already are aware of and probably agree with. We found COG on the web and have been able to enjoy events including this year’s “Spring Fling”. We enjoyed the company of those we met at that event and look forward to future gatherings. During the “Fling” we
met Steve Smith, and he was genuinely helpful in introducing us to other Connie owners, including those that remain members because of the lifelong friendships formed in the “Northeast” area. As the summer passed and we met more people, it became apparent that this was to be more than just a side hobby for us. My wife, Linda, got her license after completing the MSF course in exchange for my promise to always wear a helmet. I took the ERC and found out how little I knew, even after riding for over 25 years. Will she own her own bike? Only time will tell. All this led me to a few conversations with Steve Smith and upon hearing that he was giving up the AAD-CT position to become
the AD, we discussed the possibility of my taking over the position. After much thought and major back surgery in early October 2002, here I am. It will be hard to fill Steve’s shoes in quick time, but I will try to bring some different and new ideas to this part of the country. I hope to organize bi-weekly rides and wintertime get-togethers to help those of us stranded by Northeast weather get through the winter months. I can only try to bring the enthusiasm to COG that Steve and so many others have. As your new AAD-CT please feel free to contact me ( See page 2 for contact info –ed.) Let’s hope for another warm winter so we can ride in Connecticut. ☺
NE Area Motorcycle Shows For those who need a m/c fix during the off-season . . . Cycle World International Motorcycle Show - New York City (Javits Center; January 10-12); D.C. Area, Chantilly, VA (Dulles Expo & Convention Center; March 21-23) Northeast Motorcycle Expo - Hartford, CT (CT Expo Center, January 4-5); Wilmington, MA (Shriner's Auditorium, January 11-12); Allentown, PA (Pennsylvania Expo Center at Lehigh Valley, January 18-19); Somerset, NJ (Garden State Expo Center, February Page 4
1-2); Salem NH (Rockingham Park Race Track, February 8-9); Boston, MA (World Trade Center, April 5-6) Toronto Motorcycle Show - Toronto, Ontario (National Trade Centre, Exhibition Place, December 6-8) North American International Motorcycle SUPERSHOW 2003Toronto, Ontario (Toronto International Centre, January 3-5) ☺ N O R T H E A ST A R E A N E W S
Ontario Central Highlands Ride by Rudi Verspoor
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ho would have thought that you could find the best of the Adirondacks, Vermont and New Hampshire in the central Highlands of Eastern Ontario? 900 km of smooth, undulating, twisting and virtually traffic free roads to delight the most jaded sport-tourer. Ontario has a reputation as being the most populous, industrial, and boring province in Canada, but this will now require a serious adjustment of mindset in most readers. Looking at a map of Ontario, most roads seem straight as a surveyor’s line of sight. For this article, welcome to the other Ontario. Roads laid out according to the form of the land or the needs of the inhabitants; following the contours of the hills and vales, connecting early settlements and farms like a child’s dot-to-dot picture. The Highlands between Peterborough and Ottawa, bordered by Perth in the southeast, Bancroft in the west and Renfrew in the northeast, must have driven the first surveyors mad with its patchwork of lakes, swamps, and Canadian shield granite, all covered with a generous helping of hills and dense forests - not to mention the wild brambles and assorted wildlife.
(Ed note. 1km=.62 mile, 10km=6.2 mi, etc.)
unchallenged, Roger decided that it could be done. He arrived from Cornwall at our Ottawa home at 6:30am a sunny, but frosty Monday morning in early May. We left at 7am, he on his 1986 Silver Concours (with over 150,000 kms) and me on my 1997 Concours (only 35,000). Well, you couldn’t wipe the grin of our faces when we got back. Roger swore that the tilt meter on his bike broke from all the extra work it had to do. So, it was a go. The ride would be on 17-18 August, starting from Ottawa.
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he route on the first day would take us from Ottawa onto the Quebec side, along Highway 148 west to the small ferry at Quyon, then south on the Ontario side to the picturesque village of Pakenham, with its unique five-span stone bridge, past Almonte and over to Lanark. Here the fun would really begin with a sinuous 50 kms of backroads taking us on a loop along #12 to Elphin, then up to Snow Road Station, through Ompah (Home of the Stomp), Plevna and Ardoch, leaving us in Sharbot Lake for lunch and to catch our breath. After lunch, we would retrace some steps back to #511 up to Calabogie, then down along the Centennial very year the Ontario AAD, Patty Smith Lake Road to Griffith, a quick spurt down #41 to pick up the quiet, but deceptive #28 and Roger Daigle, organize a ride for into Bancroft for an overnight stay. The next connoisseurs of arguably the best all-round day would see us work our way northwest to sport-tourer, the venerable Concours. This was the third annual ride sponsored by COG take the fabled Elephant Lake Road, which in Ontario/Quebec. The first two took us into skirts the southern tip of Algonquin Park, the Gatineau and Laurentian hills of Eastern followed by a feast of local roads to the east, leaving us in Eganville and then to Renfew Quebec because no one thought there were enough fun roads in south eastern Ontario - a and home to Ottawa. Almost 900 kms in two days. few events changed that impression. It was an outing with my wife’s Miata sports car s the August date approached, I felt I club that opened my eyes to the possibilities needed to undertake another trial run lying right in my own backyard. Miles and just to make sure that everything went miles (kilometers and kilometers doesn’t smoothly, as I was to be the one leading the sound as poetic) of curving and undulating tour. Roger had received a late invitation to roads lay before us. These guys know what visit friends out in Halifax and do the Cape brings a smile to a sports car driver; or a Breton circle run. It was the same weekend motorcyclist. Back from following these as the COG tour, but was too good for him knights of the round roads on my Concours and his wife Roz to pass up. So, I would have one day, the choice was clear. The next ride to do this alone, my wife Patty Smith needing would have to be in the Highlands of Central to stay home. I left early, but it was already Ontario, but I would need to do some more 20° C and 100% humidity. It would get research first. All that summer, whenever I hotter, reaching 39° C (102° F -ed.) on the went to Toronto for the day to have lunch Environment Canada’s Humidex scale. I with my son, I took time from my main goal decided that the best course of survival was to try various backroads between Ottawa and to keep moving and to drink lots of water. I Peterborough, marking the good ones on my opened all the vents on my leather jacket and well-creased map, even if that meant 12 opened the visor on my full-face Arai helmet hours and 1000 kms of riding in one day. to catch any breeze. I also had a nifty gadget Someone had to do the dirty work! that my kids had given me for father’s day - a
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hen the snow melted and the weather warmed up enough to smooth out the frost heaves, Roger and I agreed that we needed to test ride the chosen route to ensure that everything went smoothly. The only problem was that we had one day for a two day ride. Never one to let a problem go
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self-cooling bandana. I can attest that it actually worked. I arrived home at 7pm that night, tired but glad to have done the run once more as I had gotten a few of the turns wrong in my initial directions for the ride.
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he day of the tour finally arrives. Three COG members from the US came Friday
night and camped in our back yard, and the rest stayed at local motels. On Saturday morning, 16 Concours and 1 Vulcan head out; the distinctive low grumble of the Concours’ in-line four rolling through the early morning air. Three bikes had passengers - one from California. After the appropriate briefing and light breakfast, we headed out, 16 bikes and one red Miata (my wife’s) bringing up the rear (doing duty as the “sweep” as they say in Miata lingo) moving along the graceful Eastern Parkway along the Ottawa River. We then continued onto the Western Parkway, crossing the river into Quebec, heading west through Aylmer on the 148. This road parallels the Ottawa River, rising some 100 feet above along the Gatineau escarpment giving some beautiful views of the sweeping valley of the Outaouais (French for Ottawa). All too soon we arrive at the sleepy little town of Quyon, about 70 km from the start, to meet the ferry. Watching fishermen casting their lures on the left of the ferry dock and blue herons fishing in the marshes on the right. There are several cars ahead of us and a few behind. We wave the two cars past the long line of bikes to the ferry, thinking we would take the next boat. The operator starts waving us on after having taken the five cars! He manages to position all but two of the bikes. He would have been able to take all of us if it hadn’t been for the hard side bags on the Concours. The fee is $2.50 for bikes ($5.50 for cars) and $4.00 if you have a passenger.
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he ferry ride is idyllic, the sounds of silence mingling with the slapping of water against the hull and the regular beat of the old diesel engine, and too soon it’s time to disembark. We wait for the next ferry to disgorge the two stragglers and then head for Pakenham, crossing Highway 17 near Antrim. We make it safely across and roll into the village of Pakenham, stopping at the picnic spot downstream from the imposing 5span stone bridge built in 1901 spanning the now less than mighty Mississippi River (due to the record heat and drought being experienced this summer in Ontario). Time for some pictures, a bathroom break then head through town on our way down #29 to Almonte. We don’t go into town, but turn right onto #16 towards Middleville. The road is mainly straight but up and down like the back of an old two-hump dromedary. At the flashing light in Middleville (the only light in this crossroads hamlet), we turn left onto the short, but very windy #8 that leads us to #511 and into Lanark. Here we continue on turning right onto #12, a gem of a road, with short, yet gentle curves taking us west to MacDonald’s Corners and then to the flashing light in Elphin. Here we take #306 (Ontario-Continued on page 6) Page 5
(Ontario-Continued from page 5)
for a quick, roller coaster ride into Snow Road Station. At the stop sign, just ahead of the landmark white wooden church, with its tall spire, we briefly stop to admire the sign – “Winding Road for 32 km.” For some, this might be a warning, but to us it was like an invitation to a party. The road snaked along an unmarked two-lane road that seemed to run through only forests. The map calls it the Historic Old Snow Road.
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e met only a few cars coming the other way, and saw no homes or farms, except near Ompah and Plevna. Reaching Plevna, the end of this portion of the ride was signaled by two tight, steep curves in town that seemed to tempt fate even at the low speed of 30 kph. We turned left off 506 out of Plevna towards Ardoch, another great road, if a little bumpy and with a sudden stretch of loose, pebble-sized gravel coming just around a tight corner. Good thing the riders are all experienced, as there was no sign warning of the gravel. Luckily I was able to signal to my wife via CB in the Miata, who was in the middle of the pack, between the faster and the slower riders to stop and warn the ones behind her. We had lunch at a charming old inn right on the lake. The eatery was ready for us and we had the old dining room of this period doctor’s house, converted to an inn all to ourselves for a great, quick, and quiet lunch. The menu was traditional, but the food was hot and fresh and the service was friendly. Fortified, we continued on.
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he second leg of the tour for the Saturday took us back to 17 for fuel, then a left turn on the Milton-Elphin Road back to MacDonald’s Corners, this time to turn left onto #8 giving us an alternate route to #511 heading north, just above where we had joined it earlier that morning. 511 is a gem of a secondary road, newly paved and filled with many curves spilling us out by the lake at Calabogie. We stop here at the cenotaph to the fallen in the two World Wars, taking in the beauty of the spot chosen to honor their sacrifice in a foreign country for the protection of those here in this vast land. The stop, with a splash of lake water on the face to chase the after lunch sleepiness from our eyes, has prepared us for the next roller coaster ride along the Centennial Lake Road (#508 and #65). Another road with no traffic or visible habitation, seemingly made by the motorcycle gods for our pure enjoyment. A quick turn right onto #71, some more delicious curves, we find ourselves at the 41. A quick jog south to the turn-off for the 28 to Bancroft and we savor the last stretch of beautiful road for the day. The bike gods were smiling on us all day; baby bear weather (not too hot, not too cold, not too humid, not too dry, not too windy, not too stagnant – you get the picture) and the
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wonderfully rhythmic curves of the road, the gentle roar of the engine, the long line of Concours looking like a snake moving along the forest floor. But what’s this? My engine hiccups and comes to a dead stop just 15 km outside Bancroft. Too late, I realize my error. I had been bragging at lunch how far I could go on a tank of gas. For some reason, I had the idea that I could go 470 km before hitting reserve and then at least another 70 km more. Well, it was not quite 500 km to Bancroft and I should be able to make it. I flattered myself on the gas mileage of my Concours and bragged about it. Now I was faced with the embarrassment of running out of gas when I had urged everyone else to gas up after lunch. My pride had prevented me from following my own advice. Once we determined it was a gas shortage, I directed the group to head into town on their own. Two gentlemen from Maryland offered to help, using what they called a “West Virginia credit card.” I was a little puzzled until I saw what they were talking about. My wife had also gone into town in her Miata to get some gas and came back to save me as the their device only managed to get me part of the way.
edges, but lots of good clean fun, like riding a roller coaster at the country fair. And a great view of the highlands as we skirt along a high ridge; until the friendly local constable pulls us over for exceeding the speed limit. After the usual preliminary introductions (producing pieces of paper like driver’s licenses, insurance and ownership papers), he gives us a warning about the abundant wildlife (moose and deer, none of which we have yet seen). When I state that we haven’t seen any so far on the trip, he notes dryly that they have all been removed by motorcyclists. I gather from this that there have been a few accidents lately, the area becoming more popular with motorcyclists, although we have seen very few so far. We promise to look out and drive safely and he then leaves us halfway down a steep hill where we had been pulled over. One of the bikes toppled over because of the angle and a foot peg is slightly bent. We regroup and resume the tour. The rhythm of the road soon has us in good spirits again. We hit the 28 again, scoot down to the junction with 514 and head north to the intersection with 515 near Palmer Rapids, then to Quadville, another intersection hamlet, turning right to go east on 516. At umbled, I finally arrived round 6 pm at Cormac we take 512 to Eganville, descending steeply at one point from the the Best Western in Bancroft where most of the tour members were staying. The craggy tightness of the highlands to the broad group decides to have dinner in restaurant at lazy expanse of the Ottawa River valley. From Eganville, we follow 60 to Douglas, the motel. The service was efficient and friendly. We thank the group’s generosity for cutting right down 5 to join with 132 going into Renfrew. There we have a much needed taking care of our dinner bill, despite the recharging at the local Tim Horton’s with incident at the very end. It seems the members had, collectively and individually, their justly famous iced cappucino. Instead of taking Highway 17 back to Ottawa, we one of the best days of biking they had experienced in their riding careers. The motel decide to take 52 to Burnstown. It takes us several tries to locate, not being judged had a swimming pool, sauna and exercise room and friendly staff, but we decide to pass sufficiently important to be marked. Perhaps that or the locals want to keep this back road this time, opting instead to go out of town, south on 28 a few km to a Kawartha Dairies out of Renfrew to themselves. It is not one of the better roads we’ve been on over the two outlet that makes one of, if not the best ice days, but we have been exceptionally spoiled cream in Ontario. Make sure your galland nothing but the best will please us now. bladder is in good shape. The small cone is like a large and you don’t ever want to order The road eventually takes us by White Lake and then into Pakenham. We gas up and then the regular unless you have a lot of time on head over the 5-span stone bridge we stopped your hands. to admire the day before. Almost 800 twisty he next morning after breakfast some kms later we rejoin Highway 17 close to the members are worried about a weather western boundary of the new amalgamated front blowing in from the west and opt to city of Ottawa, merging with the rush of head both west and south to try to outrun the weekend cottagers back into the city for threat. With a smaller group, we head out of another week of work. We arrive home, Bancroft to complete the second day of the having missed any rain, and none the worse tour. This takes us west on 28, past the for the wear, indeed much richer for the Kawartha Dairies outlet, right onto 121, a experience. smooth, gently curved road that then takes us t seemed too short. The trip only wetted quickly right onto 648, which twists then my appetite for more. The comments from prepare us for the fabled Elephant Lake the others indicate that many have been Road, with more twists than a pretzel. This bitten by this late summer fling and will be ends at Maynooth and we continue to Combermere along 62, a sweeping canvas of exploring central Ontario with a greater a road through lakes, hills and valleys. What appreciation for what it has to offer the sport more fun could we possibly have? Well, 517, tourer. We await next summer’s adventures. ☺ for instance, a little back road, rough at the
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Northeast Ride Schedule 12/15/2002 Free Ferry Ride Williamsburg, VA. Meet at the Friendly's 1735 Richmond Rd (Rte 60). Ride to follow. Contact Clyde Watson cswatson@mindspring.com
2/9/03 Breakfast and Ride Gordonsville, VA. Meet at the Innwood Restaurant, located on Rt. 15 just north of the traffic circle in Gordonsvilleat at 9:30am. A ride will follow, weather permitting. Alternate date if bad weather will be 2/16/03. 1/1/03 Wherever Ride If the weather permits, give the TV a rest and Contact: Pat Sprague at (540) 743-4874 or psprague@shentel.net your bike some exercise. Maybe you’ll get that 50K or 100K sticker this year. No scheduled ride, “Just Do It”. Email or call 2/15/03 Chicken Corn Soup Gig another COG friend and get together. You’ll Westminster, MD John and Missy Lippy will host a hearty cold weather feed at their feel good. Happy New Year! Contact: Pat beautifully restored old home at 227 East Sprague at (540) 743-4874 or Green Street in Westminster, MD. We’ll psprague@shentel.net. meet at John and Missy’s at Noon and the ride will be getting there and home. Plug in 1/12/03 Breakfast and Ride Fredericksburg, VA. We’ll meet at the 2400 your ‘lectrics and I’ll see you there, but please call the Lippy’s a week before so they Diner, 2400 Princess Anne St., can plan food, at (410) 871-3285 Fredericksburg, VA for breakfast at 9:00 AM, and ride the Northern neck area, departing about 10:00 AM. There may be 3/15/03 - 3/16/03 “Crabcakes Ride”. crabcakes in the offing for lunch. In case of Grasonville, MD We will meet at Holly's Restaurant, located east of the Bay Bridge on snow/sleet, we will do this ride on 1/19/03. the service road on the north side of Rt. 50 at Contact: Pat Sprague at (540) 743-4874 or exit 43B, heading east (exit 43A if you’re psprague@shentel.net. heading west). Directions and a map are available at www.hollysrest.com/Location/ 1/18/03 “Chili n’ CheeseTech Session” location.html. We plan to meet for breakfast Hanover, PA. Former Marylanders now between 9:00 - 9:30 a.m. and will depart the Pennsyltuckians, Mike and Roseanne Schmidt will host the famous Chili n’ Cheese restaurant around 10:30 A.M. and ride through MD and DE. Saturday night we’ll gig at their new garage, err… home at 438 South Franklin Street in Hanover, PA. Mike spend at the Sandy Hill Family Campground at 5752 Sandy Hill Road, Quantico, MD will also host a tech session in his spacious (410) 873-2471. Camping is $14. per night garage. Please bring any parts or fluids you for two persons per tent site. Water and fire will need. Mike will provide garage space, tools and a lift, and our own COG Technical rings at each site, and we can pick up down Editor, Guy Young, will be on hand. Things wood for our campfar. The owners, Sue and get started at 9:00 AM. Lunch will be served Carsten Wendlandt, are motorcycle friendly around 12 Noon for those mainly interested folks, he has a Harley. There may also be a ferry boat or two open for the Saturday in eating. If you want your valves adjusted, please make arrangements to bring your bike afternoon or Sunday morning ride. Sue advises me that the evening temps will be the night before or tow or truck it to the quite cool. Schmidt’s on Saturday morning. Get your www.gocampingamerica.com/sandyhill/ bike ready for the riding season and enjoy great food and COG camaraderie. Please call index.html Sunday, we'll leave the campground around Mike and Roseanne at (717) 637-2663 or email schmidt@superpa.net so they can plan 9:00 a.m., find some place to grab breakfast and afterwards ride around for a few hours enough food.
with plans to end up around 1:00p.m. at the Suicide Bridge Restaurant in Secretary, MD for..... CRABCAKES. Directions to the restaurant can be found at www.suicidebridge.com/directions.html After a great lunch we’ll head for the barn. Contact: Pat Sprague at (540) 743-4874 or psprague@shentel.net. 3/21/03 - 03/23/03 Cycle World International Motorcycle Show Dulles Convention Center, Chantilly, VA The Philly show will not be this year, but this one will be closer for many Mid-Atlantic folks. Read all about it at http://www. motorcycleshows.com This is not a COG event but is included for general interest. Call a Cogger and go. Pat Sprague at (540) 7434874 or psprague@shentel.net. 4/1/03 No ride planned today, but do check out the Kawasaki web site at www. buykawasaki.com/Default.asp for Big K’s Spring preview of the promised all new 2004 Concours. It’s rumored to feature a fuelinjected ZRX1200 mill, inverted forks, sixpot brakes, adjustable windscreen, eight gallon tank and a wet weight of 520 pounds. YES! 4/13/03 Bridges of Madison (and Greene) County - Waynesboro, VA Meet for breakfast at 9:00 a.m. in Waynesboro, VA at Lynn's Pancake and Steak House, 2120 West Main Street (Rt. 250 - West side of town). After breakfast, the bridges we cross probably won’t be worthy of a “National Geographic “story, but the roads to them will be sweet. We’ll end up in Sperryville, VA at the Appetite Repair Shop, just in case your appetite got dented since breakfast. Contact: Pat Sprague at (540) 743-4874 or psprague@shentel.net 5/16/03 - 5/18/03 Spring Fling Rally Delaware Water Gap, PA See the registration flyer in this issue. Contact: Steve Smith 203-720-7575 or SpringFling@omnismith.net
Fall Foliage Ride - Luray, VA
Chili, Campfire & COG D E CE MB E R 2 0 0 2
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Hostess Sharry Sprague with Guy Young at OWO Page 7
Surprise Ride #2 by Mike Flynn –NEAAD-NY Well, my second planned ride for the year is over. Like the first ride, there weren’t any problems to speak of. I’d like to thank those that showed up for these rides: Bruce from Rockland County, The Allen’s coming down from the Albany area, Jake from South Jersey, John from CT, and our new Northeast AD Steve Smith. The planning for this ride got delayed due to home life, and some nasty weather in August. After almost wimping out, I got off my butt and put together a route in maybe 4 days or so. A computer mapping program sure helps to cut down the time, but I still needed to get out and double check the conditions of the roads. After running the route Friday I was satisfied with it, and with some very helpful advice from Steve the final route was tweaked. It was a little longer than I wanted, but it hurts when you have found some fun roads and can’t decide which to cut. Saturday night found me typing up the route sheets, and plotting the route into my GPS. I admit to being a gadget freak, but these are really great tools.
you’re hungry, you start smelling what everyone is cooking? I was tempted to stop at some people’s homes for a taste! The southern part of the ride wasn’t as much fun as the beginning, as traffic picked up and one psycho farmer pulled out into traffic pulling some trailer showering hay particles on us. For a minute I thought it was snowing. Hopping off the Taconic onto Rt. 301, we again encountered the poker runners having their parade. They were only a few miles from the finish, and again heading against us, so they didn’t slow us down. For once I was happy to be stuck behind a slower car, as we passed a sneaky sheriff tucked up on a little hill. Don’t rely on Steve for police spotting! DO rely on Steve for knowing all sorts of traffic avoiding shortcuts in Putnam County! He led us on a local road into 4 Brothers Restaurant and easily cut off 15 minutes of creeping along
The weather looked like it would cooperate, but there have been some big changes over the last few weekends. If it wasn’t Africa hot, it was raining and storming. Right on cue, Sunday morning dawned bright and sunny, unlike me. Grabbing my gear and loading up, I head out to Marcus Dairy. When I arrived, Marcus was hopping! Not only were there lots of bikes, but also some kind of classic car show was trying to set up. After pulling in, I let my balloon fly. OK, there wasn’t much to choose from, so I don’t need to hear about the “Someone Loves Me” balloon! John from CT pulled in right in, then Steve a short time after. Jake coming from South Jersey would’ve gotten the long distance award if I’d had one! Right about 10:00am, we saddled up for the ride. I led on my 2000, Steve followed on his 98, then John and Jake on their Con Ed 02’s. We quickly got out of Dodge, and began hitting NEAAD Mike Flynn and at Marcus Dairy in Danbury, CT with his and Jonathan Coler's bikes in the foreground and the backroads I’d hunted down. Unfortunately, NEAD Steve Smith in the background. the first fun road, CR54 (in Putnam County, nd NY), saw us creeping along behind an older gentleman blazing a trail in 2 gear. at the whopping speeds of about 20mph! As we weaved our way Grabbing a table on the shaded patio, we could watch the boaters and back into CT, we rode up along the Candlewood Lake area, then jet skiers having fun on Lake Mahopac (pronounced Ma-HO-pak). crossed back into NY. I felt bad for Jake, who when we stopped for a We got a lesson on the local history from Steve, and played the break asked, “What state are we in?” We passed Webatuck Village where are you from game. After a good lunch, good conversation, from the back end (in the Wingdale/Dover Plains area—it’s a crafts and enjoying the scenery, we geared up to head our separate ways. type place with some real nice craftsmen). We had been running across some very large packs of bikes out on a poker run by Lost All in all, I think my second ride went off well. I again would like to Wheels MC, but thankfully we were heading in opposite directions. thank all those that attended both of my rides. I’m glad that everyone (Steve says: except for the pack that made a U-turn a few cars in front of us – seemed to enjoy themselves, as that was my goal. I have learned Doh! ) some lessons for next year that will hopefully make any rides in the Further up the line, we took Dutchess Rt. 86 (Bangall-Armenia Rd) future that much easier. I’d like to thank Jonathan Coler for providing the pictures of this ride. The downside to this is you don’t which is a great road full of nice sweepers along horse farms. This get to see him. I have to remember to grab the digital camera next ends in Stanfordville, NY, which was this ride’s surprise. time! Stanfordville was the final home, and is now final resting place of Jimmie Cagney. Twisting and turning through the Dutchess County I would like to extend a big thanks to Steve for all his guidance. countryside, we stopped for a break in Pine Plains, NY. Settling Back when I first started kicking this idea around, he (as an AAD) down under some trees we talked of COG, ourselves, and the guys gave me the help and confidence I needed to give it a shot. For my going by giving us a wheelie show. It seems that about a mile from final ride, he was there in his new capacity as the Area Director. where we sat was a gathering place for the area sport bikers. We saw Discussing the ride later on, he came up with a couple suggestions some really nice machines, but some of the riders need to learn how that I think will be incorporated for next year to make it easier for to shift into 2nd gear! others to join in, and possibly try out a ride of their own. ☺ Heading south, towards food, we picked up the pace. Why is it when Page 8
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Maritime Adventure by Kevin Martin This past summer, I finally got the opportunity to take my dream trip up through the Canadian Maritimes, touring Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island’s, Cabot Trail. I’ve wanted to ride that part of the Northeast for years and was really disappointed when I wasn’t able to make the COG trip to P.E.I. & Nova Scotia a few years ago. I’ve always heard that Nova Scotia is a great place to tour, and I can tell you first hand, I wasn’t disappointed!
campsites, looking for us.
The next morning, as planned, Karl met us at the entrance gate and we followed him to his house for an awesome breakfast put on by his lovely wife Libby. After breakfast, we headed out for Nova Scotia following Karl & Libby and their friends Les & Elsie. Les lead the trip taking us through some nice New Brunswick back roads. It was a great trip to Nova Scotia and on into After making the commitment to go, I Cape Breton, and following Les & Elsie invited my good friend and fellow GOG gave me the feeling that I had my own Member from Massachusetts, Bill personal Canadian tour guides! About 300 Hamilton, to join me on my Maritime miles later, we arrived in Port Hastings, Adventure. I didn’t have to ask twice to convince Bill to go, and so we left early on Cape Breton Island and spent the night in Saturday morning, July 27th heading north cabins right on the bay. to cross into New Brunswick Canada from We couldn’t have planned it any better, the the border town of Calais Maine. The trip weather was great, sunny and dry with we planned included a mixture of both camping and Motels, stopping the first day at Rockwood Park Campground in St. John, New Brunswick.
practice on steep hairpin turns while riding Vermont, especially Mad River Glen, so I was well prepared for whatever the Cabot Trail was going to throw my way. I had a blast! I was able to get out in front of the traffic and had many miles of unobstructed sport riding, working the gears and throttle pretty hard. I was a little surprised though about the posted speed limits along the trail, 80 and 100 posted speeds were really enjoyable. Oh wait a minute! They meant Kilometers not miles per hour – too late now!
Bill and the others weren’t so lucky - they got stuck behind a number of four wheelers going through the S-turns at the highest elevations of the Trail. But all was not lost, the Cabot Trail is so long, they too eventually broke free of the traffic and enjoyed the Trail as much as I did! What a beautiful and expansive location, even after riding hard most of the day, it still took us around 8 hours to do the trail only stopping occasionally. After coming off of daytime temperatures between 70 & 75F, the northern part of the Trail, Karl and the Karl offered to meet us in St. John so that and the company was even better. At the gang split off from us to head for Sydney we could all ride to Cape Breton together. end of the day, we broke open the bar sat where they planned on staying overnight He said in his email that he would meet us down and had lots of laughs and watched a so that they could catch the morning Ferry at the Rockwood Park Campground when beautiful sunset over the Scottish for their vacation in New Foundland. he starts his shift at the firehouse, but little Highlands. did I know, that he’d pull into the Bill and I continued south, staying at the On Monday, the next morning, we were off campground with his ladder truck and Trailsman Motel just outside of Baddeck, for a full day of riding the Cabot Trail, by crew! What a sight it was seeing him right on the Bras d’Or Lakes. Baddeck is heading north out of Port Hastings, and thread that huge truck through the advertised as one of the most popular clockwise around the Trail. I’ve tourist areas in Cape Breton, but I was heard different opinions on which really surprised at how small the town was. direction was the best when I suppose its popularity is due to the fact traveling the Cabot Trail, but after that it’s where Alexander Graham Bell experiencing it myself, I’d have to lived. On the next day, because of rain, say that clockwise provides the best Bill and I decided to check out the museum scenic view of the Scottish in the morning hoping that the weather Highlands off in the distance as you would break. Actually the A.G.B. museum travel the winding trail. The only was a pretty good take, and afterwards we down side (literally) is that your headed south to drier conditions and rode going down hill when entering the many of the back roads around the lakes. many hairpin turns along the trail. We found some great twisty back roads, Fortunately for me, I’ve had a lot Before leaving Massachusetts, I contacted Karl Maskos, New Brunswick AAD, to tell him that we were coming through and that if possible, we’d like to meet him. Well it just so happened that he and his wife Libby and friends were planning on leaving Sunday of the same weekend for Cape Breton to eventually board the Ferry out of Sydney for a bike vacation in New Foundland.
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we came upon one of those large Tourist vans loaded with people. The driver must have noticed me behind him, cause he reacted just like everyone else did, he hit the gas! I could have passed him easily, even though we were all going well beyond the speed limit, but I remember laughing to myself watching the passengers inside bouncing up and down, left and right as the van rocked and rolled After spending 3 days in Cape Breton, it all over the twisty back road. It was so was time for us to head back into Nova hilarious watching those people bouncing Scotia for the return trip home. We all over the inside of that van, I thought decided to return to the U.S. via the CAT I’d hang in there for a longer view. The Ferry out of Yarmouth N.S. to Bar Harbor, longer I stayed behind him the faster he Maine instead of retracing our route back tried to go. The passengers must have through New Brunswick. This would thought the driver was insane. After I had allow us to spend the next couple of days enough fun, I dropped it down a gear and riding Nova Scotia, after all – that’s what took off and that was the last I saw of him. we were there for! We took the Further down the road I pulled over at a Lighthouse Trail, which runs along the country store and waited for Bill to catch Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia for hundreds up. During the break we had an ice cream of miles. We were heading for the Natural and a good laugh about the Tour Guide Park Campground located about 300 miles from where we were staying in Cape Breton. The Lighthouse Trail consisted mostly of windy back roads skirting along the water’s edge as we went through dozens of little seacoast towns. The Lighthouse Trail was probably the best coastal route that I’ve ever taken by bike, but I couldn’t help noticing that the water was extremely calm with almost no wave activity, the whole trip. It was nothing like riding up along the Atlantic coast of New England with the strong aroma of salt in the air and where huge waves crash into the rocky from Hell ! coastline. Plus the area was strangely void of people and cars, and when we did come We continued heading south, eventually upon the occasional car, I noticed that they stopping at Peggy’s Cove for pictures. Peggy’s Cove is a must see if your into weren’t very concerned with the posted scenic coastal views or photo shoots with speed limits, which was great for us. a world famous lighthouse in the During our trip across Nova Scotia I background. It was an absolutely started to notice that whenever I came up beautiful area. By this time it was almost upon a car, the driver would automatically 8 pm and we had been on the road for increase speed. At first I thought it was about 8 hours, and we still had what we my imagination, but this scenario thought was another hour of riding to continued to happen throughout the day. make Natural Park. I wanted to make it to The only thing I could figure was that the the Campground before dark, as I wasn’t locals don’t like the idea of bikes passing familiar with the area. Expecting to have them or having bikes in front of them. trouble locating it at night, we decided to Most of the bikes we came across during take Highway 103 into Riverport. Well, our trip were of the full dress variety and we entered the highway at exit 5, looking mostly towing trailers. So maybe those for exit 11, but we later found out that it types of bikes slow the locals down, was about 5 or 6 miles between exits, and especially on the many hills. I don’t think the sun was going down fast. Once we got they see too many Sport Touring bikes up back on the secondary roads, we got lost there. as expected, but eventually found it at the end of a 2 or 3 mile dirt road in the pitch At one point along the Lighthouse Trail, (Continued from page 9)
but I have to admit, the road surface in some spots was less than ideal. Some of the roads looked like they hadn’t been repaved in 20 years. It made for a pretty rough ride, but even so, because we were off the main roads, we could ride for hours without seeing any cars. Can’t do that around here.
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dark. We rolled into the Campground around 11 pm. I got my first lesson at setting up my tent in the dark! What a long day that was! The next morning, Bill and I got up early and we got a chance to see how beautiful “Natural Park” was, too bad we really didn’t get a chance to enjoy it. We had pitched our tents on a grassy area only about 10 feet away from the edge of a cliff with about a 30 foot drop to the ocean. It’s a good thing I didn’t exit my tent through the back door during the course of the night! The rock formations, along the edge of the cliff, were spectacular. After a brief photo shoot, we left early wanting to get out on the road to make the Ferry in time for our afternoon departure to Maine. Well we made it in plenty of time to pick up our Ferry tickets and board the CAT for our cruise back to the States. The CAT is a nice way to travel, very comfortable and luxurious, but a little on the pricey side even for motorcycles. The trip from Yarmouth took about 3 1/2 hours and again we had terrific weather. We stayed over night in Bar Harbor then headed back home the next day. All in all we had a great trip, with only a half day of rain in over 2,000 miles and 8 days of traveling, and during the entire trip, I only recall seeing 1 Police car, which was parked in downtown Baddeck watching the traffic. In my book, Nova Scotia is a great place to tour by motorcycle, its massive in size and has some beautiful scenic areas, especially up in Cape Breton, but be aware, that some of the road surfaces are a little on the rough side. So much so, that somewhere along the trip, (probably on that stretch of beat up road following the coast around the Bras d’Or Lakes), I actually cracked my upper fairing, just below the right mirror mount. Guess I should have taken it a little easier. That’s what happens when your having fun! Even so, I wouldn’t hesitate to go back to Nova Scotia, but I’d probably cut off the long trip up through Maine and across New Brunswick. I think spending more time touring N.S. by starting in Yarmouth after taking the CAT Ferry from Bar Harbor, would be more enjoyable. If you ever get an opportunity to go up there, don’t pass it up! Plus it’s a real bargain with the U.S. dollar exchange rate.
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Ride to the Races by Dan Deckman September 7, 2002 the AMA Pro Grand National Flat Trackers came to Vernon Downs, Vernon, NY, for the “Vernon Mile.” I’ve been a race fan for many years; even working as a corner flagman at Loudon, NH. I had never seen an AMA Pro Flat Track event so I made plans to go to this year’s event. I left Silver Creek, NY Saturday morning in cool temperatures. It was in the 50s overnight, but the temps rose to the 60s by 10am when I met my riding buddy in nearby Orchard Park. My son, Ryan, on his Suzuki VX800 and me on my 2002 Concours headed east on US Rt. 20A, a nice country route past farms and golf courses through out to Geneseo. We then took Rt. 39 northeast to Avon, NY for lunch at Tom Wahls and the famous Wahls Burgers. After a great lunch and with temps in the low 80s we traveled US Rt. 20 east through some of central NY’s most scenic areas. Passing through small college towns, villages, and along parts of the Finger Lakes. We saw many white sails and boaters on the lakes and many motorcyclists on the roads.
Passing through town with names like Canandaigua, Geneva, Skaneateles and one noteworthy name, Seneca Falls - the home of the Women’s Rights with history of having the early Susan B. Anthony rallies. We found that most of the up-hill grades are two lanes with slower traffic right, allowing faster vehicles to move at a brisk pace. At Cazenovia, SR13 goes north and is probably the best-kept secret motorcycle road in central NY with good pavement, good twisties and very light traffic. It passes Chittenango Falls, but the leaves of summer hid the view from SR 13. Continuing on we entered the Village of Chittenango, hometown of the author of “Wizard of Oz”, and home of an annual “Oz” festival. Rt. 5 east from Chittenango took us to our motel in Canastota Village. With the temperatures in the upper 80s I was hoping for a swim, but there was no pool. Be sure to make reservations in advance as the race is at night from 7pm until after 11pm, and every room is booked by race weekend. It is not a wise
Top Ten: What I Learned by Herman Tessman
idea to start out on the highway at midnight looking for a place to stay. Our ride was 235 miles one way from home and very enjoyable. Along with some spirited passing zones. I went 249 miles on my odometer without using reserve, and when I filled up it took 5.3 gallons. I have had my Concours for less than 3 months and 4000 miles with only day rides and this overnighter. The races were more exciting than I could have imagined. Several heats and semi-finals led up to the starting order fro the feature race. These guys come down the front straight at 140 MPH and then throw the bike into a slide – both wheels for turn one. It was a real thrill to watch legends like Jay Springsteen, Chris Carr and Kevin Atherton. Vernon Downs is an excellent facility. It normally operates as a 7/8 mile horse race track, but once a year the best of the best Pro Flat trackers come here - an event you don’t want to miss. ☺
Welcome To The Newest NECOG Members GARY KANSLER, #5499 STOCKHOLM, NJ
I big thank you to the Sprague’s for their matchless hospitality this past weekend! It was a learning experience for me, absent disasters, fortunately.
have just headed home. 5) Keep the earplugs handy for sleeping ... campfire jollity until 2:30 am and quadraphonic snoring is the norm.
GERRIT & JONI DUK, #5505 PHILLIPSBURG, NJ
Top 10 of What I learned:
6) Bring a small pillow...a rolled up leather jacket with armor is a HARD pillow.
WARREN KUHN, 5507 MARRIOTTSVILLE, MD
1) If you are taking mild diuretics, don't drink coffee, then start a group ride... 31 mi later - BLADDER EMERGENCY!
7) There wasn't a bad egg in the basket. Everyone was fun to be around .. especially when they "picked on" each 2) Don't bother doing 80 in the straights and other....and Russell seemed to be the king of scratching the corners to catch up to the the jokers (and butt of most). group after #1...they'll be waiting at a break along the route - usually at a spot that you 8) Oh Canada! Great to see GOGgers from blast by while looking for them. the frozen north. Great stories about how much gummy mud a Connie will tolerate 3) If you are ready to go, and regular (not much). companions are not, don't blast off with "Hinton's Haulers" ...they "rarely go over 9) Its very reassuring to meet so many 60 mph" but don't slow down for corners, "crazy" people who have survived and and Genmar lowering kits ensure that you thrived on two wheels over hundreds of will be dragging something (besides your thousands of smile-filled miles. confidence level) on most curves if you try 10) Hawkeye will lie down at your feet if to keep up. you scratch behind his ears and whisper 4) If the leader of the [your sub-] group nothings in his ear - in German, of course. disappears, don't assume he got lost, he may ☺
JOSE ST-CYR, #5521 BELOEIL, PQ Canada JOHN ADCOX, #5522 MONTPELIER, VT IAN RENNIE, #5525 SAINT JOHN, NB Canada ROBERT SNYDER, #5526 ERIAL, NJ DANIEL COMBS, #5528 WILLIAMSTOWN, NJ 08094 ROBERT THYBERG, #5543 ANNAPOLIS, MD JOSEPH COSTELLO, #5548 GREENLAWN, NY JOHN PIVETZ , #5563 PITTSBURGH, PA
March Newsletter Deadline
5th Annual Spring Fling Rally
The deadline for submissions to the next (March) issue of the newsletter is January 31, 2003. Please see the section in the lower right corner of page 2 for instructions on making submissions. If you plan to host an activity this spring this is the issue to submit the info to. Also, as space permits we will publish your “favorite ride” or “ride report”. Article sizes vary from approximately 200 - 1500 words. ☺
The 2003 NE Area “Spring Fling” Rally will be held in Delaware Water Gap, PA on May 16-18. The registration form is located in this newsletter or you can download it from the web. We have a great staff of people involved with the rally this year. Our crack team has checked out the area and has reported that you need to come and experience some of the great roads in the PA-NJ-NY area first hand . ☺
D E CE MB E R 2 0 0 2
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Concours Owners Group Presents the Northeast Area 5th Annual
Spring Fling Rally “Spring in to the Gap” May 16th – 18th, 2003
The Spring Fling is back with a vengeance and we are headed for the Pocono Mountain region. The rally headquarters will be the Ramada Limited (welcome.to/ramada669) in Delaware Water Gap, PA. A limited block of rooms has been set aside and will be held until 04/16/2003, so book your room early. The discounted room rate will be either $49 or $59 per night depending on the final number of rooms we book. Call the Ramada directly to book your room 570-476-0000 (be sure to mention Concours Owners Group). For those of you who may prefer to camp - there are numerous campgrounds within 15 minutes of the rally HQ. The closest are: Foxwood Family Campground, East Stroudsburg, PA, 800-845-4938, 570-421-1424 (www.foxwoodcampground.com) and Delaware Water Gap KOA, East Stroudsburg, PA, 800-562-0375, 570-223-8000 (www.koa.com)
Friday afternoon ride will be impromptu, decided by those present. As in the past, Saturday ride sample route sheets will be provided and are planned as self-guided. The Ramada has an indoor heated pool, and complimentary continental breakfast. There is no lounge or restaurant, but there are some nearby. We have contracted with an outside caterer for the Saturday banquet dinner and it will be held in a banquet room at the Ramada. It is okay and recommended to BYOB for the banquet. Rally Headquarters: Ramada Limited, Broad St, Delaware Water Gap, PA 18327 Driving Directions to Ramada Limited: From I-80 East: Follow I-80 East to Exit 310 (Delaware Water Gap). Ramada is 1/4 mile on the left. From I-80 West: Go through the Delaware Water Gap tollbooth ($1). Take Exit 310 (first in PA). Follow the signs for Route 611 South (2nd right after leaving I-80). Proceed to the stop sign and turn right. Ramada is 1/8 mile on the left.
Rally Fee: $35 (US $) per person for COG members and their immediate family; $40 each for Non-COG members and their guests; plus an additional $5.00 for all registrations received after 5/1/03. Full refund issued before 5/1/03; refund less $5 after 5/1/03; no refund after 5/10/03. We cannot be guaranteed a banquet meal for registrations received after 5/10/03. Send lower portion of the registration form with rally fee payable to “Concours Owners Group” to: Steven Smith - Spring Fling 39 Alison Ave Naugatuck, CT 06770
Questions / Comments / Suggestions? Steve Smith: 203-720-7575 SpringFling@omnismith.net John Purdy: 203-720-2286 Rally web page: www.concours.org/ne/springfling
Rally Registration Form (Please PRINT Clearly) Name: (One person per form) ____________________________________________ AMA # _____________ COG #___________ Street: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: ________________________________________________ State/Province: ________________ Zip Code: _______________ Phone: (______)_____-____________ E-Mail: ____________________________________________ Country: _______________ Emergency Contact Information:
Name:
________________________________________________________
Phone No.:
(______)______-___________ Relationship:____________________
Motorcycle model: _________________________ License tag # __________________
Please read and sign the following Concours Owners Group Release:
I understand that the Concours Owners Group (COG) cannot assume responsibility for my personal safety in this event. I choose to participate in this event voluntarily, based on my own assessment of my abilities, the routes conditions and facilities, and therefore assume all risks. I release and hold harmless COG, its officers, agents and members from any and all injury and/or loss to my person or property that may result from my participation in this event. I further certify that my vehicle and I are in compliance with all applicable license, insurance and financial responsibility laws applicable to my participation in this event. All participants under 18 years of age must have their parent or guardian sign the following additional release. As the parent or guardian of the above participant, and being informed or familiar with the risks normally associated with motorcycle events, I hereby consent to his or her participation in this event, and accept and adopt all the representations and assumptions of risk set forth in the foregoing release.
Participant Signature: ______________________________________ Page 12
Parent or Guardian (if applicable) ___________________________________ N O R T H E A ST A R E A N E W S