From the Area Director By Steven Smith Issue 1, 2004
Upcoming Activities: The 2004 Northeast Regional Spring Fling Rally in Jackson, NH is coming up quick. Make your reservations and get your rally registration form mailed in soon if you plan to attend this May 13-16 event. The registration form and a full description of the rally were in the two past newsletters, which are available for download on the web. Not on the Internet? Contact rally host & AAD Tony Shelver or myself and the information you need will be sent to you - Our contact info is on page 2 . There is a link to the Spring Fling web page on the COG NorthEast Online home page at: www.concours.org/ne
Northeast Area News
Is New Hampshire too far for you to travel to for a weekend? Need a little BRP action instead? John Hinton is hosting the “Lost Ride” in Virginia May 14-16. In fact, there are a number of day and overnight activities planned for 2004. Some of the other weekend overnight activities are the Southern Tech Days; Slate Run For Buns; North meets South 7; and Dog Days Ride. I know the word has already leaked out among some circles. Yes, there are already plans in the works for a pre-fall, Fall Rally. This event is slated to see COGgers headed for northern Vermont in early September. If all goes as planned, there may be a surprise or two. Be sure to check out the ride schedule in this issue or the online ride database. Click on the SCHEDULES menu item at the top of any Northeast web page. Over the past years, the COG National event has had attendance of up to 300-380 people. There is speculation among a few northeast members that the Flood City National will have a huge turnout and exceed these numbers. Unlike Asheville, Johnstown only has a few hotels. To avoid being left without a room, be sure to make your room reservation now for this July 13-17 event. There are still plenty of rooms left at the Holiday Inn rally HQ, but the rate reservations are coming in is beginning to pick up. If you have never made it to a national event, this will be an easy trip for all Northeast Area members. If COG National Rally history tells us anything, we should not expect to see an east coast National again very soon. The 2004 rally web page is www.concours.org/2004
Staff Changes - Eric Crookston has decided to step aside as the AAD-western PA. Some life changes have demanded more of his time and he felt he was unable to give the position the attention it needed. A while back Joe Cyprych began to try to get things more active in this part of the state and planned a few rides. Joe expressed interest in the co-AAD role in western PA just prior to Eric stepping down. It's funny how things work out. Joe has some great ideas to get things shaking in the western PA area, including more rides and meet and greets in the Greater Pittsburgh region. Many of you Nor’easters already know that Brad May stepped down as AAD-CT due to his move south. Those who really know him saw the great guy inside of that slightly boisterous exterior. Jonathan Coler, a good friend of Brad’s, contacted me and expressed interest in taking over the AAD-CT role. Jon is loaded with enthusiasm and I know he will continue building up the camaraderie and rides in the Connecticut region. You can read Jon’s comments elsewhere in this issue. My only question at this time is: should I email the SE AD & AADs to warn them of Brad’s pending arrival?
Miscellaneous - I make this plea almost every issue. If you change any of your contact info, be sure to let us know by sending in your new information to the COG Membership Director or me. Be sure to include your member number so we apply the changes to the correct person. We still find many bad email addresses in our member database, as well as members that have never listed an email address with us. If you are not sure if COG has your current email or other contact info on file, contact me and I will be happy to check for you. Don’t forget that you can elect to receive our Northeast Area Newsletter via eNews. If you sign up for the Northeast eNews you will receive an e-mail notification of a new issue ready. The benefit to doing this is that you will be able to download and read the newsletter the day it is submitted to the printer/mailer. It usually takes another 3-6 weeks for the newsletter to hit mailboxes due to the way the Post Office handles bulk mail delivery. Choosing eNews delivery of the NE Newsletter does not affect delivery of The Concourier or other COG national mailings and you always have the option to change back to normal delivery. Newsletters are on the web a few weeks after members receive them. Check out the NorthEast Online, click on NEWSLETTER. In the past year a few of you approached me with interest in hosting a regional rally in your locale. It takes between 6-12 months to make plans and book venues. There are plans already in the works for 2005, but there is always room for more rallies and weekend events. It really helps me out to know what is coming down the pipe so I can utilize the available NE budget wisely. Until next time, ride safe. Steve
Inside this issue: Flood City National Update, Contact Info
2
CT Report, Around the Sound Ride, western PA Report
3
MA Report, Spring Prep.
4
MD/S. PA Ride
5
Northeast Ride Schedule
6
Mid-Atlantic Gordonsville Ride
7
New Members, Chli ‘n Cheese
8
Flood City National Update by Jason Kaplitz #62
Northeast Area Officers
This cannot be said enough - Book your room early. Although we believe enough room space is secured, unreserved rooms in our blocks Area Director will be released to the general public after the reservation deadline of Steven Smith 5/28/2004. Remember that you can always cancel your reservation or Naugatuck, CT 203-720-7575 reassign it to another member if you decide not to attend. Please nead@concours.org consider the Holiday Inn first when making your room reservations - If we book most of the rooms we will have the run of the hotel. Webmaster Two more wonderful people have stepped up to fill the last remaining open position committee chair positions. Vic Salisbury is the Door Prize Coordinator and Mike Schmidt is the On-Site COG Merchandise Sales Editor Coordinator. If you would like to help out on either of these committees or any of the others, just contact the appropriate Louis Caplan 703-978-9844 chairperson or Jason Kaplitz, Rallymaster (814-535-8669 or nighthawk700@yahoo.com gsjay@floodcity.net). Just in case anyone has some spare parts or a few of those little dodads lying around they would like to get rid of, we’ve added a swap meet to the seemingly endless list of things to do at the Flood City National. Maybe you just need to buy a few items to add to the pile of do-dads you already have. We realize your saddlebags will already be full for the trip, but if you would like to participate, feel free. There will not be any fees for this event, but there are a few restrictions. Please bring only Concours related items (or at least sport-touring), and have a price in mind so your items can be tagged accordingly. Because... The on-site merchandise coordinator has agreed to tend to your things while you are out riding! He will display and sell the items while the official COG merchandise table is open. These hours, by the way, will roughly coincide with the registration hours. In the event that interest in this is HUGE, we will provide a place and time for you to tend to your own things - probably along with the bike show. To express interest in participation, or to ask questions, contact the on-site merchandise coordinator, Mike Schmidt at schmidt@superpa.net
Assistant Area Directors New Hampshire Tony Shelver Moultonborough, NH 603.520.0324 Tony.Shelver@ctp.com Massachusetts Kevin Martin Dracut, MA 978-459-6275 cog145@sprintmail.com Connecticut
Due to the amount of information that we have made available, posting it all to the rally web site (www.concours.org/2004) is the only way to go. If we were to attempt to include it into any COG printed document, it would be almost as thick as "War and Peace." If you have access to the Internet, we strongly suggest browsing around the rally web pages NY Hudson Valley - especially the Tourist Info and Rally Schedule sections. If you do Mike Flynn not have Internet access, find a friend who does or contact Jason if you Bedford Hills, NY need specific information. 914-244-3537
CT Area members & friends out for a November 31 Ride, standing in front of the milk towers at Marcus Dairy
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Jim Clark Valley Stream, NY 516-872-3694 bddjim1@aol.com Pennsylvania - Western Joe Cyprych Jr. McDonald, PA 724-796-1401 Cyprych@hky.com DelMarVa & Philly burbs (PA/NJ) Bob Chappell Claymont, DE 302-791-0582 cog1283@comcast.net Maryland
Jonathan Coler Rocky Hill, CT 860-257-4009 JonColer@yahoo.com
In the last update we provided all the information on how you can become one of 24 riders selected to participate in one of two MSF Experienced Rider Courses being offered for FREE by the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program. A number of people have entered their names into the lottery, but there is still space for more. If you would like to enter your name for the drawing to attend the free ERC you should contact Tim Mueller (muellert@one.net) for more information. We hope to see many of you in Johnstown.
Metro NY/NJ
Russell Fleming Hampstead, MD 410-374-9687 Fleming@qis.net Mid-Atlantic States Patrick Sprague 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
Keltwolf@optonline.net
Submissions may be edited to best fit available space. If you Newsletter Staff: would like to have your Steven Smith; Louis Caplan material returned, please The Northeast Area News is a include a SASE. publication for Northeast Area Please send submissions to: members of the Concours Steven Smith Owners Group. Submissions 39 Alison Ave are welcomed and members Naugatuck, CT 06770-3566 are encouraged to share information about a wide nead@concours.org variety of topics on motorcycling. The preferred Many of the opinions stated in this method is via e-mail, so the publication may make no sense to those editor doesn’t have to do a lot sound of mind and may just be conveniently ignored. If you use any of of typing, but any type of the information in this rag to incur legible submission will be damage to yourself, your motor or any gladly accepted. Digital images innocent or not so innocent bystanders it are welcome, but please do not is you own fault...you were warned! embed them in the document. Copyright 2004 © Concours Owners Group
Northeast Area News
N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S
Connecticut Area Update by Jonathan Coler AAD #5379 2/5/04 - This past year, the Connecticut Membership has seen a good number of riding events, activities and a nice level of participation by area members. Most memorable, ironically, is an activity that seldom included riding due to bad weather. The Wednesday Night Ride In, an informal gathering for dinner and conversation is a great way to make new and renew old friendships. Weather permitting; a short one to two hour ride often follows dinner. Instituted by CT AAD, Brad May, this event quickly became a popular get-together and friendships and camaraderie ensued. Brad’s enthusiasm for motorcycling is boundless and his excitement for the sport is contagious. As CT AAD, Brad therefore applied his natural fervor for the sport in his endeavors to bring members closer toward better riding experiences and memorable interpersonal interactions. His vast knowledge of local roads spans most of New England, Upstate NY, and many points south, not only rivaling GPS data, but making for some of the most twisty, winding, scenic roads I have traversed. A resource for information on a variety of motorcycle models, accessories, dealers and repair shops, Brad freely shared his wealth of knowledge and many-a-time has assisted members in meeting their needs to maintain their motorcycle, equipment and enjoyment. February 4, 2004 was one such scheduled Wednesday Night Ride In at the Cromwell Diner on Route 372 in Cromwell, CT. The Cromwell Diner has been a place where we’ve assembled many times before for decent fare and excellent conversation with good friends. This time however, the event seemed overcast by the heaviness of bittersweet restlessness. Assembled were good friends and riding companions along with some of their family members. The theme of the gathering was to wish farewell to Brad May as he was just days away from a move from Connecticut to the Asheville, North
Carolina area. The dinner presented an opportunity to say goodbye and wish him well. Brad will continue to be an active COG member but due to his relocation he has stepped down as CT AAD. As I think back over the time of my association, friendship and camaraderie with Brad, I have nothing but wonderful memories and sincere gratitude for the friendship we will always have and for all I have benefited in motorcycling as result of knowing Brad. It is with a heavy heart that I witness my friend and former CT AAD leaving the area yet I know I will continue to see Brad at COG events and the friendship and communication will always remain. Upon learning that Brad was to step down, I spoke with Brad and later Steve Smith, NEAD, to inquire about the responsibilities of the role of AAD and to express an interest in assuming the role. I am honored to be selected to fill the role of the CT AAD and look forward to an enjoyable 2004 riding season with a variety of scheduled rides and events. In addition to the CT area scheduled rides, Tony Shelver is hosting this year’s Northeast Spring Fling Rally in beautiful Jackson, NH, March 13-16. Jason Kaplitz is Rally Master of this year’s COG National to be held July 13-17 in historic Johnstown, PA. (There are even rumors of a NE Fall Rally… shhh!) I encourage all members to actively participate in as many events as possible and get the most out of their membership. If there are folks interested in planning rides or events, or a need to simply get information, I am always available and can be contacted via e-mail at joncoler@yahoo.com or by phone at 860-257-4009. I would enjoy hearing from you. I look forward to working together and riding together. Let’s make 2004 another great, safe riding year. Safe riding!
COG Mid-Atlantic Around the Sound Ride by Pat Sprague AAD #1887 (12/13/03) With Clyde Watson leading, I in the middle, and Dave Armbrecht riding sweep on his new ST1300 we motored East in a cold morning vacuum towards Williamsburg. A glaring, cold sunrise pierced the horizon of the Chicahominy River with all the penetration and warmth of an LED. I switched off the headlight on my KLR and cranked up the jacket liner and gloves—it was 26 degrees; thoughts turned to the coffee and breakfast still forty minutes away. Soon we arrived at the Capitol Pancake and Waffle House and other bikes began to pull in. Doug Miller, Dusty Schilling, Trevor Angel, Jenn and Thom DeCarlo, JD DeWoskin, Mary-Dale Amison, Jay Horine, and Mike Nasca joined us for breakfast to make an even dozen. Jay discovered that his Connie would go 318 miles before running out of gas and he still made it to join us and in time to relax. Impressive! After a hearty breakfast and several carafes of Black Hot Caffeine, Clyde, Dave, Dusty, Trevor, Jay, Mike, and I headed out on the ride.
Western PA Update - by Joe Cyprych AAD
Hurricane Isabel had done much tree damage in the area including taking out the ferry landing so we were deprived of a water excursion and just had to back track over more pretty roads. Tough! We are all fortunate to be able to do this…..to ride, to enjoy each other, to enjoy the beauty all around us. Thanks to all for a great day.
#4665
Just a little update on what is happening in the Pittsburgh, PA area. Eric Crookston has decided to step down as AAD. (Thanks for your participation Eric) Steve Smith and myself talked and we decided that I would take the AAD position over. As a lot of you guys know I have been working on getting some more involvement in our area. This year I will continue to schedule the meet and greet rides through out the riding season again - they were starting to draw some interest last year. I also plan on a “Thunder in the Valley” weekend ride in Johnstown in June, and as always, going down and attending some of Pat Sprague’s and Russell Fleming’s weekend rides - There are always great times with them ISSUE 1, 2004
This weekend was originally scheduled to join in the Kill Devil Hills, NC commemoration of the First Flight of Orville and Wilbur Wright, then ride down the Outer Banks to Buxton to camp before departing on Sunday morning. A worsening weather forecast for much rain, and various frozen precipitation inland led me to cancel the overnighter. The Outer banks was too far to ride and return in a day so Clyde led us over some excellent back roads in the Virginia Northern Neck area, arriving about one PM for lunch at Lowry’s in Tappahannock, where everything from the clam chowder to the pecan pie was excellent.
(thanks guys). I ask you to keep an eye on the COG ride schedule, and the forum section of the web page for upcoming riding events. And also feel free to e-mail or call me with any questions or input about the schedules or upcoming ride events. If you’re interested in putting a ride together yourself, contact Steve Smith or me for any help you may need. I have to tell you that I met a lot of good people and went on a lot of great rides with this club. Hopefully some more members (and future members) will come out to experience this great club we have. Looking forward to meeting and riding with you in 2004.
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Massachusetts Report - by Kevin E. Martin AAD #145 Winter is just about over and soon we’ll be back on the road again doing what we love to do best, Two Wheelin’ – Yahoo! It’s been a long cold winter. My monthly COG rides will be starting up again shortly, so in the spirit of a new riding season, I thought I’d talk about an article that I read in the January issue of American Motorcyclist regarding Group Riding. The article related to a bad experience a rather large group of Motorcyclists had with a cager during a weekend ride out in Houston, TX. Even though we Coggers don’t do large group rides, the events talked about are worth mentioning cause a similar encounter could easily happen with a much smaller group ride, say the size of what I typically have on my monthly COG rides. As the story goes, a group of over 50 bikes lined up for 30-mile ride to a dedication of one of its Club members. In my mind, that’s problem number one. As you can imagine, a line of over 50 bikes in parade mode, can be very disruptive to local traffic. As expected, the incident occurred near the end of the pack where a guy driving an SUV with his entire family was pissed that he got stuck behind a group of bikers, traveling 30 mph, in an area where 4 lanes merged into 2 lanes. Naturally, the driver of the SUV was in a hurry, and knowing that a lane shift was coming, he started driving erratically looking for an opportunity to pass. Seeing that he was unable to pass the group, he became enraged over the fact that he was stuck behind all of those bikes. Believe it or not, he deliberately drove his SUV into the middle of the formation, crashing into one of the riders sending him off the road! Fortunately for the rider, he only suffered a broken ankle and some other minor injuries, but his bike was totaled. As you would expect, the driver attempted to flee the scene, but was stopped by the Club Officers. When the police arrived, the driver convinced them that he didn’t do anything wrong, in spite of all of the witnesses, and they let him go without any citation. Naturally the group couldn’t understand why the police would let a driver go after he allegedly caused an accident. The lesson here is that in almost any accident involving a motorcycle and a car, invariably the motorcyclist loses. After receiving this report, the AMA decided to do some checking with law-enforcement officials, to get some legal advice that they can pass along to Clubs and members, given the popularity of group rides.
As it turns out, the number one mistake made by a group of motorcyclists going for a group ride, is that we typically think that when we ride as a group, we are a single riding unit. But the reality of it is, that under the law, when it comes to other traffic on the road, we are all individual motorcyclists using the same road. Translation – we are fair game for any car or SUV who decides to pass any one of us, even if it splits up the group. How many times have you had this happen to you where you get really pissed off, convinced that the car is totally in the wrong? I know, cause its happened to me and that’s how I’ve felt. Of course, laws vary between States, but the AMA says that the Ohio Governor’s Highway Safety Office and the Nevada Highway Patrol pointed out to them that most States do not have laws giving large or small groups of motorcyclists any special rights or privileges on the road unless they obtain a parade permit. Moreover, in the eyes of law enforcement officials, it’s entirely legal, and often necessary, for cars to move into and out of a group of bikes riding in formation. They believe it’s up to the motorcyclist to know that, although it’s not very courteous for a car to break up a group ride, it’s legal as long as it’s done safely. Recommendations on how to minimize this type of situation would be to limit the group size to around 10 bikes, and leave spaces between riders to allow cars to pass, especially on two lane roads. The bottom line in all of this is that it stresses the single most important rule for any motorcyclist involved in a group ride: Ride your own ride!! When you’re in a group, keep track of your own speed, your own margins from other vehicles including other bikes, and focus on your own safety, just as if you were riding on your own. And when that car tries to move in on you, remember that discretion is the better part of valor, and give him space, whether he’s right or wrong. It will make for a more enjoyable ride, especially at the end of the day, when you and your bike are still in one piece. The Northeast Area has some great events scheduled in 2004 so try to find the time to attend at least one Rally this year if you can. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. You can find all of the latest activity schedules on our Northeast Online web pages. Hope to see everyone throughout the ’04 riding season either at one of the Club Rallies; or on one of my local rides. Until then, ride safe and above all, have fun!
Here’s the part that really applies to all group rides, large and small.
Your Connie’s Spring Prep by Kevin E. Martin
AAD #145
Now that spring riding is almost upon us, get out there and prep your bike for an enjoyable and trouble free riding season by doing some spring maintenance to get Ole Connie ready to “Lean & Roll”. Here’s a list of some recommended pre-season checks & maintenance tips to keep your bike in tip top shape:
• Check your tires for usable tread and proper air pressure. The recommended service limit for most motorcycle tires is approximately 1/32” for the front tire, and 3/32” for the rear tire. Many people push the limit of tire life trying to get a few extra miles out of a set of tires, but remember there’s a trade off and it’s usually safety. Use your own judgment, but keep in mind, that as you approach the service limit of your tires, usable tread life wears much faster than normal, primarily due to the tires inability to shed heat. The recommended tire pressures for the OEM tires is 36 psi front / 41 psi rear. • Change your oil. Even if you followed proper procedure an changed your oil & filter last fall when you put your bike up for winter storage, you should change your oil again in the spring. Page 4
Over the course of winter storage, moisture can collect in the crankcase and the oil can trap some corrosives that you certainly don’t want to circulate thru the engine. I use Mobil 1 M/C oil during the riding season, but for winter storage I use a nonsynthetic, low cost oil that I know I’m going to dump in the spring and replace with fresh Mobil 1.
• Check your 3 Master cylinders, (2 brake, 1 clutch). Conduct a visual inspection of the DOT 4 fluids in all three master cylinders for proper level and quality. When you look through the sight glass on the front brake and clutch master cylinders, the fluid color should appear clear to opaque. If the fluid looks gray or even worse, black, then the fluid is contaminated and needs to be replaced. Brake fluid is very susceptible to moisture and contaminates very easily. Riding around with contaminated fluid is an accident waiting to happen. Flushing your brake and clutch fluids is an easy job, just follow the procedure in your shop manual. (Continued on page 5) N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S
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• I’m sure you did a good job keeping that battery fully charged over the long winter, hopefully you used a regulated charging system like a Battery Tender, but whatever your method, before you put that battery back in the tray, make sure the water level is correct. When adding water to the battery cells, I recommend you use distilled water, it will help extend the life of your battery. • Fuel system. It’s a good idea to drain the carburetor float bowels to remove any sediment that may have collected throughout the previous riding season, I usually do this in the fall during winter storage. You should have put some dry gas or other type of water collector in your tank when you put your bike up for winter storage. I recommend that you continue to use some type of water emulsifier in your tank for the next couple of tank fulls to eliminate any moisture that may have collected during the off season. This will minimize the chances of rust forming inside the tank. As you probably heard, owners have reported problems with rusting of the Concours tank. I add 3 ounces of STP Water Remover, which is a non-alcohol based fuel dryer, to a full tank of gas. I use this product about once a month through-
out the entire year. My ’87 Connie had 14 years on the original tank when I sold it, and it had no signs of internal rust. My ’94 is the same way.
• Electrics. Take the time to check to see that everything’s working properly. Horn, lights, directionals, emergency flashers, etc. • Check your service record to see what kind of routine maintenance needs to be done since your last scheduled maintenance, and take the time to do it now, early in the season, before you get into the better weather and more routine riding. When was the last time you cleaned your Air Filter? How long has it been since your last Valve Adjustment? What about changing the rear drive fluid, or greasing the Uni-Trak linkage. How many miles do you have on those Brake pads? You don’t have to be a professional motorcycle mechanic to do the types of routine maintenance I’ve mentioned here. Spending a little time up front will ensure many miles of trouble free riding. • Finally, don’t forget to put a good coat of wax on that baby and go have some fun !
Maryland / Southern Pennsylvania Ride by Russell Fleming AAD #599 The October ride of the MD/South Central PA COG group was a very beautiful day for a motorcycle ride and the ride was well attended. The leaves were very pretty with the golds, yellows and browns. In attendance were Russell Fleming, John Lippy and Luke Yox, Paul Gebhardt, Paul Farinholt, Herman Tessman, Steve Brown,
Bill Allen, Bill Mowery, David LeBrun, Kristin Ward, Jay Shaffer, Dave & Dawn Fridrici, Al General, Tony Borum, Greg Puterbaugh, Bruce Harbin, Richard Datko, Tom Darchicant, Joe Boddiford and Roy Lyford-Pike.
Northeast Ride Schedule - view the most current event info at www.concours.org/ne/schedules.htm Repetative Events (ON) S. Central Ontario Get-Together Monthly: Gather at Bumpers in Milton, ON on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm just to meet, exchange factual anecdotes, plan rides, etc. From 401 S. on 25 through Milton to where 25 jigs left; keep going straight (Martin St.) until you come to a T (Main St.) turn right. Bumpers is on the right about a block up. From QEW or Hwy 5, take 25 north (aka Bronte) to Milton. Contact Dave Clancy 905-389-7681 or clanfam@hwcn.org
with group rates. Bring the bike or family chariot, loose that cabin fever and get to know COG a little better. Contact Patrick Sprague: psprague@shentel.net or 540-743-5132
(MD) Crabcakes Ride 3/20 - 3/21/2004 - Meet at Holly's Restaurant, Grasonville, MD, located east of the Bay Bridge on the service road on the north side of RT 50 (exit 43B heading east; exit 43A heading west). Meet for breakfast 9:00am-9:30am. We will depart Holly’s around 10:30am and ride through MD and DE. Saturday night we’ll camp at the Sandy Hill Family Campground at 5752 Sandy Hill Road, Quantico, MD 410-873-2471. (CT) Dinner Ride-In There may also be a ferry boat or two open for Monthly: Gather at the Cromwell Diner, Cromwell, CT, for dinner and conversation on the Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning ride. the 1st Wednesday of each month at 6pm. Great www.gocampingamerica.com/sandyhill/ We'll leave the campground Sunday about way to meet and renew old friendships. I-91, exit 21 (RT372), about 1/4 mile west on the left. 9:00am and find a place to grab breakfast. Afterwards ride around for a few hours with Contact Jon Coler 860-257-4009 or plans to end up around 1pm at the Suicide joncoler@yahoo.com Bridge Restaurant in Secretary, MD for... Crabcakes. After a great lunch we’ll head for Calendar of Events the barn. Contact: Pat Sprague: 540-743-4874 psprague@shentel.net or Russell Fleming: (VA) Sadie Hawkins Social and Lunch 410-374-9687 fleming@qis.net. 2/29/2004 - You get an extra day for your COG membership this year so I've planned a chance (CT) Meet, Greet n Ride, Southbury for COG members, families & friends to gather 3/21/2004 - Meeting time 9:00am at Dunkin for a great luncheon at a neat and historic place. Donuts in Southbury. A route may be provided Meet 11:30am at Michie Tavern, 683 Thomas or riders will decide where they want to go. Jefferson Hwy (RT 53), Charlottesville, VA. Directions: From I-84: Get off exit 15 go north www.michietavern.com Take the RT20 south to light at first shopping plaza on left. Take a exit off I-64. Space has been reserved for us left and then an immediate left into shopping ISSUE 1, 2004
plaza. Look for Dunkin Donuts. (Look carefully, zoning laws don’t allow usual bright DD sign Contact Jon Coler 860-257-4009 or joncoler@yahoo.com (MA) Atlantic Coastal Ride 4/3/2004 - Meet me at Dunkin Donuts on RT 110, Chelmsford, MA (Exit 34 / 495) @ 9am for a pre-summer ride up along the Atlantic coast. For any NH folks that would like to hook up with us, we‘ll be heading east via RT-111 in Salem NH, working our way over to RT-1A along the coast. Host: Kevin Martin 978-459-6275 or cog145@sprintmail.com (VA) “Southern” Tech Days 4/3 - 4/4/04 – This weekend long tech session is hosted by Jim Hammond, COG 3192, at his new home: 1220 Pokeys Creek Road, Lynchburg, VA. Come one or both days; there is bed, cot, sleeping bag, and tent space. We will have use of his 30x40 garage, many tools, and a bike lift. Bring any other tools you may want. Also, bring any fluids, filters, parts, tars, etc. that you may need. If a valve adjustment is planned you may tow the bike or make arrangements with Jim to bring it early. Jim says he can put up six in beds, three on cots, and an unlimited number of tents in the yard or sleeping bags in the garage. After your steed is all wrenched and ready, on Sunday we'll have a simultaneous synchronization of the Connie clocks, so no one will be late for upcoming (Continued on page 6) Page 5
(MA) South Sugarloaf Mountain 5/2/2004 - Meet at Dunkin Donuts on RT110, COG rides. Please RSVP to Jim let him know Chelmsford, MA (Exit 34/495) at 9am for a ride you are coming and get directions. Contact Jim: out to South Sugarloaf Mtn. (652 Ft) which hamnj@earthlink.net or 804-386-3075 overlooks all of S. Deerfield and Amherst MA. Kevin Martin 978-459-6275 (PA) Ride to Airplane Museum, Reading, PA cog145@sprintmail.com 4/4/2004 - We will depart at 9:30am from the All American Travel Plaza Truck Stop at Clarks (NH) Polly's Pancake Parlor ride Ferry for Reading Airport and Plane Museum. 5/2/2004 - Ride to n the scenic town of Sugar The Truck Stop is located at the intersection of Hill for the annual opening of Polly's Pancake RT22 and RT322 near RT11 and RT15 north of Parlor. We are meeting at Polly's at 10am for Duncannon, PA. If you wish join us for breakfast. As in previous years we are will have breakfast, be at the Truck Stop by 8:30am. a group ride that leaves the Dunkin Donuts on After checking the WWII plane out we will ride RT 104E (exit 23 off I-95 New Hampton) at to Kauffmans BBQ for some good food. 8:30am Host: Tony Shelver at 603.520.0324 or Contact: Dave and Carol Leburn 717-254-5458 tshelver@hotrmail.com or bmw98r11rt@msn.com or Russell Fleming http://groups.msn.com/NHConcoursOwnersGroup/ 410-374-9687 or fleming@qis.net pollyspancakeparlorride.msnw (Schedule continued from page 5)
(VA) Bridges of Madison County Ride 4/18/2004 - Meet for breakfast at 9:00am in Waynesboro, VA at Lynn's Pancake and Steak House, 2120 West Main Street (Rt. 250; west side of town). You may come for coffee, but the many different pancakes will tempt you. After breakfast, we'll ride some pretty back roads surrounding the Blue Ridge mountains, ending up in Sperryville, VA at a NEW restaurant or at Cooter’s if he’s still open for some barbecue and maybe bluegrass music. Pat Sprague 540-743-5132 psprague@shentel.net
Spring Fling Regional Rally, Jackson, NH 5/13 - 5/16/2004 - The 6th annual Spring Fling is back and headed for the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Rally HQ: Eagle Mountain House, Jackson, NH. The rally web page is www.concours.org/ne/SpringFling or see the registration form for complete details. Contact: Tony Shelver 603-520-0324 tshelver@hotmail.com
(VA) Lost Ride 5/14 - 5/16/2004 - Gather at Willville Motorcycle Campground Friday evening or (CT) Explore Narragansett Ride meet at the Blue Ridge Restaurant at Meadows 4/18/2004 - Meet & Greet at Adams Food Store of Dan at 9am Saturday. John Hinton has some Parking Lot on Route 195 in Tolland at 9:15 interesting riding and destination planned. This AM. The ride will begin at 9:45 AM. (84 to should be much fun in an area known for great Exit 68, Adams parking lot is 3/10’s mile roads. The weather will be better this year. southeast from exit on the right). We will ride Hard roof lodging is available at the Blue Ridge at a relaxing pace. We will explore Point Judith, Motel on RT58 at Meadows of Dan at area beaches, & scenic Route 1A. All riders and 540-952-2244. The motel is about one half mile bike welcome. If more needed info: Jonathan from Willville and we’ll have breakfast there Coler 860.257.4009 or joncoler@yahoo.com Saturday morning at 8:30am. Contact John Hinton 540-997-5207 webify@vaix.net (PA) Slate Run for Buns and Gas Lights (CT) 4 State Ride CT, MA, VT, NH 5/1 - 5/2/2004 – Meet Saturday at Sheetz at RT11 and RT114 on the north side of 5/23/2004 - Meet & Greet in Bickford’s Mechanicsburg, PA at 8am; Plan to leave at Restaurant in Enfield, CT at 8:30 AM. 8:30am. There will be a riders meeting to hand (Directions: 7 Hazard Ave. 860-741-3428. out maps and route sheets so that everyone can I-91S to exit 47 east. First light take left). Ride ride at there own pace. There is a planned lunch starts at 9:15 AM. Route Sheets will be stop at Slate Run Store and Tackle Shop and available before the ride starts. All riders and after a super sandwich and drink we’ll ride to bikes welcome. Jon Coler 860-257-4009 or Wellsboro, PA to look at the lovely gas street joncoler@yahoo.com lighting and for an evening of motorcycle (MA) Quabbin Reservoir Ride stories. I can lead a ride to the PA Grand Canyon or some fun roads that I know in the 5/29/2004 - Meet at Moto Market, Acton, MA area. Lodging in Wellsboro is at your cost and at 9am. We’ll head west via RT62 & 32 arrangement; I will be staying at The Penn stopping at the Reservoir Summit off of RT9. Wells Lodge, Main Street, Wellsboro, PA 800- After a brief stop we’ll continue west on RT9 545-2446. Other Wellsboro area lodging: stopping for lunch Harley‘s at the junction of Sherwood Motel, 800-656-5802, Canyon RT9 & 202. Host: Kevin Martin 978-459-6275 Motel, 800-255-2718, The Penn Wells Hotel, or cog145@sprintmail.com 570-724-2111. For more options checkout www.wellsboroweb.com On Sunday meet at (MD) North Meets South 7 Harland’s Family Style Restaurant, 17 Pearls 6/18/2004 - 6/20/2004 - Gathering at Martha & Street, Wellsboro PA at 8:00am to eat Russell Fleming’s house in Hampstead, MD. breakfast. There is a planned route to bring you 2610 Old Fort Schoolhouse Rd. Friday: Come back to south central PA. Contact: Russell and setup your tent and have a cookout in the Fleming 410-374-9687 or fleming@qis.net evening. There is plenty of tent space in the Page 6
backyard. Saturday: Breakfast, Ride and Cookout. Breakfast will be held in the driveway. Serving Bacon and Eggs, Juice and Coffee. Starting at 8:00 am then you can leave at your free will on a 270 mile ride that end back here for a cookout that will start about 6 pm. Sunday: Breakfast will be held one more time in the driveway. Starting 8:30 with a guided ride there after. Non camping lodging in Westminster, MD: Boston Inn, 800-634-0846, 410-848-9095; Days Inn, 800-329-7466, 410-857-0500; Best Western, 800-528-1234, 410-857-1900. Lodging in Hanover, MD: Hampton Inn, 800-426-7866, 717-633-1117; Super 8, 800-800-8000, 717-630-8888; Clearview Motor Inn, 717-637-3701. Directions to the Fleming's: From Westminster: Route 140 to Route 27 North 6 miles, Right on Old Fort Schoolhouse Rd. Fleming's is 1 mile on left at top of hill. From Hanover: Take PA 94 south into MD where it becomes MD 30. Continue to Manchester. Turn right at MD 27 (Sheetz store on left) 2.4 miles. Then a left onto Old Fort Schoolhouse Rd. Fleming's is 1 mile on left at top of hill. Camping in the back yard on Friday and Saturday night. Please give me a call if you plan on coming so that I know how much food to fix. Contact Russell Fleming 410-374-9687 fleming@qis.net (CT) Ride, Hike, Water Falls & Ride More 6/20/2004 - Meet at Marcus Dairy in Danbury, CT at 8:30 AM. Ride starts at 9:15 AM. For directions to Marcus Dairy go to www.marcusdairysupersunday.com/directions.htm or e-mail me. This ride will combine some awesome, scenic twisties skirting back and forth along the CT/NY border and then routing us into the Berkshire Taconics. We will enjoy the Bash Bish Falls & a packed lunch (prepare your lunch in advance). If you like twisties, the beauty of nature, and moderate hiking, this is one event not to be missed. All riders and all bikes welcome. Contact Jon Coler 860.257.4009 or joncoler@yahoo.com (MA) Visit Queeche Gorge, VT 6/26/2004 - Meet at Dunkin Donuts on RT 110, Chelmsford (Exit 34 / 495) @ 7:30 am. Join me for an early morning ride up to Queeche Vermont to have lunch and view Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon. Host: Kevin Martin 978459-6275 or cog145@sprintmail.com (MA) Mt. Greylock Summit Ride 7/11/2004 - Meet at Dunkin Donuts on RT 110, Chelmsford (Exit 34 / 495) @ 7:30 am. Join me for a ride out the Mohawk Trail into North Adams MA to climb to the summit of Mt. Greylock, the highest point in the State of Massachusetts (3,491 ft). Host: Kevin Martin 978-459-6275 or cog145@sprintmail.com
FloodCity National, Johnstown, PA 7/13/2004 - 7/17/2004 - No excuse for NE area members to miss out on another COG National. Get registration forms from the Concourier, rally web site, or touch base with the rally (Continued on page 7) N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S
Mid Atlantic Gordonsville, VA Ride - by Pat Sprague; photos by Guy Young and Pat Sprague It was 25 degrees F when I fired up Dulcinea, my KLR 650 at seven AM. Pretty nice, considering the winter we had endured thus far. Surprisingly there was no ice on any of the 65 miles of roads to the Inwood Restaurant in Gordonsville. Riders soon started to convene from near and far, with a record dozen present for breakfast. Greetings all around, and handshakes revealed who had electric gloves or grips. Present were Clyde Watson, Guy Young, Bob Dombrowe, Roger Somero, Paul Farinholdt, Tony Borum, Ron Penn, Mike Schmidt, Mike Nasca, Herman Tessman, and I. Route sheets were passed out and dreams of warm weather riding revisited.
and said goodbyes at Crozet, too. The weather now was as nice as it would be all day. With temps falling and the wind picking up six of us headed for Appomattox. We took on fuel there and other
After a hearty breakfast and a line at the closet sized potty, we headed out. The twelfth rider? We found Jay Horine filling his Connie at a nearby station and he fell in with the pack. Herman had other commitments, and so took
Ron Penn gains a beard
Tony Borum gets his 50k sticker.
another scenic route back to his stable. The rest of us rode out some back roads stopping in Crozet, VA for fuel and Guy Young without a beard tar kicking. As we were to continue further South, the Murlanders took their departure and pointed their bikes towards home, understandably wanting to get there before Monday. Bob had another commitment that afternoon (Continued from page 6)
master or area director. Call Jason Kaplitz 814-535-8669 or www.concours.org/2004 (CT) The Dairy, The Moose & The Bean 7/25/2004 -Meet at Marcus Dairy in Danbury, CT at 8:30 AM. Ride starts at 9:15 AM. Ride along sensational twisties skirting the CT, NY State line and then route to The Wandering Moose Café in W. Cornwall, CT for a brief break and some light fare. We’ll head along the CT/MA line to The Vanilla Bean in Pomfret, CT. These restaurants are area motorcyclists’ favorites. All riders and bikes welcome. Contact Jonathan Coler 860.257.4009 or joncoler@yahoo.com (MA) Southern VT Day 8/7/2004 - Meet at Moto Market, Acton, MA at 8:30am, and take a ride up through Southern Vermont. Routes include; RT 100, 30, 112. Host: Kevin Martin 978-459-6275 or cog145@sprintmail.com (WV) Dog Days Ride, Boyer, WV 8/13/04 - 8/14/04: Leave the heat and join other Coggers at the Boyer Motel and Campground at 2,693 feet where the weather is cooler and the roads are great. Excellent restaurant, campground, and a motel all at one location. Call the Boyer Motel for ISSUE 1, 2004
liquids and forms of sucrose were imbibed. With a snow forecast for Richmond and Tidewater, VA we just saluted and warped through Appomattox National Park, cranking off a brisk 50 miles to Scottsville, VA, where the Dew Drop Inn had HOT food........AND......a gorgeous ceiling mounted gas-fired heater. We sat close to it and sucked in the warmth.
Guy and Clyde headed South and just got home before the snow and sleet started; Mike got to Virginia Beach in a snowfall with the usual bozo drivers mixed in for “entertainment.” I think that’s what they mean by a “wintry mix.” Ron and I split off at Charlottesville. With temps dropping every 10 miles I booked I-64 over the mountain trying to avoid the deer, darkness, and possible ice that was just an hour away. A brandy, a bowl of hot soup, and two big dogs to warm my feet under had me feeling warmer soon. Yeah, Sharry helped too. Thanks to all who attended the breakfast and ride! It was fun. Stay tuned for Spring!!
reservations at (304) 456-4667. Plenty of deer in this pretty area… watch for them! Pat Sprague 540-743-5132 psprague@shentel.net (NH) Vermont Perimeter Ride 8/13/2004 - 8/14/2004 - A weekend ride around the borders of Vermont. Mark Jenson 603-756-4143 or mjenson@adelphia.net (MD) COG / BMW Get Together 8/15/2004 - Russell Fleming of COG and Eddie Phelps of MW were discussing way to get more camaraderie between brands of motorcycles. Here is what we came up with. Meet for breakfast at the Golden Corral in Frederick MD on route 355 south of route 70 at 9 am. After breakfast route sheets will be handed out for a 130 mile self guided ride that will end at Mountain Gate Family Restaurant in Waynesboro PA. The ride will take you on some of the FINEST Motorcycle riding roads in the area. Come out and show your support for Sport Touring at it’s finest. Contact Russell Fleming 410-374-9687 or fleming@qis.net (CT) Meet, Greet n Ride, Southbury 8/15/2004 - Meeting time 9:00am at Dunkin Donuts in Southbury. A route may be provided or riders will decide where they want to go. Directions: From I-84: Get off exit 15 go north to light at first shopping plaza
on left. Take a left and then an immediate left into shopping plaza. Look for Dunkin Donuts. (Look carefully, zoning laws don’t allow usual bright DD sign Contact Jon Coler 860.257.4009 or joncoler@yahoo.com (NH) 45th Parallel Lunch 8/21/2004 - Jeff Adams repeats this ride by popular request... Dine from the widest menu in the Great North Woods, only yards South of the 45th parallel, exactly halfway between the Equator & the North Pole! Take a souvenir photo by the historic marker! Dine on goose, smell the spruce, see the moose! We are meeting at the Spa Restaurant in West Stewartston, NH, RT 3: just yards from the 45th parallel. The food is good, plentiful (to excess) and cheap: right up the COG alley. Please RSVP Jeff Adams Jeff@WhitehorsePress.com or Tony Shelver 603.520.0324 (VT) Northeast Fall Rally (Tentative) 9/9 - 9/12/04 – Northern Vermont. Mark your calendars now. More details to follow. There are more events on the NE schedule that will appear next issue or go to the online ride database: www.concours.org/schedule
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Our Newest Northeast Area Members Michael Smith, #4533 (xfer) Norristown, PA
Steve Sowers, #6092 Richmond, VA
Scott Jalbert, #6121 Ossipee, NH
Roland Provost, #6152 Dover, NH
Edward Myers, #6170 Germantown, MD
Joseph Yadush, #6080 Bethlehem, PA
David Grenier Sr, #6093 Whitby, ON Canada
Moe Lavoie, #6132 East Windsor, CT
Kenneth Hammond, #6156 Washington, DC
David George, #6175 Babylon, NY
Stephen Bentzley, #6081 Mullica Hill, NJ
C. Sherman Frye, #6097 Herndon, VA
George Rifendifer, #6141 Indiana, PA
Stephen Sherman, #6161 Lee, MA
Alan Mognet, #6084 Meyersdale, PA
David Whitelaw, #6104 Fergus, ON Canada
Bruce Haelsen, #6145 Cranston, RI
Gavin Webster, #6162 Woodbury, NJ
Ray Ciurej, #6087 Crofton, MD
James Potter, #6111 Torrington, CT
David Finucane, #6149 Skaneateles, NY
Roger Hanke, #6091 Allenhurst, NJ
Dennis & Kathleen Ryan, #6118 West Newbury, MA
Bryan New, #6150 Sumerduck, VA
Greg Puterbaugh, #6163 Hanover, PA Stephen Wright, #6165 Guelph, ON Canada
Photos from the Chili ‘n Cheese
A hungry crowd gathers, looking for Chili and Cheese
The crowd is subdued with a vast quantity of food Page 8
Former NEAD and COG Technical Editor Guy Young celebrates his 60th birthday
Making room for the bikes at the Chili n Cheese N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S