From the Area Director By Steven Smith Issue 4 2004
Wow! This is the time of year for vacations and riding. We really had to scramble to get this issue pulled together. Thanks to the folks who took the time to provide some content.
Northeast Area News
Flood City National: It has been a few weeks since I returned home form the COG Flood City National Rally. If you were not able to attend I can tell you that you missed quite an event as this was surely a rider’s rally. Jason had nine routes to choose from and they were all on display in the main lobby of the hotel, along with route sheets and tourist info for things you may find along the way. For each route there was a display map mounted on cardboard with the route highlighted. There were more possible routes than there were rally days. As if these day trips were not enough, there were nice routes planned for the Frank Lloyd Wright home tours, a terrific ride to State College for the Ice Cream Social sponsored by Kissell Motorsports, and the Friday Poker Run. The overall feedback from participants was very positive and we all felt the rally event was an obvious success. Kudos and thanks the entire rally committee for all their efforts. Many photographs taken by different people during the rally have been posted to the web or we have provided a link to them. You can access the Rally Photos page by first going to the Rally News page on the rally web site: www.concours.org/2004 Upcoming Activities: The 2004 Northeast Regional Fall Rally in Stowe, Vermont is less than a month away. The registration forms are beginning to come in, as are the door prizes. If you are planning on attending this rally be sure to fill in the registration form and send it in.. Registrations postmarked after August 20 are subject to a late fee. Also, if you have not made your room reservation yet, you better hop to it - Commodores Inn is holding the block of rooms until August 9, and after that you will take your chances with room availability. We included a copy of the registration form in this issue and it has all the pertinent information. Note… based on the received registration forms so far, it does not seem that there is enough interest to run the Scavenger Hunt. Now is the time to begin setting our sights toward the Northeast Area events for next year. We have been dropping hints for the last few months that the 2005 fall rally will be a Civil War themed and held in northern Virginia. We also recently locked in a terrific location for the Spring Fling and full details will be announced during the upcoming fall rally, on the NE web pages and in the next newsletter. Depending on what happens, there may be another midsummer rally planned for next year too. Besides the rallies, there will be day rides, weekend rides, camping trips, wrench sessions, dinner get-together, BBQs, etc. Many of these type of events are planned and hosted by members like you. Anyone can get in on the fun. Just contact one of the Assistant Area Directors or myself - our contact information is provided in the Northeast Officers list on page 2.
Growing Pains: The NE Area is the largest area by member demographics than any other area. The COG Northeast Area membership hit 614 with the member update I received last week from the Membership Director - This is really good news. West Virginia and Connecticut had a significant boost in membership with four new members each this period. The good news was a bit short lived as a few days later I received the dropped member report and we lost almost as many members as we gained, many of which are just due to nonrenewal. In some cases the member may have moved and neglected to inform COG membership, and did not receive the renewal in the mail. Please keep your all your contact information current, including email address. You can send the updated info directly to the membership director or to me. An issue or so back we made a plea to have more members sign up for electronic delivery of the newsletter. We had a fair number of people switch to eNews, but it was less than we had hoped for. Of the 600+ total Northeast members, only 188 are presently signed up for eNews. If you are interested in receiving this newsletter by electronic delivery (via a web download), all you need to do to sign up is go to the NE Online web pages, click on NEWSLETTER on the top menu and you will be able to read about eNews Electronic Delivery and sign up.
Conrad Cogger sez: “Watch your back, Jack” Scan those mirrors often, especially when coming to a stop at intersections or when in traffic - Always know what's behind you. Remember to stay in first gear for a quick getaway. Vehicles can move up quickly behind you or not even see you! Likely quick movers is a law enforcement officer, a local good ole boy who knows the road better than you do, or another bike. Any cop will tell you it's easy to pace a speeder from behind because people never look behind. Until next time, ride safe.
Reminders
Inside this issue: From the Editor, Rally Referees, Camaraderie Ride, Contact Info
2
A Morning Ride
3
MA Report, We Are Looking For You
4
Northeast Ride Schedule
•
NE Fall Rally September 9-12
•
The deadline for submissions for the next Northeast Area Newsletter is September 30.
•
COG charges a $20 fee for returned checks.
5-6
CT Report, Western PA Report, North Meets South
6
Fall Rally Registration
7
New Members, Pictures
8
From the Editor - Louis Caplan, NE Editor Have you updated your e-mail? A few months ago I was in CompUSA looking for some software. I happened to be wearing my COG hat at the time. While looking, I ran into someone wearing a COG denim shirt. I went up to say hello, and we talked for a few minutes about various things, including the National, local rides we've been on, etc. He said his name, but I forgot what it was. He also told me where he lives. Thinking about it, I found his name in the COG Member's directory (there was only one living where he described), and dropped him an e-mail to ask a question. The e-mail came back as a reject (unknown host). I checked with Steve, our Northeast Area director to see if the e-mail address had been updated recently. No such luck. So I was never able to get back in touch with the person. Steve commented that several of the e-mails he has been sending out to our members have come back with problems. So in this issue we have a "We're looking for you!" list. Please look to see if your name is on the list. If so, please get in touch with Steve, and make sure we have a good e-mail address for you. And folks, remember to wear your COG gear, you never know where you will meet a fellow COGGER!
Rally Referees Needed Henry J. Cooper, COG Insurance Communications If you ever wanted to help with a COG rally, but don’t want a large, long-term commitment… here’s the perfect opportunity. COG needs a few volunteers nationwide to help with our AMA sanctioned rallies. Each rally needs at least one person (referee) who can help with some simple, but important rally stuff. The primary responsibility is to ensure that all rally attendees sign the liability waivers, usually done during registration check-in. No experience is required and you don’t have to be an AMA member. The AMA will teach you everything you need to know in a short workshop and the training is good for two years. The Risk Management Workshops (RMW) are conducted nationwide during the fall. This year’s workshop schedule is not yet available, but it will be announced ASAP. COG only sanctions a few rallies each year and your help is only needed for a few minutes each day. Once the rally is over, your job as referee is done. The commitment is minuscule, but the benefit to COG is huge and your help is greatly appreciated. Please plan to attend a workshop in your area this fall. For more information, contact me by phone 925.658.6406 or email ico@concours.org or contact your local AD. Thanks in advance & ride safe.
COG BMW Camaraderie Ride by Russell Flemming AAD #599 Attention all members in the MD, PA, VA, and Western VA regions. On August 15, 2004 there will be a camaraderie ride between COG, BMW and other sport-touring motorcyclists. At this time there may be some Honda ST’s, Yamaha FJR’s and Suzuki’s V-Strom’s. The ride starts at Golden Coral in Frederick, MD. At 9AM for breakfast. After breakfast route sheets will be handed out for about a 155-mile self-guided ride. The ride will end at Mountain Gate Restaurant in Waynesboro, PA where everybody can get a late lunch. Come out and ride a selection of roads that Russell and his buddies like to ride and see why they have to change their tires at least three times a year. Hope to see you there! For more information see the ride schedule entry. Page 2
Northeast Area Officers Area Director Steven Smith, #3184 Naugatuck, CT 203-720-7575 nead@concours.org Webmaster open position contact the AD if interested Editor Louis Caplan, #2894 Fairfax, VA 703-978-9844 nighthawk700@yahoo.com
Assistant Area Directors New Hampshire Tony Shelver, #2647 Moultonborough, NH 603.520.0324 Tony.Shelver@ctp.com Massachusetts Kevin Martin, #145 Dracut, MA 978-459-6275 cog145@sprintmail.com Connecticut Jonathan Coler, #5379 Rocky Hill, CT 860-257-4009 JonColer@yahoo.com NY Hudson Valley Mike Flynn, #4493 Bedford Hills, NY 914-244-3537 Keltwolf@optonline.net
Northeast Area News Newsletter Staff: Louis Caplan, Steven Smith The Northeast Area News is a publication for Northeast Area members of the Concours Owners Group. 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
Metro NY/NJ Jim Clark, #2113 Valley Stream, NY 516-872-3694 Pennsylvania - Western Joe Cyprych, Jr., #4665 McDonald, PA 724-796-1401 Cyprych@hky.com DelMarVa & Philly burbs (PA/NJ) Bob Chappell, #1283 Claymont, DE 302-791-0582 cog1283@comcast.net Maryland Russell Fleming, #599 Hampstead, MD 410-374-9687 Fleming@qis.net Mid-Atlantic States Patrick Sprague, #1887 Luray, VA 540-743-4874 (home) 540- 743-5132 (work) 540-743-3229 (fax) PSprague@shentel.net Northeast Ontario, Canada Rudi Verspoor, #6173 Ottawa, ONT 613-692-9356 RudiVerspoor@rogers.com Atlantic Maritimes, Canada Ian Rennie, #5525 Saint John, NB 506-635-2124 IanRennie@mac.com
best fit available space. If you would like to have your material returned, please include a SASE. Please send submissions to:
Steven Smith 39 Alison Ave Naugatuck, CT 06770-3566 nead@concours.org 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! Copyright 2004 © Concours Owners Group
N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S
A Morning Ride - by Peter Bjerkelund
#5926
Had a great ride to Mum's in Machias, Maine. The next day was sunny and perfect. Headed west toward Ellsworth via Black Woods Road - 12.5 miles of good asphalt that twists, rises and falls through granite hills and along the edge of several lakes. I turned down side roads to see were they'd go. One ended in a path so narrow I wished for a Goldwing’s reverse gear, and another led to a seaside place called Sorrento. A beautiful spot across the straight from Cadillac Mountain. Sat and listened to the waves, lobstermen's diesels, absorbed some sun, ice-tea, peanuts and a little cigar. Returned to Machias through Columbia Falls to watch the sun go down over the village. Very Norman Rockwellian. Red, white and blue hung on every post waiting for the boys to come home. Had done the Black Woods a few times, so was early to bed for the 7 o’clock road next morning was looking pretty good. It was another perfect day and I crossed the border without a hassle, and headed for home. About 8:45 a coyote crossed the road with it's golden eyes and white teeth caught in the sun, which was still low and shining through the trees in alternating patterns of brilliant light and deep shadow. The coyote was full tilt with paws extended ahead and hindquarters pushing straight out behind, and it could not have lined me up any better. I was then separated from my motorcycle at 130 kmh (80 mph).
back Dave had ridden the 'Iron Butt': Atlantic to Pacific coasts in 80 hours. Just what are the chances of another Concours rider coming along out in the middle of friggin' nowhere Brockway, NB? He and his wife took this pic of the bike and me. I bid them farewell, hopped on my trusty Connie and rode the remaining 80 km (50 miles) home, with one eye placed very carefully on the bush at the side of the road. Round trip was 724 kms (450 miles). I have no misconception of being indestructible, just very lucky. Prologue - On the 22nd I drove out to the site in a car to look it over, pick up useful pieces, record road marks, re-measure distances and just try to wrap my head around what had happened to me.
The coyote was trying 'to get to the other side', at that spot because of an old woods road that was there. I found the coyote's tracks coming up the side of the ditch to the road three feet There was a jump in time, then heard my helmet grinding on the before our IP asphalt as I slid/rolled down the road: sky, trees, legs, road, trees, (Impact Point). legs, road, sky, twirled. First reaction was to spread my arms to slow No reaction down, which immediately rolled me over onto my face (as in fulltime there. face helmet). I kept my arms to my sides and let the motion carry Ironically the me. Being a projectile was a very strange feeling. After approx 220 tracks of the feet I came to a stop and immediately rolled to the shoulder. I stood animal up as if nothing had happened. No dizziness, headache or wind remained but knocked out of me. But I can't say how I came off the Bike or what Mother Nature hit first. had reduced the My Concours slid on the right side in a slight angle 480 feet to the carcass to a other lane and stopped in the 'soft' shoulder. The impact of the matt of brown coyote's motion must have “whipped the carpet out” from fur in 86 hours. underneath the Bike and continued sideways (in mid air for awhile). The following I could see the obvious line it had left on the road as I walked to the measurements are based on my pace which equal two feet in length, Bike. I picked up bits and pieces from the motorcycle as I went. The toe up to heel. The distances are averages of three measurements right foot peg I found in perfect shape, the windshield and side view taken: (1) immediately following the accident (2) from IP to Bike (3) mirror where obliterated. from Bike to IP. Not exact but fairly accurate. a) The front tire left A trucker and a guy in a marks 136 feet from IP, which continued for 12 feet; b) Coyote came van pulled up a few to rest 142 feet from IP; c) I came to rest 224 feet from IP. Estimated minutes afterward. They from memory and boot prints at road side. I'm not completely sure helped me push the Bike about this distance, but I ended up well past Wiley E; d) Bike slid to the road, and lo’ and across the median 246 feet past IP; e) Bike crossed into ‘soft’ behold it ticked right over shoulder 426 feet from IP; f) Bike came to rest 480 feet past IP; g) I into it’s busy rumble. The found a lot of tail-light and reflector fragments, a beer can or two, right side mid-cowling and a toy ambulance. and muffler had taken Lessons Learned most of it, the front cowling edge was • Wear ALL your gear while on the road, and pity the assholes scraped, cracked close to riding in shorts and T-shirts where the rear view mirror had been, and a scrape across the fender. • A full-face helmet saved me from a possible broken jaw/nose/ Good ol’ Merlin had been as lucky as I had - no structural damage. teeth and definitely a cheese-grater-face Love that Bike! This was a perfect moment for a little cigar. I dragged the coyote to the ditch. It weighed 40 lbs. or so, about my • I will wait till a bright sun is higher before riding mornings: long shadows can hide all sorts of things old dog Ringo's size. I then began repacking, and as I picked sand out of the pipes another car pulled over and out jumped a guy with a • Slow go on wilderness highways long white beard. "I'm a Biker and ride a Concours. We had to stop." • A little prayer/meditation before a trip and thank your Guardian It turned out I had seen Dave Prebble's metallic green Concours a Angel when you get to where you’re going! week before, in for new fork springs after 70,000 km. A few months I S S U E 4 20 04
Page 3
Massachusetts AAD Report - by Kevin Martin, AAD #145 Greetings Mass Coggers ! The summer riding season is in full swing Now a little change of venue. I’ve decided to try something new for this months AAD report. I came across a few publications on and it’s time to put my thoughts down in yet another Northeast motorcycling safety under various weather conditions, that I found Newsletter. Isn’t life Grand ! interesting and hope you do too. Here’s the first one. What’s Happening in Massachusetts COGdom - During my last AAD Report I mentioned in detail that I’ve improved the COG Motorcycling –vs- Lightning - Over the years I’ve ridden in many thunderstorms, or I should say gotten STUCK riding in Massachusetts Home Page to make it a little more user friendly for members to more easily access up to date information on a variety of thunderstorms, and never really gave it a much thought beyond being COG information including the Massachusetts Ride Schedules. I’ve a little uncomfortable with my surroundings. Hey, what’s the problem, after all I ride through thunder and lightning all the time in also provided some downloadable files on my Technical Page for members to use as service aids when working on their Connies. I’ve my car, and of course the rubber tires insulate me from the road so I’m well protected right? Must be the same situation on a bike only a made available customized logs for maintenance recording and little wetter. Wrong !! service histories, and a tracking log when doing your own valve adjustment. Check them out and let me know if they work for you. If you’re looking for one weather phenomenon to worry about while We’ve also posted pictures of COG events like NE Area rallies and riding a motorcycle, this is it! According to experts, lightning kills local rides. As before, if you have some pictures you’d like to share more Americans in an average year then hurricanes and tornadoes combined, and it can be particularly deadly for motorcyclists. with the membership, contact Dave Fazzuoli and he’ll coordinate Surprisingly, people traveling in cars are actually relatively safe in with you to get them posted. thunderstorms because a car acts like a protective metal cage Speaking of local rides, I’ve been hosting local rides every month directing the lightning to the ground instead of at the occupants. Oh, since April and it’s been a lot of fun. As of the end of July, we’ve It helps if your not touching any metal inside the car during a held the following rides: Atlantic Coastal Ride; South Sugarloaf lightning strike. In all actuality, the car tires have very little to do Mountain; Quabbin Reservoir Ride; Quechee Gorge Vermont Ride; with protecting the occupants in a vehicle during a lightning strike. Mount Greylock Summit Ride; and Member Doug Gray offered to host his own COG ride called “The Roads Less Traveled in Central On a motorcycle you don’t have that cage to protect you, and the small amount of insulation you do get from the tires contacting the Mass”. This was an awesome event. I’ve been riding central road means nothing compared to the incredible voltage in a lightning Massachusetts for over 20 years, and Doug took me on fantastic motorcycling roads that I’ve never seen before. Doug’s ride was the bolt. There have been many documented cases of motorcyclists being struck by lightning, usually with tragic results. perfect example of how much fun the membership can have on a local ride when people step up and volunteer to host a ride in their Lightning can travel seven miles or more before striking the ground. own back yard. A special thanks goes out to Doug Gray for his It takes about five seconds for lightning to travel one mile, which efforts. means that if the time lapse between the flash and the bang is less than 35 seconds, the lightning is close enough to hit you! There are more local rides scheduled from now thru the end of October, and if the weather cooperates, I may add one or two more So what do you do if you find yourself approaching a thunderstorm? this fall. So check the Ride Schedule Database and join us for some Your first and safest option is to stop and find shelter in a store, gas COG socializing ! station, or restaurant. If your riding a Harley, you might want to stop at a local bar with the rest of the Harley Riders - Sorry couldn’t Your probably going to read many reports on the COG National, resist that. held this past July down in Johnstown If your caught out of the range of buildings, a highway overpass or I should say underpass, is the next best place. Above all, don’t seek shelter under a tree. Can’t find a building or bridge, look for a low spot, park your bike and walk about 20 yards away from it then crouch down to get as low as possible while keeping only the balls of your feet in contact with the ground. If you’re with a group of Upcoming Rallies people, everybody should spread out about 20 yards apart so that a -This year’s Fall Rally, “Green Mountain Fever” hosted by Steve single strike doesn’t hit all of you. If you’re lucky, the bike will be a Smith, will be held on September 9 thru 12, 2004 at the more attractive target than yourself. After reading about this, I have a Commodores Inn, 823 South Main Street, Stowe Vermont. For more better appreciation of weather conditions when riding my bike that I information on the Fall Rally, go to my Rallies link at: ever did before. Hope you do too. Have fun and above all “Ride www.masscog.org Safe” ! (aka Flood City), PA. Let me just say that when I heard that Jason Kaplitz was going to be the Rally Coordinator for this event I had to go. Based on my past experiences attending Jason’s regional rallies in past years, I knew I was guaranteed a great time, and true to form, I wasn’t disappointed. GREAT JOB ! Jason – you do us proud.
We Are Looking for you - If your name appears on this list it means we were unable to send you email. Maybe you changed your email address, your email account was over quota, or another reason. Please send an email to nead@concours.org to confirm what email you wish to have on file with COG. John Mccrae Jim Stokes Charles Grant John Kruppa James Becker Gaylord Butler Lee Quinn Edward Shaw Page 4
Jeffrey Parry Edmond Fritz Frank Skorka Charles Tanner Jr. John Rau Lee Yeckel Robert Zeidler Roine Andersson
M Stanton Putnam Jay Horine Al Benedict Ari Ludzki Mark Lieberman James Pugh Paul Farinholt Steven Hillman
Douglas Belling Jeffrey Allison J. David Lebrun Joseph Koson Dale Butler Michael Duda David George William Ash
Robert Campbell Ted Mcqueen Harold Bookman Mark Graham Anthony Borum Sr. Dennis Tillery David Fritz Brad Kragness
Matthew Lane Vern Foell Peter Dodaro Steven Merino Leo Cohen Ernie Gosteli Jack Kunze Brian Winger N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S
Northeast Ride Schedule - view the most current event info at www.concours.org/ne/schedules.htm 9/9/04 - 9/12/04: A perennial favorite. Great roads, great destination (TWO), great food, great COG companions. Hosted by the SE Area, (ON) S. Central Ontario Get-Together Monthly: Gather at Bumpers in Milton, ON on folks ride from Ontario, Florida, the mid-west the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm just and all points in between to enjoy this rally. to meet, exchange factual anecdotes, plan rides, Meet at Afton Mountain, Route 250 at the etc. From 401 S. on 25 through Milton to where entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway on Thursday at 8am sharp. It’s about 420 twisty 25 jigs left; keep going straight (Martin St.) miles to our first night stop at Blue Ridge until you come to a T (Main St.) turn right. Bumpers is on the right about a block up. From Motorcycle Campground where we will spend the night and have breakfast Friday morning QEW or Hwy 5, take 25 north (aka Bronte) to Milton. Contact Dave Clancy 905-389-7681 or before riding some of the best motorcycle roads in the US before arriving at TWO. No clanfam@hwcn.org reservations are required for camping, but lodging may be reserved at BRMC (CT) Dinner Ride-In 828-235-8350 and at TWO 706-747-5151. Monthly: We will gather for dinner and Contact Pat Sprague 540-743-5132 conversation on the 1st Wednesday of each psprague@shentel.net month at 6pm. Great way to meet and renew old friendships. Check the schedule to see if a new (CT) Meet, Greet n Ride, Southbury place was selected as a change of pace. If not, 9/19//2004 - Meeting time 9:00am at Dunkin our usual meeting place will be the Cromwell Donuts in Southbury. A route may be provided Diner, Cromwell, CT, I-91, exit 21 (RT372), or riders will decide where they want to go. about 1/4 mile west on the left. Contact Jon Directions: From I-84: Get off exit 15 go north Coler 860-257-4009 or joncoler@yahoo.com to light at first shopping plaza on left. Take a left and then an immediate left into shopping (PA) Meet Greet and Ride Sundays plaza. Look for Dunkin Donuts. (Look We will meet at the Kings Restaurant located in carefully, zoning laws don’t allow usual bright Imperial PA. at 10:00 am and pick a destination DD sign Contact Jon Coler 860.257.4009 or with who ever shows up, or I will have a ride joncoler@yahoo.com planned. Kings is located right off the Imperial exit of routes 22-30. Need directions or more (VA) The General's Scouts, New Market, VA info, contact Joe Cyprych. cyprych@hky.com 9/24/2004 - Awright all you enlistees, draftees, or 724.796.1401. Hope to see you there. and overnight officers who can read and rite. Join up and serve your COGdom (Blue or Gray), and help scout out some roads, attractions, and historical points to be featured Calendar of Events in “The General’s Ride”, a Civil War theme (NH) 45th Parallel Lunch rally to be held one year from now in New Market, VA. We muster men and materiel at 8/21/2004 - Jeff Adams repeats this ride by popular request... Dine from the widest menu in The Johnny Appleseed Restaurant at the the Great North Woods, only yards South of the Quality Inn on route 211 in New Market, VA at 9am Saturday morning. Camping is available at 45th parallel, exactly halfway between the OWO both Friday and Saturday nights. Uncle Equator & the North Pole! Take a souvenir COG wants YOU! Contact Pat Sprague photo by the historic marker! Dine on goose, 540-743-5132 psprague@shentel.net smell the spruce, see the moose! We are meeting at the Spa Restaurant in West (MA) Trip to Ludlow, VT Stewartston, NH, RT 3: just yards from the 45th 10/2/2004 - Meet at Dunkin Donuts on RT 110, parallel. The food is good, plentiful (to excess) Chelmsford, MA (Exit 34 / 495) @ 8 am. Join and cheap: right up the COG alley. Contact Jeff me for a secnic Fall ride up NH RT-123 & 124 Adams Jeff@WhitehorsePress.com or Tony crossing the Connecticut River at Bellows Falls. Shelver 603.520.0324 We’ll head north on RT-5 & 103 stopping for lunch at the Mill Restaurant on Main St. in (MA) White Mountains Ride Ludlow VT. After lunch we’ll tour more of 9/4/2004 - Date Change - Meet at Dunkin Vermont’s best roads. Host: Kevin Martin Donuts on RT 110, Chelmsford, MA (Exit 34 / 978-459-6275 or cog145@sprintmail.com 495) @ 8 am and ride up through the Lakes Region and across the Kancamagus Highway. (PA) Breakfast Ride, Cross Keys Diner Host: Kevin Martin 978-459-6275 or
Repetitive Events
cog145@sprintmail.com (VT) Northeast Fall Rally 9/9 - 9/12/04 – Stowe, VT. A fun filled weekend is planned. Commodores Inn will be the rally headquarters. Mark your calendars now. Check out the info in this issue. (GA) Run with the Wolf Rally, Suches, GA I S S U E 4 20 04
10/17/04 - Meet for Sunday breakfast at 9am at Cross Keys Diner. Restaurant is located at the intersection of US route 30 and route 94 in New Oxford PA. Paul Farinholt has laid out a ride of 120 mile their the pigeon hill area of PA. Ending at Gettysburg Dinner for a light lunch. Contact: Russell Fleming 410374-9687 or fleming@qis.net
(CT) Meet, Greet n Ride, Southbury 10/17//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 (VA) Fall Foliage Ride Weekend 10/22/04 – 10/24/04 - Pat and Sharry Sprague will host a weekend camp and ride at their home based One Wheel Only, seven miles north of Luray. This will be approximately a 260 mile ride on Saturday from OWO, with camping available there Friday and Saturday nights. A continental breakfast will be served Saturday and Sunday mornings, barbecue on Friday night, and a chili with fixins’ supper on Saturday night. Lunch on Saturday will be on the road. Come ride with friends, make some new ones, and see the beauty of Autumn in the mountains. To get to the Sprague's, from Luray, VA, ride north on Rt. 340 about 5 miles. When you see Springfield Elementary School on the left, go about 1/2 mile further and turn left on Rt. 661 (Cavalier Rd). Rt. 661 becomes a good gravel road. Ride 8/10 mile and turn right on Beylor's Ferry Road. Go 4/10 mile and their house is the third driveway on the left (#421 Beylor's Ferry Road). Turn left at the "Wheelie" and allow the dogs to sniff you. Please call or email Pat and Sharry so they can plan the food requirements. Contact: Pat Sprague at 540-743-4874 or psprague@shentel.net (MA) Trip to Lake Sunapee, NH 10/30/2004 - Meet at Dunkin Donuts on RT 110, Chelmsford, MA (Exit 34 / 495) @ 8:30 am for a late Fall ride up to Lake Sunapee. Routes include; NH RT-123, 124, 103. Host: Kevin Martin 978-459-6275 or cog145@sprintmail.com (NH) The ABF2 Ride-to-eat 10/31004 – (Absolutely B*y Freezing, Absolutely B*y Final) Last ride of the year. Venue TBD. Tony Shelver 603.520.0324 or tshelver@hotmail.com (VA) "Brrrrrr Ride", Natural Bridge 11/12/2004 - 11/14/2004 - Bundle up and point your headlight toward the Natural Bridge KOA campground where we will gather on Friday and Saturday nights to poke fires and partake of COG fellowship. For those not wanting to camp, cabins are available at the KOA. Call (540) 291-2770 to reserve one. Motels in the area are : Fancy Hill Motel, 4852 S. Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, VA (540) 291-2143 Natural Bridge Inn & Conference Center, Route 11 and route 130, Natural Bridge, VA (540) 291-2121 Red Mill Inn, 50 South Red mill (Continued on page 6) Page 5
(Continued from page 5)
Road, Natural Bridge, VA (540) 291-1704 Budget Inn, I-81 Ext 180 US route 11, Natural Bridge, VA (540) 291-2896 We will meet for breakfast 8:00 AM Saturday at the Fancy Hill Restaurant at 4832 S. Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, VA (540) 291-2860. After breakfast we will ride some favourite scenic roads before returning to the KOA. Contact: Pat Sprague at 540-743-4874 or psprague@shentel.net KOA info: www.koakampgrounds.com/where/va/46144.htm
(MD/PA) Brunch Ride Shrewsbury, PA 11/21/2004 - Meet at 10 am for brunch at Shrewsbury Family Restaurant. The restaurant is located 2 mile south of Shrewsbury at the intersection of Susquehanna Trail and Keller Drive. We will make a ride up depended on the weather. Contact: Russell Fleming 410-3749687 or fleming@qis.net (VA) "Cross the Border", Breakfast & Ride 12/12/2004 - We’ll meet at That’s-A-Burger, Inc. at 19606 Carson Road, Dinwiddie, VA (804) 469-7716 at 9 AM. This is on Route 703 near the intersection of Route 670. We’ll leave around 10 AM to ride some back roads crossing into NC, ending up in Appomattox, VA for lunch. Contact: Pat Sprague at 540-743-4874 or psprague@shentel.net
There are more events on the NE schedule that will appear next issue or go to the online ride database: www.concours.org/schedule
Connecticut Area Report - by Jon Coler AAD
Connecticut is Rockin’! This year, we have upheld some former events and introduced some new ones. Rein’s Deli, Sherman’s very successful and most informative wrench session, Bash Bish Falls, Marcus Dairy, The Wondering Moose Café, The Vanilla Bean, were all very enjoyable gatherings and places we visited. Great weather, fun destinations, awesome camaraderie and let’s not forget – the Orgasmic roads – have all culminated into what has so far been a terrific 2004 riding season. The 2004 riding season will continue to offer lots of riding enjoyment and interesting places to visit. I am pleased the activities of this year have presented the building blocks for the 2005 riding year. Yes, the CT schedule is already posted on the COG website for 2005. Next year we’ll visit a good number of the lighthouses in CT, we’ll feast at Curtis’ Bar-B-Que in Putney, VT after riding some of the most enjoyable roads out that way and we’ll see an air-show at the Rhinebeck Aerodrome in Rhinebeck, NY. These are but a few of the rides on the 2005 horizon. Lastly, many people have expressed an interest in moving the Wednesday Night Ride In to Tuesday nights. In 2005 we will enjoy Meet, Eat & Ride on Tuesday nights. Currently, all of these get-togethers are set to meet at the Cromwell Diner in Cromwell, CT. I invite members to offer suggestions for alternative locations in their area for two reasons: 1) members will have the advantage of having a Tuesday night gathering in their area and 2) we’ll all sample the delicious victuals of many fine places. Thank you all for making 2004 a great riding year. It is your participation and feedback that’s makes Connecticut Rock! Best wishes and safe riding to all.
Western Pennsylvania - by Joe Cyprych
AAD #4665
Hello fellow Coggers, the riding season has been great so far this year with myself and a few others attending the Thunder in the Valley, North South Meet Greet and Ride Sundays, and of course the National Rally held in Johnstown, hats off to Jason and his staff for showing everyone a great time. I had a good time meeting some old friends, and making some new ones. We have plenty of weekend rides coming up, along with our Sunday meet greet and rides through the month of Oct. Also if anyone would like to plan their own ride or get together, please contact myself or Steve Smith for any help you may need. I would also like to remind everyone to check the ride schedule on the COG home page for all the upcoming rides in the N.E. area, as always feel free to contact me for any information you may need. I hope to see some of you at a ride soon. Thanks take care.
The North Meets South - by Tony Borum This year Russell had two routes: North through MD & PA; or South through VA, and WV. Living only 58 miles from Martha and Russell's house I generally arrive in time on Saturday morning to join the crowd leaving, but I missed them this year. Meeting Jay and a new acquaintance Dan, I unloaded my camping gear in the yard and left with them in tow on the Northern route thru MD and PA. The three of us had a nice ride until splitting so Dan and Jay, having other plans could head home. When I got back to the Fleming's about everyone was back from his or her ride. The usual gang was there, most from the four state areas, The Ontario group I look forward to seeing a few times a year and a few new friends or members of COG. Russell has been known to have the grill blazing on occasion from bacon grease, so the knowing members waited for the fire. To their surprise and disappointment Russell managed to keep the grease and fire under control. So we had no fire out of control Page 6
#6173
#2721
excitement this year, but there is plenty to do. The longer journey traveled riders usually arrive on Friday and are well settled to leave early Saturday for a ride. Jay and Dan were there for the day and I was there for Saturday night. The Flemings feed you on Friday evening, Saturday breakfast & Dinner and breakfast again on Sunday morning. After dinner Saturday night it was time to settle in and do what Coggers do, talk about the machine and the rides we have done. As night wore on it got colder and colder, people headed for the garage or out under the tarp. Before wandering down to my cold tent I stayed under the tarp talking with a few members. Bringing only my fleece sleeping bag and using my Phoenix Jacket for a blanket I spent a cold night under the trees. Waking early I met Jordi on his way to the garage for coffee. This was about my fifth North & South ride and I would recommend this ride weekend to anyone. N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S
C o n c o u r s
O w n e r s
G r o u p
Northeast Fall Rally “Green Mountain Fever”
This event will be
September 9 - 12, 2004 Rally Headquarters: Commodores Inn, 823 South Main Street, Stowe, VT. Website: www.commodoresinn.com Phone: 1.800.447.8693. Provides a beautiful 30-acre Lakeside setting at the entrance to Stowe. Featuring modern comfort with country charm, this family owned and operated resort has all of the amenities to make your visit enjoyable. The amenities feature: 3 1/2 acre lake with canoes, kayaks, row boats and paddle boats; Heated Outdoor and Indoor Pools; 3 large Jacuzzis, 2 saunas; Comfortable living room with large fieldstone fireplace; Quiet reading / board game area; Wide screen TV, VCR/DVD; Fitness facility with exercise equipment; Game room. Room Rates: Single: $68 ($78) Double: $78 ($88). Special rates are per room, per night, and include tax and gratuities. (Rates in parenthesis are per room per night and include breakfast, tax, and gratuities) A limited block of rooms has been set aside and will be held until 08/09/2004, so book your room early. Call Commodores Inn directly for reservations and let them know if you are selecting the breakfast package or not. (Be sure to mention Concours Owners Group). Riding: Thursday rides will be impromptu & self-guided, decided by those present. Sample route sheets will be provided and are planned as self-guided rides for Friday and Saturday. On Friday there will be an optional 8-hour bonus location, scavenger hunt, with awards presented to the winners - an extra fee of $5/bike for members, $10/bike for non-members applies to cover scavenger hunt costs. The scavenger hunt may be cancelled if less than 15 bikes are entered. Refunds will be made at the rally. Events: There will be a Friday evening welcome reception and a Saturday evening banquet held at the Commodore Inn. Restaurants: Commodore Inn has an on site restaurant and lounge. There are other restaurants in the surrounding area. Rally Fee: $35 (US $) per person for COG members, including their immediate family and significant other; $40 for non-COG members and their guests. An additional $5.00 late fee for all registrations received after 8/20/04. Full refund issued before 8/20/04; refund less $5 after 8/20/04; no refund after 9/2/04. We cannot guarantee a banquet meal for registrations received after 9/2/04. The rally fee covers the cost of the welcome reception, banquet, and normal rally expenses. Send lower portion of the Registration Form with rally fee payable to “Concours Owners Group” to: Steve Smith – Fall Rally 39 Alison Ave. Naugatuck, CT 06770
Questions / Comments / Suggestions? Steven Smith: 203.720.7575 nead@concours.org Rally web page: www.concours.org/ne/fallfoliage
Rally Registration Form (Please PRINT Clearly) Name: (One person per form) __________________________________________ AMA # ___________ COG #__________ Street: _______________________________________________________________________________________________ City: ________________________________________________ State/Province: ___________ Zip Code: _______________ Phone: (______)_____-____________ E-Mail: _______________________________________________ Country: ________
Motorcycle model: _________________________ License tag # __________________ I wish to participate in the Friday scavenger hunt:
□ No □ Yes – please include $5 additional ($10 non-member) per bike
Emergency Contact: Name: _________________________ Relationship: _____________ Phone : (_____)_____-_________
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: ____________________________________ I S S U E 4 20 04
Parent or Guardian (if applicable) ___________________________________ Page 7
Our Newest Northeast Area Members (as of Aug 8) Chris Boyce, #6345 Syracuse, NY
Richard Uznanski, #6384 Newfield, NJ
Edward & Carol Neese, #880/880A Culloden, WV
Alex Garcia, #6351 Hackensack, NJ
Joan Niswender (K&H Motorsports), #6385 Little York, NY
Dave Glaser, #6423 Far Rockaway, NY
Gabe Calvo, #6358 Mansfield, CT
Alan McGill, #6391 Troy, ON
Gary Kemmerling, #6424 Douglassville, PA
James Gerelli, #6363 Stamford, CT
Stephen Whelton, #6389 Moultonboro, NH
Kim & Stacey Miller, #6425/6425A Inwood, WV
Jeffrey Miller, #6367 Bar Harbor, ME
Brian Edgar, #6409 Virginia Beach, VA
Douglas Re & Sarah Richardson, #6426/6426A Beckley, WV
Philip Hodgkins, #6371 Searsport, ME
Tammy Redstone (TotallyWired.com), #6417 Dumont, NJ
Thomas Harless, #6438 Follansbee, WV
George & Barbara Griffith, #6377 Benton, PA
James Morohovich, #6418 Conneautlake, PA
James Whitehead Jr, #6443 Springfield, MA
Brian Benito, #6381 East Granby, CT
Charles Pomeroy, #6419 New Milford, CT
Brendon McDonald, #6383 Gardner, MA
Michael Adinolfi, #6421 Jamison, PA
In Canada, the Connies line the street outside Bumpr’s for the South Central Ontario Milton Meeting - a monthly get together. Want to join the fun? Check out he ride schedule. Mid-Atlantic AAD Pat Sprague assures Randy that he REALLY is a dentist... Page 8
N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S