Cognitions By Steven Smith #3184, North East Area Director Issue 1, 2005
Welcome to a whole new year of rides, rallies and other COG activities in the NorthEast Area. For those of you connected to the internet you can find the complete, up to date NE schedule in the ride database on the COG web site. Not online? No problem. Each newsletter issue will contain about 2-3 months worth of upcoming activities, or at least as much as we can fit on the 2 pages we allocate. If you wish to receive a current 2005 NE Event Schedule, please mail a SASE to me and I will mail a copy back to you. This year there will be 3 rallies in the NE area: Spring Fling in Wellsboro, PA in May; Mid-Summer Bash in Stowe, VT at the end of July; and the “General’s Ride” in New Market, VA in September. Registration for the Spring Fling in Wellsboro, PA has been open since the last newsletter and we have already have over 30 people signed up. Jason asked me to remind everyone to “Book those rooms folks, they'll be no last minute rooms available. Wellsboro always sells out!” If you need a copy of the registration form that was provided in the previous newsletter it can be downloaded off the NE web. You can also get a copy by contacting one of the rally hosts, Russell Fleming & Jason Kaplitz, or me. The registration periods for following events will be provided in future newsletters and on the web as soon as they are available and registration is open for those events. Most of us are getting ready to hit the road again after a winter hiatus. Be sure to get your bike and yourself prepared. Give your bike a good once over to be sure that you will not be in for any surprises. It is also good to get yourself mentally prepared. Back in the early 90’s, Nick Ienatsch wrote 2 articles that has become quite well known among motorcyclists. They are “The Pace” and “Pace Yourself” - these should be required reading for all riders. Both articles have proliferated all over the internet - just use Google or another web search engine to find it. Lastly, consider some type of skills training - whether it be an ERC or a track school. There is always something you can learn.
Northeast Area News
Until next time, ride safe. Steve
Cross the Border Ride By Pat Sprague AAD #1887 This ride started with a clear cold sunny morning and, as Virginia winter weather is wont to do, deteriorated into a wintry mess. Last minute riders, not shoppers, included Clyde Watson, Guy Young, Mike Nasca, Jim Hammond, Dave Boyce, Chris Tecca, and myself. The service was a tad slow at That’s A Burger as the waitress had quit, so the owner/cook/waitress took care of us. The Freedom Toast was very good. An overly ambitious route and a late get away from Dinwiddie, and the only border we crossed was from breakfast to lunch. The back roads through this area were clean and nearly empty; except for hound dogs with large tattooed numbers on them that were present on many roads, training for deer season. The scenery through this area is not spectacular, but the small back roads move along nicely, and traffic is nil. Arriving at Chase City after noon, the sky to the west grew dark and ominous, and temperatures started dropping. We diverted our route and rode up to Appomattox where we found Granny Bee’s restaurant open. Good home cooking with a lunch special of meatloaf and most of us had that. Excellent rice pudding and veggies, too. Recommended if you are in Appomattox during the Generals Ride. After good byes were exchanged, we headed our steeds in different directions. We all hoped to beat the coming front with the snow showers that were forecasted. It started raining lightly just north of Charlottesville. I thought about taking RT 33 over the mountain to Elkton and going north on 340, but, noooo, I had to ride up to ole Sperryville. About at Madison, 30 miles away, it started flurrying pretty good but it's still daylight, maybe I can make Sperryville by dark!? Before getting to Sperryville it is snowing pretty good and almost dark; no problem, I'll just creep over the mountain, the deer won't be moving anyway.
covered with a half inch of snow. Prayers and puckering. I know this will only get worse for the next eight miles so very carefully and slowly get the VStrom turned around in the middle of an uphill right turn and start heading away from home, back to Sperryville. Now it is snowing fairly hard and wind is blowing real good from all directions. Getting quite hard to see, high beams show only white, lows show the snowy road but not where it's going. The Meatloaf is all gone. More P&P. Guess I can ride the Fodderstack Road from little Washington over to route 522 at Flint hill, and north to Front Royal, then south on 340 to home. Dam GPS thing keeps telling me to make a U turn. Sure, you bet. Hope route 522 isn't snowed in at the gap. The road is getting dicey with a snow cover the last three miles to Flint Hill. The rice pudding and sweet potatoes are now gone, too. Stop at a little gas station there, get smiles and stares. Is there snow over 522 up at the gap? "Oh yeah, the mountain is covered". :^( When will the state truck be up there to clear it? (I really don't want to spend the night on a fire hall/rescue squad bunk). "Oh, they're up there now". Great, I can just follow the big VDOT truck over. I crank up the Gerbing thermostat all the way and trudge on into the swirling, blowing mess. More snow on the road as I go up to the gap (more prayers and puckering). Now the wind is blowing hard and it's getting very cold. I get to Chester gap and the road is clear, not snowing! Very grateful for a clean road, I descend the seven miles into Front Royal, pull into the 7-11. More grins and gawking. It's 20 degrees with stiff winds. Down a HOT cup of chocolate and call my very worried wife. The store clerk tells me if I'm going on I-66 east there is a big mess with a tractor trailer and several cars bent up on a sheet of ice. Nope, just 20 more miles of route 340 in the other direction.
Heading west over the RT 211 mountain, there is snow on From there the road was thankfully clear but it got even the shoulders and about a mile up the mountain the road is (Continued on page 2)
Metro NY/NJ Report - by Jim Clark, AAD #2113 Hello fellow NY/NJ COGgers. I would like to start off by thanking everyone who came to the Christmas dinner. Even though it was a small turn out it was big fun. I would like to see more of the metro area COGgers getting to know each other so they too can enjoy our club & camaraderie. After ten years in COG I have developed friendships within the club that have become like family to my wife Tina & I. Some of us scuba dive together we go to concerts and shows and even attend each others family functions. My point is you can find other COGgers with like interests that you can be friends with beyond motorcycling. Or just find a fellow cogger with whom you can go out with for a comfortable ride. And of course the wives, girlfriends, or kids are also encouraged to participate. So this year I will have three meet & greets to give us the opportunity to get to know each other. The first one will be on Sunday May 1st. We will meet at the Liberty Diner on RT. 110 near Melville Rd. in Farmingdale Long Island. There is a parking lot in back of the diner where I will be from 9 to 11am to meet with everyone who comes. I hope you will come by even if it is just for a few minutes I will have coffee and doughnuts for the first 24 attendees or you can plan to have breakfast in the diner. After the meet you can join us for a ride to the beach if you like. I hope to see you there or at our next meet & greet this summer in New Jersey. Directions to the Liberty Diner: I-495 Long Island Exp. to Exit 49 S. Rt. 110; Liberty Diner will be on the left. Or take Southern State Pkwy to exit 32 N. The Diner will be on the right. SEE YOU THERE! Contact me if you have questions 516.872.3694
Western PA Update- by Joe Cyprych, AAD #4665 Hello fellow coggers, I hope everyone has had a great holiday season and received all the new farkles that they had wished for. Spring is right around the bend (I know, I know its still snowing here too ) and that means the Spring Rally in Wellsboro is coming up. I hope you can all make it, its a great area for riding and sightseeing. I hope you’re all checking the ride schedule, there is already a lot of rides listed. We will continue to have our Sunday meet, greet and rides again this year along with some weekend rides planned. It will be good to see a lot of you guys again, and I hope to see some of the new members this year also. As always, if any one wants to plan a ride or has any suggestions for a ride or event, feel free to contact me for any help you may need and we will make it happen. I am looking forward to another great riding season this year, and seeing some old friends and making some new ones. Take Care!
Northeast Area Officers Area Director Steven Smith, #3184 Naugatuck, CT 203-720-7575 nead@concours.org
Webmaster Open position Inquire within Newsletter Editor Louis Caplan #2894 703-978-9844 Nighthawk700@yahoo.com
Assistant Area Directors New Hampshire Tony Shelver, #2647 Moultonborough, NH 603.520.0324 tshelver@hotmail.com Massachusetts Kevin Martin, #145 Dracut, MA 978-459-6275 cog145@verizon.net Connecticut Jonathan Coler, #5379 Rocky Hill, CT 860-257-4009 jcoler@yahoo.com Metro NY/NJ Jim Clark, #2113 Valley Stream, NY 516-872-3694 NY Hudson Valley Mike Flynn, #4493 Bedford Hills, NY 914-244-3537 Keltwolf@optonline.net
Northeast Area News Newsletter Staff: Louis Caplan, Steven Smith
(Cross the Border Ride-Continued from page 1)
colder and windier. Much ice on the front fender and forks, but glad to be back home to my gal and puppies. Wind is howling out there right now but it's pretty warm here, and the brandy feels even warmer. It was great to see all who attended. Best wishes for a safe and fun riding season in 2005 and remember, when the chips are down, don't forget your P&P.
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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
Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh (Western PA) Joe Cyprych, #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/Southern PA 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 Atlantic Maritimes, Canada Ian Rennie, #5525 Saint John, NB 506-635-2124 IanRennie@mac.com Greater Toronto, Canada Craig and Lynn Scott, #6054/A Guelph, Ontario 519-823-1545 clscott@golden.net Eastern Ontario, Canada Ronald MacDonald, #2349 Greely, Ontario 613-821-1206 macdonrg@rogers.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
Massachusetts AAD Report - by Kevin Martin,
Hudson Valley, NY AAD Report
AAD #145
Flynn, Hudson Valley AAD, COG #4493
Hope everybody had a great Christmas season and a Happy New Year. Right now we’re deep into the winter season, but that doesn’t mean we can’t think motorcycles by starting to make plans for attending any of the great COG events scheduled for the 2005 riding season. In fact, once you decide on which events you’d like to attend this year, the winter is a great time to layout those trip plans and map out your favorite routes.
Wow, winter has really set in! There have been a couple of snowfalls, and quite a few days of below freezing temps. In keeping with the end of the world weather patterns, there have also been several days approaching 60 degrees in January. While it’s nice to get out and take advantage of the nice weather, we have to be mindful of the sand that has been dumped. My area seems to like the roads to look like beaches, so it’s not a whole lot of fun.
As everybody probably knows by now, the COG National this year will be held out in Washington State, which may be a little out of reach for some of us New Englanders. But, that doesn’t mean that there will be a shortage of Northeast Area events between the Spring Fling and the Fall Rally. Just the opposite is true, we’ve got a lot of events planned in the Northeast to keep everybody in their saddles, and for Massachusetts, I’ve got a full event schedule again this year. And if that’s not enough for you, check out what the other AAD’s are offering in their areas.
I usually ride year round anyway, but I’ve been doing more of it since the untimely death of my beater car. Mix that with not having gotten heated gear yet, and I’ve been real happy (sarcasm mode). I’ve found that heated grips are real nice although they don’t work too well below 30 degrees.
First, the rallies. Continuing the tradition of the great Northeast spring get together, there will be another Spring Fling this year, hosted by Russ Fleming and Jason Kaplitz. The Spring Fling will be held out in Wellsboro PA, on May 19 – 22. Wellsboro is home of the little Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, and is a great area for riding motorcycles. Jason held a regional rally in Wellsboro about 5 or 6 years ago, and I thoroughly enjoyed the area. Much of the area is rolling hills through some of PA’s nicest farm country, and it’s also an easy ride up to the Finger Lakes Region and wine country of New York. I highly recommend this rally! If you haven’t made your reservations yet you better get moving cause it’s going to fill up fast. Next, to fill in the gap between the Spring Fling and the Fall Rally, I’ll be hosting the Northeast Mid Summer Bash in Stow Vermont, from July 28 – 31st. The Mid Summer Bash will be held back up at the Commodores Lodge, 823 South Main Street (Rte 100) in Stowe, the same place where we had the 2004 Fall Rally. The Commodores offers great accommodations and the area offers some of the best motorcycling in Vermont. I’m really looking forward to this rally and I hope we have another great turn out. The final Northeast Rally for the 2005 season will be the General’s Ride down in New Market Virginia on September 18th – 23rd. This sounds like it’s going to be a really nice event, and riding down to Virginia in September can offer some terrific riding weather. That covers the COG Rallies, but what’s happening in Massachusetts you ask? Well I’ve got lots of events planned for this season starting with another COG Winter Social. This year the location has changed to Marlboro MA. The Winter Social will be held on Saturday, March 5th at 3 PM at the New Moon Saloon in the Victoria Building at 277 Main Street, Marlboro MA, 01752. The New Moon Saloon is a very nice Pub with an extensive menu, and is owned and operated by a friend of mine. It’s sure to be a great time! Also for 2005, I’ll be hosting another Tech Session. The Tech Session I hosted last fall was a big hit, so I thought I’d do it again, only at the beginning of the season this time. The Tech Session is scheduled for Saturday April 23rd. We’re planning something different for one of our Massachusetts Meet ‘N Greet rides this summer by having an overnight trip out to Cooperstown NY, home of the Baseball Hall of Fame. This ride will be hosted by Doug Gray and will be starting from Ludlow MA, and will wind out to Cooperstown via some of the nicest secondary roads in western Mass. If you’re interested in this ride, ISSUE 1, 2005
- by Michael
By the time you read this, the IMS Show in NYC will be over. I will be going down to check out the bikes and gadgets. I probably won’t be able to meet up with anyone, as I am running down Friday afternoon. I’d love to do the Saturday meet thing, but the schedule won’t allow it, and I missed last year’s show because of surgery. There is a host of things to do this coming riding season. I am pretty sure that there is a ride for everyone on our schedule. After not organizing anything last season, I look forward to getting back into the swing of things with my rides. I look forward to meeting up with anyone that can make a ride, and hope to make some of the other rides in my area. I’d like to congratulate Guy Young on his election to Grand Poobah of COG. I’d like to thank Carl Metler for his years of service. I’d like to thank all the other men and women that have donated their time to serve this club. I may have moved on from a Concours, but the club is much more than a bike or brand. Lastly, I’d like to ask your opinion on events. Share with me, and other ride organizers, what you like in a ride or event. What type of rides do you like? Guided tours, ride to eat, ride to a point of interest (museum, activity, etc.), dinner/dessert rides, back road carving, long distance jaunts. Do you like to have a route sheet provided, know the estimated distance/time of the ride, type of ride? Your input helps us put together rides that people will enjoy. Also, feel free to put together your own ride; it’s not that hard to do. I’m sure anyone that has hosted a ride in the past will give you pointers. I look forward to sharing some miles with you folks this season!
you’ll have to make reservations early. For more information on all of the events mentioned above, check out the Northeast Area Home Page or my COG Massachusetts Home Page at www.masscog.org. Speaking of my Home Page, I’ve finally divorced myself from internet and email dial up. It took a long time, but Verizon notified me, just after Christmas, that high speed DSL was now available in my neighborhood. Of course, with a new ISP comes new email addresses so please update your address books with my new email address: cog145@verizon.net so you don’t miss any announcements. The Home Page address is still the same at www.masscog.org but during the change over to Verizon, I updated the web site a little, changing the look slightly and adding some new pages and information. Please check it out and let me know what you think.
That’s it for now. Looking forward to another great year of riding. See you soon! Page 3
CT Report - by Jon Coler, AAD #5379
MD/PA Ride Report - by Russell Fleming, #599
Greetings to all! The holidays have come and gone and I hope that Santa was kind to everyone. There’s nothing like new farkles to get ready for the upcoming riding season – and what better time to work on the ol’ bike than winter? After all, winter is simply an impasse between riding seasons.
What’s happened and or will be happening in Maryland and Pennsylvania? By the time the newsletter comes out we will already have had 2 events. The first was the Chili and Cheese hosted by Mike and Roseanne Schmidt from Hanover, Pennsylvania. Russell wanted to attend but was in the process of passing a kidney stone, which he did on Sunday morning. It was a good time had by all. Check out Guy Young’s Website for pictures and Missy Lippy’s story on the good times everyone had.
Winter started out quite mild. Many folks were able to continue riding well into the first week of January. Yet, Mother Nature, diligent in her work, has brought winter to Southern New England and restored the season to its distinctive frozen oasis. Nevertheless, we were fortunate to enjoy a number of dinner gatherings and a wonderful pre-winter social where despite the cold temps; some folks did arrive by motorcycle. I certainly don’t mean to sound ungrateful for the late onset of harsh winter weather, but I do hope for an early spring. I am pleased to share that several people have e-mailed me in recent weeks asking about planning events which include weaving a particular restaurant into a route, or planning rides which end in a whopper of a BBQ. I am enthused about this, and although the schedule is set for 2005, I did leave a few “open-ended” rides which are scheduled to meet at the Town Line Diner in Rocky Hill. These dates (3/26, 4/23, 5/28) can easily be utilized by those interested in planning a route which includes specific locations or activities. Blast me an e-mail or call me to reserve one of the dates. Other stuff on the horizon of possibilities: I’ve been thinking of something new that Id' like to share it with everyone. Please offer feedback and let me know what your thoughts are. The event, The Weekend Sprint is an informal, yet planned gathering of members meeting in a specific area. Each person is responsible for making his/her own arrangements but a specific place of lodging will be suggested for the convenience of those wishing to participate. (Rooms will not be blocked for folks... so if the suggested lodging facility is filled, you'll have to hunt for another). As spring approaches, I will post the event to the COG schedule and send out e-mail notifications. Folks participating will receive upon arrival, minimal info about the area such as 1) suggested routes to explore, 2) places to visit, 3) places to eat and 4) some area attractions. The hope is that members will meet over the weekend and, in small groups, plan rides together, plan to explore places, and plan to meet for a meal or two to share their experiences. Because of the informal structure of the weekend, people will be free to explore and pursue their own interest either as individuals or in small groups, yet participate in a shared gathering with fellow COGgers. No pressure, no real plans per se' and the only expectation is to have lots of fun. Feel free to drop me an e-mail at joncoler@yahoo.com or call me at 860-257-4009 to share your thoughts about planning a Weekend Sprint. 2005 is looking grand already! Safe riding to all!
In February was the chicken corn soup hosted by John and Missy Lippy. Check the NE web site for pictures. Here are some of our upcoming events in the area. March 19&20 crab cake ride hosted by Dan Wright and Chris and Kendra Weaver. The Crab Cake Ride of 2005 (March 19-20) will be held at a different location. It will be on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Lusby, Maryland. Dan Wright has stepped up and offered his home as base camp for camping and some house space for indoor sleeping. April 17 April Dave and Carol Leburn has an Airplane Museum and BBQ Ride lay out. Come out and let’s check out the history and the planes and eat some BBQ Chicken. Check out the ride schedule for complete details for both rides.
Chili ‘n Cheese - by Missy Lippy, #236A The Chili 'n Cheese gathering at Mike and Roseanne Schmidt's in Hanover, PA was a great start for the years events. Held in the Schmidt's garage with plenty of good food and handy tools, fun was had by all. As everyone talked and enjoyed the food, they also help and/or learned a few things about their bikes. Some of the gang adjusted valves on Alan Brown's 2002 Connie, while Jim Miller installed some tire studs in Guy Young’s KLR tires. Guy Young used his wonderful talents to repair a J-box and other electrical equipment for Jay Shaffer. Then after a mishap or so, Nate Chaplinski got his highway pegs installed. There were 26 people in attendance and it was fun watching they guys try out the new equipment and each others motorcycles. Mike had also put together a slide show of his motorcycling adventures for all to view and enjoy during their visit. A big thank you to Mike and Roseanne for the use of their time, tools and garage.
CT Experienced Rider Course offered An ERC is being offered to COG members with pre-registration. The course date is Saturday, April 16, 2005 11:30am-6:00pm. This ERC is open to the first 12 people who submit an registration & payment. The cost is $85.00 (additional fee for passenger) and is open to riders from all states and will be held at Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury, CT. To obtain an application and take advantage of this pre-registration opportunity, contact CT AAD, Jonathan Coler by e-mail at joncoler@yahoo.com and write “CT ERC” in the subject field, or by phone at 860-257-4009. Completed applications with payment must be received by 2/25/05. This course date will be opened to public registration 3/1/05. Page 4
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 to eat again with the ride ending at the Wright’s house for setting up tents for lodging over night. There is also commercial lodging available (ON) S. Central Ontario Get-Together nearby. Saturday evening about 6:30 we have Monthly Dinner Gathering: Meet on the 2nd reservations at Stoney’s King Fishers Seafood Tuesday of each month at T.L.J's Bar and Grill, House 14442 Solomon’s Island Road South, 43 Main Street in Campbellville, ON at 6:30 Solomon’s MD (410.394.0236) to eat some of P.M. 905-854-3111 (bottom of the hill by the the best seafood in the area. With our bellies train tracks) Cambellville is just off the 401 at full we will return to the Wright’s to a warm Guelph Line, exit #312. Join us for dinner, campfire and COG camaraderie. Sunday exchange factual anecdotes, plan rides, and morning breakfast at the Wright’s with the socialize. Western NY members & noncooking by the Wright and the Weaver’s. For members welcome. Craig & Lynn Scott more information and RSVP Dan Wright at 519.823.1545 clscott@golden.net crabcakes@starwolfsystems.com or call 410.474.2198 Russell Fleming 410.374.9687 (PA) Meet Greet and Ride Sundays fleming@qis.net We will meet at the Kings Restaurant located in (CT) Rocky Hill Meet, Greet & Ride Imperial PA. at 10:00 am and pick a destination 03/26/05 - We will meet at 10:00 AM at Town with who ever shows up, or I will have a ride Line Diner, 80 Town Line Plaza, Rocky Hill, planned. Kings is located right off the Imperial CT (860-242-4196). Those who gather will exit of routes 22-30. Need directions or more decide on a route or we can choose from route info, contact Joe Cyprych. cyprych@hky.com sheets I will have available. In the event of or 724.796.1401. Hope to see you there. snow/sleet/ice, this ride will be canceled. Directions to the Diner: I-91 to exit 24 (RT 99), north off exit, Left onto Town Line Road. Calendar of Events Entrance to Plaza on left. Contact: Jon Coler 860.257.4009 or joncoler@yahoo.com (CT) Meet, Eat, Ride (VA) Southern Wrenchfest Weekend 03/01/05 - Meet the first Tuesday of each 04/02/05 – 04/03/05 - Cogger month for an informal gathering of dinner & conversation. Renew old friendships, & kindle extraordinaire,Hammond, # 3192, of has offered once again to host a weekend tech new ones. We will meet at 6:00 PM at the session at his home in Lynchburg, VA. Come Cromwell Diner, 135 Berlin Road, Cromwell, CT (860-635-7112). Directions to the Diner: I- one or both days; there is bed, cot, sleeping bag, 91 to exit 21, 3/10th of a mile West of the exit and tent space. We will have the use of his on the left. Weather permitting, an impromptu 30x40 garage, many tools, and a bike lift. Bring any tools you may want and any fluids, filters, ride will follow dinner. All bikes and riders parts, tars, etc. that you may need. If a valve welcome. adjustment is planned you may tow the bike or (MA) COG Winter Social make arrangements with Jim to bring it early. 03/05/05 - Come join us for some off season Jim says he can put up six in beds, three on fun at the New Moon Saloon in the Victoria cots, and an unlimited number of tents in the Building at 277 Main Street Marlboro MA yard or sleeping bags in the garage. He will 01752. Directions: RT 495 to RT 20 East – Go provide two mid-day meals and coffee & donuts 1-1/2 miles East, at 3rd set of lights stay straight (or rolls) in the morning. There are plenty of – that’s Main Street. (don’t bear right onto RT restaurants in the area for the evening meal. 20 bypass). Immediately after going thru 3rd set Directions to 1220 Pokeys Creek Road, of lights, the Victoria building is on the left Lynchburg, VA: all routes but one will involved with off street parking in front. Meet at the New the use of the Lynchburg Expressway, so you Moon Saloon around 3 PM. Saloon phone follow the signs for 501 north. When you come number: (508) 485-4300. Contact Kevin Martin to a stoplight you turn left onto 221 south. The 978.459.6275 Email: cog145@verizon.net second light near the CVS on the left is (MD) Crabcakes Ride Cottontown Rd and goes only right. Follow that 03/19 - 03/20/05 - The Crab Cake Ride of 2005 about one half mile to a fork. Cottontown Rd will be held at a different location. It will be on goes left but you go straight on Howkins Mill Rd. At about 3.2 mi you will turn on Old Farm the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Rd. on the left. Turn again at the third road on Lusby, Maryland. Dan Wright has stepped up and offered his home as base camp for camping the left and go to the stop sign at Pokeys Creek. and some house space for indoor sleeping. His Turn left and go to the first house on the left. From the north on 29 you will enter Lynchburg address is 639 Mirian Lane, Lusby, MD. on the Expressway. Follow the above Saturday meet for breakfast 9 AM at Jethro’s Barbeque 13880 Solomons Island Road South, directions. From the south on 29 you take the second exit to the Expressway and follow the Solomons MD. (410.394.6700) After a good above. From the west on 460 you take the breakfast Dan Wright and Chris Weaver have laid out a 200-mile route for us around Calvert, Lynchburg Bus. exit and stay on Timberlake Rd. to the Expressway. Take the second exit St. Mary’s and Charles Counties in southern and follow the above. Please call or email Jim Maryland. There will be some historical sites worth seeing and a good lunch stop if you need to let him know that you're coming! Jim
Recurring Events
ISSUE 1, 2005
Hammond <hamnj@earthlink.net> or 434.386.3075 (CT) Meet, Eat, Ride 04/05/05 - Meet the first Tuesday of each month for an informal gathering of dinner & conversation. Renew old friendships, & kindle new ones. We will meet at 6:00 PM at the Cromwell Diner, 135 Berlin Road, Cromwell, CT (860-635-7112). Directions to the Diner: I91 to exit 21, 3/10th of a mile West of the exit on the left. Weather permitting, an impromptu ride will follow dinner. All bikes and riders welcome. (VA) Waynesboro Breakfast & Ride 04/10/05 - 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 will head towards the Mountain State, weather permitting. Pat Sprague 540.743.5132 psprague@shentel.net (ON) Toronto International Spring Motorcycle Show 04/16/05-04/17/05 - Watch for more details to come - we are checking into having a COG booth. Craig & Lynn Scott 519.823.1545 clscott@golden.net (PA) Reading Airplane Museum 04/17/05 - We will depart at 9:30am from the All American Travel Plaza Truck Stop at Clarks Ferry for Reading Airport and Plane Museum. The Truck Stop is located at the intersection of RT 22 and RT 322 near RT 11 and RT 15 north of Duncannon, PA. If you wish join us for breakfast, be at the Truck Stop by 8:30am. After checking the WWII plane out we will ride to Kauffmans BBQ for some good food. Contact: Dave and Carol Leburn 717.244.5458 bmw98r11rt@msn.com or Russell Fleming 410.374.9687 fleming@qis.net (NY) Let’s Play Hooky! Ride 04/18/2005 - Extend your weekend by calling in a mental health day and go riding! The roads should have less Sunday drivers out, so let's play. Meeting point is the 7/11 on RT100 in Somers, NY at 9:30am. Ride leaves at 10am, for some back roads fun. We will end the ride at an appropriate food place. Route sheets will be provided. This won't be a parade style ride, ride your own pace. There is no gas there. Try and have a half tank. Take exit 6 off I-684, and Rt35 west to Rt100. Turn right onto 100, the store is about 1 block up. Bring your EZpass if you have one. Contact: Mike Flynn at 914-263-5440 or keltwolf@optonline.net (CT) Rocky Hill Meet, Greet & Ride 04/23/05 - We will meet at 10:00 AM at Town Line Diner, 80 Town Line Plaza, Rocky Hill, CT (860-242-4196). Those who gather will decide on a route or we can choose from route sheets I will have available. In the event of inclement weather this ride will be canceled. (Continued on page 6) Page 5
(Schedule continued from page 5)
Directions to the Diner: I-91 to exit 24 (RT 99), north off exit, Left onto Town Line Road. Entrance to Plaza on left. Contact: Jon Coler 860.257.4009 or joncoler@yahoo.com (MA) Spring Tech Session 04/23/05 - Meet at my House at 486 Arlington Street Dracut MA, anytime after 9 am for a Spring Tech Session. Early arrivals can meet me for breakfast at 8 am at Shaw’s restaurant on Broadway Rd (RT-113), Dracut, about a mile from my house. Contact me for directions and to RSVP for bike service. Kevin Martin 978.459.6275 or cog145@verizon.net
eatery. Route sheets will be provided for all, as this isn't a parade type ride. Ride at you own pace and enjoy the scenery, or the roads. Meeting point is the 7/11 on Rt100 in Somers, NY. at 9am. Ride leaves at 9:30am. There is no gas there. Try and have a half tank. Take exit 6 off I-684, and Rt35 west to Rt100. Turn right onto 100, the store is about 1 block up on the right. Bring your EZpass if you have one. Contact: Mike Flynn at 914-263-5440 or keltwolf@optonline.net
(PA) Spring Fling Rally, Wellsboro, PA 05/19/05 - 05/22/05 – The 7th annual Spring Fling has merged with a favorite spring ride destination - the Wellsboro/“Run for Buns.” At (NH) Polly’s Pancake Parlor the Slate Run Tackle Shop & General Store 05/01/05 - Opening weekend ride returns for COGgers can sample some of the best th the 4 year. Meet at Polly’s on RT 117 in Sugar sammiches in north central PA - and the riding Hill, NH (www.pollyspancakeparlor.com), or around this area isn’t bad either. Our host town meet at the Dunkin Donuts in New Hampton on of Wellsboro is located in north central PA, Rt 104 east of I-93 exit 23 at 8:30AM for an along the famous Route 6 corridor, not far from optional ride. Contact Tony Shelver: New York State's Finger Lake Region. The tshelver@hotmail.com / 603.520.0324 rally area is abundant with museums, wineries, (NY) Meet & Greet terrific scenery, and great roads. Rally HQ: Penn Wells Lodge/Hotel, Wellsboro, PA, 62 05/01/05 - Meet at the Liberty Diner on RT Main St, Wellsboro, PA 800-545-2446 570110 near Melville Rd. in Farmingdale, Long 274-2111 (www.pennwells.com). A limited Island. There is a parking lot in back of the block of rooms has been set aside. We have diner where I will be from 9 to 11am to meet blocked rooms at the Penn Wells Hotel and with everyone who comes. I hope you will Penn Wells Lodge. Room rates vary ($50-$72) come by even if it is just for a few minutes I will have coffee and doughnuts for the first 24 depending on if single, double queen, etc. Ask hotel about available options. Other Lodging: attendees or you can plan to have breakfast in We have a limited number of rooms blocked at the diner. After the meet you can join us for a the neighboring Sherwood Motel, Main Street, ride to the beach if you like. I hope to see you there or at our next meet & greet this summer in Wellsboro, PA (www.sherwoodmotel.org) 800New Jersey. Directions to the Liberty Diner: 656-5802. Camping: Stony Fork Creek Campground, 658 Stony Fork Creek Road, I-495 Long Island Exp. to Exit 49 S. Rt. Wellsboro, PA, (www.stonyforkcamp.com) 110; Liberty Diner will be on the left. Or take 570.724.3096 Be sure to mention Concours Southern State Pkwy to exit 32 N. The Diner Owners Group. More info and registration form will be on the right. Contact Jim Clark was provided in newsletter 2004-Issue 6 or can 516.872.3694 be found on the rally web page: (CT) Meet, Eat, Ride (www.concours.org/ne/SpringFling) Contact 05/03/05 - Meet the first Tuesday of each Russell Fleming fleming@qis.net month for an informal gathering of dinner & 410.374.9687; or Jason Kaplitz conversation. Renew old friendships, & kindle gsjay@floodcity.net 814-535-8669 new ones. We will meet at 6:00 PM at the (VA) Lost Ride Cromwell Diner, 135 Berlin Road, Cromwell, 05/20/05 - 05/22/05 - www.willvillebikecamp.com CT (860-635-7112). Directions to the Diner: IGather at Willville Motorcycle Campground 91 to exit 21, 3/10th of a mile West of the exit Friday evening or meet at the Blue Ridge on the left. Weather permitting, an impromptu Restaurant at Meadows of Dan at 8:30am ride will follow dinner. All bikes and riders Saturday. John Hinton has interesting riding welcome. Contact: Jon Coler 860.257.4009 or and destination planned. This should be much joncoler@yahoo.com fun in an area known for great roads. Will you (MA) Ride the Coast win the cobbler or bread pudding? Hard roof 05/08/05 - Meet me at Dunkin Donuts on RT lodging is available at the Blue Ridge Motel on 110, Chelmsford (Exit 34 / 495) @ 9 am for a RT58 at Meadows of Dan at 540.952.2244. The Spring ride up along the Atlantic coast. From motel is about one half mile from Willville. 495 South, go Right for 110 West, from 495 John Hinton 540.997.5207 webify@vaix.net North, go Left for 110 West. For any NH folks (ON) Exploration Huntsville that would like to hook up with us, we‘ll be heading east via RT-111 in Salem NH, heading 05/27/05 - 05/29/05 – Weekend run to Huntsville for members to check out the hotel, out thru Kingston and Exeter and out to the the roads in the area and potentially volunteer coast. Kevin Martin 978.459.6275 or to participate as organizers and committee cog145@verizon.net members for a 2006 Ontario, Canada spring (NY) Mike’s Surprise Ride #1 rally. Accommodation is the Holliday Inn 05/14/2005 - My surprise rides are back. We Huntsville at the Hidden Valley Resort. Room will wander some of the area's better roads, rate is $115 plus tax. This location is on the ending to sample the fare of some roadside water with both an indoor and outdoor pool. Page 6
The roads in the Muskoka area are amazing; enough twists and turns to challenge any rider. All members and non-members welcome. For information on the area, please check the web sites: www.holidayinnhuntsville.com or check www.huntsvillemuskoka.com For more information contact Craig Scott clscott@golden.net or 519-823-1545. (CT) Meet, Greet & Ride 05/28/05 - We will meet at 10:00 AM at Town Line Diner, 80 Town Line Plaza, Rocky Hill, CT (860-242-4196). Those who gather will decide on a route or we can choose from route sheets I will have available. In the event of inclement weather this ride will be canceled. Directions to the Diner: I-91 to exit 24 (RT 99), north off exit, Left onto Town Line Road. Entrance to Plaza on left. Contact: Jon Coler 860.257.4009 or joncoler@yahoo.com (CT) Bill’s Seafood, Westbrook 06/07/05 - Bill's Seafood is familiar territory to boaters who dock their boats in some of the finest marinas on the East Coast in Westbrook, CT. Outside picnic tables on the edge of the Patchogue River. When thinking of scrod, swordfish, tuna, big, sweet lobsters, cherrystone clams and fried clams, Bill's Seafood is the place to be. They are located at 548 Boston Post Road (RT 1), Westbrook, CT. For directions and a peak at their menu, visit their website at www.billsseafood.com or call 860-399-7224. Weather permitting; an impromptu ride will follow dinner. Contact: Jon Coler 860.257.4009 or joncoler@yahoo.com (NY) Glocks In The Tankbag Ride 06/12/2005 - Pack your Glocks in the tankbag because we're going shootin! Join me for a fun ride to the DE Water Gap area. We'll stop at at shooting range where you can bring your own, or better yet, rent one of their guns. They have the Dirty Harry .357, Glocks, AK-47s, M-16s, shotguns, 6 shooters and more. You can even shoot from a saddle! Email me more for more info and fees. Meeting point is the 7/11 on Rt100 in Somers, NY at 8:30am. Ride leaves at 9am. Route sheets will be provided. There is no gas there. Try and have a half tank. We will make gas stops along the way, and decide lunch as we go. I am planning a meeting place across the Hudson if there is a need. Take exit 6 off I684, and Rt35 west to Rt100. Turn right onto 100, the store is about 1 block up on the right. This will be a full day affair, so plan accordingly. Bring your EZpass if you have one. Contact: Mike Flynn at 914-263-5440 or keltwolf@optonline.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
N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S
C o n c o u r s
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Northeast Mid-Summer Bash July 28-31, 2005 Rally Headquarters: Commodores Inn, 823 South Main Street, Stowe, VT. www.commodoresinn.com 1.800.447.8693 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: $78 ($86) Double: $88 ($104). Special rates are per room, per night, and include tax and gratuities. (Rates in parenthesis include breakfast, tax, and gratuities if added when room is booked- it will cost more if added on at check-in) A limited block of rooms has been set aside and will be held until 6/28/2005, 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). The same rates will apply if you wish to extend your stay. Riding: Sample route sheets will be provided and are planned as self-guided rides. Events: There will be a Friday evening welcome reception and a Saturday evening dinner held at Commodores Inn. Restaurants: Commodores Inn has an on site restaurant and lounge. The restaurant’s menu offers only a very good daily Vermont Style Breakfast buffet and Country Dinner buffet. There are other restaurants in the surrounding area. Questions / Comments / Suggestions? Kevin Martin: 978.459.6275 COG145@verizon.net Steven Smith: 203.720.7575 nead@concours.org
Send lower portion of the Registration Form with rally fee payable to “Concours Owners Group” to: Steve Smith – Summer Rally 39 Alison Ave. Naugatuck, CT 06770
Rally web page: www.concours.org/ne/summerrally
Summer Rally 2005 Registration Form (Please PRINT Clearly) (Rev 1) 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 7/1/05. Full refund issued before 7/1/05; refund less $10 after 7/1/05; no refunds issued after 7/15/05. The rally fee covers the cost of the welcome reception, banquet, and normal rally expenses. Name: (One form per person) _________________________________________
Calculate rally fee: Rally Fee:
$_____
Late Fee:
$_____
Total fee:
$_____
I will be a: rider / passenger / guest
Street: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ City: ________________________________________________ State/Province: __________ Zip Code: _______________
Phone: (______)_____-__________ E-Mail: __________________________________________________ Country: ______ AMA # ___________ COG #___________
Motorcycle model: _________________________ License tag # ____________
Emergency Contact Information:
Name:
________________________________________________________
Phone No.: (______)______-___________ Relationship:____________________ 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: ____________________________________
ISSUE 1, 2005
Parent or Guardian (if applicable) ___________________________________
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Our Newest Northeast Area COG Members N. Wayne & Mildred Tenney, #6628 Finksburg, MD
Richard Barletta, #6659 Jericho, NY
James Doyle, #6680 Landenberg, PA
Charles Webb Jr, #6635 Baltimore, MD
Gordon Langabee, #6669 Salisbury, MD
Dean McCaughey, #6655 Coburg, ON Canada
David Boyce, #6636 Newport News, VA
Paul Delaurentis, #6673 Williamstown, NJ
Mark Gutknecht, #6682 Abingdon, MD
David & Victoria Vedral, #6641 Forest Hill, MD
Michael Cloud, #6675 Marshall, VA
James & Kerstin Winchester, #6683 Alexandria, ON Canada
Gary Parrott, #6642 Rusagonis, NB Canada
Robert Jones, #6676 Smithfield, ME
Peter Hobday, #6657 Ottawa, ON Canada
Paul & Susan Pavlakis, #6679 Bethel, CT
Toronto Presence at Motorcycle Shows - by Lynn Scott, Greater Toronto Area AAD #6054A The weekend of January 7,8,9th was the annual International Motorcycle Supershow 2005 in Toronto. This show has a number of motorcycle groups represented and we were pleased to be included in that group. The Greater Toronto Area COG group members manning the booth have indicated that it was a successful representation for COG with a lot of interest in the group. Approximately 80 flyers that included group information and a membership application were distributed with interest shown by riders of other makes and models of motorcycles as well. We had a number of COG members drop by just to say hello. Special thanks to Craig Scott and Dave Perkins for bringing their bikes to the show during a snow storm and to Richard DeJong and Ken Edick for setting up and taking down the
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Concours banner and booth. Thanks also go to COG members Craig Scott, Dave Perkins, Dave Clancy, Rob Belo, Pete Bokkers, Tony & Barbara Thomson and Donald & Judith Mitton for manning the booth over the weekend. We have been asked to participate as a group at The Toronto Spring Motorcycle Show 2005. This show is at the International Centre, 6900 Airport Road in Toronto and is held the weekend of April 16,17. For this event we would like to have more Concours bikes in a larger booth. Members interested in participating by displaying your bike (it does have to stay there for the day Saturday and Sunday) or manning the booth, please contact Craig & Lynn Scott by email at clscott@golden.net or call 519.823.1545. Check the show website: www.supershowevents.com/spring/sms2005.html
N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S