Cognitions By Steven Smith #3184, North East Area Director Issue 3, 2005
I just want to remind everyone of a few upcoming events. July 28-31is the Mid-Summer Bash Rally in Stowe, VT, and hosted by Kevin Martin. We had a terrific time when we visited Commodores Inn this past fall. The rally registration form was published in newsletter Issue 1, 2005. You may download the registration form via the Northeast Online web pages or contact me. September 18-23 will be the “General’s Ride” Fall Rally in New Market, VA, and hosted by Patrick Sprague. The registration form in this issue has the details. Be sure to check out the rally web pages for area tourist info and rally current details. You can link to the rally pages from: www.concours.org/ne Until next time, ride safe. Steve
Spring Fling Rally By Jason Kaplitz & Steven
Northeast Area News
The idea came to combine 2 great Northeast Area COG events, the Spring Fling & Run for Buns. Russell Fleming, MD AAD had been organizing the Run in Wellsboro for several years with much success. The Spring Fling has had several different venues organized by different members also with similar success. Worlds collided and Spring Fling/Run for Buns 2005, May 21-23 was Everybody smile!! - the group photo prior to the banquet announced! Wellsboro is in north central PA along Route 6 and home of the PA Grand Canyon. It’s also a really nice little tourist town with many little shops, restaurants and watering holes! Which are all places that COGGERS seem to like. Veteran organizers Steve Smith, Russell Fleming and Jason Kaplitz agreed to handle various parts of the planning assuring a wellrounded weekend. The rest is history. The original estimate for this event was 100 participants. We had 142 at the banquet, nearly hitting maximum capacity of the restaurant. We would be remiss if we did not thank everyone else who pitched in to help with little things like: transporting banners to & from the rally location, helping hang banners and streamers; working the registration table, etc. Many thanks to all the members who donated merchandise as prizes for the contests and raffle. Also thanks to Glen Ilacqua for providing the spray polish samples. www.bostonsoapworks.com Rally central was the Penn Wells Lodge in downtown Wellsboro, with additional lodging available at the 1900’s circa Penn Wells Hotel and the neighboring Sherwood Motel. There were activities planned, like museum visits to the Corning Museum of Glass, the Glen Curtis Museum and several wineries in the Finger Lake region of NY, just a short ride to the north. Of course there where plans to stop at Wolfe’s General Store in Slate Run for those famous Sammiches! An unexpected bonus was the opening of the new Star Wars movie downtown! NO LINE and $6.00 admission! You got to love small towns. The Bug Splat 50/50 proceeds were split between the winner and a local charity. Russ amazed at the size of that splat!! Russell selected the Wellsboro Volunteer Fire Department. The winner of the $145 prize was Frederick Zinger (who donated a large portion of his proceeds to the fire department) COG donated $182 to the Wellsboro Volunteer Fire Department from the Bug Splat plus $37 extra that Martha Fleming and Terry McInnes collected for cleaning off the stickers afterwards. The Odometer Poker results were tabulated and announced at the banquet. Prizes awarded: Millerized Jim Miller COG #6425 (www.millerized.com), donated a set of highway pegs. Winner: Rick Shirk. Murph’s Kits Gary Muphy COG #2769(www.murphskits.com) We purchased three gift certificates with a dollar for dollar matching gift program. Winners: Chris Lawrence ($150), Harold Manson ($100); Russ Mead ($50). Russ donated his prize back and Jason auctioned it off with the proceeds going to the Fire Dept. Dave Samuels was the winning bid at $81.50 to the fire department. Kawasaki ROK provided a Great American Motorcycle Tours book, Winner: Robert Winters. We had a few door prizes to give away: Backroads Magazine Brian Rathjen COG #6050 (www.backroadsusa.com) ; Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Coupons, Mark Jenson COG #5311; Boston Soap Works Glen Ilacqua COG #6237; Side stand Extender Rich Riczinger COG #5977.
Two Toronto Motorcycle Shows Successfully Promote COG - by Lynn Scott, COG #6054A First of all, the COG GTA group would also like to recognize the tremendous effort and support from Richard DeJong, #2672. Richard was instrumental in organizing and setting up a COG booth at both the January and April Motorcycle shows held in Toronto. He also generously provided mechanical assistance at the April show when one display bike went out of commission (Jbox!!!) by providing a spare unit that the owner was able to install to restore the bike to service. Thank you for your enthusiasm and the hard work you do on behalf of COG. Having a COG booth at both the January and April Toronto Motorcycle shows has had many benefits. We have generated a lot of interest and exposure for the club to people who own a Concours but had not heard of COG. Other visitors to the booth were very serious about buying a Connie and found our members to be a wealth of information about the bikes and COG. Some visitors were not aware of the Connie but really liked what they saw and heard about the bike and have added it to their "to be seriously looked at" list. Our positive presence also encourages people that already own Connies to drop by even if they are not members and the more they see of us the more likely they are to become members in the future. From the member’s side, participating in the bike shows provided an opportunity to get to know each other better as well share information with people about the bikes in our display and our club. As a direct result of the bike shows, the GTA COG group has received several letters of thanks from visitors to the booth who are now COG members and proud new owners of a Kawasaki Concours. We look forward to promoting COG again at future motorcycle shows.
Western PA Area News - by Joe Cyprych, #4665 Hello fellow Coggers. We just returned from the Wellsboro Spring Fling and had a great time. The riding season is finally here and it looks like our schedule is full of great rides this season. I hope everyone has a chance to attend a couple. We discussed at the Spring Fling that we wanted to inform the group that even if you can only make a half-day or even a couple hours of a ride to feel free to show up. I know everyone’s time restraints are different. I see that we have picked up quite a few new members in the Western PA area and I have tried to contact you all. If by chance I haven’t contacted you, drop me an e-mail or give me a call, and I will put you on our email group to keep you informed as to what is going on in our area. Remember that this club is all ours and if you have any ride suggestions or want to put a ride or event together contact myself or Steve Smith and we will help you make it happen. I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable riding season this year.
VA Tech Weekend - by Patrick Sprague, #1887 It may have been past the Vernal equinox and time to change the clocks but Mother Nature was still in charge, and she let us know that. The forecast for heavy rains on Friday and Saturday came true, as did the high winds that followed on Saturday night and Sunday. Eight hardy souls snubbed the weather gods and rolled into Jim and Margarete Hammond’s to enjoy the Hammond’s gracious hospitality, fabulous food, and Jim’s super garage. Well, three hardy souls arrived on two wheels, the rest in various cages. (Continued on page 8) Page 2
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 joncoler@yahoo.com Metro NY/NJ Jim Clark, #2113 Valley Stream, NY 516-872-3694 NY Hudson Valley Mike Flynn, #4493 Bedford Hills, NY 914-239-3721 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
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 Ranald 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 Report - by Kevin Martin, COG #145 Sorry to start off on a bad note, but this has got to be the worst spring in years. Cold, wet, overcast, and did I say; wet, wet, wet ! Actually, the weather channel says it’s the coldest spring in New England in over 80 years. Usually by now, I’ve taken multiple trips to some of my favorite locations in Vermont and New Hampshire, but so far, I’ve only been out on a couple of short rides, by myself. You know when the weather has turned off people from riding when no one even shows up for the first ride of the season. That’s what happened to me on my “Ride The Coast” ride that I held on Saturday, May 14th. I suspect that one of the reasons that nobody showed, was that I had to change the date from Sunday to Saturday because of the projections of rain. I had been watching the forecasts every night for the entire week to try to make a decision on rescheduling, and that was one of those weeks where the forecasters had no clue what was going to happen tomorrow let alone a few days later. Finally, on Thursday, they predicted that Saturday would be the better of the two weekend days, so I rescheduled the ride. When I got up on Saturday morning, it was very cool and damp, but no rain, and sure enough they had changed the forecast again Saturday morning by saying that it was going to shower all day, and that Sunday would be nice. Too late to change it back now ! By the time I got my first cup of coffee at Dunkin Donuts in Chelmsford, it started to drizzle. Only local guy Bill Hamilton stopped by in his van to say hi, knowing he couldn’t attend the ride anyway. After waiting over a half hour beyond the planned departure time, both of us were surprised that nobody showed for the ride, so I headed off solo. As it turns out, riding northeast to the coast was the best choice I made that day, as shortly after I crossed into New Hampshire, the sun came out, and the rest of the day was clear and sunny with temps in the 60’s. I didn’t run into damp roads again until I crossed back into Massachusetts on my way home at the end of the day. It turned out to be a pretty good riding day, and best of all, because of the messed up forecasts, there was almost no traffic along the entire coastal route. Too bad nobody joined me. I had a similar situation with the COG Tech Session that I scheduled back in April. Because of continued bad weather, I was carefully watching the forecasts for that event as well, and was ready to cancel, when new member Mark Williams from NH pleaded with me that he desperately needed to get his valves adjusted as part of the engine break in sequence on his new 2005 Connie. I figured if he was willing to ride his new Concours down to my house in the rain, then I could spend my rainy Saturday showing him how to do a valve adjustment. Three other members canceled their service appointments, probably due to the weather, but all was not lost, as Bill Hamilton, Glen Ilacqua and Janine stopped by in their 4-wheelers to say hi. I also had a surprise visit from Mike Benham from Dover NH who rode in the rain to have his brake pads replaced. When we got his rear brake caliper apart, his pads looked fine, so I asked him why he was replacing his pads when they are hardly worn? Mike responded by saying that he didn’t have anything better to do on a rainy Saturday! That was good for a laugh. I’m hoping that now that June has arrived, the weather will take a turn for the better and start feeling like summer instead of fall. Speaking of June and summer, we’ve got some rides coming up! In the near future, Doug Gray’s Cooperstown NY ride is scheduled for June 25, and 26. Doug came up with the idea of hosting an ISSUE 3, 2005
overnight ride for folks who don’t have an opportunity to attend COG Rallies, but would like to attend a weekend overnighter with other COG members and rack up a few more miles that we typically do on a day ride. If your interested in attending this ride, make reservations at one of the lodging recommendations listed. As always, up to date ride information is available on the COG Ride Schedule Database, in the Northeast News, or available on my COG – MA Homepage. First, Second, and Third choice accommodations listed for this ride are listed by price. Basically the higher the room rate, the better the accommodations. Also, this ride is not restricted to people who are lodging overnight. On the contrary, if your interested in joining us for a day or 1/2 day ride, meet us in Ludlow MA and join in for as long as you like. Now that the Spring Fling is behind everyone, it’s time to think about the next COG Rally. Steve Smith and I will be hosting the Northeast Mid Summer Bash in Stow Vermont, from July 28 – 31st. The Mid Summer Bash will be held at the Commodores Lodge, 823 South Main Street (Rte 100) in Stowe, the same place where we had the 2004 Fall Rally. So make your reservations as soon as you can to lock in those dates. I’ve also got a Vermont ride to Queeche Gorge scheduled on July 17, about 2 weeks before the Mid Summer Bash, so there’s plenty of rides available for everyone to enjoy themselves with. 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. That’s it for now. Looking forward to another great riding season. See you on the twisties!
Waynesboro Ride - by Patrick Sprague, #1887 On this beautiful spring morning seventeen Coggers and friends gathered at Lynn’s Pancake and Steak House. Present were Pete Long, Mark Graham, Russell Fleming, Clyde Watson, Guy Young, Mike Schmidt, Jay and Kristin Shaffer, Bobby Winters, Sean O’Keefe, Bob Dombrowe, Herman Tessman, Bob Shriner, Trevor Angel, Dusty Schilling, Richard Datko, and myself. Bob Shriner, COG #1028, had not owned a Concours for some time, and his Nighthawk recently turned over 100K miles. Bob showed up on his very low mileage, pristine, new-to-him, black Concours. He made a great deal on a local bike; those jaunts to Texas should go a bit quicker now. Pete Long rode his Nighthawk this day; a popular bike, the Nighthawk is. We rode some new for most back roads along the West side of the Blue Ridge, through Vesuvius and Buena Vista, then took route 60 up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The day just kept getting prettier and the views from the overlook were superb. We ran east on route 130 to another stop where Clyde Watson tried out a nice little cruiser. Heading north to route 60 and over to Amherst we found route 501 fairly quiet. Favourite route 635 put us into Crozet for a rest break. It was now about 82 F and sunny. Route 810 North of Crozet is one of the best small roads in the state, but it does present you with a limited sight distance and quick, as in right now, turns. One rider found a turn a little quicker than expected and took a slight detour onto a gravel side road. No serious damage done to rider or machine. Not far from where route 810 terminates at route 33 we had a late lunch at Sal’s Pizzeria in Standardsville. Most folks departed for homes in the east and south from here, while a few of us continued north on route 230 and other side roads. It was a glorious day to be on the road doing what we all like best. Thanks to all for attending, and I hope to se you again this summer. Page 3
MD/PA AAD Report -by Russell Fleming, COG#599
Mid-Atlantic “Lost Ride” - by Pat Sprague, #1887
What has happened or will happen in the Maryland/ Pennsylvania area?
The weather folks get an A+ for this weekend. Yeah, it sure did rain, and “heavy at times” on Friday, but, yeah, as predicted, Saturday and Sunday were just beautiful.
April 17, 2005 was the Reading Airplane Museum and Kauffman BBQ ride. In attendance were Russell Fleming, Wayne Tenney, David LeBrun, S.L. Schilling, Bruce Harbin, Steve Browne, Mike and Rosanne Schmidt, Ray Thompson, Greg Puterbaugh, George Mogle, Jim Doyle, John and Missy Lippy, Tony Borum, Kristen and Jay Shaffer, Ken and Laurie Quesenberry, Wes Dunn, and Denny Hultzapple. It really is nice that more couples show up for these rides. A big thank you to Dave for having a great place to start, the Airplane Museum and of course Kauffman’s BBQ. Dave actually had me on some roads that I haven’t ridden on much before. We were on roads that wore the nipples off the sides of my tires. Around Tower City is a road called “Gold Mine Road.” I think they should change the name to “Motorcycle Gold Mine Road.” This runs down the mountain with pure pleasure of twists and turns. We made it to Reading Airport and the museum. Dave made the right phone call to someone and we were able to get a personal tour of the restoration room in the museum. Arriving at Kauffman’s BBQ and seeing the 6 foot tall chicken. Everyone had a great meal. We have to make a return trip to get chicken and baked potatoes. The potatoes are baked below the chicken so the juices fall on the potatoes. May 19-21 Spring Fling Run for Buns was held at Wellsboro, PA. I would like to send out a double thank you to my helpers. Helping with registration was Steve Smith, Jim and Stacy Miller, Jerry Gowan and Kathy Fregans and Martha Fleming. The bug splat helpers were Guy Young, Steve Smith and Dave Samuels. A special thank you to Terry Mcinnes for coming up with an additional way to raise funds for the local volunteer fire department. Target removal and headlight cleaning raised an additional $37.00 for the Wellsboro Fire Department. All had good times. We had a total of 14 states and Canada represented. Russ making the donation presentation
Hudson Vally Area -by Mike Flynn, COG#4493 Hello new and old Hudson Valley area COG members. If you’ve perused the COG website, or looked at the NE newsletter, you’ve seen that there are a multitude of rides within your reach. Pick one and hook up with old friends, and meet new people!
Most folks arrived at Willville Campground or the Blue Ridge Susan & Scott ready to head out Motel on Friday night. The rain subsided to give me just enough time to set up camp, then resumed. Lost Riders present were Jim Hammond, John Lippy, Scott Ruffner, Susan Shelor, Dusty Schilling, Mike Nasca, Mike’s sister, Margene Nasca, Thom DeCarlo, Pete Long, Tom Hofsiss, Clyde and Brenda Watson, and Your Obedient Servant. The Watsons
We mulled around camp on Saturday morning, swilling coffee and polishing off the chicken or sausage biscuits that Will provides his campers. Will is a first class host, and runs a great campground. Heading over to the Blue Ridge Restaurant I found Jim Hammond at breakfast and joined him. The grits were very good. We put on our riding gear and the morning was beautiful; the day just got nicer each hour. As our ride leader couldn’t make it I jotted down a ride route on my forearm notepad and off we went. After taking on fuel we all got back together in Galax, VA, home of the world famous Fiddler’s Convention, and then struck out for Damascus, VA. Route 58 is a nice, twisty road that follows a pretty stream. A lot of bicyclists were in the Damascus area but, no problem, we soon headed for areas of much lighter traffic. The Shady Valley, TN store Well fed COGgers is a popular motorcyclist hang out. We pulled in there and talked with some of the FJ Owners Club folks who were staying at the Boone KOA for their annual rally. A good lunch in Mountain City, TN put us back to Damascus via route 91, which we kept all the way up to route 16. Little traffic out here and some of my favourite roads. Route 16 took us back to Marion, VA, and down to route 58 and back to Willville. This coming October we’ll gather at Marion, VA at Hungry Mother State Park for the Fall Foliage Ride. Clyde Watson will be organizing that ride. If you liked route 16 and the surrounding roads you’ll love what Clyde has cooked up for us. It was a full day of twisty roads, tiring but fun. I’m working on next year’s weather but it couldn’t be any better. Thanks to all the “Lost Riders” who attended.
My hooky day ride was fun for the 3 guys that joined up. All hoofed it over from CT to join my on some of my favorite roads to play on. I’m slipping, as I didn’t take pictures, or even get everyone’s name. That is something that I am fixing! My Surprise Ride was another story. The lovely weather in the NE this time of year scared away folks from joining me. That, and the fact that it was on a Saturday. It worked out OK, as I was able to run the route (which is a beaut), and keep it in my bag of tricks for later usage. My next ride coming up is June 12th, the “Glocks in the Tankbag” ride. It is probably happening as this newsletter is going to print… more on it in a later issue.
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Thom DeCarlo Pete Long
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 Recurring Events (ON) S. Central Ontario Get-Together Monthly Dinner Gathering: Meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at T.L.J's Bar and Grill, 43 Main Street in Campbellville, ON at 6:30 P.M. 905-854-3111 (bottom of the hill by the train tracks) Cambellville is just off the 401 at Guelph Line, exit #312. Join us for dinner, exchange factual anecdotes, plan rides, and socialize. Western NY members & nonmembers welcome. Craig & Lynn Scott 519.823.1545 clscott@golden.net
Tony Shelver: 603.520.0324 / tshelver@hotmail.com http:// www.northeasternexposure.com/Rides05/ escape_to_lac_megantic.html
(MA) Cooperstown Weekend Ride 06/25 - 06/26/05 - Meet at Dunkin Donuts, Ludlow exit 7 off Mass Turnpike (just at the end of the toll booth), at 8am. The ride is 200 miles of great back roads and scenery. The overnight stay will be at the Lakefront Motel and Restaurant (607.547.9511), which is one block from the Hall of Fame. Plan early to assure a room. www.lakefrontmotelandrestaurant.com The return (PA) Meet Greet and Ride Sundays trip will be 230 miles through rolling farmlands We will meet at the Kings Restaurant located in and the Catskills, with a stop at "Sweet Sue's" Imperial PA. at 10:00 am and pick a destination restaurant for lunch. Bailout spots available for with who ever shows up, or I will have a ride a quicker route home. Contact: Doug Gray planned. Kings is located right off the Imperial 413.525.7734 dgray1@charter.net or Kevin exit of routes 22-30. Need directions or more Martin 978.459.6275 cog145@verizon.net info, contact Joe Cyprych. cyprych@hky.com (PA) Thunder in the Valley, Johnstown or 724.796.1401. Hope to see you there. 06/24 - 06/26/2005 – There will be 2 Thunder Calendar of Events in the Valley Events. #1) Ride the roads in the area. Camping will be available at our camp in (ON) Welland 7 Card Stud Poker Run Bakersville. The camp is located off RT 31 on 06/18/05 - Join us for a fun day of riding Grove Rd; a good landmark is the Laurel Valley followed by food and entertainment at the Inn. Coming from the east make a left; coming Welland County Motorcycle Club racetrack. from the west make a right; directly across from The Poker Run will start in Campbellville the inn is Grove Rd. Follow for approx. 2 miles. heading toward Fergus/Elora, Elmira, West of Camp will be on the left. NOTE our road Kitchener, then Brantford south to Lake Erie received a lot of wash out this past year, and if with stops at Paris (we can check out the 33rd it’s not repaired in time we will be joining Annual CVMG Vintage Motorcycle Rally, Jason’s group, which is only approx. 5 miles Paris Fairgrounds www.cvmg.on.ca), Normandale away. Contact me to be sure. Joe Cyprych. (on the lake), Port Dover (for lunch on your cyprych@hky.com or 724.796.1401 own), Dunnville, PortColborne and Welland County. Food will be ready upon arrival at the #2) Not a COG event, but please come join us at the 3rd Annual Laurel Highlands BMW Welland County Motorcycle Club Riders Campout.enjoy the great riding & (www.wellandmotorcycleclub.com) followed by excellent sites in the Laurel Highlands.This the track race at 7pm. Cost will be $20 per campout coincides with Johnstown, PA’s person, includes dinner and admission. If you can’t make the ride, you can still attend for food famous "Thunder in the Valley." The site for our rally is a beautiful 30 min. ride south of and the track. Contact Jim Stokes at Johnstown at Pioneer Park Campground jstokes2@cogeco.ca or 905.892.3033 (www.pioneerparkcampground.com just off Rt. (NH) Escape to Lac Megantic, Quebec 31.) Pioneer Park is a terrific full-service 06/18/05 - 06/19/05 - 1 Province, 2 Countries, 3 camping resort with excellent shower and States, 4 Notches, 9 Lakes, Plenty of Rivers and facilities, minutes away from the Pa. Turnpike countless corners, in one weekend. Escape from Exit #10, Somerset, Pa. or the Donegal exit #9. Laconia Bikeweek for the charms of a small Directions: from Somerset follow Rt. 31 W. 7 Quebecois resort town, and take in some of the miles to campground. From Donegal, follow Rt. best riding in the northeast on the way there and 31 E 12 miles. Cost for the rally is just $15 back. This is a 2-day weekend trip, but you can payable to the BMW club and a camping fee of also ride with us to Rangeley for lunch on $5.00 per night/per person payable at the Saturday and return home the same day. The campground.pin for the150 registrants. full trip will cover roads in northern NH, Activities include tech session, self-guided rides western ME and eastern VT. We will meet at to Flight 93 Memorialsite the Dunkin Donuts at Exit 23 of I-93 on 104E at (www.flt93memorial.org), and others - plus 8:30am. We will lunch at Sarge’s Pub on RT 4 “Thunder in the Valley”. Hot dogs & snacks in Rangeley, across the road from the Rangeley Fri. & Sat. evening. Sat. & Sun. a.m. coffee & Inn around 12:30PM, where we will evaluate doughnuts. Pavilions, picnic tables, campfires time and finalize the final leg into Lac allowed! Motels & restaurants nearby. Sat. Megantic. We are staying at L’ Eau Berge, Lac night band! Info: Jason Kaplitz (814) 535-8669 Megantic, Quebec. Contact me before making gsjay@floodcity.nete-registration appreciated: any reservations or arrangements to see if we send check payable to LHBMWR c/o George are still on for this date as I'm open to change if Blackham IV, 230 Dowling Rd. Johnstown, Pa. the date doesn't suit the majority of COGgers. 15904 by June 15, 2005 ISSUE 3, 2005
(CT) Ride, Hike, Water Falls & The Moose 06/25/05 - Meet & Greet at Marcus Dairy in Danbury, CT at 8:30 AM. Ride starts at 9:15 AM. 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. (caution: the road from the Berkshires into the Taconics is at times narrow and quite bumpy with steep descents and sharp turns). We will dismount on the NY State side of the Taconics and hike approximately 1.2 miles (20 minutes) along a moderate dirt trail into the woods to arrive at beautiful Bash Bish Falls (Bash Bish is a state park named for the beautiful waterfall it protects. The falls split a huge boulder and then plunges 80 feet into a clear, green-mountain pool). We will enjoy the falls and a packed lunch (prepare your lunch in advance) for about 45 minutes to an hour then hike back to the bikes. We’ll head out of the State Park into the NY Taconics and follow more twisties and winding roads looping back into CT and ending the trip in Sharon, CT at The Wondering Moose Cafe on Route 128. Those inclined to dine will enjoy the fine, yet simple cuisine offered at the Moose. If you like twisties, the beauty of nature, and moderate hiking, this is one event that has it all. All bikes and riders welcome. Contact: Jon Coler 860.257.4009 or joncoler@yahoo.com (NH) BRCB: Back Roads and Covered Bridges 07/02/05 - NOTE: RIDE DATE CHANGED TO 09/02/05 DUE TO HOLIDAY WEEKEND Contact Tony Shelver 603.520.0324 / tshelver@hotmail.com (CT) Wood’s Pit B.B.Q. & Mexican Café, Bantam, CT 07/05/05 - This is the kind of joint your friends talk about that makes you wish you had discovered it yourself. A small, “Real Pit BBQ” restaurant that also features Mexican. The BBQ is AWESOME! Beef and pork ribs literally fall off the bone and are not drowning in sauce. Pulled pork sandwiches are divine as are the honey hot wings. They have real green chili! They’re located at 123 Bantam Lake Road (RT 209), Bantam, CT. Phone: 860.567.9869. Weather permitting; an impromptu ride will follow dinner. Contact: Jon Coler 860.257.4009 or joncoler@yahoo.com (ON) Parry Sound Sport Bike Rally 07/08 – 0710/05 – Non-COG function. Roads are great in the area, several thousand bikes in attendance, total town support. Contact Craig & Lynn Scott 519-823-1545 or clscott@golden.net if you want to organize attending as a group or organize a ride in the area. For more information check the web site: www.sportbikerally.com
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(Schedule continued from page 5)
(VA) “Wine Tour” 07/09 - 07/10/05 – NOTE: Date Change. We will meet at Gordonsville, VA at the Inwood restaurant for breakfast on Saturday at 9 AM and ride to four or five Virginia wineries before ending at Luray. Riders are welcome to camp at OWO on Friday night the 8th and Saturday night the 9th. On Sunday we will tour three or four other wineries before ending our tour. A special memento is available for all attendees. Pat Sprague 540.743.5132 psprague@shentel.net (NH) Jeff Adam's Gaspe Peninsula Ride 07/09 - 07/17/05 - An informal ride starting or ending with a weekend. We will take a day to get there, and another to get back, with 2-3 days on the Peninsula itself. the trip getting there and back covers some very nice roads. There are various tourism websites, such as www.tourisme-gaspesie.com and www.InfoGaspesie.com that you can explore to get a good feel of the region. Contact Jeff Adams: 603.356.7225 jeff@whitehorsepress.com or Tony Shelver: tshelver@hotmail.com 603.520.0324
(ON) Lake Erie to Niagara Ride 7/10/05 - Meet for breakfast at the Country Grill restaurant in Paris, Ontario. At 09:00 We’ll head towards Lake Erie, then turn east and follow the coastline for a couple hours. Our next stop will be for coffee at the Tim Horton's in Port Dover. From there the ride will take us into the Niagara Peninsula where we'll have dinner (Location TBA). Ride will be approx 300+ km. Arrive with at least 200 km of petrol in the tank. Route sheets provided. GPS Route (Garmin Format) available by email request. Contact Brian Jordan, 519.624.1126 veho@sympatico.ca (MA) Queeche Gorge VT Ride 07/17/05 - Meet at Bickfords, Nagog Park, Acton MA (RT-2A) about 1/2 mile from Moto Market @ 8 AM. Join me for a ride up to Queeche Vermont for lunch at the Gorge and view Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon. We’ll ride some of Southern Vermonts‘ best motorcycling roads on the way home. Contact: Kevin Martin 978.459.6275 or cog145@Verizon.net (CT) Over the river & through the woods to Curtis’ BBQ in Putney, VT 07/23/05 - Over the river & through the woods to Curtis’ BBQ. Meet at Bickford’s Restaurant in Enfield, CT at 8:30AM. Ride departs at 9:15AM. We will traverse some of the best roads in the area as we twist and wind through Connecticut, Massachusetts and into VT en route to Curtis’ BBQ in Putney. At Curtis’s we’ll feast on some of the most mouth waterin’, lip smackerin’, ribs and chicken west of the Connecticut River. Route sheets will be available. All bikes and riders welcome. Contact: Jon Coler 860.257.4009 or joncoler@yahoo.com (MD) COG/BMW Get Together
07/24/05 – Russell Fleming of COG and Eddie Phelps of BMWBMW were discussing Page 6 get more CAMARADERIE between way to
08/07/05 - 150 miles in mountains & valleys of brands of motorcycles and this is what we came up with. Meet for breakfast at the Golden Washington, Franklin, Fulton, and Huntingdon
counties. Eighty miles into route at Orbisonia, PA we’ll ride the East Broadtop Steam Train and Rockhill Trolley available between 10:30 and 1:30 (allow up to $15-20 per person at own expense). Ride begins at Clear Spring, MD in the McDonalds parking lot, which can be reached taking exit 18 off of I-70, then proceeding north. Arrive at 8:15. Route sheets will be handed out at 8:30. Expect to begin ride Contact Russell Fleming COG AAD by at least 8:45. Ride will end mid-afternoon 410.374.9687 fleming@qis.net or Eddie Phelps (3:20-4:00) at the Antrim House Restaurant on Ride Chairman BMWBMW 410.781.7521 Route 16 in Greencastle, PA. All Day Buffet phelps2ride@starpower.net and Menu available at Antrim House. Routed by Charles Rice - refer questions to (VT) Mid-Summer Bash, Stowe VT cerice@greencastle.k12.pa.us. or Russell 07/28 – 07/31/05 – We’re having a NE Summer Fleming 410-374-9687 fleming@qis.net Rally this year in the Green Mountains of (CT) Weekend Sprint Overnight Vermont back at the same location as the ‘04 Fall Rally. Rally Headquarters: Commodores 8/13-8/14/2005 - A weekend of riding and Inn 823 South Main Street, Stowe, VT exploration. Meet in Winsted, CT at Burger 800.447.8693 Visit the Northeast Area Home King,RT 44 & 8, 8:00AM. Mt. Greylock, Page for details. Contact: Kevin Martin Hoosac Tunnel, Bennington War Monument 978.459.6275 or cog145@verizon.net; Steven and Skyline Drive (Toll Road) of Equinox Smith 203.720.7575 or nead@concours.org Mountain in VT. We'll lodge in Bennington, VT at the Best Western New England before (WV) Dog Days Ride, Boyer, WV setting out for riding on Day 2. More details Come out and join fellow COGgers for a about this event will be posted as they are weekend of riding on some of the best and most developed. Route sheets will be available. . Jon scenic roads around. We will be staying at the Coler 860.257.4009 or joncoler@yahoo.com Boyer Station Motel, Restaurant, and (NH) Whitehorse Press Tech Weekend Campground located at RT 28 and RT 92 in Boyer, WV. Camping reservations are not 08/20-08/21/05 - WHP has kindly offered the required, but if you want a room, don't wait to use of their facilities to host a Tech Day and long - they go fast. This is a great motorcycling weekend ride-out. Jeff Adams, will provide the area, and I hope to see you there. Motel contact: technical skills. We will have the run of the Frank and Susie Murphy 304.456.4667 - Be workshop and barn, not to mention the sure to mention you are with COG. If you need warehouse. WHP will also provide lunch - what any more info, contact myself or the motel. a deal. We will be able to browse the extensive Contact Joe Cyprych. cyprych@hky.com or array of books, accessories, and other goodies 724.796.1401 in the WHP warehouse. Tony Shelver will provide some interesting routes in the area, (CT) Meet, Eat, Ride which has excellent riding. These will vary 08/02/05 - Renew old friendships, & kindle from short to 'as many miles as you can handle'. new ones. We will meet at 6:00 PM at the And, for those who want to spend the night, we Cromwell Diner, 135 Berlin Road, Cromwell, will pick an overnight spot in the area CT (860-635-7112). Directions to the Diner: I- (depending on demand). Contact: Tony 91 to exit 21, 3/10th of a mile West of the exit Shelver: tshelver@hotmail.com / 603.520.0324 on the left. Weather permitting, an impromptu or Jeff Adams: Jeff@whitehorsepress.com ride will follow dinner. All bikes and riders (NY) Let’s Play Hooky! Ride welcome. For those attending the COG National in Centralia, WA - best wishes for safe 08/23/05 - Extend your weekend by calling in a riding and great week. Jon Coler 860.257.4009 mental health day and go riding! The roads should have less Sunday drivers out, so let's or joncoler@yahoo.com play. Meeting point is the 7/11 on Rt100 in (NY) Mike’s Surprise Ride #2 Somers, NY. at 9:30am. Ride leaves at 10am, 08/07/05 - My surprise rides are back. We will for some back roads fun. We will end the ride at an appropriate food place. Route sheets will be wander some of the area's better roads, ending provided. This won't be a parade style ride, ride to sample the fare of some roadside eatery. your own pace. There is no gas there. Try and Route sheets will be provided for all, as this have a half tank. Take exit 6 off I-684, and isn't a parade type ride. Ride at you own pace Rt35 west to Rt100. Turn right onto 100, the and enjoy the scenery, or the roads. Meeting store is about 1 block up. Bring your EZpass if point is the 7/11 on Rt100 in Somers, NY. at you have one.Contact: Mike Flynn at 914-2639am. Ride leaves at 9:30am. There is no gas there. Try and have a half tank. Take exit 6 off 5440 or keltwolf@optonline.net I-684, and Rt35 west to Rt100. Turn right onto There are more events on the NE schedule that 100, the store is about 1 block up on the right. will appear next issue or go to the online ride Bring your EZpass if you have one. Contact: database: www.concours.org/schedule Mike Flynn at 914-263-5440 or keltwolf@optonline.net To receive a paper copy of the complete ride schedule, please send a SASE to Steve Smith. (MD) Steam Train and Trolley Ride N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S Corral in Frederick MD on route 355 south of route 70 at 9 am. After breakfast route sheets will be handed out for a 150 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.
Concours Owners Group Northeast Area presents “The General’s Ride” September 18-23, 2005 General’s Headquarters: Quality Inn-Shenandoah Valley, 162 Old West Cross Road, POB 100, New Market, VA 22844 800.228.5151 / 540.740.3141 (www.qualityinn-shenandoahvalley.com) GPS coordinates N38.38.904 W 078.40.398. The excellent Johnny Appleseed Restaurant is on premises. There are other very good restaurants nearby. Room Rates: $62.95 US single or double. These special rates are per room; per night (plus 7.5% tax); A block of rooms is being held for COG until 09/01/05. Be sure to mention COG to get these rates when making your reservations. Reserve your room now! General’s Camp: Mountain Valley KOA, 12480 Mountain Valley Road, Broadway, VA 22815. 800.562.5406 / 540.896.8929, Contact owners Mary and Roy. Nice tenting areas, facilities, and five Kamping Kabins. Roads are Connie friendly, fire rings at each site. Just 10 miles (15-20 minutes) from headquarters Riding: Self-guided sample rides include a number of “Campaign Rides” (300-400 mi) and “Skirmish Rides” (100-150 mi). Events: Local Civil War demonstrators will share details about area history. A special bus tour is being planned at Gettysburg. A local Kawasaki/Suzuki dealer will host an open house. Civil War history abounds within two miles of the Generals Headquarters. Door prizes. Surprise gift to those attending with a Blue or Grey Concours. Banquet will be a Country Theme Dinner on Thursday night, Sept 22nd. Send lower portion of the Registration Form with rally fee payable to “Concours Owners Group” to: Questions / Comments / Suggestions? Patrick Sprague: 540.743.4874 psprague@shentel.net Steve Smith – General’s Ride Steven Smith: 203.720.7575 nead@concours.org 39 Alison Ave. Naugatuck, CT 06770 Rally web page: www.concours.org/ne/fallrally
Rally Fee: $35 (US $) per person for COG members, including their immediate family and significant other; $25 age 12 and under. $45 for non-COG members and their guests. Add $5 late fee for all registrations received after 8/19/05. Full refund issued before 8/5/05; refund less $10 after 8/19/05; NO refunds issued after 9/2/05. Rally fee includes Rally Packet, Thursday night banquet, any speakers, demos & miscellaneous rally expenses.
Registration Form – “General’s Ride” (Please PRINT Clearly)
(Rev 1.2)
Name: (One form per person) ____________________________________________________________ COG #___________ Street: ______________________________________________________________________________ AMA # __________
City:_ ________________________________________________ State/Province: ___________ Zip Code: ______________ Phone: (______)______-__________ E-Mail: __________________________________________________ Country: _____ I will be a (circle one): rider / passenger / guest
Emergency Contact Information:`
Motorcycle model: _________________________ License tag # ____________
Name: ________________________________________
Phone No.: (______)______-___________ Relationship:____________________ I want a Tee shirt(s):
□ No □ Yes - Size/Qty: S/___ M/___ L/___ XL/___ 2XL/___ 3XL/___
Note: High quality short sleeved tee shirts, imprints front and back, are available for $12 ($14 for 2XL and 3XL) and are not included with registration fee. So, if you want shirt(s), be sure to mark the size and quantity and include the cost in the Total Rally Fee.
Calculate total fee: Rally Fee:
$______
Late Fee:
$______
T-Shirt(s)
$______
Total:
$______
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 Parent or Signature: ______________________________________ Guardian (if applicable) ___________________________________ ISSUE 3, 2005
Page 7
Our Newest Northeast Area Members David Hills, #6853 St Catharines, ON Canada
Bill & R Ann Church, #6873 Berkley, MA
Jerry Brenner, #6914 Washington, PA
Thomas Trotter, #6857 Woodsboro, MD
Robert Lancer, #6885 Mt Vernon, NY
Matthew Caradonna & Ann Waters, #6916 James & Melanie Stocks, #6934
Leesburg, VA
Dale City, VA
Fred Kresse, #6858 Needham, MA
John Dresser, #6888 Lincolnville, ME
Gary Finster, #6928 Lee Center, NY
Philip Arnold, #6938 Syracuse, NY
George & Sharon Mogle, #6860 Chambersbug, PA
Stephen Pearl, #6896 Upper Black Eddy, PA
Thomas Cisternino, #6922 Staten Island, NY
David Gold, #6944 Shepardstown, WV
Mark & Peg Williams, #6862 Reenfield, NH
Pat Burke, #6901 Emmans, PA
Terry Miller, #6927 Lafayette Hill, PA
Brian Bendall, #6866 Hunstville, ON Canada
James Hargis, #6903 Pittsburgh, PA
Greg & Nancy Agnello, #6930 South River, NJ
Wes & Danita Schulz, #6871 New Britain, CT
Sean Kenny, #6910 Mahopac, NY
Stephen Bogart, #6931 Brooklyn, NY
(Continued from page 2)
Sharry and I stayed dry behind the big F-150 fairing. The rest of the group included Guy Young, Scott “Sick Boy” Ashbaugh, Jimmy Miller, Paul Gould, and Kevin Phillips. Dusty Schilling had to work out of town on Saturday but stopped by on Sunday to say Hi in his Eclipse, top down and the heater roaring. On Saturday morning I rode with “COG’s Oldest Teenager”, Jim Hammond, to make the donuts at Walmart. It was raining pretty good and Jim drove his red Eagle Talon. This all wheel drive, turbo two liter breathed on butt-an-inch-from-the-ground car is a real cat with its tail on fire. And it sticks to a rainy road like asphalt. It is also proper that Jim’s coffee is no wimpy see through stuff. After the great java and pastries we headed for the garage. Guy rebuilt his clutch master and slave cylinders, pulled the clutch cover off, and inspected the starter chain and tensioner. Scott installed new front and rear brake lines; he also replaced some ‘oxidized’ fork brace bolts, ate penicillin, chicken noodle soup, and Fisherman’s Friends. Jimmy Miller placed some black Murph screws on his Connie. His ride down to Lynchburg and back home was sort of a rolling tech session and shakedown cruise for his new homemade trailer and hitch. It worked very well, even in the high winds going home. He said it was stable even up to the ton, but I think that seems like a lot of weight to put in that little trailer. :^)
Jerry Hall, #6933 Holt, MD
replacing the headlamps in my F-150. The right one took all of 90 seconds. The left one took 90 minutes, even with Jim helping me. Man, they buried that sucker-----remove the fan guard, coolant reservoir, air box inlet-----a mix of metric and sae fasteners. Paul Gould and Kevin Phillips were there to learn more about the Concours and the Concours Owners Group. I think they had a good time and hope they got some good information and ideas. Lunchtime and Margarete pulled out a huge pot of wonderful chili with all the trimmings. More java and “Vacation” cookies followed the chili. For supper the Hammonds served up a super barbecue on buns with potato salad, slaw, brownies, soda, etc. Gale force winds rolled in about 2 AM Sunday and remained for the day. More great coffee and croissants. If you haven’t guessed it already, this tech session was a lot more about food plates than clutch plates. Favorite tools were the knife, fork, and spoon. Nongraduated hand- sized vessels, both metal and glass, were quite handy, too. And a big topic of discussion was the best way to dunk Vacation cookies in coffee. For you folks who couldn’t be there, we took over the research for you. Result? There is no best way, just do it and keep enjoying them. ‘Twas sad to leave all these great folks and head home. A huge Thank You goes to Jim and Margarete for taking such good care of us all.
My tech work? Thought I’d get the Kindergarten Wrench award for Page 8
N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S