Cognitions: Random thoughts from the Northeast Area Director - By Steven Smith Issue 6, 2005
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here are some very lucky North East Area members that manage to ride 12 months a year. Just the other day I saw a photo posted to the COG web forum of the studded tire Guy Young has mounted on his KLR650. This probably will not work so well on a Connie, and so for many the end of the riding season is here or will be very soon. Looking back the 2005 riding season was not too shabby, despite all the storms. In addition to all the social gatherings, numerous overnight and daylong events throughout the year, the COG NE Area also hosted spring, summer, and fall rallies. Thanks to every person who had a hand in making all these activities a reality. This includes not only the ride/event host, but also the people who come to participate - without you there would not be an event. I also want to specifically thank the entire Northeast Area staff. They are the ones that really keep the NE Area as active as it is and I am deeply appreciative of all that they do. As a wise man said “you done good.”
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he 2006 ride schedule is beginning to fill out and I am happy to be able to provide some details about the spring and the summer rallies that are in the works. Back by popular demand, the Spring Fling will once again be held in Wellsboro, PA the weekend of May 18-21. We had a terrific time there this year and Jason said it was a no-brainer to turn the crank and do it again. There is a registration form in this issue that contains all the details you will need to know. The Spring Fling web page is live and we will provide updates there and in the newsletter when possible. As if that is not enough, August 4-6 will be a rally in Marlinton, WV. Save the dates now and we will get the details of this event out to you in the next newsletter. At the moment I do not have details on a fall rally, although there are rumors that we will see one. I will keep you posted.
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ow is the time that we need to be thinking about what events and activities will be happening in 2006 and beyond. Organizing a gathering, ride, rally, or other event can be very rewarding for the host as well as the participants. It’s a great way to meet members in your area or just get friends together. It is sometimes very difficult, but most important part of planning an activity is to pick a date, time, and meeting place. Of course a brief description of your event will help too. Then we can help you get the word out to the members. Getting your event listed in the newsletter ride schedule will reach the most number of members. It is suggested that ride schedule information be submitted at least 3-4 months or more ahead of time to ensure that it gets into a newsletter with enough time prior to your event. Contact an AAD or myself if you would like to try your hand at hosting any type of event. If you have a great idea for a regional rally, by all means submit a basic proposal. Over the winter is the best time to begin the preliminary planning for a 2007 rally. This will give you the entire next year and riding season to work out all the details.
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re you looking to kill a few hours during the non-riding season with some COG related web browsing? If so, check out a little slice of COG on the world wide web with the COG web forums at: www.concours.org/forum In the forum you can read about someone's latest ride adventure, or maybe a helpful new tip. Once you complete the registration you can post you own stuff too. There are online help and a FAQ to get you going. Web forums not your thing? May the COG email listserver is more to your liking. You can read more about it at: http:// www.concours.org/list.html
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ne think I wanted to do this year that I never had the chance to do was watch the mini-series motorcycle documentary “Long Way Round,” which aired on Bravo. I have heard from many people how terrific this show is and I have come to realize that the only way I will be able to see it is to get it on DVD and watch it in my own time. Unfortunately, the DVD has not available in a format that is viewable here in the USA. I suspect that this may be the case for many of you out there too. The good news is that the USA version of the DVD is supposed to be released near the end of December. I now feel strongly that watching this documentary will be one New Year’s resolution I should be able to keep. Who knows? Maybe I will even be as fortunate as our Greater Toronto Area AADs Craig & Lynn Scott. They got to meet and have their picture taken with Charley Boorman, one of the stars of “Long Way Round” at the Toronto Motorcycle Show. Oh boy, am ever green with envy. (but how come Ewan was not there?)
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n closing I want to wish everyone a very happy holiday season. Be sure to take a few days off from work to relax and spend some time with family and friends (tell the boss I said it is okay). I wish for you all a safe, healthy and happy new year - celebrate it with vigor.
Until next time, ride safe.
Steve
CW International Motorcycle Shows coming to a convention center near you These shows are an annual tradition here in the USA and always seem to hit the northeast during the winter. This is probably a good thing as many of us are suffering from PMS (parked motorcycle syndrome) and heading out to a nice, warm, crowded, convention center full of everything motorcycle is just the fix we need to help fill void. What do you plan to do at the show? You can visit the Kawasaki booth and check out the 2006 Concours sporting the Metallic Nocturne Blue/Metallic Graystone colors. Or maybe see how nicely your bottom fits the seat of the new ZX14 or ZX650R. A tradition started many years ago when COGgers began congregating in the Kawasaki booth, nearby the newest model Concours. The Kawsaki booth used to be the first stop for COG members when we used to get early entry and a continental breakfast on Saturday morning provided by Kawasaki GTOC. The freebies disappeared a few years ago, but COGgers carry on the tradition each year at the IMS by gathering around the Connie on Saturday. Later on, in the early afternoon, the COG contingency will head out to a local eatery for lunch. The decision on the location will usually be discussed in the morning, and then folks will meet back at the Connie later on to depart together for lunch. The location of the group lunch is not known much before Saturday morning, Not because it is classified information, but mostly because we never know what places will be open year to year or where people want to go. The plans are impromptu and usually solidified in the first few hours of the show and then the info is passed along through word of mouth. My experience has only been with the New York City show. It is the closest for me and I have been attending the show for longer than I can remember. For a number of years now one particular member from the New York City area (who has requested to remain nameless, doh!) does his best to locate a suitable establishment for the group of us to go for lunch. If you do not live or work in Manhattan, selecting a restaurant in the area is almost like a crapshoot – you never know what you will get. Most restaurants nearby the convention centers are small and a bit expensive due to the captive audience. Recently we have chosen places within a short taxi ride away and this has worked out fairly well.
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 Vermont New Hampshire Maine Open positions Inquire within 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
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
In summary… The Washington, DC show dates are: Jan 13, 14, 15. The New York City show dates are: Jan 20, 21, 22 More details about the shows is provided in the Ride Schedule, including a website for the shows, phone number for the convention centers, and a local contact name & number. The typical COG meeting day is Saturday. Meet by the Concours in the Kawasaki booth in the morning. We will meet back at this spot sometime after noon to depart for lunch. Wear some COG paraphernalia (hat, t-shirt, etc) if you want to be identified. IMS Memories: As seen in Popular Mechanics—2004
Terry & Scott get down with a Duc 999s Page 2
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
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 2005 © Concours Owners Group
N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S
MD/PA Report - by Russell Fleming
COG #599
I would like to thank those who hosted events I this area last year. With everyone’s efforts we were able to draw new people to these events. People came from as far away as Canada and as far west as Ohio. We had a high turnout of about 50 bikes to as low as 4. Pull out your 2006 calendars because my ride schedule is posted on the NE web site under rides. While checking the schedule you will find some of same people hosting the same rides and also some new people have stepped up. We are extending some of our rides to include other motorcycle groups. If you check the schedule and you see two events in May for Wellsboro, this is not a mistake. I have been communicating back and forth with a BMW club, The Dutch Country Riders from PA about doing a joint ride, and we picked the first weekend in May as a camaraderie ride to Wellsboro. If you don’t have enough vacation time and you don’t want to go to a full-blown rally later, come to this one and still have an enjoyable weekend ride. Here’s what I have going on in January and February. (See the Ride Schedule for more information) Saturday, January 21 “Chili n' Cheese/Tech Session” Hanover, PA - Mike and Roseanne Schmidt will again host the famous Chili n' Cheese gig in their garage at the rear of their home in Hanover, PA. Mike will also host a tech session if there is any interest. Please bring any parts or fluids you will need. Saturday February 25 “Chicken Corn Soup Gig” Westminster, MD - John and Missy Lippy will host a hearty cold weather feed at there home at 227 East Green Street. Hope you have a GREAT Holiday. Russell
Motorcycle Movie Madness - by Jon Coler, #5379 This winter, beginning January 2006, I am introducing Motorcycling Movie Madness to facilitate the gathering of COGgers and keep the motorcycling fun and spirit alive during the otherwise PMS-filled winter months. The dates for these events are Saturday, January 28, 2006 and Saturday, February 25, 2006 for the first part of the year. This activity will resume at the end of the year at the onset of winter 2006-2007. We will meet at 2:00 PM at my home: 80 Highland Street, Rocky Hill, CT. I ask that folks planning to attend confirm with me if possible so I have an idea of how many people are attending. I can be reached at 860-257-4009 or via e-mail at joncoler@yahoo.com. Space is limited so seating will be interesting and add to the fun (and coziness). I am requesting that each person bring a bag of munchies (chips, dips, a 2-liter bottle of soda – etc) to augment the stuff I will supply. The more food the merrier! I have a collection of about 20 motorcycle movies that we can choose from. Best wishes to one and all for a splendid holiday season.
ISSUE 6, 2005
Central NY Gathering - by Lee Brink, COG #6993 I would like to invite all past, present and future COG members to the first get together in Central New York. On January 15 we'll meet at 2pm at Johnny Angel's Heavenly Burgers restaurant at 15 E. Genesee St in the heart of Baldwinsville, NY. Meet fellow COGgers and enjoy some good food in the process. Beyond the usual greet and meet, we'll be discussing where the next meeting will be, which areas will make good spring rides, and gather interest in a local tech get-together. If you would like more information, don't hesitate to contact me. You can reach by phone or email. See you in January. Contact Lee Brink 607.299.4409 or LCBRINK@pobox.com Directions From the West or the East: Take I-90 to Exit 39. Take RT-690N to the RT-31/RT-370 exit. Turn left at the end of the ramp onto RT-31/W Genesee Rd. From the North or South: Take I-81 to I-690W. Stay on I-690W as it turns into RT-690N. Take RT-690N to the RT-31/RT-370 exit. Turn left at the end of the ramp onto RT-31/W Genesee Rd. One note about where Johnny Angel's is…It's in the plaza across the street from the Baldwinville diner. There's not much of a sign telling you where it is - look in the far left portion of the plaza, next to the toy store.
Western PA Report - by Joe Cyprych, COG #4665 Hello fellow Coggers - the snow is flying outside as I write this, but I would like to reflect back on this past season of riding and thank everyone who spent their own time organizing and planning a great bunch of rides, rallies, and weekend trips for their fellow motorcyclists to enjoy this year. It’s not too early to start planning for next year (check the schedule, there are already several planned). We will also continue our Sunday meet, greet and rides next year. If anyone is interested in planning a ride or get together, please contact myself or Steve Smith and we will help you make it happen. Michele and I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year; and I hope you get all the farkles under the tree that you wished for. I also was planning on putting together a breakfast or lunch get together over the winter; if any one is interested in something like this let me know and I will set it up. One last thing, if you change your email address, would you please send me your new one so I can update our local group email. Thanks and take care. Joe
Experienced Rider Course offered in CT COG members (and friends) will be able to pre-registration before this course is made available to the public. The course date will be Saturday, April 8, 2006 11:00am-6:00pm. The cost is $85.00 per rider (additional fee required for passenger) and is open to riders from all states. It will be conducted at Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury, CT. To obtain an application and take advantage of this pre-registration opportunity, provide your name, address, and phone number to 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. Registration forms will be provided by the school after January 1. This ERC is open to the first 12 people who submit a registration & payment. Completed applications with payment must be received by February 24. This course date will be opened to public registration March 1. It is our hope to fill the class with only COG people so get your registration in early.
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MA AAD News -by Kevin Martin, COG #145 Another riding season has come and gone, and boy, this one really flew buy! This was a season of extremes. Extremely wet in the spring, and extremely hot during the summer, and now it’s extremely cold. Speaking of cold, wet weather, I never got to hold my annual Mount Greylock ride as planned. We got rained out on the scheduled date, and the day before I was hoping to reschedule, the summit got snow, and we got more rain. I kept looking for a window of opportunity to reschedule, but the days were getting shorter and colder, and organizing a ride to the other end of the State and back when it starts getting dark around 3:30pm, is difficult, when it’s well below freezing in the morning. I did however manage to work in my planned “last ride” of the season, to the Quabbin Reservior, in central Massachusetts. People must have been itching to go for a ride because I got the largest turn out of any Meet and Greet rides yet. We had a total of 15 bikes. The first group met at Bickfords Restaurant in Acton, as planned, then we all rode to Barre, MA to meet up with 4 more riders, and I think we picked up a COG rider along the way out. Doug Gray, our official COG Central Mass Tour Guide, (not really), offered to lead the ride out of Barre through a number of secondary roads, mostly threading our way through local farms. It’s always fun for me to get off the beaten path and work those lesser-traveled roads. We eventually made it to our destination, the Quabbin Reservoir, and rode to the summit for a break and a view of the lake. As it turns out, we had a couple of attendees who had never been to the Quabbin before, and they were pleasantly surprised at the view of the lake from the summit. We also had a couple of regulars, who decided not to take the walking path up to the summit and tower, and enjoyed the Quabbin in their own relaxed way. With such a big crowd, we had a little trouble getting seated at lunch so we needed to go to a different eatery a couple miles down the road. We stopped for lunch at the Roadhouse cafe in Belchertown, only we didn’t realize until we all got seated that the Roadhouse doesn’t serve lunch, they only serve breakfast. Oh well, having breakfast twice in one day, isn’t all that bad.
A special thanks to everyone who took the time to attend one of my Meet and Greet rides this year, looking forward to doing it all again next year. I’ll be working on establishing a Massachusetts ride schedule over the Holidays, so keep your eyes peeled for rides that may interest you. I’m planning on holding more overnight rides like the one we had to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. The overnight ride allows us to reach locations that are too far to enjoy on a day ride, and gives those folks who are unable to attend a COG rally the ability to enjoy something more than just a day ride. Along those lines, COG member Tom O’Neill has offered to host an overnight and barbeque up at his place in Ossipee, NH. The town of Ossipee is a great starting point for some of the best roads in the NH Lakes Region, so you don’t want to miss this one, and Tom has plenty of space, even if you want to tent. I’m also looking into an overnighter somewhere around the Catskills area, so stay tuned for details. Also, don’t forget, I’ll be hosting a “Winter Social” again, probably in Late February or early March. All of the details will be available in the February Northeast Newsletter. Happy Holidays Kevin
After lunch, Doug again took the lead and we all followed him up into the Athol Mass area, via more great secondary roads, where we split up and headed home. Most of the group took the quick way home via Route 2, and I headed north alone to extend my ride a little longer. I took one of my favorite twisty central Mass routes, RT-78, winding my way up into New Hampshire before heading southeast to home. We had a great day ride out to the Quabbin, and it was a great way to wrap up the COG Massachusetts riding season. Thanks very much to Doug Gray for volunteering his time at hosting rides over the summer, and for offering to show the group some of his favorite back roads on the rides he attended. Doug has proven time and again how much additional fun it can be for the entire group to have someone step up and offer to host a ride or to lead an existing ride through familiar areas. If anybody wants to host or help out on a scheduled ride, just let me know, and I’ll be happy to work with you. Page 4
Since I’m not one to pass up a photo shoot of the gang, here’s the entire group, including yours’ truly.
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 Monthly Events (ON) S. Central Ontario Get-Together Monthly Dinner Gathering: Meet at 6 pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Mohawk Inn, located on the northwest corner of Hwy. 401 at Guelph Line, Exit 312, next to the Mohawk Raceway & Slots Entertainment Facility. 9230 Guelph Line, Campbellville, Ontario. 905.854.2277 www.mohawkinn.com Join us for dinner and socializing. All Welcome. SPECIAL EVENT - Swap meet night. Bring motorcycle accessories, clothing, magazines, anything motorcycle related to sell or just show off. Craig & Lynn Scott 519.823.1545 clscott@golden.net (PA) Meet Greet and Ride Sundays We will meet at the Kings Restaurant located in Imperial PA. at 10:00 am and pick a destination with who ever shows up, or I will have a ride planned. Kings is located right off the Imperial exit of routes 22-30. Need directions or more info, contact Joe Cyprych. cyprych@hky.com or 724.796.1401. Hope to see you there.
Calendar of Events (VA) Breakfast and Ride, Williamsburg 12/18/05 - We'll meet at The Capitol Pancake and Waffle House, 800 Capitol Landing Road, Williamsburg, VA 757.564.1238 at 8AM. After a great breakfast we'll go for a ride at 9AM, weather permitting. This ride will end up at
Willey's restaurant, 18480 Ridge Road (RT 204) in Colonial Beach, VA 804.224.RIBS around noon-1 PM. Contact: Pat Sprague at 540.743.4874 or psprague@shentel.net “Wherever Ride” 01/01/06 - Weather permiting, give the TV a rest and your bike some exercise. Maybe you’ll get that 50K or 100K sticker this year. No scheduled ride, “Just Do It”. Email or call another COG friend and get together. You’ll feel good. Happy New Year! (CT) Hooters of Wethersfield 01/03/06 - What do you do on a cold winter January night to keep warm? What else - You go to Hooters for hot wings and beverages. Combined with the awesome company of fellow COGgers, what could be better? Not only are the wings terrific, but I understand that if you tear their menu into strips and play it backwards through a tape recorder, the secret meaning of Hooters will be revealed. We’ll meet at 6:00 PM @ Hooters, 1731 Berlin Tpke, Wethersfield, CT. For directions, call Hooters at 860.563.8083. An impromptu ride will follow dinner, weather permitting. All bikes and riders welcome. Contact Jon Coler 860.221.5194 or joncoler@yahoo.com (DC) International Motorcycle Show 01/14/06 - This is not a COG function. Hope to see you there. Washington Convention Center; ISSUE 6, 2005
Washington, DC 202.249.3000 www.motorcycleshows.com - Pat Sprague: 540.743.4874 or psprague@shentel.net
COG year underway. Directions to Mike's garage: From the North, East or West: From the center square in Hanover (This is where PA route 94, 116 and 194 intersect), go south on (NY) Johnny Angel's Heavenly Burgers PA 94 (Baltimore St.) through 2 traffic lights 01/15/2006 - The first get-together in Central and make a right when you get to Mt. Royal New York will be at Johnny Angel's Heavenly Ave. Turn right at the first alley. The garage is Burgers restaurant (15 E. Genesee St) in the on the left. From the South: Go north on MD heart of Baldwinsville, NY at 2PM. Meet fellow route 30 into PA. After passing through 4 traffic COGgers and enjoy some good food in the lights, make a left when you get to Mt. Royal process. Beyond the usual greet and meet, we'll Ave. Turn right at the first alley. The garage is be discussing where the next meeting will be, on the left. For those who are directionally which areas will make good spring rides, and challenged and rely on GPS, the coordinates gather interest in a local tech get-together. If are: N 39° 47.64' W 76° 58.66'. Please RSVP so you would like more information, don't hesitate they can plan enough food. Contact Mike and to contact me. Hope to se you there Directions Roseanne at 717.637.2663 or From the West or the East: Take I-90 to Exit 39. schmidt@superpa.net. Take RT-690N to the RT-31/RT-370 exit. Turn (CT) Motorcycle Movie Madness left at the end of the ramp onto RT-31/W Genesee Rd. From the North or South: Take I- 01/28/06 - Come on over at 2:00 PM and bring 81 to I-690W. Stay on I-690W as it turns into a bag or two of munchies, soda – whatever – to RT-690N. Take RT-690N to the RT-31/RT-370 share with the crowd. Location: 80 Highland exit. Turn left at the end of the ramp onto RTStreet, Rocky Hill, CT. Well be popping a 31/W Genesee Rd. Contact Lee Brink 607-299- Motorcycle DVD in the ol’ player and kickin’ 4409 lcbrink@pobox.com back with a warm fire in the hearth and the munchies and beverages bountiful. Due to (VA) Fredericksburg Ride limited space RSVP is a must and this event is 01/15/06 –We'll meet at the Cracker Barrel at only available to current members. Contact Jon 1971 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, 860-221-5194 or joncoler@yahoo.com VA 22401 540.785.8352 at 9:00 AM. Jim (CT) Willington Pizza House, Willington, CT Sparkman has some interesting back roads planned for us to ride before arriving at another 02/07/06 - Located on Route 32, Willington, CT, Willington Pizza House is said to serve the place serving great, hot food! In the event of snow/sleet this ride will be held on the January BEST pizza in Tolland County for 25 years. I can attest that the food at Willington Pizza is 22nd. Any questions or comments please contact Jim Sparkman at 540.775.5864 or simply ORGASMIC and their red potato pizza kawvger12@aol.com is to die for! We’ll meet at 6:00 PM and dine while our taste buds perform amazing (NY) International Motorcycle Show somersaults. For directions and a sneak peak at 01/21/06 - This is not a COG function. Most their menu, visit their website at COGgers attend the NYC show on Saturday. www.willingtonpizza.com. Weather permitting; We use the location of the Concours in the an impromptu ride will follow dinner. All bikes Kawasaki area as a rendezvous point first thing and riders welcome. Contact Jon 860-221-5194 in the morning and mid-afternoon prior to or joncoler@yahoo.com heading out for a late lunch. Plans are made last (NY) Hudson Valley Area Meet-n-Greet minute and are spread word of mouth at the show. Hope to see you there. Jacob K. Javits 02/12/06 - Join me for a simple breakfast/ Convention Center, NYC 212.216.2000 brunch to get the Hudson Valley area COGgers www.motorcycleshows.com Contact: Steve acquainted. No planned ride, just meet and see Smith 203.720.7575 nead@concours.org what happens. Meet at 10am at the Mount Kisco Coach Diner .(252 Main Street, Mt. (PA) “Chili n’ Cheese/Tech Session” Kisco). From Saw Mill Parkway take exit 34 (Rt133), turn right onto 133 (E Main St), follow 01/21/06 - Mike and Roseanne Schmidt will to 3rd lite, turn right onto Main St. Go thru 2 again host the famous Chili n' Cheese gig in lites, diner is on the right (parking in rear). their garage at the rear of their home at 438 South Franklin Street, Hanover, PA. Mike will From southern Westchester via 684, take exit 4/ Rt172, left at light, follow to end (at hospital), also host a tech session if there is any interest. and bear right. Diner is about ½ mile down on Please bring any parts or fluids you will need. Mike will provide garage space, tools and a lift. left. From points north, follow 684 to the Saw Things get started at 9:00AM. Chili and grilled Mill directions. Mike Flynn 914.263.5440 or cheese sandwiches will be served around 12PM keltwolf@optonline.net for those mainly interested in eating. If you (VA) Breakfast & Ride want your valves adjusted please make 02/12/06 - Gordonsville, VA …and maybe arrangements to bring your bike the night lunch and ride. At 9:30 AM, meet at the before or truck it to the Schmidt's on Saturday Innwood Restaurant on RT 15 just north of the morning. Get your bike ready for the riding traffic circle in Gordonsville. A ride will follow, season and enjoy great food and COG camaraderie. It HAS to be warmer this year, so (Continued on page 6) come on up, down, or over and help get the new Page 5
weather permitting. Hope for blue skies and clean roads. This is normally the coldest ride on the mid Atlantic ride schedule. Got ‘lectrics? Alternate date if bad weather will be Sunday 2/19/06. Contact: Pat Sprague at 540.743.4874 or psprague@shentel.net (MD) “Chicken Corn Soup Gig” 02/25/06 - John and Missy Lippy will host a hearty cold weather feed at there home at 227 East Green Street in Westminster, MD. GPS coordinates N 39-34.094 W 76-59.451 We’ll meet at John and Missy’s at Noon. If the weather is favorable plug in your electrics and ride the bike. If the weather is questionable come in the cage and enjoy COG Camaraderie. Please call the Lippy’s a week before so they can plan food. 410.871.3285 or m.lippy@netzero.net
03/18 - 03/19/06 – Crabcakes! We may be returning to the Eastern shore of Maryland, with camping near Quantico, MD. Plans are in the making. Please contact Russell Fleming at 410.374.9687 or fleming@qis.net. (CT) Meet, Eat, Ride – PMS Breaker! 03/25/06 - 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 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. Entrance to Plaza on Left. Contact Jon 860-2215194 or joncoler@yahoo.com
(CT) Meet, Eat, Ride 04/04/06 - Meet the first Tuesday of each (CT) Motorcycle Movie Madness month for an informal gathering of dinner & 02/25/06 - Come on over at 2:00 PM and bring conversation. Renew old friendships, & kindle a bag or two of munchies, soda – whatever – to new ones. We will meet at 6:00 PM at Kathyshare with the crowd. Location: 80 Highland Johns, Storrs, CT 643 Middle TPK, Storrs Street, Rocky Hill, CT. Well be popping a Mansfield, CT 06268-1304. Telephone: Motorcycle DVD in the ol’ player and kickin’ 860.429.0362. An enormous array of back with a warm fire in the hearth and the sandwiches, burgers, and entrees to choose munchies and beverages bountiful. Due to from, followed by even more combinations of limited space RSVP is a must and this event is ice cream sundaes and specialties for dessert. only available to current members. Contact Jon Casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Also 860-221-5194 or joncoler@yahoo.com notable is the large "souvenir shop" by the cash registers, featuring rubber stamps, knick(CT) Wood’s Pit BBQ, Bantam, CT knacks, incense, and other odds and ends. 03/07/06 - This is the kind of joint your friends Weather permitting; an impromptu ride will talk about that makes you wish you had follow dinner. All bikes and riders welcome. discovered it yourself. A small, “Real Pit BBQ” Contact Jon 860-221-5194 or restaurant that also features Mexican, full joncoler@yahoo.com service, bar & takeout. The BBQ here is (MD) Northeast Maryland, PA & Delaware AWESOME! Beef and pork ribs literally fall off the bone and are NOT drowning in sauce. 04/08/06 - Ride by Jim Doyle and Mark Pulled pork sandwiches are divine as are the Gutkneckt. More details later. Contact Russell honey hot wings. The Mexican selections are Fleming 410-374-9687 or fleming@qis.net very good too. They have real green chili! (NY) Hudson Valley Area Meet-n-Greet Something unheard of here in New England 04/09/06 - Join me for a simple breakfast/ They are located at 123 Bantam Lake Road brunch to get the Hudson Valley area COGgers (Route 209), Bantam, CT 06750, Phone: 860acquainted. No planned ride, just meet and see 567-9869. Weather permitting; an impromptu what happens. Meet at 10am at the Mount ride will follow dinner. All bikes and riders Kisco Coach Diner .(252 Main Street, Mt. welcome. Directions: Follow Route 202. Turn West onto 209. Drive Route 209 for 4.8 miles to Kisco). From Saw Mill Parkway take exit 34 (Rt133), turn right onto 133 (E Main St), follow Wood’s Pit. Contact Jon 860-221-5194 or to 3rd lite, turn right onto Main St. Go thru 2 joncoler@yahoo.com lites, diner is on the right (parking in rear). (NY) Hudson Valley Area Meet-n-Greet From southern Westchester via 684, take exit 4/ Rt172, left at light, follow to end (at hospital), 03/12/06 - Join me for a simple breakfast/ brunch to get the Hudson Valley area COGgers and bear right. Diner is about ½ mile down on acquainted. No planned ride, just meet and see left. From points north, follow 684 to the Saw Mill directions. Mike Flynn what happens. Meet at 10am at the Mount keltwolf@optonline.net or 914-263-5440 Kisco Coach Diner .(252 Main Street, Mt. Kisco). From Saw Mill Parkway take exit 34 (Rt133), turn right onto 133 (E Main St), follow (VA) Breakfast-n-Ride, Thunderbird Diner 04/09/06 - Meet for breakfast 9:00am at the to 3rd lite, turn right onto Main St. Go thru 2 Thunderbird Diner in McGaheysville, VA, 42 lites, diner is on the right (parking in rear). From southern Westchester via 684, take exit 4/ Island Ford Rd, on US RT 33 across from the McGayesville Volunteer Fire Dept. A great new Rt172, left at light, follow to end (at hospital), diner with good food and reasonable prices. and bear right. Diner is about ½ mile down on After breakfast, we’ll head towards the left. From points north, follow 684 to the Saw Mountain State, weather permitting. Contact Pat Mill directions. Mike Flynn Sprague 540.743.5132 or psprague@shentel.net keltwolf@optonline.net or 914-263-5440 (MD) Crabcakes Ride Page 6
(VA) “Blessing of the Bikes”
04/22/06 - Luray VFW Hall - Not a COG event. Lunch will be served. No charge, but a free will offering to benefit Habitat for Humanity can be considered. Local friend, pastor, and motorcyclist, Rev. Daniel Robayo will do the blessing. More details to follow. Contact Pat Sprague at 540.743.4874 or psprague@shentel.net (VA) Southern Wrenchfest Weekend 04/29 – 04/30/06 - Cogger extraordinaire, Jim Hammond, # 3192, of has offered once again to host a weekend tech session at his home in Lynchburg, VA. Come one or both days; there is bed, cot, sleeping bag, and tent space. We will have the use of his 30x40 garage, many tools, and a bike lift. Bring any tools you may want and any fluids, filters, parts, tars, etc. that you may need. If a valve adjustment is planned you may tow the bike or make arrangements with Jim to bring it early. Jim says he can put up six in beds, three on cots, and an unlimited number of tents in the yard or sleeping bags in the garage. He will provide two mid-day meals and coffee & donuts (or rolls) in the morning. There are plenty of restaurants in the area for the evening meal. Directions to 1220 Pokeys Creek Road, Lynchburg, VA: all routes but one will involved the use of the Lynchburg Expressway, so you follow the signs for 501 north. When you come to a stoplight you turn left onto 221 south. The second light near the CVS on the left is Cottontown Rd and goes only right. Follow that about one half mile to a fork. Cottontown Rd goes left but you go straight on Howkins Mill Rd. At about 3.2 mi you will turn on Old Farm Rd. on the left. Turn again at the third road on the left and go to the stop sign at Pokeys Creek. Turn left and go to the first house on the left. From the north on 29 you will enter Lynchburg on the Expressway. Follow the above directions. From the south on 29 you take the second exit to the Expressway and follow the above. From the west on 460 you take the Lynchburg Bus. exit and stay on Timberlake Rd. to the Expressway. Take the second exit and follow the above. Please call or email Jim to let him know that you're coming! Jim Hammond 434.386.3075 or hamnj@earthlink.net (CT) Over the River & Through the Woods to Curtis’ BBQ 04/29/06 - Putney, VT “Chill-Buster Ride” Meet and Greet at Bickford’s Restaurant in Enfield, CT at 8:30 AM. Ride departs at 9:15 AM. We will traverse some of the best roads in the area as we twist and wind through Connecticut, Massachusetts and into Vermont en route to Curtis’ BBQ (Telephone: 802.387.5474) 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 860-221-5194 or joncoler@yahoo.com These events and more are listed in the online ride database: www.concours.org/schedule N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S
Concours Owners Group Presents the Northeast Area 8th Annual
Spring Fling in Wellsboro, PA May 18th – 21st, 2006 We had such a good time last year, we are doing it again!!! The Slate Run Tackle Shop & General Store COGgers can sample some of the best sammiches in the area - and the area offers great riding in any direction. Our host town of Wellsboro is located in north central PA, along the famous Route 6 corridor, not far from New York State's Finger Lake Region. The rally area is abundant with museums, wineries, terrific scenery, and great roads. Rally Headquarters: Penn Wells Lodge, 62 Main St, Wellsboro, PA 800-545-2446 570-724-2111 (www.pennwells.com) A limited block of rooms has been set aside and will be held until 04/18/2006, so book your room early. Room rates vary ($50-$72) depending on if single, double queen, etc. Ask hotel about available options. Alternate Lodging: We also have a limited number of rooms blocked at the neighboring Sherwood Motel, www.sherwoodmotel.org 800-626-5802. There will also be rooms available at the Penn Wells Hotel a block away. Camping: Stony Fork Creek Campground, 658 Stony Fork Creek Road, Wellsboro, PA, www.stonyforkcamp.com 570.724.3096 Be sure to mention Concours Owners Group to get rooms held in our block. Rally Fee: $25 (US $) per person for COG members, their immediate family or significant other; $30 each for Non-COG members and their guests. Add a $5.00 late fee for all registrations received after 4/18/06. Full refund issued prior to 4/18/06; refund less $5.00 after 4/18/06; no refund after 5/17/06. We cannot guarantee dinner seating for registrations received after 5/16/06. The rally fee covers the cost of the Saturday banquet meal and other miscellaneous rally expenses. Wristbands will be used to identify registered attendees and for door prizes. This event will be Riding: Sample self-guided ride routes provided; New sample routes added for 2006. Events: The Saturday banquet will be the famous Penn Wells Smorgasbord, held in the Penn Wells Hotel dining room. Seating time will be provided at rally check-in. Send lower portion of the Registration Form with rally fee payable to “Concours Owners Group” to: Mike Flynn – Spring Fling PO Box 58 Mamaroneck, NY 10543-0058
Questions / Comments / Suggestions? Jason Kaplitz 814.535.8669 or gsjay62 @ verizon.net Mike Flynn 914.263.5440 or keltwolf @ optonline.net Steven Smith 203.720.7575 or nead @ concours.org Rally web page: www.concours.org/ne/springfling
(cut & return lower section)
Rally Registration Form (Please PRINT Clearly) Name: (One form per person) ____________________________________________ AMA # _____________ COG #___________ Street: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: ________________________________________________ State/Province: ________________ Zip Code: _______________ Phone: (______)_____-____________ E-Mail: __________________________________________________ Country: _________ I will be a: rider/ passenger / guest Emergency Contact Information:
Motorcycle model: _________________________ License tag # ________________ 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 6, 2005
Parent or Guardian (if applicable) ___________________________________
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Our Newest Northeast Area Members Paul Legault, #7144 Moose Creek, ON Canada
Joseph Jones, #7163 Bowmanstown, PA
Barry & Bonnie Blaney, #7181 Nortondale, NB
Steven Webber, #7150 Toowaon, MD
Joy Dutta, #7164 Stony Brook, NY
John Lawrence, #7185 Erin, ON
Donald Hines, #7152 Suffolk, VA
David Vannucci, #7169 Greesnburg, PA
Richard Wackett, #7182 Sayville, NY
Michael Smith, #7154 Railroad, PA
Thomas Taylor, #7173 Bolton Landing, NY
Tobias Paddock, #7192 Laconia, NH
Richard Emerson, #7159 Skippack, PA
Robert Passano, #7179 Cumberland, RI
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N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S