Cognitions: Random thoughts from the Northeast Area Director - By Steven Smith #3184 Issue 2, 2006
The 2006 Northeast Area riding season has arrived. The folks in the mid-Atlantic region have already had a few riding events this year, but most living north of the Mason-Dixon line only recently started getting over parked motorcycle syndrome. There were a number of winter and early spring social gatherings over the last few months. There was the Chili and Cheese host by Dave & Dawn Fridirici of PA, Corn Soup gig hosted by John & Missy Lippy of MD, Movie Madness weekends hosted by Jon Coler AAD-CT, the Massachusetts Winter Social hosted by Kevin Martin AADNNE, and the Crab Cakes Weekend Ride hosted by Russell Fleming AAD-MD. These types of activities are a great way to meet members in your region. Not all of these activities may be close to where you live. That is why it is a really good thing when more members step forward to take a lead to make their particular region of the Northeast Area more active. Over the past several months a few people have asked how they can begin getting their region more active, or how to host a ride or other event. There has been lots of activity brewing in New York State. Bob Hostetter (#6703) in Canton, NY tossed an idea out there to put together a gathering together during the Americade rally. It was announced in the last newsletter, but Bob had to pull the plug on the event due to lack of interest. I know that Bob still wants to try to get folks together, so if you live in upstate NY Adirondack region, please drop Bob a note. Lee Brink resides in central New York and has had one lunch gathering near his home at Johnny Angel’s Heavenly Burgers. He has already planned another gathering at Johnny Angel’s and is hosting a mid-May central NY ride, that is announced in this issue and listed on the ride schedule. Way to go guys!! Thanks. J.R. Healy (#6591) of Hamburg, NY (near Buffalo) wanted to get the Western New York region more active and after we talked he began by picking a location to meet for lunch and attempted to contact members in his region by phone, letter, and email. They had a great first event and discussed planning more gatherings and riding for this year, like the May 7 Spring Ride. I look forward to adding them to the NE Calendar of Events. In light of all his efforts to get more Western NY members active in COG Northeast activities J.R and I discussed adding him to the NE Area staff. J.R. agreed and I recently appointed him as COG Northeast Assistant Area Director for Western New York (NEAADWNY). Please offer you congratulations to J.R. The 2006 North East Area rides and event schedule is chock full with activities of all kinds. As always, members from any COG area are welcome to come and participate in the fun of any NE activity. There are a few rallies that new member may not know about. you should already know about. Coming up May 18-21 we have the Spring Fling Rally in Wellsboro, PA. This quaint town is a perfect rally location. Most shops and eateries are within walking distance. There are plenty of places to go riding and explore the north-central Pennsylvania mountains or head north into New York state Finger Lake region. As I write this there are 117 people are already registered and we hope it is a big a success as last year.
Streetscapes of Wellsboro - photos by Jason Kaplitz
The weekend of August 4-6 we bring you the Dog Days Rally in Marlinton, WV. The Mid-Atlantic region has been running “Dog Days” weekend rides for years with much success. Escape the dog days of summer by spending a weekend in the as cooler mountain temperatures of motorcycle friendly WV. This is a terrific location for a motorcycle event since there are so many great twisty roads and attractions to explore. In the last newsletter I mentioned that Jim Clark (#2113) was working on a rally in October. At this time plans are still not firm because when the contact arrived the room pricing was not what was originally discussed on the phone. Not wanting to be jerked around, Jim began searching for another suitably priced motel in the Port Jervis/ southern Catskill region. We should have more details one way or the other by the next newsletter. Rally registration forms have been published in past newsletters and are also available for download from the NE web pages. No internet? I would be happy to send rally registration forms or a copy of the complete ride schedule if you mail me a self-addressed, stamped envelope – include a note indicating what forms you want. Steven Smith, 39 Alison Ave, Naugatuck, CT 06770. Have you visited the Northeast Area web pages recently? Our NE home page received a wonderful facelift. Even with being very busy after relocating from MD to NY, Kendra Weaver (#4807A) offered her expertise and recently provided us with a terrific new home page design. I hope to put a bit more stuff on the page, like maybe a welcome note. Feel free to send me your suggestions. Please also let me know if you notice any errors (spelling, typos, broken links) with any of the northeast web pages and we will take care of it. www.concours.org/ne There is lots of information on the Northeast web pages. Ride reports & photos, rally announcements, link to the online ride schedule database, newsletter archive, staff contact info, and more. Until next time, ride safe.
Steve
Western PA Report - by Joe Cyprych COG #4665 Hello fellow Coggers. By the time you read this, hopefully the snow and cold weather will be behind us, and we will be ready to kick off another great season of riding. I am happy to report that we will still have our weekly meet greet and rides on Sundays along with quite a few weekenders planned as well. Please check the home page under schedules. If you don’t have a computer it is always listed in the newsletter. I see we are getting quite a few new members in our area and I hope to meet some of you this year, and hope you can all attend a ride or event this year. I try to contact any new members in our area to include you in our group email listing to send out information pertaining to upcoming rides or events that are happening in our area. If you are not on it and would like to be, shoot me an email and I will add you. We also have a few rallies in our area this year and I hope you all can attend. They are a great time and this is one of the things that make our club a real enjoyment to be involved in. As always, if anyone needs more information, or has any questions, please feel free to contact me. I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable riding season this year.
Northeast Area Officers Area Director Steven Smith, #3184 39 Alison Ave Naugatuck, CT 06770 203-720-7575 nead@concours.org
Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh (Western PA) Joe Cyprych, #4665 McDonald, PA 724-796-1401 Cyprych@hky.com
Newsletter Editor Louis Caplan #2894 703-978-9844 Nighthawk700@yahoo.com
DelMarVa & Philly burbs (PA/NJ) Bob Chappell, #1283 Claymont, DE 302-791-0582 cog1283@comcast.net
Web Staff Steve Smith Kendra Weaver, #4807A Ted Shiskoski, #6395
Assistant Area Directors
Maryland/Southern PA Russell Fleming, #599 Hampstead, MD 410-374-9687 Fleming@qis.net
Massachusetts (VT, NH, ME) Kevin Martin, #145 Dracut, MA 978-459-6275 cog145@verizon.net
Mid-Atlantic States Patrick Sprague, #1887 Luray, VA 540-743-4874 (home) 540- 743-5132 (work) 540-743-3229 (fax) PSprague@shentel.net
Are you interested in meeting fellow members? Participate in a group ride? Have a local wrench session? Maybe find some help in organizing a ride in your area? Come meet your fellow COGgers, have some good food, and join us on the second Sunday of each month at Johnny Angel's in Baldwinsville, NY at 2 PM.
Connecticut (RI) Jonathan Coler, #5379 Rocky Hill, CT 860-257-4009 joncoler@yahoo.com
Atlantic Maritimes, Canada Ian Rennie, #5525 Saint John, NB 506-635-2124 IanRennie@mac.com
We currently have a ride scheduled for the 13th of May in the Central New York area (see the ride schedule in this newsletter), and are working on rides in the Adirondacks and the Finger Lakes region for later in the year. New ideas for events are always welcome and we all enjoy meeting our fellow COGgers from New York and beyond.
Metro NY/NJ Jim Clark, #2113 Valley Stream, NY 516-872-3694
COG comes to Central & Upstate NY - by Lee Brink COG #6993
If you need more information or directions, you can contact me directly (607.299.4409 or lcbrink@pobox.com) Hope to see you at our next meeting!
Mid-Atlantic Ride Report - by Pat Sprague, #1887 April 09 2006 (McGahyesville, VA) - A total of twelve riders braved the 28-degree frosty morning, lured by the promise of 62 degrees in the afternoon. Present at the Thunderbird Diner for breakfast were Clyde Watson, Greg Puterbaugh, Ed Myers, Russell Fleming, Tony Borum, Dusty Schilling, Kandy Dunn, John Dunn, Guy Young, Bob Shriner, and myself. Also there was, Mike Nasca, COG # 2265 who is a recent United States Navy retiree who has relocated from Virginia Beach, VA to sunny Florida. Mike made a twoday, 1,200 mile trek on his KLR 650 to join us for this ride. This being a very pretty Palm Sunday, the non-riding public began arriving at the Thunderbird Diner just as we were departing. We took a nicer rural route around Harrisonburg and avoided the busy college town. After a brisk 70 miles over the mountain into West Virginia we stopped in Franklin to warm up and kick tars. At this point Kandy and John headed south on route 200 while the rest continued on to (Continued on page 8) Page 2
NY Hudson Valley Mike Flynn, #4493 Bedford Hills, NY 914-239-3721 Keltwolf@optonline.net Western NY J.R. Healy, #6591 Hamburg, NY 716-648-6729 Dafonman52@yahoo.com
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
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 2006 © Concours Owners Group
N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S
Extra, Extra— The 2006 Season is Begun
New AAD - Western NY -by Steve Smith
- by Jon Coler, #5379
J.R. Healy (#6591) of Hamburg, NY (near Buffalo) wanted to get the Western New York region more active. He picked a location to meet for lunch and contacted members in his region by phone, letter, and email. They had a great first event (see below) and discussed planning more gatherings and riding for this year, like the May 7 Spring Ride. J.R and I discussed adding him to the NE Area staff. J.R. agreed and I recently appointed him as COG Northeast Assistant Area Director for Western New York (NEAAD-WNY). Congratulations!!!
It was Saturday, March 11 when my tires first touched the asphalt in the welcoming of the 2006 riding season. Temperatures that day ranged from morning lows in the upper 30’s to mid-afternoon highs in the upper 60’s. Since that first ride of the season, my tires have not yet had the opportunity to return to the asphalt frequently but my ambitions visit the tarmac every moment of each day and will continue to do so until the unstable early spring weather patterns calm to the warmth of late spring and actual summer. This year’s COG schedule is overflowing with activities, rides and events. At times when I browse through the schedule I feel regret founded in the misfortune of not being able to participate in two rides at the same time. At other times, I simply wish I could make that early 8:00 AM meet in Virginia or Maryland and be home in Connecticut for dinner. It’s nice to dream! Yet, it’s even better to just get out there and ride. Composing the schedule for the ‘06 riding season was fun. It gave me an opportunity to keep some rides that were hits last year and improve on some that didn’t quite measure up to my expectations while totally ditching some others. Still, newness is added to this year’s schedule in the form of the Adopt-A-Month program in which individual members have selected a month to plan events appearing on the schedule. (My sincere thanks are extended to all participants). I’d like to highlight several Connecticut events that promise fun and awesome riding. May 6th we’ll once again traverse some of the best roads in MA and VT as we make our way to Curtis’ BBQ in Putney, VT. May 12th the International Brotherhood of Motorcycle Campers (IBMC) and CT-COG co-host a weekend of camping fun at Chamberlain Lake Campground in Woodstock, CT. July 22nd, we’ll revisit beautiful Bash Bish Falls in the Berkshire Taconics. August 19th Majestic Mount Greylock and the haunted Hoosic Tunnel will be revisited. In late fall/early winter we’ll once again enjoy Motorcycle Movie Madness. However, I’m most excited about the Adopt-A-Month rides which will bring new excitement into our riding season while rewarding Connecticut with a higher level of members’ participation. (Let’s face it…Connecticut Rocks!) Overall, New England represents a wonderful region for COG activities. There is always a ride or event to participate in. Given the geography of our six states, most rides across the New England states are convenient day trips. The fun is endless and each ride gets better as the season progresses. The season is begun – now get out there, be safe and ride!
Western NY Getting Active -by J.R. Healy, #6591 Greetings and Salutations! Hope you are all doing well fighting off winter’s “cabin fever” and “PMS” (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome). Even though we’ve had what’s been one of the best winters in almost 50 years, the fact remains if you’re an adamant rider as I am, winter in Western New York (WNY) drags on and on. But there is something we can do about it… get all the WNY COG members together to form a support group. I am proposing this group to aid and assist the Concours owners and associates thereof (ie, wives, significant others, friends, etc.). I felt it was “High Time” that this area be properly organized and represented. Our purpose will be to unite, inform, and exchange information amongst the COG members in the geographical area in which we live. Any interested parties within the radius of this area, they can define how far this extends, are encouraged to join and participate. If you know of any other parties who may wish to join us, please feel free to welcome them to come along. I’ve attended 4 Area Rallies to date and have been very pleased to find how well organized and attended they are. At these rallies I’ve meet many fellow COGers who share the same enthusiasm of sport touring and love of the Connie as myself. The people were fast to accept me as a fellow rider and more than happy to share information, stories, and technical advice. It is my hope that we will be able to meet on a regular basis to plan rides and functions. Any assistance in this matter will be gratefully appreciated. My contact info is: J.R. Healy, 63 Pine Street, Hamburg, NY 14075; 716.648.6729; dafonman52@yahoo.com Seven members showed up for our first Meet & Greet held at Mammoser’s, and all had a good time. We introduced ourselves to one another and discussed planning of future rides and meets. Then we set a date for our next meet, April 9, 2006. One member volunteered to get permission to hold the next meeting at a location near their home that they thought would be appropriate for a COG gathering. Overall I thought everything went great for our first venture. The input from all who attended was exceptional and the atmosphere was uplifting and positive. I'm very optimistic that we have started something that can be sustained here. The owner treated us great by giving us Chicken Wing Special prices and discounted beverages. We took a group photo in front of Mammoser's.
MD/PA AAD Report - by Russell Fleming, #599 Participation at the recent area events has been good. We have on average about 25 to 30 people attend. We are hoping that this will continue or even get better. The next two big events with big attendance are the first weekend in May is the Wellsboro Gas Light and Slate Run for Buns Ride. Please RSVP me by 4/27/06 so I can call Slate Run so they can have enough buns for us. June I will need RSVP for the NORTH/SOUTH ride by 6/12/06. Check the NE ride schedule for more details. Mr.& Mrs. Roy Kaczynski, JR & Chris Healy, Mr.& Mrs. Bill Wilcox, Dan Deckman, Elvin Rivera, Tom Welsh. ISSUE 2, 2006
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Northern New England News - by Kevin Martin, COG #145 Another winter season has come and gone, and that’s fine with me as I’m ready to go riding. All things considered, this wasn’t a very bad winter at least for New England. I actually managed to fit in quite a few short rides over the winter due to the mild temperatures and lack of lasting snow. But that’s all over now, and I’m ready to do some real long distance riding, like maybe a trip to Wellsboro, PA for the Spring Fling! Yup, I’m up for that, but first I’ll need to do some routine spring maintenance. See my Spring Service Tips article for suggestions. The COG Northeast Area is jammed packed with events again this year. I’ve got my first rides of the season scheduled for April. The first one on April 15, meeting in Sturbridge, MA and touring thru Northern Ct. and Southwestern parts of Western Mass. and the Pioneer Valley area. This ride will be hosted by Mass Member Doug Gray. Next up, on April 29th, will be my usual spring ride thru southern NH then out to the coast stopping for lunch along the Ocean on RT 1A, in Rye NH.
Spring Service Tips - by Kevin Martin, COG #145 •
Here’s a short list of the primary types of service I routinely do in the spring, and highly recommend you do as well.
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Check your tires for usable tread and proper air pressure. The recommended service limit for most motorcycle tires is approximately 1/32” for the front tire, and 3/32” for the rear tire. For safety reasons, replace the tires if they are outside of these limits.
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Change your oil. If your bike’s been in cold storage all winter, start the riding season off with fresh oil and a clean filter. Over the course of winter storage, moisture can collect in the crankcase and the oil can trap some corrosives that you certainly don’t want to circulate thru the engine.
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Check your 3 Master cylinders, (2 brake, 1 clutch). Visually inspect the DOT 4 fluids in all three master cylinders for proper level and quality. When you look through the sight glass on the front brake and clutch master cylinders, the fluid color should appear clear. If the fluid looks gray or even worse, black, then the fluid is contaminated and needs to be replaced. Brake fluid is very susceptible to moisture and contaminates very easily. Riding around with contaminated fluid is an accident waiting to happen. Flushing your brake and clutch fluids is an easy job, just follow the procedure in your shop manual.
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Check your battery water level. If low, add only distilled water to the full level, don’t over fill.
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Fuel system. It’s a good idea to drain the carburetor float bowels to remove any sediment or water that may have collected during winter storage. I recommend that you use some type of water emulsifier in your tank to remove trapped moisture. This will minimize the chances of rust forming inside your tank. I add 3 ounces of STP Water Remover, which is a non-alcohol based fuel dryer, to a full tank of gas about once a month all year long.
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Electrics. Take the time to check to see that everything’s working properly. Horn, lights, directional signals, emergency flashers, etc.
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Check your service record to see what kind of routine maintenance needs to be done since your last scheduled maintenance, and take the time to do it now, early in the season, before you get into the better weather and more routine riding. When was the last time you cleaned your Air Filter? How long has it been since your last Valve Adjustment? What about changing the rear drive fluid, or greasing the Uni-Trak linkage. How many miles do you have on those Brake pads?
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You don’t have to be a professional motorcycle mechanic to do the types of routine maintenance I’ve mentioned here. Spending a little time up front will ensure many miles of trouble free riding. Finally, don’t forget to put a good coat of wax on that baby and then go have some fun !
In the month of May, we have two great events both on the same weekend so there’s plenty of fun for everyone. The main event is the COG Spring Fling in Wellsboro, PA, May 18 thru 21st. On Saturday May 20th, Industry Member Whitehorse Press will be hosting their first annual Club Day and BBQ. This event is open to all area Motorcycle Clubs, and Whitehorse has also offered their facility and services to COG members to do their own bike wrenching, just like last years tech session. The Club Day event will be held from 10 am to 3 pm. Merchandise discounts will be available to COG Members. I recommend that you bring your COG Membership card to verify membership. Detailed information can be found on the ride schedule database. That’s just a start of our riding season. Check the COG event schedule for more New England area rides and events as well as many other rides scheduled throughout the year in neighboring States. Also, I’d like to thank all those who attended my Winter Social at the New Moon Saloon in Marlborough Massachusetts. We had attendance of about 16 people for this local event. COG graciously pitched in the first $50 for food and soda and the members paid for the rest through donations, and I’m pretty sure everyone had a great time. It’s great to get together in the off season to catch up on old times, and to discuss plans for the upcoming riding season. Last but not least, I’d like to welcome all new COG Members in the Northern New England Area to our membership, and I look forward to meeting you on one of our events this year. Remember, member participation is what make COG a successful organization. That’s it for now. Looking forward to another great year of riding. See you soon!
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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 Repeating 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. Craig & Lynn Scott 519.823.1545 clscott@golden.net (PA) Meet Greet and Ride Sundays Meet Sundays at 10:00 am at Kings Restaurant located in Imperial, PA, located right off the Imperial exit of routes 22 & 30. We will decide a ride or destination with whoever attends, or I will have a route ready if we need it. Rides will begin the 1st week in April until the 1st week in Nov. If you have a ride idea, or need any additional info or directions contact Joe Cyprych 724.796.1401 or cyprych@hky.com Hope to see you there. (NY) Central NY Sunday Gatherings Get together on the 2nd Sunday of each month, 2pm at Johnny Angel's Heavenly Burgers, 15 E. Genesee St. Baldwinsville, NY. Meet fellow COGgers and enjoy some good food in the process. Need more info or directions? Contact Lee Brink 607.299.4409 or lcbrink@pobox.com
Calendar of Events (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 tell him you're coming! Jim Hammond 434.386.3075 or hamnj@earthlink.net
(CT) Ride to Curtis’ BBQ 05/06/06 - 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 (MD) Northeast Maryland, PA & Delaware the area as we twist and wind through CT, MA, 04/23/06 - Jim Doyle is hosting a ride that will and into VT en route to Curtis’ BBQ start at the Cracker Barrel on Route 30 east of (802.387.5474) in Putney. At Curtis’s we’ll downtown Lancaster PA. Meet for breakfast at feast on some of the most mouth waterin’, lip 9 am and plan to ride by 10 am. The route will smackerin’, ribs and chicken west of the take you through Southeast PA. Amish Country Connecticut River. Route sheets will be and Northern Delaware Horse and Country available. All bikes and riders welcome. Home Estates. The ride ends with a cookout at Contact Jon 860-221-5194 or Jim’s house in Landenberg, PA where we will joncoler@yahoo.com feast on hotdogs and hamburgers. After (PA) Run for Buns/Wellsboro Gas Lights enjoying the food and riding storys, Jim has 05/06 - 05/07/06 – We will meet Saturday at rides planned either to Conowingo Dam or Sheetz at Route 11 and 114 on the north side of Lancaster, where we can start to find our way home. Contact Jim Doyle doylejj@comcast.net Mechanicsburg, PA at 8:00 am and plan to leave at 8:30. There will be a riders meeting to or Russell Fleming 410-374-9687 hand out maps and route sheets so that everyone fleming@qis.net can ride at there own pace. There is a planned lunch stop at Slate Run Store and Tackle Shop. (CT) Connecticut COG ERC After a SUPER Sandwich and drink we will 04/23/06 - 8:00am - 3:00pm, Waterbury, CT. ride to Wellsboro PA for an evening of There may still be space in the class. Contact: Jon Coler 860-221-5194 joncoler@yahoo.com motorcycle stories. If anyone would like, I could lead a ride to the PA Grand Canyon or ISSUE 2, 2006
some fun roads that I know in the area. Sunday we meet at Harland’s Family Style Restaurant, 17 Pearls Street, Wellsboro PA at 8:00 am to eat breakfast. There is a planned route to bring you back to south central PA. Lodging in Wellsboro is at your cost and arrangement; I will be staying at the Sherwood Motel. Sherwood Motel, Main Street Wellsboro PA 800-656-5802; The Penn Wells Lodge or Hotel, Main Street, Wellsboro PA 800-545-2446; Canyon Motel, 18 East Avenue Wellsboro PA 800-255-2718; For more Lodging checkout www.wellsboroweb.com Contact Russell Fleming 410-374-9687 or fleming@qis.net (NY) “Ride the Hills” Spring Ride 05/07/06 - Meet 9:00 AM at Denny’s Restaurant, S.5092 Camp Rd., Hamburg, NY . This is near the corner of Southwestern Blvd. (Rt.20) and Camp Rd. (Rt.75), approximately ¼ mi. from Exit 57 of the NY State Thruway (Rt.90). After a brief meeting we will be sampling some of the Southtowns best roads and scenery. We’ll stop in Ellicottville for lunch and visit the shops in the village. When we resume our ride, we will head north and west through dairy country to Collins Center, and north back to Hamburg and Mammosers Tavern to chill and say our farewells. This ride will take about 6-7 hours with stopping, eating and shopping at comfortable pace. With good luck and weather I think everyone who attends will have a good days worth of riding and camaraderie, which is why we are what we are, a sport touring motorcycle group. Sample route sheet will be provided. Show & take part or read about it later, it’s your choice. Just remember your bike can’t read. May 14th will be the rain date. J.R Healy 716.648.6729 or dafonman52@yahoo.com (NY) Glocks in the Tankbag Ride! 05/13/06 - 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 914.263.5440 or keltwolf@optonline.net (NY) Springtime in Central NY 05/13/06 - Meet at the Burger King in Tully, New York. (At the corner of SR-80, SR-11A, (Continued on page 6) Page 5
(Ride Schedule Continued from page 5)
and I-81) Pre-ride meeting begins at 11am Sharp! Meet your fellow motorcyclists at the Burger King in Tully, NY at the I-81 ramp, and enjoy a 150 mile twisting and sweeping ride through Southeastern Central New York, rural Madison county and historic Hamilton, NY. Gather at the end in Chittenango for a snack or early dinner, swap stories, and learn of other scheduled rides in the Central and Upstate New York area. Maps & route guides will be handed out at the pre-ride meeting. Pre-ride meeting attendance and ride release form are mandatory. Arriving with a full tank is recommended. Need more info? Contact Lee Brink 607.299.4409 or lcbrink@pobox.com (PA) Spring Fling Rally, Wellsboro, PA 05/18 - 05/21/06 – We had such a great time last year we are doing it again. The 8th annual event will be held in Wellsboro. At the Slate Run Tackle Shop & General Store COGgers can sample some of the best sammiches in north central PA. The riding around this area is great. 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. More info can be found on the web (www.concours.org/ne/SpringFling) or on the registration form. Contact Jason Kaplitz 814-535-8669 or gsjay62@verizon.net
410.857.1900. Lodging in Hanover, MD: Hampton Inn, 800.426.7866, 717.633.1117; Super 8, 800.800.8000, 717.630.8888; Clearview Motor Inn, 717.637.3701. Directions to the Fleming's. From Westminster: Route 140 to Route 27 North 6 miles, Right on Old Fort Schoolhouse Rd. Fleming's is 1 mile on left at top of hill. From Hanover: Take PA 94 south into MD where it becomes MD 30. Continue to Manchester. Turn right at MD 27 (Sheetz store on left) 2.4 miles. Then a left onto Old Fort Schoolhouse Rd. Fleming's is 1 mile on left at top of hill. Camping in the back yard on Friday and Saturday night. Please give me a call if you plan on coming so that I know how much food to fix. Contact Russell Fleming 410.374.9687 fleming@qis.net (CT) Western Mass Awesome Sweepers 06/17/06 - This ride offers some great views of Western Massachusetts - the Berkshires. Some of the highlights of the ride will be Hogback Mountain in VT, Shelburne Falls, Hardwick General Store and some of the hardest curving roads anywhere! The route skirts alongside streams, several tucked away lakes, one covered bridge, and traversing a water dam bridge. Meet Bickford’s in Enfield, CT (off exit 47 EAST on I-91) at 8:30AM for breakfast. The ride will start approximately 9:30AM. All bikes and riders welcome. For more info, please contact Jim Purucker 413.525.8459 or j.purucker@verizon.net
2006 (NY) Ride to Glide Ride 06/24/06 - Join me for a ride across the Hudson to Middletown, NY where we will shed our earthly steeds and go for a ride on a wing and a prayer (and some wind). I hope to have a video camera to film those that go for a ride. 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 I-684, 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. This is also a sunny day only event. Weather conditions need to be right. I need RSVP’s if you plan to attend. Email me more for more info and fees. Bring your EZpass if you have one. Mike Flynn 914.263.5440 or keltwolf@optonline.net (SD) COG National Rally, Hill City 06/25 – 07/01/06 - Details available in the Concourier and the COG web page: www.concours.org.
(MD) COG / BMW Get Together 07/09/06 - Russell Fleming of COG and Eddie Phelps of BMWBMW were discussing way’s to get more camaraderie between brands of motorcycles. Here is what we came up with. (NY) Hudson Valley Area Meet-n-Greet (PA) Thunder in the Valley Camp & Ride Meet for breakfast at at 9:00AM at the Golden Corral in Frederick MD on RT 355, south of 06/04/06 - Join me for a simple breakfast/ 06/23 - 06/25/06 - Once again Jason Kaplitz brunch to get the Hudson Valley area COGgers and his BMWgroup have invited us to join them RT 70. After breakfast route sheets will be handed out for a 150 mile self guided ride that acquainted. No planned ride, just meet and see for their Thunder in the Valley weekend ride. what happens. Meet at 10am at the Mount The rally is held in Johnstown, PA. Come join will end at Mountain Gate Family Restaurant in Waynesboro PA. The ride will take you on Kisco Coach Diner .(252 Main Street, Mt. us at the 4th Annual Laurel Highlands BMW some of the finest Motorcycle riding roads in Kisco). From Saw Mill Parkway take exit 34 Riders Campout. www.lhbmwr.com This the area. Come out and show your support for (Rt133), turn right onto 133 (E Main St), follow campout coincides with Johnstown, Pa’s Sport Touring at it’s finest. For more to 3rd lite, turn right onto Main St. Go thru 2 famous "Thunder in the lites, diner is on the right (parking in rear). Valley" (www.visitjohnstownpa.com) The site information: Russell Fleming COG AAD MD / From southern Westchester via 684, take exit 4/ for our rally is a beautiful 30 min. ride south of South Central PA 410.374.9687 or email fleming@qis.net or Eddie Phelps Ride Rt172, left at light, follow to end (at hospital), Johnstown at Pioneer Park Campground Chairman BMWBMW 410.781.7521 or and bear right. Diner is about ½ mile down on (www.pioneerparkcampground.com) just off phelps2ride@starpower.net left. From points north, follow 684 to the Saw Rt. 31. Pioneer Park is a terrific full-service Mill directions. Mike Flynn camping resort with excellent shower and (CT) Bill’s Seafood, Westbrook, CT keltwolf@optonline.net or 914-263-5440 facilities, minutes away from the Pa. Turnpike Exit #10, Somerset, Pa. or the Donegal exit #9. 07/11/06 - Due to the 4th of July holiday; this (MD) North Meets South 9 Directions: From Somerset follow Rt. 31 W. 7 event will occur on the 2nd Tuesday of this 06/16 - 06/18/06 - Gathering at Martha & miles to campground. From Donegal, follow Rt. month. Bill's Seafood is familiar territory to Russell Fleming’s house in Hampstead, MD. boaters who dock their boats in some of the 31 E 12 miles.Cost for the rally is just $15 2610 Old Fort Schoolhouse Rd. Friday: payable to the club and a camping fee of $5.00 finest marinas on the East Coast in Westbrook campers come and setup your tent and have a Connecticut. Outside picnic tables on the edge per night/per person payable at the cookout in the evening. There is plenty of tent of the Patchogue River, and a center bar/dining campground. Rally pin for the first 150 space in the backyard for Fri & Sat night. registrants. Activities include tech session, self- room with a nautical kind atmosphere is the Saturday: Breakfast, Ride and Cookout. best on going party on the East Coast. When guided rides to Flight 93 Memorial crash site Breakfast will be held in the driveway. Serving (www.flt93memorial.org), routes thinking of scrod, swordfish, tuna, big, sweet bacon and eggs, juice and coffee. Starting at lobsters, cherrystone clams and fried clams, www.cyclesa.com/toursa/ and others - plus 8:00 am then you can leave at your free will on “Thunder in the Valley”. Hot dogs & snacks Bill's Seafood is the place to be. They are a 260 mile ride that ends back here for a Fri. & Sat. evening. Sat. & Sun. A.M. coffee & located at 548 Boston Post Road (Route 1), cookout that will start about 6:30pm. There is a doughnuts & more. Pavilions, picnic tables, Westbrook, CT. For directions and a peak at planned lunch stop at Country Village their menu, visit their website at campfire! Motels & restaurants nearby. Sat. Restaurant in Allensville PA. Sunday: Breakfast night band! Info: Jason Kaplitz COG #62 (814) www.billsseafood.com or call 860-399-7224. will be held again in the driveway starting 535-8669 gsjay62@verizon.net Come enjoy the Weather permitting; an impromptu ride will 8:30am with a guided ride after. Lodging in follow dinner. All bikes and riders welcome. great riding & excellent sites in the Laurel Westminster, MD: Boston Inn, 800.634.0846, NOTE: Bill’s does not accept credit cards. Highlands. Pre-registration appreciated: send 410.848.9095; Days Inn, 800.329.7466, They are a Cash Only establishment. Contact check payable to LHBMWR c/o S. Papinchak 410.857.0500; Best Western, 800.528.1234, 840 Basin Rd. Windber, Pa. 15963 by June 10, Jon 860-221-5194 or joncoler@yahoo.com Page 6
N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S
Chicken Corn Soup - by Missy Lippy, #236A
Crab Cakes
Well... the Lippy's hosted their fourth successful Chicken Corn Soup Gig. As always, the soup and other vitals were spectacular; along with the conversation. They had quite the houseful with 28 members and nonmembers in attendance. (The same count as last year!) Ages ran from zero (Shaffer baby girl to be) to eighty-two. It was standing room only, but no one seemed to mind. It was really nice to see 5 wives attend thanks to the convenience of the cage in cooler weather. So come one, come all next year and enjoy this hearty feast.
Started some 7 or 8 years ago by our venerable ED Guy Young, the arrival of the annual Maryland Crab Cakes ride highlights the beginning of the riding season and most particularly kicks off the Mid-Atlantic series of weekend Camp & Rides. S.L.”Dusty” Schilling’s provided one man’s view of this year’s ride and it will be presented as a future Concourier article.
ISSUE 2, 2006
Page 7
Our Newest Northeast Area Members (since the last newsletter) Craig Loop, #7256 Harmony, PA
Bob Watkins, #7286 Tewksbury, MA
Patrick & Debora Willard, #7321 Greenbush, ME
Alan Antoniazzi, #7261 Sudbury, ON Canada
George Siller, #7290 Merchantville, NJ
Howard Weller Jr, #7324 Falling Waters, WV
Anthony & Maureen Brady, #7264 Sparta, NJ
Richard Woolf & Linda Crosby, #7291 Hamilton, NJ
Alan Mirarchi, #7328 Pittsburgh, PA
HVMP Inc. C/O Susan Cerutti, #7265 Putnam Valley, NY
Patrick Morin, #7292 Otterburn Park, ON Canada
Dennis Robbins, #7334 New York, NY
Douglas & Gloria Kitchen, #7267 Norwalk, CT
Bob Chickness, #7300 Trenton, NS Canada
Michael Wade, #7337 Chester, VA
Mark Reese, #7274 Lincoln, VT
Ron Riddell, #7307 Pawtucket, RI
Joe Henaire, #7344 Saco, ME
Rod Shropshire, #7276 Beverly, MA
Elizabeth Tripp, #7309 Branford, CT
Bobby Dean, #7345 Martinsville, VA
Thomas Chappell, #7278 Rome, NY
Barry Reitman, #7312 Blooming Grove, NY
Thomas Welch, #7350 N Tonawanda, NY
Keith & Ruby Mason, #7281 Proctor, WV
Steven Smith, #7316 North Yarmouth, ME
Joe Bidermann, #7351 Shelbourne, NS Canada
Jeff Briggs, #7284 Madison, CT
Christopher & Eve Conroy, #7319 Deposit, NY
Mike Paul, #7355 North Bay, ON Canada
(Mid-Atlantic Ride - Continued from page 2)
Seneca Rocks. Here, Guy, Clyde, and Dusty headed west on route 33 to Thomas, WV on an Easter present shopping mission. Sounded like a good excuse to me! It amazes me what we will do for our gals. Russell, Tony, Greg, and Ed headed north from Moorefield to make their way towards Maryland (probably by way of Ohio). Bob, Mike, and I continued east but took gnarly little route 12 over to Lost River State Park, then the fast sweep down route 259 to Broadway, and over to new market. There we had a late lunch at the Southern Kitchen, Mike headed in a southerly direction towards Florida while Bob and I pointed our rides east. It was a beautiful day in the Mountain State, and it was great to be able to share it with these friends. Thanks to all who attended. Page 8
COG National Rally, Hill City, SD June 25-July 1: COG National Rally, Hill City, SD - The COG North Central Region members and officers, dedicated volunteers, and the town of Hill City are are excited to be your hosts for this premier COG event. Info and registration form were printed in the in the Fall 2006 Concourier issue. Registration forms and rally details can be obtained from the rally web pages: www.concours.org/2006 If you have rally questions you can send an email to: registrationhc-2006@hotmail.com or call NCAD Larry Leranth: 262.662.0360. If you do not have internet access, I will be happy to send you rally info if you send me a self-addressed, stamped envelope. (See address under “Area Director� in next column.) N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S