Cognitions: Random thoughts from the Northeast Area Director - By Steven Smith #3184 Issue 3, 2006
Riding home from the Spring Fling Rally on some awesome Pennsylvania 4-digit county routes the GPS found for us, I found myself singing [badly] inside my helmet. I had just belted out a line from a Led Zeppelin song that goes “Good times, bad times, you know I had my share…” when I paused a moment and reflected on the weekend that had just passed. There were no “bad times.” Despite the spotty and sometimes hard rain, I had an absolutely wonderful time because I got to hang out with one of the best groups of people I know. While the riding is important, it is the people that really make this club great. I am just sorry that my busy schedule keeps me away from many other COG events where I can meet some new folks - especially those south of the MasonDixon line. Unfortunately, I will not be able to make it to Hill City for the National, but I promised myself I would set aside vacation time to attend the Dog Days rally - even if it meant missing out on Americade this year. During the Spring Fling Rally we held a meeting that all NE Area staff members who attended were invited to, just as we have at most rallies. We discussed many things, including the upcoming and remaining events for this year. Now that the fall rally plans have been solidified the 2006 event schedule is “good to go.” We can always add more events to the schedule if someone wants to host an event or ride. An important part of our discussion had to do with plans for next year. It is never too early to begin thinking about or planning future events. If you have ideas for any type of COG activity or event, please be sure to bring it up to your AAD or me so we can help you make it happen. During the meeting Jason mentioned that he would be taking a break from hosting the spring rally next year. Those who want to visit Wellsboro next year I suggest considering the annual “Run for Buns” weekend ride. We are not letting him off the hook yet, as Jason is part of the crew coordinating the August 4-6, 2006 Dog Days Rally in Marlinton, WV, which should be a terrific event. Jason said he has a surprise ride planned. At the meeting I asked the AADs to consider other ideas for the 2007 regional rallies and some great ideas came out of our discussion and they will be explored. We hope to be able to provide some new and exciting locations for our regional events next year and the NE staff thinks the members will be excited about some of the things we have planned in the NE Area for next year. We’ll begin to let you all in on the details as soon as we can, with the first bits of news in the next newsletter [published in August] and on our web site sometime in July. Thanks to AAD Jim Clark for his persistence to find another suitable location for the 2006 fall rally, for which there is a note from Jim and a registration form in this issue. Please read Jim’s note. I know he would like to see the motel keep the indoor pool open during our event, but this can only happen if we get enough rooms booked prior to Labor Day weekend. Many members have told me that they would like to see more weekend get-aways. Regional rallies require a lot of work and planning. One thought I have is to consider having more fixed locations for weekend trips, instead of a all the fuss of formal rallies. For instance, we could select set up a block of rooms in Wellsboro and we all decide to meet there. To keep things simple there would be no registration forms, no rally fee, no door prizes, or games. Dinner would be on your own, but we could all convene at the hotel dining room at a pre-determined seating time, have dinner together and pay our own checks. What are your thoughts? We have another staff change coming. I would like to welcome Jim Purucker (#7251), a relatively new member who will be joining the Northeast Staff. He will be taking over AAD duties for Jon Coler who will be stepping down at the end of the year. I have reluctantly accepted Jon’s resignation as he has done a very commendable job as AAD. Thanks to both Jon & Jim. You can read more about this in the short news articles on page 8.
Until next time, ride safe.
Steve
COG Northeast “Spring Fling” Regional Rally The weekend was a bit damp, but in no way a wash out. The Spring Fling Rally staff whipped up another extraordinary event. The final tally at the Penn Wells Hotel Smorgasbord dinner banquet was 119; which is a great turn out for a COG regional event. Jason had everything under control, even though he had to ride back home to attend a wedding in Johnstown Friday evening and then come back to Wellsboro Saturday morning. Organized events like (Continued on page 2)
Spring Fling Rally
Northeast Area Officers
(Continued from page 1)
this requires numerous people to help things run smooth. Hopefuly we do not miss anyone… Thanks Jason Kaplitz, rally coordinator; Steve Smith, asst. rally coordinator, door prizes; Mike Flynn, pre-registration; Jerry Gowen & Kat Fregans onsite check in; Bob Watkins, Odo Poker & Bug Splat; Gerry & Cherry Barnett, banner transport.
Area Director Steven Smith, #3184 203-720-7575 nead@concours.org Newsletter Editor Louis Caplan #2894 703-978-9844 Nighthawk700@yahoo.com Jason Kaplitz, Spring Fling rally coordinator
Assistant Area Directors Massachusetts (VT, NH, ME) Kevin Martin, #145 Dracut, MA 978-459-6275 cog145@verizon.net
We would also like to thank these vendors who provided door prizes. Aerostich, Boston Soap Works, COG, Hunter Flatbars, HVMP, Murph's Kits, RoadGear, Whitehorse Press. Saturday dinner at Penn Wells Hotel COG members stepped up to donate prizes too. Michael Flynn donated a pair of handlebar grips to be given away. Ken & Laurie Quesenberry were unable to attend the rally, but donated their rally fee to be given away as door prizes. The winner of one of these $25 cash prizes donated it to the charity fund. In addition, Guy Young donated a J-Box to be auctioned off to raise additional COGgers Visiting PA Grand Canyon money for the charity fund and David Samuels was the high bidder. Thanks to all...
Bug Splat 50/50 25 people registered to play in Bug Splat. We collected $3 for one target or $5 for two. The total collection ($120) was split between a charity and the winner. The winner was Wayne Tenney whose splat was a mere 0.45 from the target cross mark. When presented with his winnings, Wayne donated it back to the charity fund. (Thanks Wayne) As last year, we made a donation to the Wellsboro Fire & Rescue. Second Assistant Chief Chad Boyce was on hand to accept the donation. Odometer Poker Contest
Jim Purucker, #7251 East Longmeadow, MA 413-525-8459 j.purucker@verizon.net 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
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
More COGgers Visiting PA Grand Canyon
Northeast Area News Newsletter Staff: Louis Caplan, Steven Smith
Elk were seen on the “PA Elk Herd Loop”
1st Place Russell Fleming (87888) ($50 Aerostich gift certificate)
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Connecticut (RI) Jonathan Coler, #5379 Rocky Hill, CT 860-257-4009 joncoler@yahoo.com
Western NY J.R. Healy, #6591 Hamburg, NY 716-648-6729 Dafonman52@yahoo.com
Odo Poker was included in the rally fee and only 26 people registered their mileage to play. Here are the results:
2nd Place Gordon Smith (07577) ($25 Murphskits gift certificate)
Web Staff Steve Smith Kendra Weaver, #4807A
Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh (Western PA) Joe Cyprych, #4665 McDonald, PA 724-796-1401 Cyprych@hky.com
Visiting the Curtiss Museum was great
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 2006 © Concours Owners Group
N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S
New England Report - by Kevin Martin, COG #145
on his property, that alone will be worth the trip.
By the time you read this, our 2006 riding season will be in full swing with the passing of another very successful “Spring Fling” Rally hosted by Jason Kaplitz. Sure, the weather could have been better, but for me, the roads and scenery are so nice in the Wellsboro area I hardly even noticed the wet weather. Actually, riding the twisties of RT-144 & 287 in the rain is pretty challenging, and hell, if I could survive “The Dragon” in the rain, I figure I can ride any road in the rain… right Bud? Anyway, “Hats Off” to Jason & Steve for the excellent job they and the rest of the COG volunteers did to make this years’ Spring Fling another hit.
That’s about it for this report…..I promised Steve I’d keep it brief. Here’s a couple of pictures from our local events, enjoy! Ride safe everyone, and see you on the next turn.
For the New England area, we’ve had a few fun filled day rides since my last report, starting off with Doug Gray’s Sturbridge ride. I was thrilled to see such a large turn out for the first ride of the season. Doug lead a group of Coggers through Strurbridge ride group a loop that included northwestern CT and the Berkshires of MA. Thanks to Doug for a great ride! Some of the best rides happen when other members step up and offer to host rides on their favorite roads, just like Doug has done many times. Any other offers out there? Just give me a call, and together we’ll help make it happen. Our next ride was a trip up to Rye, NH for lunch at Petey’s Seafood Restaurant, via coast road RT-1A. Great ride, great food, and most of all, great company. I didn’t get a chance to join in on Tony Shelver’s “Polly’s Pancake Ride,” but I hear from a few of the attendees that this ride was also a big hit. Basically you can’t go wrong when riding upstate New Hampshire. Thanks Tony!
Another photo of the Strurbridge ride group
MD/PA AAD Report - by Russell Fleming, #599 I would like to thank Jim Doyle for hosting the April 23 ride. The ride started at Cracker Barrel in Lancaster. On a cold, rainy and foggy day we had twelve true COG riders who showed up for an enjoyable day to ride their motorcycles. We rode through Southeast Pa Amish Country and Northern Delaware Horse and Country Home Estates. The ride ended with a cookout at Jim's house. On May 6-7 there was the Slate Run for Buns and Wellsboro Gas Lights COG & BMW Dutch Country Riders Camaraderie weekend. There were 12 bikes in attendance. The BMW riders really liked the route sheet format that you could ride at your own pace or in a group. They never experienced this before. Arriving in Slate Run and ordering their sandwiches everyone wanted to know why they weren't warned about the big sandwiches and the decent prices. We went to Wellsboro and checked into our rooms. Some of the participants went on an additional ride to the Grand Canyon of Pa. Some went back to Wellsboro and some followed Russell for an additional 50-mile ride before heading back to Wellsboro. Supper was at the Steak house in Wellsboro. We had one of the best steaks we ever had. Breakfast was at Harland's. Some took the short route home while others followed Russell's route sheet.
Speaking of upstate NH, Whitehorse Press had their 1st annual Club Day on May 20th. Ride to Petey’s Although I haven’t received any feedback as of the writing of this report, I’m confident that the Whitehorse team did everything possible to make this a successful and fun event for all who attended. Unfortunately, I was at the Spring Fling and couldn’t make it….but there’s always next year. Tom O’Neill is hosting an overnight event at his home in Ossipee, NH on Saturday July 1st. Tom recently invited me up for the day to scope out his place and work out the details. I’ve got to say this is going to be a fun event. Tom’s lodge has lots of space to accommodate an overnight event and BBQ. There are 2 bedrooms with multiple beds, a loft with 2 more beds, the living room has a couch and sleeper sofa, and plenty of floor space. If that’s not enough, Tom’s house sits on over 10 acres of land, so you campers should easily find a cozy spot to pitch your tents for sleeping under the stars. Check the ride schedule for additional details on this event. I’ll be leading a group ride up there from MA where we’ll have lunch at Tom’s place, then do some more riding around the White Mountains before the BBQ. Please send either Tom or me and email or call us if your planning on attending so that Tom can properly plan on food and refreshments. Oh by the way, did I mention how much fun I had riding Tom’s 4-wheeler thru the trails ISSUE 3, 2006
Camaraderie riders stop at the PA Grand Canyon
By the time you get this newsletter the North/South will be on its way or over. On July 9 the third annual COG/BMWBMW camaraderie ride which starts in Frederick will be held. The ride this year will take you into 4 states MD, VA, WV and PA. Last year we had 52 bikes in attendance. Check the schedule for more details. On August 13 while Russell and Martha are in Alaska on vacation, Charles Rice will be hosting the “East Broadtop Steam Train and Rockhill Trolley Ride” - 150 miles in mountains & valleys of Washington, Franklin, Fulton, and Huntingdon counties. See the ride schedule in this issue for details. If you see a 1995 Connie going by with someone smiling it could be me, at this time I have less than 9,000 mile to go before I reach 200,000 on the bike. Here to RIDE. Page 3
Southern Wrenchfest - by Pat Sprague, AAD, #1887
Hudson Valley AAD Report- by Mike Flynn,#4493
Moving this annual event from the first to the last weekend of April rewarded us with much nicer weather than the previous two years. Eight Coggers took advantage of the opportunity to ride and wrench. Super hosts Jim and Margarete Hammond treated us to a very fun and rewarding tech session and plenty of wonderful food. Jim had celebrated his 76th birthday the week before and was recovering from back surgery from one month ago. COG’s Oldest Teenager is a pretty tough guy.
Greetings to all Hudson Valley and nearby COGgers. I survived the Spring Fling and enjoyed the hospitality of “sunny” Wellsboro. There was just a little spritz of rain to clean off our bikes. Those that missed the Fling missed Jason at his best doing the door prizes. That alone was worth the price of admission (and wet riding).
Scott Ashbaugh (OH), Jimmy Miller (WV), Kevin Kramer (NJ), Trevor Angel (DC), and Guy Young, Dusty Schilling, Tom Maxey, and myself from VA attended. Tom had purchased an almost new Concours the week before and stopped by to meet the group and learn about the bike. Guy installed the new spin-on oil filter kit and a new mirror farkle. The oil filter kit went on without a hitch. OK, there was a hitch on his bike, but that didn’t interfere any. Kevin had about Tom Helps Guy 18K miles on his Connie without much previous maintenance. He adjusted valve lash, synched the carbs, and set the counter balancer. Kevin quickly became expert in removing the cam cover. Scott synched the carbs on his Connie and greased the five fittings. Jim’s compressed air grease gun worked very nicely and even better once it too had grease in it. Jimmy synched carbs also and set the idle jet screws. Trevor had a small tech session project for his V Strom: re-bend an engine case guard, which had served its purpose well. Jim orchestrated some Tarzan engineering with three men working a large steel bar with a chain attached to the guard while three men provided resistance to the other side. She straightened right out. Give me a lever long enough and I’ll move the V Strom; Archimedes would have been proud. Dusty identified his gas tank, changed blinker fluid and put summer air in the tires. At least that was on his list! My KLR needing no maintenance, allowed for a fun ride over Virginia backroads so I could help out, kibitz, and enjoy Margarete’s cooking. All duties were much enjoyed. Homemade lasagna was the main fare for Friday night. We broke fast Saturday with a delicious assortment of breads, had super sammiches for lunch, and kielbasa with red cabbage for supper. Wonderful Java and Vacation cookies were an all day affair. Yummmmm! We all needed to loosen belts and stiffen rear suspensions. On Sunday morning we cleaned up our messes and pointed the bikes towards home. Jim provided me with an excellent back roads route over to the parkway. Being perfect riding weather most of us took the long way home, adding more smiles to the route. Kevin later reported a much smoother Concours with much better gas mileage. Way to go COG! The riding was about perfect, the wrenching expertise second to none, and the hospitality the best anywhere. Jim and Margarete have offered to host another wrench fest next year. Dates are: 2829 April 2007. Write it on your bathroom mirror. Thanks to all who attended and special thanks to Jim and Margarete Hammond for their hospitality.
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The riding season has started and I have added a few new events. So, what’s happening in the HudVal? If you wear the right colours and flash the right sign, I can share with you. Remember… I’m on a Brit bike, so I have to add the “ou” thing. OK, upcoming events. On 6/4 and 7/16 are the Hudson Valley “Meet and Greets” at the Mount Kisco Coach Diner in Mt Kisco, NY. These are no frills events focused more on socializing than riding. Join me for breakfast or just coffee. I look forward to meeting up with the Hudson Valley area folks, even if it’s for a quick cup of coffee. Let’s put some faces to the names! Afterwards, the folks there decide what they want to do. Go for a ride, head back to the family, whatever. June 17th is the Ride To Glide. Who wants to soar with the eagles? I need RSVPs on this to let the volunteer staff know how many people they need. For the Glider ride, you can do the ride and skip the glider ride, or go up and soar with the birds. Last year was about $45 for the ride. They were a good bunch, much like us. July 25th is my next hooky ride. Anyone planning on attending? We meet at the 7/11 at 9:30am. I postponed the Glock ride because of rain and have not yet selected a new date. If you want to make it, let me know so we can pick out a date that works for all. We’d like your input as to what types of ride you would like, so let us know. If you ask for it, we will try to make it happen. Rides, tech sessions, whatever. Do something different and share your opinion!
Western PA Report - by Joe Cyprych COG #4665 Hello fellow COGgers. We just returned from another great spring fling rally in Wellsboro. Once again a good time was had by all that attended - Kudos to Jason and all the others that were involved with the event. The NE Area has a very active riding season planned with numerous rides and weekenders on the schedule, please visit the COG homepage under schedules to view all of the activities that are planned. I have been getting some emails kicked back on my local group email listing that I send out in our area. If you would like to continue to receive them or be added to the list please update me with your correct email addresses. As always, if you have any questions or suggestions please feel free to contact me. In closing, I hope to see some of you at a ride or event soon. Take care & ride safe.
Fall Rally Update - by Jim Clark, #2113 I finally found another suitable motel, after the problems I had with the first one bumping the rates up on us in the contract. The new motel is the Days Inn in Liberty, NY, which is on the southern edge of the Catskill Mountain region. The motel has an indoor pool that is normally closed for the season on Oct 1. If we book 35 rooms before Labor Day (Sept. 4), the motel will keep the pool open for our event. Please make your room reservations ASAP. I still need to firm up the Saturday dinner plans, but it will take place at a nearby restaurant. The rally registration form is in this newsletter [on page 7 - ed.] . 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 (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
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. Bring your EZpass if you have one. Contact Mike Flynn 914.263.5440 or keltwolf@optonline.net (PA) Thunder in the Valley Camp & Ride 06/23 - 06/25/06 - Once again Jason Kaplitz and his BMWgroup have invited us to join them for their Thunder in the Valley weekend ride. The rally is held in Johnstown, PA. Come join us at the 4th Annual Laurel Highlands BMW Riders Campout. www.lhbmwr.com This campout coincides with Johnstown, Pa’s famous "Thunder in the Valley" (www.visitjohnstownpa.com) The site for our rally is a beautiful 30 min. ride south of Johnstown at Pioneer Park Campground (www.pioneerparkcampground.com) just off Rt. 31. Pioneer Park is a terrific full-service camping resort with excellent shower and facilities, minutes away from the Pa. Turnpike Exit #10, Somerset, Pa. or the Donegal exit #9. Directions: From Somerset follow Rt. 31 W. 7 miles to campground. From Donegal, follow Rt. 31 E 12 miles.Cost for the rally is just $15 payable to the club and a camping fee of $5.00 per night/per person payable at the campground. Rally pin for the first 150 registrants. Activities include tech session, selfguided rides to Flight 93 Memorial crash site (www.flt93memorial.org), routes www.cyclesa.com/toursa/ and others - plus “Thunder in the Valley”. Hot dogs & snacks Fri. & Sat. evening. Sat. & Sun. A.M. coffee & doughnuts & more. Pavilions, picnic tables, campfire! Motels & restaurants nearby. Sat. night band! Info: Jason Kaplitz COG #62 (814) 535-8669 gsjay62@verizon.net Come enjoy the great riding & excellent sites in the Laurel Highlands. Pre-registration appreciated: send check payable to LHBMWR c/o S. Papinchak 840 Basin Rd. Windber, Pa. 15963 by June 10, 2006
(MA) Ossipee NH Cookout & Overnight 07/01/06 - Meet at Skips Diner, across the street from Dunkin Donuts on RT 110, Chelmsford (Exit 34 / 495). (From 495 South, turn RIGHT for 110 West, from 495 North, turn LEFT for 110 West, Skips on right). Leave Skips at 8 am for a blast up to Tom’s place in Ossipee, or meet us there. Tom’s place is located at 195 Pine Hill Road in Ossipee. (15 minutes from the Jct of Rts 16 & 28 in Ossipee). Pine Hill Road, (which is directly across the street from the Pizza Barn Restaurant) is 7.5 miles North on RT16 from the intersection of 16 and 28. (Pine Hill Rd is also 3.0 miles North of 25 East (towards Maine) and 16, or 2.5 miles South of the Smokehouse restaurant, off of RT 16 and 25West in Ossipee). Tom has offered to open his home to us Coggers for an overnight and BBQ. Tom has extra beds and plenty of floor space, plus lots of acreage for those wishing to tent under the NH moonlight. Bring your sleeping blanket and join us for a day of riding and socializing. For those who want to stay overnight, but prefer to stay at a Motel, check out the Wind Song Motor Inn in West Ossipee at: http://travel.yahoo.com/p-hotel-383390wind_song_motor_inn-i> Staying overnight is optional with another group ride on Sunday. If you can’t stay overnight, join us for the day for a ride through the White Mountains National Forest, followed by a cook out at Tom's place. Please RSVP to Tom or Kevin if your interested in attending so we’ll have an idea on food quantity. Contact Tom O’Neil tomskawi@hotmail.com or Kevin Martin cog145@verizon.net or 978.459.6275
(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. Meet for breakfast at at 9:00AM at the Golden Corral in Frederick MD on RT 355, south of RT 70. After breakfast route sheets will be handed out for a 150 mile self guided ride that (MA) Yankee Candle Shop Ride will end at Mountain Gate Family Restaurant in 06/25/06 - This is an ideal ride for couples! Waynesboro PA. The ride will take you on Meet at Cliff’s Diner, RT 119, Townsend MA, some of the finest Motorcycle riding roads in just west of the Jct of RTs 119 & 13. Leave at the area. Come out and show your support for 8:30 am, (get there early if you want breakfast), Sport Touring at it’s finest. For more for a ride out to the Mohawk Trail and Shelburn information: Russell Fleming COG AAD MD / Falls. Routes include; 119, 101, 12, 202, 2, (NY) Ride to Glide Ride South Central PA 410.374.9687 or email 06/17/06 - Join me for a ride across the Hudson 112). We’ll stop briefly for a visit of the Bridge fleming@qis.net or Eddie Phelps Ride of Flowers, in Shelburn, then take RT 116 into Chairman BMWBMW 410.781.7521 or to Middletown, NY. Here we will shed our earthly steeds and go for a ride on a wing and a South Deerfield to tour the Yankee Candle phelps2ride@starpower.net prayer (and some wind). I hope to have a video Shop, where we’ll also have lunch. After lunch, we’ll head back to RT 2 via some great (CT) Bill’s Seafood, Westbrook, CT camera to film those that go for a ride. Email 07/11/06 - Due to the 4th of July holiday; this me more for more info and fees. Meeting point scenic country roads thru area towns like event will occur on the 2nd Tuesday of this is the 7/11 on Rt100 in Somers, NY at 8:30am. Montague, Locks Village, and Wendell. Host: Kevin Martin cog145@verizon.net month. Bill's Seafood is familiar territory to Ride leaves at 9am. Route sheets will be boaters who dock their boats in some of the provided. There is no gas there. Try and have a 978.459.6275 finest marinas on the East Coast in Westbrook half tank. We will make gas stops along the (SD) COG National Rally, Hill City Connecticut. Outside picnic tables on the edge way, and decide lunch as we go. I am planning of the Patchogue River, and a center bar/dining a meeting place across the Hudson if there is a 06/25 – 07/01/06 - Details available in the Concourier and the COG web pages: room with a nautical kind atmosphere is the need. Take exit 6 off I-684, and Rt35 west to best on going party on the East Coast. When Rt100. Turn right onto 100, the store is about 1 www.concours.org/2006 block up on the right. This will be a full day (Continued on page 6) ISSUE 3, 2006
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(Ride Schedule Continued from page 5)
thinking of scrod, swordfish, tuna, big, sweet lobsters, cherrystone clams and fried clams, Bill's Seafood is the place to be. They are located at 548 Boston Post Road (Route 1), Westbrook, CT. For directions and a peak at their menu, visit their website at www.billsseafood.com or call 860-399-7224. Weather permitting; an impromptu ride will follow dinner. All bikes and riders welcome. NOTE: Bill’s does not accept credit cards. They are a Cash Only establishment. Contact Jon 860-221-5194 or joncoler@yahoo.com (VA) “Bobbers in the Tank Bag” Ride, Paddle, and Camp 07/14 – 07/16/06 - Scottsville, VA - Mamas goin fishin, papas goin fishin, babys goin fishin too. (Taj Mahal) We will ply the lazy waters of the James River with piscatorial pursuits. Clyde Watson has arranged for us to camp, paddle, and fish the beautiful James River. Some details from Clyde: The web site for the outfit is www.jamesriver.com. They are located about 5 miles west of Scottsville at the Hatton Ferry on the James River. They are a full service livery and can accommodate our needs quite nicely. They have a primitive campground (port-apotty, no showers, but potable water) right on the river. Camping is $7/person/night and we can arrive Friday night or Saturday morning in time for a 8:00 a.m. bus ride up river to a put in spot at Howardsville. The bikes and tents will stay at the campground under the watchful eyes of the owners. The canoe trip from Howardsville back to the campground at Hatton Ferry is 9 miles and estimated paddle time is 37 hours. If we're fishing, it will be a full day. When we get back to the campground we're on our own for food but can easily run over to Scottsville which has several restaurants and is only 5 miles away. They also have fire rings and we can bring our own food to cook if that is our preference, and picnic tables. The cost for the canoe rental is $52 / 2 person canoe ($26/ person) and includes parking, transportation to the put in site and all canoe equipment (paddles, life jackets, etc.). Total cost per person for 2 nights at the campground and canoe rental fees will be about $40. We'll be on our own for fishing tackle. ***Anyone wanting to fish will need a valid VA fishing license and their own rod, reel, tackle, etc.*** Also please bring some good luck and nice weather. Reservations with James River Livery MUST be made by midMarch 2006. RSVP by 3/10/06. Contact Clyde Watson 804.675.0513 or cswatson@mindspring.com (NY) Hudson Valley Area Meet-n-Greet 07/16/06 - Join me for a simple breakfast/ brunch to get the Hudson Valley area COGgers acquainted. No planned ride, just meet and see what happens. Meet at 10am at the Mount Kisco Coach Diner .(252 Main Street, Mt. Kisco). From Saw Mill Parkway take exit 34 (Rt133), turn right onto 133 (E Main St), follow to 3rd lite, turn right onto Main St. Go thru 2 lites, diner is on the right (parking in rear). From southern Westchester via 684, take exit 4/ Rt172, left at light, follow to end (at hospital), Page 6
and bear right. Diner is about ½ mile down on left. From points north, follow 684 to the Saw Mill directions. Mike Flynn keltwolf@optonline.net or 914-263-5440 (PA) Cooks Forest Weekend Camp & Ride 07/21 - 07/23/06 - We will be camping in the Cooks Forest area. This area is full of great attractions to see and explore: historic towns, largest elk herd in PA, Kinzu Dam, great roads and scenery… or just kick back around the campfire. I am still working on the camping details but wanted to get the date set now for those like me who are making their 2006 ride schedule. More details to come. Hope to see you there. Joe Cyprych cyprych@hky.com or 724 796 1401
provided. This won't be a parade style ride, ride your own pace. There is no gas there. Try and have a half tank. Take exit 6 off I-684, and Rt35 west to Rt100. Turn right onto 100, the store is about 1 block up. Bring your EZpass if you have one. Contact Mike Flynn 914.263.5440 or keltwolf@optonline.net
(CT) Meet, Eat, Ride 08/01/06 - Meet the first Tuesday of each month for an informal gathering of dinner & conversation. Renew old friendships, & kindle new ones. We will meet at 6:00 PM at The Hungry Tiger Café & Restaurant, 120 Charter Oak Street, Manchester, CT 06040 Phone: 860.649.1195. (Directions: I-84 East to I-384 to Exit 3. Take Route 83 toward downtown Manchester, Turn Right on Charter Oak Street. (CT) Ride, Hike, Water Falls & The Moose The Hungry Tiger is on the right hand side of 07/22/06 - Meet & Greet at Marcus Dairy in the street). There's an intimate ambiance at Danbury, CT at 8:30 AM. Ride starts at 9:15 Hungry Tiger that can't be matched by any AM. This ride will combine some awesome, other club in the area. Where else could you scenic twisties skirting back and forth along the push a car out of a snow bank with bluesman CT/NY border and then routing us into the Matt Murphy during his break? Or hang out Berkshire Taconics. (CAUTION: the road from with the evening's performers before their the Berkshires into the Taconics is at times show? You may even get to share some Texnarrow and quite bumpy with steep descents Mex before their set. The club's capacity is only and sharp turns). We will dismount on the NY 150, so there's always a friendly vibe. Weather State side of the Taconics and hike permitting; an impromptu ride will follow approximately 1.2 miles (20 minutes) along a dinner. All bikes and riders welcome. Contact moderate dirt trail into the woods to arrive at Jon 860.221.5194 or joncoler@yahoo.com beautiful Bash Bish Falls (Bash Bish is a state (WV) Dog Days Rally park named for the beautiful waterfall it protects. The falls split a huge boulder and then 08/04 – 08/06/06 - By now you should have plunges 80 feet into a clear, green-mountain heard about this Marlinton, WV event that pool). We will enjoy the falls and a PACKED Jason Kaplitz is spearheading. There will be a LUNCH (prepare your lunch in advance) for great time in a super riding area. The about 45 minutes to an hour then hike back to registration form was already printed in a the bikes. We’ll head out of the State Park into newsletter. If you need one of more info contact the NY Taconics and follow more twisties and Jason Kaplitz 814.535.8669 or winding roads looping back into CT and ending gsjay62@verizon.net the trip in Sharon, CT at The Wondering Moose Cafe on Route 128. Those inclined to dine will (MD) “East Broadtop Steam Train and enjoy the fine, yet simple cusine offered at the Rockhill Trolley Ride” 08/13/06 - 150 miles in mountains & valleys of Moose. If you like twisties, the beauty of Washington, Franklin, Fulton, and Huntingdon nature, and moderate hiking, this is one event counties. Eighty miles into route at Orbisonia, that has it all. All bikes and riders welcome. PA. Steam train and electric trolley rides Contact Jon 860-221-5194 or available between 10:30 and 1:30 (allow up to joncoler@yahoo.com $15-20 per person at own expense). Ride begins at Clear Spring, MD in the McDonalds parking (MA) Queeche Gorge Ride 07/23/06 - Meet at Skips Diner, across the street lot, which can be reached taking exit 18 off of I70, then proceeding north. Arrive at 8:15. Route from Dunkin Donuts on RT 110, Chelmsford (Exit 34 / 495). (From 495 South, turn RIGHT sheets will be handed out at 8:30. Expect to begin ride by at least 8:45. Ride will end midfor 110 West, from 495 North, turn LEFT for 110 West, Skips on right). Leave Skips at 8 am afternoon (3:20-4:00) at the Antrim House Restaurant on Route 16 in Greencastle, PA. All for a scenic summer ride up to Queeche VT, After a brief stop at the Gorge, we’ll head south Day Buffet and Menu available at Antrim House. Contact Charles Rice 717-597-7577or on RTs 100 & 103, stopping for lunch in cerice@greencastle.k12.pa.us. Russell & Ludlow VT. Before heading home on more of Martha Fleming will be in ALASKA at this Vermonts best touring roads. Contact Kevin time have a GREAT RIDE Martin cog145@verizon.net 978.459.6275 (NY) Let's Play Hooky! 07/25/06 - Extend your weekend by calling in a mental health day and go riding! The roads should have less Sunday drivers out, so let's play. Meeting point is the 7/11 on Rt100 in Somers, NY. at 9:30am. Ride leaves at 10am, for some back roads fun. We will end the ride at an appropriate food place. Route sheets will be N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S
Concours Owners Group
FALL FOLIAGE RALLY 2006 October 12 – 15, 2006 www.concours.org/ne/fallrally The location is convenient to literally hundreds of attractions and terrific riding in the Poconos, Catskills, and Hudson Valley. The area countryside is dotted with quaint antique and craft shops, and historic attractions. What can be more spectacular than fall riding in the Catskill Mountains or maybe a twisty ride through Hawks Nest on RT 97, which follows along the Delaware River. Remember to pack your electrics as mountain temperatures can be cool in the fall.
Rally Headquarters: Days Inn of Liberty, 52 Sullivan Ave (Hwy 17 & Hwy 52), Liberty, NY. Phone: 845-292-7600 A limited block of rooms will be held until 9/27/2006. Room rate ($70+tax) Be sure to mention Concours Owners Group to get rooms held in our block. The motel has an indoor pool that is normally closed for the season on Oct 1. If we book 35 rooms before Labor Day (Sept. 4), the motel will keep the pool open for our event. Please make your room reservations early.
Rally Fee: $30 (US $) per person for COG members, their family or significant other; $35 per person for non-members. Special Early-Bird Discount – take $5.00 discount off the fee if your registration is received by 9/15/06. Full refund issued prior to 9/20/06; no refund after 9/20/06. We cannot guarantee dinner seating for registrations received after 9/20/06. The rally fee covers the cost of the Saturday dinner and rally expenses. Wristbands will be used to identify registered attendees and for door prizes. Riding: Sample self-guided ride routes provided; new sample routes added for 2006. Events: The Saturday dinner will be held at a nearby restaurant. Details provided at rally check-in. General Questions: Jim Clark 516-872-3694 Scott Sorger 516-546-2160 Artie Vaccaro 631-218-9246
Send lower portion of the Registration Form with rally fee payable to “Concours Owners Group” to: Michael Flynn – Fall Rally PO Box 58 Mamaroneck, NY 10543-0058
Registration questions: Michael Flynn 914.263.5440 or keltwolf @ optonline.net
(cut & return this form)
Rally Registration Form (Please PRINT Clearly) Name: (One form per person) _______________________________________________________ COG #____________ Street: _____________________________________________________________________________ AMA # _____________ City: ________________________________________________ State/Province: ________________ Zip Code: _______________ Phone: (______)_____-____________ E-Mail: __________________________________________________ Country: _________ I will be a: rider / passenger / guest Motorcycle model: _________________________ License tag # __________________ Emergency Contact Information:
Name:
_________________________
Phone No.:
(______)______-___________
Relationship:____________________
Circle appropriate rally fee: Member / non-member: $30 / $35 Early-bird discount deduct $5 (only if postmarked before 9/15) Total amount included:
________
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, 2006
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Our Newest Northeast Area Members (since the last newsletter) Michael Odrechowski, #7373 Ford City, PA
Mike's Farkles c/o Michael Menges, #7389 Jeffersonville, NY
John & Pam La Mattina, #7446 Willington, CT
Clayton & Joy Norman, #7377 New Milford, CT
Robert Sites, #7391 Front Royal, VA
Paul Vangellow, #7451 Vienna, VA
Mark Thayer, #7379 S. Hamilton, MA
Art Phinney III, #7435 Albany, NY
Andrew Martin, #7454 Buckhannon, WV
David Hodges Jr, #7382 Salisbury, NH
Thomas & Lynn Maxey, #7437 Callaway, VA
Andrew Causey, #7455 Manassas, VA
Jonathan Gould, #7385 Earlton, NY
Joseph Griffin, #7438 East Falmouth, MA
Michael Steele, #7459 Fairfax, VA
Spencer Kligman, #7386 Edgewater, MD
Ryan Mcbath, #7441 Canton, NY
Kurt Fraser, #7388 Long Sault, ON Canada
Paul & Maria Rosa, #7443 Manchester, CT
Connecticut AAD Transition
A few words from the new CT-AAD
- by Jon Coler, #5379
- by Jim Purucker, #7251
I’d like to share with everyone that I’m planning on going back to school some time in the near future and hope to attend school close to full time… and work close to full time while working toward a Masters degree. This season will be my last as CT-AAD, after which I am stepping down. Jim Purucker of East Longmeadow, MA (COG #7251) has stepped up to the plate to replace me. Jim is passionate about motorcycling and loves exploring new areas. He will do a fine job. Jim will co-host the remainder of the season with me before taking the reigns in January 2007. Please join me in offering Jim a warm welcome. Now let’s ride.
I would like to thank Steve and Jon for my appointment to the CTADD. I'm looking forward to meeting as many of the COG riders in the area as I can when we get together. I would like and encourage all new ideas for events that we can work together on. To start things off I'm working on a ride that will give the opportunity for taking pictures of the riders on a sweeping corner that will be set up on the ride. Look for this one in the Fall, I've been working on a route that will take us into western New York. I would also like to encourage the Meet and Greet Tuesday nights. This gives everybody a chance to pick your favorite place for dinner and a short ride. I would like to keep things going even in the winter time so please help out here. So lets work on keep the calendar full of events, so volunteer to be a ride leader. Ride safe. 413-525-8459 or J.Purucker@verizon.net
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N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S