Cognitions: Random thoughts from the Northeast Area Director - By Steven Smith #3184 Issue 4, 2006
Have you heard the buzz? We are excited to announce that the COG Northeast Area will host the 2007 National Rally August 7-12, 2007 in West Virginia at Canaan Valley Resort at Canann Valley state Park. This location is in the heart of some of the best riding & scenery you’ll find on the east coast. Cooler mountain temperatures are a welcome escape from the typical summer heat. Toss in smooth, twisty mountain roads and wonderful Appalachia culture & scenery and we have the recipe for an incredible event. A 250-room lodge, with full amenities, vacation cottages & cabins, and a 34-site campground area offer a wide variety of accommodations all within a mile or so of each other. We have negotiated rates for standard rooms that reward early room reservations with rates starting at $60. There are other accommodations and camping outside the park too. You can begin to make your lodge & cabin reservations now. Campsite reservations can be made beginning February 2007 and are available first come, first served. Because the campground is managed by the State, we are unable to reserve a block of campsites unless we pay for them all. The 2007 National Rally web site has details and information on how you can book your rooms: www.concours.org/2007 There is other less exciting area news. I made a mistake with the Fall Foliage rally fee on the registration form in the last newsletter. It should have been $40 minus applicable discounts. A corrected form is in this newsletter and also available from the rally web page. Please remember to book your room before Labor Day so we get enough bookings to keep the indoor pool open for us. I’m sorry to report that Ian Rennie has decided to resign as NE AAD for Atlantic Canada . He has admirably tried to garner interest in the club in a somewhat remote area when it come to Connie owners. I wish him well and thank him for his efforts over the past years of service. In the near future you should be receiving a separate mailing COG regarding Concourier and Member Directory delivery issues. Although there are sometimes other reasons, many delivery problems occur because COG does not have your most recent mailing address on file. Please be sure to send COG updates of changes to your address, phone number, and email address. Until next time, ride safe.
Steve
Bobbers in the Tankbag - by Pat Sprague, #1887 (July 14-16, 2006) The weather forecast was for hot & humid, with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms; all normal for a July weekend in Virginia. Add “primitive camping” along a riverbank with the prospect of paddling a canoe all day and it just doesn’t get much grubbier than this. We had a lot of fun. Jim Hammond, “COG’s Oldest Teenager”, arrived in his Honda car and brought along a nice screened shelter for the picnic table, and some firewood! Jim’s son, James, arrived in his Ford pickemup. James is a guy who dreams about fishing, so the bar was raised. Pete Long sneaked past his Nighthawk and drove his Chevy to the levee. Clyde Watson rode his KLR 650, Dusty Schilling his Connie, and your obedient servant drove his Ural sidecar rig. The James River Runners campsite and canoe livery is located at the VDOT operated Hatton Ferry, one of the two remaining poled ferries in the United States. In addition to the state road, ferry, and the James River, one other method of navigation crossed the campground; the Norfolk and Western railroad. It crossed the campground at 12:30 AM, 3:17 AM, and 4:22 AM, as well as about four times during the day. The nice Doppler Effect let me know the train’s direction without ever having to look outside my tent! Coal cars heading east to Richmond and Tidewater; and empty cars heading back to West Virginia. Saturday morning after a few pots of coffee our early anglers caught the shuttle bus to the put-in and by about 8:30 AM we were dipping paddles… and immediately catching small mouth bass. Clyde landed two bass on the same lure simultaneously, something I’d never seen before in fresh water fishing. The river was at an ideal level for paddling and fishing and just a little muddy on the northern bank from some storm run-off the day before. The sun remained behind clouds providing excellent fishing and cooler temps until Noon, when it got hot and the fish flat quit biting. It got hot enough than Dusty and Pete took a refreshing, though unplanned, dip in the James. Back at the campsite by 4 PM, Clyde and I cleaned and cooked up a nice mess of bass for supper. Jim and James had pretty steaks, cooked over a wood fire, while Dusty and Pete sought a nice AIR CONDITIONED restaurant in Scottsville. On returning to camp they looked like sentenced men coming out of that truck into the Virginia Steam Bath. Ear plugs were the order for sleeping on Saturday night, though train traffic was way down for the weekend. On Sunday morning we made coffee, packed up everything from anchors to Zebcos, and headed to Scottsville for gas. As the restaurants didn’t open until 9 AM and wanting to get a head start on the coming heat, we said farewells and pointed our headlights home from there. I hadn’t done any fishing from a canoe in years and this was a lot of fun. Thanks to Clyde for setting up the venue and reservations and thanks to all who attended.
Hudson Valley AAD Report by Mike Flynn,#4493 As I begin writing this report up, I’m enjoying the hospitality of sunny Wellsboro, PA. The riding season has started, and I have added a few new events. I am doing the Ride to Glide, and Glocks in the Tankbag rides again, along with a hooky ride. To these repeat events, I added several meet and greets. These are no frills events focused more on socializing than riding. We meet at the Mt. Kisco Coach Diner in Mt Kisco, NY. Have breakfast or some coffee and get to know other area members. Afterwards, the folks there decide what they want to do. Go for a ride, head back to the family, whatever. Plans are under way for more NE region events. If you have some ideas, please let us know. Check out the COG website for ride schedules. My upcoming Meet-n-Greets are 8/13, 9/10, and 11/19. On Tuesday, 8/22, will be my final Hooky ride, and 9/24 is my surprise ride. This ride might end up being the Glock ride. I’ll keep you posted. Well... I just got back from my Hooky Day ride, or as I like to call it, my Mental Health Day Ride. From those in attendance, I would say it went well. This, in spite of very loose route preparations. Joining me at the initial meeting place was new to the Concours, Ennaji Benhammou on his 2006 model. He’s not a COG member yet, but got a dose of COG hospitality, so who knows? Leaving Somers, I routed us up to Mahopac, NY to pick up one of the area’s nicer bike roads. The problem is on the weekend, you have too many folks out for a drive and that spoils roads like these. With the Hooky Ride, most people are tucked away in their offices, leaving the roads open for us to enjoy. And enjoy we did. We hit 301 which wraps around the West Branch Reservoir. If you’ve ever ridden with Steve Smith, or myself, you probably have been on this road. We only did half of 301, as we were meeting up with COGger Jon Gould in New Paltz, NY. Using the Taconic Parkway, I-84, and I-87, we made tracks in short order to New Paltz. With the usual introductions being made, we made ready to play. We got out of town as quick as we could, feeling the heat and mugginess increasing. Hitting some nice back farm roads, the air flowing over our gear cooled us down. We ended up on US44 / NY55 for the trip over the Shawangunk Mountains. Even with this being a US route, it’s very fun to ride and our tires were getting a workout. Even Ennaji, who primarily does longer distance highway runs. After riding down the backside of the Shawangunks, we detoured onto 55A to ride along the Rondout Reservoir. This road wasn’t as curvy, but was well lined with trees. This dropped the temperatures several degrees. Even in full mesh gear, I enjoyed it. From there, we took CR153/Sundown Rd in Grahamsville, NY. This fun road was pretty much deserted, except for a pick up and a postal carrier. They were both courteous enough to not be on the road long, and we got to enjoy the scenery and asphalt to ourselves. Except for that one fawn. She had the decency to run along the road and NOT across it, but I never did see momma (which is what scared me). Anyway, no issues there, we got back to riding along. I did have a few Deliverance type feelings while deep in the woods there. We came out unscathed at the junction of Sundown Rd and NY28A, the road that runs along the backside of the Ashokan Reservoir. This road it full of twists and turns, and much fun to ride. Thankfully the deer and DEP police decided to be on lunch when we went through. Although Annaji says 2 mosquitos performed a ride by attack. One he managed to dump out of his glasses, the other was DOA inside his helmet. Mosquitoes foiled, we turned north on 28, headed for the town of Phoenicia. This is home base to the Town Tinker Tub. They have (Hudson Valley - Continued on page 3)
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Northeast Area Officers Area Director Steven Smith, #3184 203-720-7575 nead@concours.org Newsletter Editor Louis Caplan #2894 703-978-9844 Nighthawk700@yahoo.com Web Staff Steve Smith Kendra Weaver, #4807A
Assistant Area Directors Massachusetts (VT, NH, ME) Kevin Martin, #145 Dracut, MA 978-459-6275 cog145@verizon.net Connecticut (RI) Jim Purucker, #7251 East Longmeadow, MA 413-525-8459 j.purucker@verizon.net 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 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 Atlantic Maritimes, Canada position open
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
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
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done tubing on the Esopus Creek for as long as I can remember. While it was warm enough for a tube trip, we forgot our suits, and instead went in search of grub. Downtown Phoenicia is part country, part artsy. Parking our bikes on the short Main Street, we picked Brio’s Pizza and Restaurant for fill our bellies. Finding a shady spot on their patio, we were able to people watch and check out the several other bikes stopping in to check out the town. The food was good enough to return for, but the helpful and attentive wait staff will have me stopping in again. After a relaxing lunch and breeze shooting session, we saddled up for the rides home. Jon headed north (and it sounded like east, then west, then north again) for home to finish up his tank of gas. Annaji and myself headed back to 28, only this time for the Hudson. Annaji would hop on the NYS Thruway for his long ride home to Long Island. I scampered along some more back roads heading for the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. The rest of the ride was mainly interstate to make it home for dinner. All in all, the heat was not that bad, the chance of afternoon thunderstorms never threatened, and the traffic was very light for our trip. I met up with some real nice people, and one decided to take his bike off the market after this ride. I guess I can call this a success! Oh, Murph, I think you will be having some more business. Now, if we can just get him to join COG!
MD/PA AAD Report - by Russell Fleming, #599 Here are a few things that have or will be happening in Maryland and Pennsylvania. On June 3 Ken Quesenberry hosted the Cover Ridge Ride out of Chadds Ford, PA. A ride report from Steve Weber is included. June 16-18 was the 9th North/South get together. Some people complain about riding too far for a ride but Trish Beyer rode her 250 Yamaha 400 miles from Hamilton, Ontario Canada. On Saturday night we awarded her a BUNS OF STEEL plaque. The oldest couple in COG Sam and Rose Koehler came from Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. There is a fine article written by Micky Mercer from Connecticut on the ride, which I have submitted to the Concourier for publication. July 9 we had our COG/BMW get together. Two weeks before the ride Yamaha FJR club contacted me and showed interest in the ride because they thought that it was only for COG or the BMW riders. We show no discrimination on the type of bike you ride. Tony Borum provided a ride report. On August 13 Charles Rice is hosting the East Broadtop Steam Train and Rockhill Trolley Ride. I rate my rides at a 7 or 8 but I rate this ride as a 12 for fun. I hope there will be a good turnout. Martha & I will not be able to make this ride because we will be on in ALASKA. October 15 Breakfast ride in Hanover, PA and a ride with Greg Puterbaugh hosting. Details for upcoming ride can be found in the ride schedule. For some pictures of the past rides go to the NE wed site and check them out.
Covered Bridge Ride - by Steve Webber, #7150 (June 3, 2006) Thursday and Friday night brought torrential downpours to Maryland and eastern Pennsylvania but Saturday, June 3 arrived in a cloudy mist as I rode to Chadds Ford, PA. I fueled in Maryland just south of Conowingo Dam and proceeded north on US 1 to Hanks Place. Arriving at 9:15, I joined Ken Quesenberry, Russell Fleming and Mike Nasca for breakfast. Jim Doyle joined us shortly and at 10:00 we left. We crossed the first bridge about 10:15 dipped into Delaware for a couple more and returned to Pennsylvania. We stopped for lunch about 1:00 while Russell tried to recruit I S S U E 4 , 2 0 06
another COG member and then returned to bridge crossing. Lots of “Russell Roads” and all the bridges promised—we even doublecrossed one. Ken didn’t think we’d notice. After lunch we continued our bridge crossings and despite increasing traffic, an intermittent drizzle and gravel and other debris on the road from the overnight rains a memorable ride. Using a 4-second immediate path of travel was a prudent practice. We arrived back at Hank’s about 3:30 after a day of good roads and great riding. Five and a half hours, including lunch and a fuel stop, ±150 miles and 14 covered bridges later. Pie at Hank’s and we all headed home at 4:30, not bad. I understand that Ken’s working on another ride for later this year—cross your fingers and hope you can attend.
COG/BMW Get-Together #3 - by Tony Borum, #2721 (July 9) This was my first time showing for this particular ride, so I was looking forward to it. I left a little late to get to the meet by 9:00AM.There were plenty of bikes in the Golden Corrals parking lot when I arrived at about 9:05Am.I parked my Connie by a few others I recognized and headed in for breakfast. The Golden Corral is a good buffet breakfast place to eat and you can be out Frederick and on your way to VA in just a few minutes. There was a good crowd of known and a few unfamiliar faces enjoying their meal. I sat with a friend named Ray that belongs to Baltimore Ramblers and a friend of his named Randy. The group included 35 bikes, 11 COG members, 8 BMW members from two BMW clubs the BMWBMW and the Dutch Country Riders, 3 FJR club members, 6 Old Line Motorcycle Club members and 7 friends of assorted club members. After a good breakfast with good company we all headed out to the parking lot at about the same time.
I chose to ride with a small group of bikes including Bobby Winters, Scott & Christina Simon, Herman Tessman and a fellow on a blue FJR. The fellow on the FJR was beside me in the parking lot and asked to ride with us, as we were ready to leave, so I didn’t get his name. We waited a spell so we wouldn’t be in too large of a group Bobby had a missing a throttle cable and Herman was running on three cylinders at times. Bobby or Herman’s mechanical fallacies didn’t cause any delays in the ride. I’m sure the next time I see them the problems will be fixed and forgotten. Russell Fleming laid out a nice ride on good 2 lane roads with a couple short stretches on 4 lanners from Frederick, MD through Virginia and West Virginia, the land of 55 MPH on all roads including the nicely banked country roads back to Maryland and onto Waynesboro Pennsylvania. About 65 miles into the ride we stopped for a break at a Sheetz store in Inwood, WV, home of famed COG member Jim Miller and he was on where to be seen. There were a lot of bikes in the parking lot so we didn’t have an opportunity to park in a group when we were regrouping to leave; Herman and the FJR had already left. (COG-BMW - Continued on page 4) Page 3
(COG-BMW - Continued from page 3)
On Route 9 east out of Berkley Springs, WV in route to Hedgesville, WV I spotted rain clouds ahead. My thought was boy are we going to get WET. Everyone I could see was wearing ventilated jackets just like me, so we stopped and put a rain suit on. Well we road right into it, finding refuge at a gas station with a car wash beside it in Hedgesville, WV, about 110 miles in to the ride. Here Herman, the FJR and others greeted us, so we socialized until it looked good enough to go. The five of us regrouped and headed out to finish the ride. The next turn was just a short way from the car wash when we were sprinkled on again, but dry road was only few miles ahead. The last 50 miles of the ride thru WV and MD was dry on good two lane roads. I’m pretty sure everyone I was riding with was dry when arriving at the ending. The ride went by my hometown of Hagerstown, MD and on to Waynesboro, PA. The end was at a nice place to eat, The Mountain Gate II Restaurant. Everyone I talked to enjoyed the ride. The ride home was short for me this time, but I enjoyed the ride and company all day.
Northern New England News - by Kevin Martin, COG #145 It’s been a tough year for riding in New England. We started off with one of the wettest Springs in years, which carried over into early summer, now we are having record breaking heat and humidity. The extreme weather has raised havoc with my riding schedule. Even when my rides aren’t rained out, I’ve had to recalculate my routes at the last minute because flash flooding in central New Hampshire washed out portions of my favorite roads.
After riding for a few hours, we headed back to Tom’s place. I remember thinking on the ride back that Tom, after hosting a lunch and leading a ride, now has to fire up the grill and be host to serve the promised BBQ. Much to my surprise when we dismounted our bikes, Tom had made arrangements to have friends and neighbors do all the cooking and everything that goes along with it. Basically the food was all ready by the time we had our helmets off. Now that’s what I call service. So with that, thanks very much to the “Friends of Tom” for helping make this COG event a very enjoyable weekend. What’s up next? Probably by the time you get this Newsletter article I’ll be sending out ride reminders for my Mount Greylock and Lake Sunapee NH rides. Also, I hope to be able to squeeze in the Yankee Candle Shop Couples ride that I had to cancel twice due to weather. Since we’re on the topic of rides, I need to point something out to the members in my area. Now that I’m responsible for members in 3 other States outside of Massachusetts, I’ve been trying to set my rides up this year in such a way that they will allow members from outside areas an opportunity to join in by either meeting the main group along the ride route or at a pre-determined destinations, like a lunch stop.
We also had one very good overnight weekend up in Ossipee, NH. The attendance for Tom’s weekend BBQ and White Mountains ride ended up being one of the best riding weekends so far this summer. The weather was excellent with only a brief afternoon shower when riding through the lower Mt. Washington Valley area. Participation for the event was better then expected given that I squeezed this event in after the entire ride schedule had already been published and the only available weekend was the Fourth of July weekend. In spite of the pending holiday a number of people stopped by throughout the day; some to visit and some to stay for the whole event. At last count we had about 16 to 18 people at any one time.
It’s a lot of work planning and coordinating a day ride that includes specific pick up locations, for members who live too far away from the departure locale, along with coordinated rest and gas stops for those who can’t ride for long distances, or those who ride bikes with smaller tank capacities, all while maintaining a comfortable pace and ride duration that is fun for everyone. See, and you thought we just met for breakfast and just followed me for a ride… surprised? If done right, all of the previous mentions should be transparent to the ride attendees, and this is by design. However, to pull something like this off without a hitch, I need your help. This year, all my scheduled rides list planned departure times. Those times are pre-calculated by me based on the specific ride route to allow coordination of planned pick up or destination points to accommodate other members in the New England area. I usually have a small time buffer in all my rides, but members need to be conscious of these departure times as extensive delays not only inconvenience the ride leader and other attendees, but also impacts those who are waiting along the roadside or at a ride destination point to hook up with the rest of the group. If we leave late, then have an unexpected delay along the ride route, the lost time can never be made up and still keep the ride safe for everyone.
Hats off to Tom for offering up his home to the membership and friends. Tom had it all together starting with meeting at his place for cold platter lunch around noon time then riding the Lakes Region and lower White Mountains area which included a trip up to the top of Cathedral Ledge, which is famous for its challenging rock climbing. At the summit we joined a small crowed of people who cheered an 11 year old first time rock climber, as she pulled herself up to the summit. What a smile she had on her face when she looked up and saw everyone cheering for her.
If for some reason, your not sure if you can make the departure time, then let me know, and I’ll give you a copy of the ride route so you can catch up or meet us along the way. If your running late, please be conscious of the departure time and skip that last cup of coffee or extra helping of hash browns, so the rest of the gang doesn’t have to wait around for you. If I’ve been contacted in advance of the ride and committed to meeting folks at a predetermined time, I will leave by the planned departure time to keep my commitments.
Even with all of the nasty weather and road detours, we were able to squeeze out a few good local rides. Dave Fazzuoli put together a last minute ride that forced me to cancel plans to mow my lawn and ride central Vermont for the day - clocking nearly 350 miles of sweet back road riding. I’m sooo disappointed that I didn’t get to mow my lawn that day… Not !
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Northeast Ride Schedule - view the most current event info at www.concours.org/ne/schedules.htm begin ride by at least 8:45. Ride will end midafternoon (3:20-4:00) at the Antrim House Restaurant on Route 16 in Greencastle, PA. All Day Buffet and Menu available at Antrim House. Contact Charles Rice 717-597-7577or cerice@greencastle.k12.pa.us. Russell & Martha Fleming will be in ALASKA at this time have a GREAT RIDE
Woodside Ave. Middlebury, CT, 203.577.2205 (www.maggiemcflys.com) Directions: I-84 West to exit 17. Take a left at the light onto Route 63 South. It is on the right at the first light. I-84 East to exit 17. Take a left at the light onto Route 63 North. It is on the left at the first light. Steven Smith, nead@concours.org or 203.720.7575
(NY) Hudson Valley Area Meet-n-Greet 08/13/06 - 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. (PA) Meet Greet and Ride Sundays Meet Sundays at 10:00 am at Kings Restaurant Kisco). From Saw Mill Parkway take exit 34 (Rt133), turn right onto 133 (E Main St), follow located in Imperial, PA, located right off the Imperial exit of routes 22 & 30. We will decide to 3rd lite, turn right onto Main St. Go thru 2 a ride or destination with whoever attends, or I lites, diner is on the right (parking in rear). will have a route ready if we need it. Rides will From southern Westchester via 684, take exit 4/ begin the 1st week in April until the 1st week in Rt172, left at light, follow to end (at hospital), and bear right. Diner is about ½ mile down on Nov. If you have a ride idea, or need any left. From points north, follow 684 to the Saw additional info or directions contact Joe Mill directions. Mike Flynn Cyprych 724.796.1401 or cyprych@hky.com keltwolf@optonline.net or 914-263-5440 Hope to see you there.
(MA) Yankee Candle Shop Ride 09/09/06 - An ideal ride for couples! Meet at Cliff’s Diner, RT 119, Townsend MA, west of the Jct of RTs 119 & 13. Leave at 8:30 am, (get there early if you want breakfast), for a ride out to the Mohawk Trail and Shelburn Falls. Routes include; 119, 101, 12, 202, 2, 112). We’ll stop briefly for a visit of the Bridge of Flowers, in Shelburn, then take RT 116 into South Deerfield to tour the Yankee Candle Shop, where we’ll also have lunch. After lunch, we’ll head back to RT 2 via some great scenic country roads thru area towns like Montague, Locks Village, and Wendell. Kevin Martin cog145@verizon.net or 978.459.6275
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 Scott 519.823.1545 clscott@golden.net
(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 (NY) Lake’s Ride 08-12-06 - We're planning for a Saturday Aug. 12 ‘Lakes Ride’ starting in Silver Creek, NY and traveling to Chautauqua Lake, Findley Lake, and on to Erie Pa. Returning from Erie we will follow the coast of Lake Erie back to Hamburg on the Lake for a bite to eat at The Bedrock Cafe. The route I've planned is about 190 miles and is estimated to be about 4 hours in length plus stop times for Lunch and fuel. I want to meet at Aunt Millies Restaurant in Sunset Bay on Rt.5 just west of Exit 58 of the Thruway at about 9:00am and leave out at 10:00am. I will have a Route Map and directions made up for the pre-ride meeting. Any questions or suggestions please contact me at home or E-mail me soon as possible J.R Healy dafonman52@yahoo.com 716.648.6729 (MD) “East Broadtop Steam Train and Rockhill Trolley Ride” 08/13/06 - 150 miles in mountains & valleys of Washington, Franklin, Fulton, and Huntingdon counties. Eighty miles into route at Orbisonia, PA. Steam train and electric trolley rides available between 10:30 and 1:30 (allow up to $15-20 per person at own expense). Ride begins at Clear Spring, MD in the McDonalds parking lot, which can be reached taking exit 18 off of I70, then proceeding north. Arrive at 8:15. Route sheets will be handed out at 8:30. Expect to I S S U E 4 , 2 0 06
(CT) Majestic Greylock and The (Haunted) Hoosac Tunnel 08/19/06 - Meet at 9:00 AM at the McDonald’s at the junction of Routes 44 and 8. (McDonald’s, 44 S Main Street, Winsted, CT 06908, 860.379.6904) The Ride leaves at 9:30 AM. Come along and explore beautiful Mount Greylock and discover the Eastern & Western Portals and Central Shaft Bldg of the Hoosac Tunnel. Some folks believe the Hoosac Tunnel to be the most haunted place in New England. If you love to explore and need to tackle some awesome twisties, this is the ride for you. This is a camping event. We will be camping at Greenwood Lodge and Campsite 8 miles east of Bennington, VT. Route sheets will be available. All riders and bikes welcome. Contact Jon 860221-5194 or joncoler@yahoo.com (NY) Let's Play Hooky! 08/22/06 - 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 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
(NY) Hudson Valley Area Meet-n-Greet 09/10/06 - 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), 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 (WV) Eastern Panhandle Ride and Camp
09/15 – 09/17/06 - Harper's Ferry, WV Approximately 200-225 mi ride after breakfast Saturday morning, ending up back at the campground. Lunch stop TBA. Sunday, you’re all on your own after the group hug and/or breakfast J Ride will include mostly 1.5-2 lane backwoods country roads. Road conditions will vary from “WTF” to “WOW”. Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA 343 Campground Road Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 Information: 304.535.6895 hfkoa@aol.com Contact: Jim Miller millerized@millerized.com or 304.229.2359
(NH) Whitehorse Press Open House 09/16/06 - Whitehorse Press will be hosting an Open House and BBQ on Saturday, September 16th from 10:00–3:00. Join in for another funfilled day of eating, schmoozing, and shopping! (CT) Tuesday Night Meet, Eat, Ride 09/05/06 The September location was selected Special guest appearance of around-the-world rider and author Werner Bausenhart, who will by Steve Smith and is a unique eatery with a be on hand to chat about “The Problems of mixed menu that has burgers, tex-mex, pizza and other sumptuous victuals. The Thai Lettuce Getting Away for the Big One!” This is the perfect time to ride the notches of the White Wrap appetizer is wonderful. Meet at the restaurant 6:30 PM for dinner. The ride will be Mountains and enjoy the early turning of the (Continued on page 6) the one you take to get there. Maggie McFlys, 6 Page 5
(Ride Schedule Continued from page 5)
leaves in our beautiful Mount Washington Valley. Contact: www.whitehorsepress.com for more information. (MA) MT Greylock Summit Ride Date Change: 09/24/2006 - Meet at Jeanne’s Restaurant in Phillipston MA, at the Jct of RTs 2 & 202, (Exit 19). Have breakfast and leave at 9:00 am, for a ride out the Mohawk Trail into North Adams MA to climb to the summit of Mt. Greylock, the highest point in the State of Massachusetts (3,491 ft), for an early view of the Fall Foilage. After leaf peeping, we’ll exit down the south side of the mountain and ride to lunch in the Berkshiers. Host: Kevin Martin cog145@verizon.net 978.459.6275 (NY) Mike's Surprise Ride 09/24/06 - My surprise rides are back. We will wander some of the area's better roads, ending to sample the fare of some roadside eatery. Meeting point is the 7/11 on Rt100 in Somers, NY. at 9:30am. Ride leaves at 10am, for some back roads fun. We will end the ride at an appropriate food place. Route sheets will be provided. This won't be a parade style ride, ride your own pace. There is no gas there. Try and have a half tank. Take exit 6 off I-684, and Rt35 west to Rt100. Turn right onto 100, the store is about 1 block up. Bring your EZpass if you have one. Contact Mike Flynn 914.263.5440 or keltwolf@optonline.net (MA) Ride Lake Sunapee, NH 10/01/06 - Meet at Bickfords, Nagog Park, Acton MA (RT-2A) about 1/2 mile from Moto Market. Leave at 9:00 am for a ride up to Lake Sunapee. We’ll ride around the lake and stop for lunch at Murphy’s Restaurant on RT103 in Sunapee. Routes include; 119, 124, 137, 202, 31, 11, 103A, 103. Host: Kevin Martin cog145@verizon.net 978.459.6275
the New Moon. The social will start around noon time. Please RSVP if your interested in attending so we’ll have an idea on food quantity. Directions: The New Moon Saloon is located inside the Victoria Building at 277 Main Street, Marlboro. Take RT 495 to RT 20 East – Go 1-1/2 miles East, when you get to the 3rd set (PA) Hanover Breakfast ride of lights stay straight – that’s Main Street. (don’t bear right onto RT 20 bypass which is 10/15/06 - Meet for breakfast at 9 am at Robert’s Family Restaurant in Hanover PA. The just before the 3rd set of lights). Immediately restaurant is located at 871 Baltimore Street or after going thru 3rd set of lights, the Victoria building is on the left with off street parking in on RT 94 on the south end of town. If you front. Host: Kevin Martin cog145@verizon.net cannot make breakfast be in the parking lot at 978.459.6275 9:45AM to ride. Greg Puterbaugh a long time deliver truck driver knows all the fun back road (CT) Meet, Eat, Ride – End of Season Spin of MD, PA and DE. Greg has laid out a back 11/04/06 - We will meet at 10:00 AM at Town road tour of York and Lancaster Counties of Line Diner, 80 Town Line Plaza, Rocky Hill, PA. Come out and enjoy a day of back road CT (860-242-4196). Those who gather will riding and have fun with friends. Contact: decide on a route or we can choose from route Russell W. Fleming 410-374-9687 or sheets I will have available. In the event of fleming@qis.net snow/sleet/ice, this ride will be canceled. (VA) Fall Foliage Ride & Camp Directions to the Diner: I-91 to exit 24 (RT 99), 10/20 – 10/22/06 - OWO, Rileyville, VA - Pat north off exit, Left onto Town Line Road. and Sharry Sprague will host a weekend camp Entrance to Plaza on Left. Contact Jon 860.221.5194 or joncoler@yahoo.com and ride at their home seven miles north of Luray. This will be approximately a 280 mile (CT) Meet, Eat, Ride ride on Saturday from OWO, with camping available there Friday and Saturday nights. The 11/07/06 - Meet the first Tuesday of each ride may be shortened 20-40 miles if desired. A month for an informal gathering of dinner & conversation. Renew old friendships, & kindle continental breakfast will be served Saturday new ones. We will meet at 6:00 PM at T.G.I. and Sunday mornings, BBQ on Friday night, Friday’s located at 2335 Dixwell Avenue (Skiff and a chili with fixins’ supper on Saturday Street), Hamden, CT 06514 (phone night. Lunch on Saturday will be on the road. 203.407.0111). Directions: Take I-91 to exit 10. Ride with friends, make some new ones, and see the beauty of Autumn in the mountains. To Take Route 40 North 0.3 mile, Take Devine get to the Sprague's, from Luray, VA, ride north Street exit and go 0.2 mile. Turn Right at Devine Street and go 0.1 mile, Turn Right at on Rt. 340 about 5 miles. When you see State Street and go 0.2 mile. Turn Right at Springfield Elementary School on the left, go Dixwell Avenue. How can you go wrong when about 1/2 mile further and turn left on Rt. 661 "every day is Friday?" At this popular, all(Cavalier Rd). Rt. 661 becomes a good gravel road. Ride 8/10 mile and turn right on Beylor's American chain, the staff always seems to be Ferry Road. Go 4/10 mile and their house is the having as much fun as the customers. Generous third driveway on the left (#421 Beylor's Ferry portions are a hallmark, and the food is satisfying, too. You could make a feast from Road). Turn left at the "Wheelie" and allow appetizers alone. Weather permitting; an Hawkeye and Baarchen to sniff you. They are impromptu ride will follow dinner. All bikes friendly and glad to see you. Please email; or and riders welcome. Contact Jon 860-221-5194 call Pat and Sharry so they can plan the food or joncoler@yahoo.com requirements. psprague@shentel.net or 540.743.4874 (VA) Brrrrrrr Ride (NY) Northeast Fall Foliage Rally 10/12-10/15/06 - Jim Clark & other NYC members host this event in Liberty, NY on the south side of the Catskill Mountains. Great roads! See the rally registration form for details or contact Jim at 516.872.3694
(CT) Tuesday Night Ride In - China Sea - A Great Restaurant! Trust Me... 10/03/06 - We'll meet at 6:00 PM. Restaurant is located at 700 Poqunock Ave #8, Windsor, CT. Directions: Interstate 91 to Rte 75 (Exit #38) towards Windsor. China Sea is on the left in a small plaza just off I-91. Weather will determine where the ride will go. All bikes and CT - The Frost Is On The Pumpkin Ride riders welcome. Contact Gerry Barnett gbwinger@yahoo.com or 860.798.2329 A fun ride around the Quabbin Reservoir in MA. This is a great place to view the entire (NY) Hudson Valley Area Meet-n-Greet valley at a time when fall is at its best. A nice 10/08/06 - Join me for a simple breakfast / scoot up to the tower for a break, then off brunch to get the Hudson Valley area COGgers northward. If you have electrics I'd recommend acquainted. No planned ride, just meet and see bringing them. Meet at Bickfords for breakfast what happens. Meet at 10am at the Mount off exit 47 east on I-91 at 9:00 AM and depart Kisco Coach Diner .(252 Main Street, Mt. at 10:00 AM, then take some fine roads east and Kisco). From Saw Mill Parkway take exit 34 north. Lunch will be someplace special in MA. (Rt133), turn right onto 133 (E Main St), follow I use a CB for communications, so if you have to 3rd lite, turn right onto Main St. Go thru 2 one, bring it! Gerry Barnett 860.798.2329 or lites, diner is on the right (parking in rear). gbwinger@yahoo.com From southern Westchester via 684, take exit 4/ (MA) COG Pizza Party & Fall Social Rt172, left at light, follow to end (at hospital), and bear right. Diner is about ½ mile down on 10/28/06 - Meet for a pizza lunch at the New left. From points north, follow 684 to the Saw Moon Saloon at 277 Main St. Marlborough Mill directions. Mike Flynn Mass. (508) 485-4300. Join in on a morning keltwolf@optonline.net or 914.263.5440 local ride leaving from Bickfords, Nagog Park, Acton MA (RT-119) @ 9 am, or ride direct to Page 6
11/10-11/12/06 - Contact Pat Sprague at 540.743.4874 or psprague@shentel.net Russell Fleming at (410) 374-9687 or fleming@qis.net (NY) Hudson Valley Area Meet-n-Greet 11/19/06 - Contact Mike Flynn keltwolf@optonline.net or 914-263-5440 (MD) Baugher’s Family Restaurant Brunch Ride 11/19/06 - Contact: Russell Fleming 410.374.9687 or fleming@qis.net (CT) Meet, Eat, Ride – The Grand Season Finally 12/05/06 - Contact Jon 860-221-5194 or joncoler@yahoo.com (VA) Breakfast and Ride, Williamsburg, VA 12/17/05 - Contact: Pat Sprague at 540.743.4874 or psprague@shentel.net
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.
Revised Rally Fee: $35 (US $) per person for COG members, their family or significant other; $40 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 Registration questions: Michael Flynn 914.263.5440 or keltwolf @ optonline.net
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 (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: $35 / $40 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) ___________________________________
I S S U E 4 , 2 0 06
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Our Newest Northeast Area Members (since the last newsletter) Susan Hamilton, #7433 Derby, CT
Damian Mcinerney, #7483 Glen Allen, VA
Steven Viener, #7515 New York City, NY
Jessie Fulkerson, #7509 Berwick, PA
Lou Kmeic, #7466 Manasquan, NJ
Robert Curci, #7484 Port Monmouth, NJ
John Novak, #7517 Barnegat, NJ
Derek & Cheryl Ashton, #7525 Heidelberg, ON Canada
Michael Shaw, #7469 Greencastle, PA
George Ross, #7488 Halifax, NS Canada
Jim Waterman, #7521 Plantsville, CT
Fernando Moreno, #7518 East Haven, CT
Jack Bedell, #7472 Scotia, NY
Paul Maxcy, #7496 Lake Carmel, NY
Andrew & Judi Wales, #7522 Aston, PA
Paul Sampsell, #7476 Lock Haven, PA
Gus Kavounis, #7504 Potomac, MD
Chris Van Honk, #7523 Shacklefords, VA
Michael Fusco, #7482 Doylestown, PA
Michael & Anne Bobek, #7505 Hatfield, PA
Mack Mckinney, #7506 Cazenovia, NY
Scenes from Dog Days Rally - more about the rally in the next issue...
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N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S