Cognitions: Random thoughts from the Northeast Area Director - By Steven Smith #3184 Issue 6, 2006
The last newsletter of the year is a good time to reflect on events of the year. In addition to all the social gatherings, numerous overnight and daylong events throughout the year, the COG NE Area also hosted a spring, summer, and fall rally. Thanks to every person who had a hand in making all these activities a reality. This includes not only the ride/event host, but also the people who come to participate - without you there would not be an event. I also need to thank the entire Northeast Area staff. They are the ones that really keep the NE Area as active as it is and I am deeply appreciative of all that they do. At the end of December Jon Coler officially ends his tour of duty as AAD and I want to thank him. He has done an awesome job to work with the members to help increase local social & riding activity. Besides the many perennial rides and weekenders, we have a number of events in the works for 2007. The Spring Fling regional rally will be held in West Dover, Vermont and hosted by Kevin Martin. There is an article and registration form in this issue that contains all the details you will need to know. The rally web page is live and we will provide updates there and in the newsletter when possible. Later in the year, the Fall Foliage Rally will be hosted by Terry Faherty and most likely held upstate NY (Lake George is a likely candidate). At the moment I do not have details as it is very early in the planning process, but Terry said he wants to plan it a bit earlier in the fall than in the past. I will keep you posted. The COG National Rally will be held in the NE Area in Canaan Valley, WV in August. Room rates start at $60/night when reserved early. If you’re interested in camping at the national rally, COG has reserved the entire campground and obtained discounted rates. You can get complete details from the rally camping coordinator J.R. Healy at 716.725.9577. You can find registration forms, complete lodging & camping details and much more on the National Rally web pages: www.concours.org/2007. Now is the time that we need to be thinking about what events and activities will be happening in 2007 and beyond. Pat Sprague and Russell Fleming are always ahead of the curve and all their rides were submitted months ago and are posted in the online COG ride database. The remainder of the 2007 ride schedule should fill out over the winter, but it is a continual process as new items are added throughout the year. Organizing a gathering, ride, rally, or other event can be very rewarding for the host as well as the participants. It’s a great way to meet members in your area or just get friends together. The most important part of planning an activity is to pick a date, time, and meeting place. Of course a brief description of your event will help too. The NE Staff can then help you get the word out to the members by adding it to the online event schedule and more. Getting your event listed in the newsletter ride schedule will reach the most number of members. It is suggested that ride schedule information be submitted at least 2 months or more prior the event to ensure that it gets into a newsletter with enough time for folks to read it and plan to attend. Contact an AAD or myself if you would like to try your hand at hosting any type of event. If you have a great idea for a regional rally, by all means submit a basic proposal. Over the winter is the best time to begin the preliminary planning for a 2008 rally. This will give you the entire next year and riding season to work out all the details. Winter is coming… Are you looking to kill a few hours during the non-riding season? Check out the International Motorcycle Shows. The closest ones for Northeast Area members will be held in Washington, DC and New York City. I have some $2 off discount coupons to give out to members. If you would like some please send me a self addressed, stamped envelope and let me know how many you need. You can also get a similar discount if you purchase tickets for the show online and enter the promotional code “COG” when ordering. Not in the mood to travel to the shows? How about some COG related web browsing? If so, check out a little slice of COG on the world wide web with the COG forums at: www.concours.org/forum In the forum you can read about someone's latest ride adventure, or maybe a helpful new tip. Once you complete the easy registration you can post you own stuff too. There is online help and a FAQ to get you going. Web forums not your thing? May the COG email listserver is more to your liking. You can read more about it at: www.concours.org/list.html Some of you may not have heard that Jim Clark, Metro NY AAD, was in an accident while riding in early November with his nephew as passenger. A person pulled out from a side street across a busy Long Island thoroughfare trying to beat a line of traffic that just began moving on a green light and Jim hit the front fender of the vehicle as it crossed in front of him. After being transported to the hospital Jim’s nephew was released with minor injuries, but Jim had fractured a few vertebrae in the fall. He underwent surgery and is doing well. He is determined to make as full a recovery as possible and endures many daily hours of therapy and training. I spoke to Jim recently and he is in terrific spirits and wanted me to let everyone know that he feels that if he was riding “his ride” that this incident may never have happened. The most recent information I heard is that he is hoping to be home shortly after the holidays. In closing I want to wish everyone a very happy holiday season. Be sure to take a few days off from work to relax and spend some time with family and friends. I wish for you all a safe, healthy and happy new year.
Until next time, ride safe.
Steve
CT/RI AAD Report - by Jonathan Coler, #5379 “You can check out any time you like, But you can never leave…” (Hotel California – Eagles) There is an old Yiddish saying that I remember from when I was a boy. The saying is, “Man plans and God Laughs”. As many of you know, Just after this year’s Spring Fling in Wellsboro, PA, I announced that after the 2006 season I planned to step down as CT AAD to return to school for a Master’s. I was fortunate enough to meet Jim Purucker, a new member with a wealth of enthusiasm for motorcycling just a few months prior to that time. Jim attended one of the Motorcycle Movie Madness events I hosted. Jim and I became friends right off the bat and enjoyed many fun rides together. As I shared with Jim that I was stepping down as CT AAD, he expressed an interest in the position. As time passed, Jim met many of the Connecticut members and the road to a smooth transition was underway. For various reasons, my plans to return to school slowly dissipated and Jim found a need to seek employment outside of the local area. This morning, I received an email from Jim indicating that he is in fact moving for employment reasons. I am very sorry to see Jim leaving the area. We’ve enjoyed a lot of fun rides and good conversations. I ask that you join me in wishing Jim the very best in his new endeavors.
Northeast Area Staff 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) Jonathan Coler, #5379 Rocky Hill, CT 860-257-4009 joncoler@yahoo.com
I’ve elected to continue in the role of CT AAD. I will try to have the CT schedule updated within the next month or so. If anyone would like to volunteer to host a ride or an event, please blast me an email at joncoler@yahoo.com.
Metro NY/NJ Jim Clark, #2113 Valley Stream, NY 516-872-3694
I’d also like to take the opportunity to extend heartfelt warm wishes to one and all for a happy and healthy holiday season and New Year! – Now let’s get out there and ride!
NY Hudson Valley Mike Flynn, #4493 Bedford Hills, NY 914-239-3721 Keltwolf@optonline.net
AD note: I’m sure I speak for many who will be happy to discover that Jon has decided to hang around as Assistant Area Director. He has done wonders in helping the Connecticut membership become more active.
Northern New England Report - by Kevin Martin, #145 The last major COG event for the 2006 season, (the Liberty NY Fall Rally), is now just a fond memory. I had a great time at the rally, and many thanks to Jim Clark, Terry Faherty and Mike Flynn for a job well done, as usual. I haven’t ridden the Catskills in quite some time, and although I got lost continually each day, I got lost on some of the best touring roads I’ve been on in years. Even so, I had a blast, and wouldn’t hesitate to go back to Liberty and get lost some more. After the Fall Rally, I held my first COG Fall Social. We returned to the New Moon Saloon in Marlborough MA, where we’ve had our past winter socials. Participation for the fall social was quite good with about a dozen people attending. It was a clear cool day so we met for breakfast in the morning then rode a 70 mile loop to the restaurant for our pizza lunch. It was great getting together with the gang one last time, and great having one last (Continued on page 3) Page 2
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 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
Possible Open Positions in unrepresented regions. Please inquire
Western NY J.R. Healy, #6591 Hamburg, NY 716-648-6729 Dafonman52@yahoo.com Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh (Western PA) Joe Cyprych, #4665 McDonald, PA 724-796-1401 Cyprych@hky.com
Northeast Area News Newsletter Staff: Louis Caplan, Steven Smith
best fit available space. If you would like to have your material returned, please include a SASE.
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 their COG experiences. 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
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
(Northern New England - Continued from page 2)
official COG ride for the season. For next year, I plan on hosting another winter social, so look for details in your winter Newsletters. Now, as I write this, we are 5 days shy of December, so the riding season up here in New England is just about over, but fortunately Mother Nature continues to be pretty good to us by offering up
some very mild late fall weather. Daytime temperatures the past couple of weeks have been averaging 10 to 15 degrees warmer than normal, and it has been relatively dry as well, so naturally I’ve taken the opportunity to go for a few extra unscheduled rides. Most recently, I took Thanksgiving week off from work to put a dent in my honey due list while managing to squeeze in another weekend ride. Except for rain on Thanksgiving day, the entire week offered great weather with temperatures in the 50’s, which allowed me to get the thumbs up from my better half to go riding on the weekend. The Sunday before Thanksgiving I decided to ride up the coast into Portsmouth NH to take a break from my outdoor projects, so I put the word out to see if anybody wanted to join me. Even though this ride was short notice, there were a few guys that were able to join me; Bob McCleary and new member, Lyle Cooper, both from Massachusetts, and Mike Benham from New Hampshire. We took the scenic inland route up to Portsmouth, then we road 1A south along the coast down into Hampton Beach where we stopped for lunch at the Boardwalk Café and Pub. Riding the coast road this time of year is nice with virtually no traffic or tourist delays. Actually if you don’t count the couple of locals sitting at the Pub bar, I think we were the only customers in the Café for lunch. It was nice to squeeze in one more ride with friends before the end of the season, but unfortunately, the winter season is fast approaching, as on my weekend morning ride down to the Moto Market Holiday Open House on Saturday, I noticed some icy spots and road frost in the shadows on some of the local roads in my town. Not a good feeling when the sun is shining, the temps are in the high 30’s, but the rear tire is sliding on ice or road frost. Looks like I’ll be forced to reduce my rides to early afternoon short rides until the snows fly. Have a happy and safe holiday season. See ya all next year !
MD/PA AAD Report - by Russell Fleming, #599 What’s happened in Maryland and Pennsylvania the last few months? It has been a very good riders participation in the area. Rides have varied from as many as 40 people to as low as 7 at a rides. Check the NE ride schedule for 2007 rides. Everyone is welcome to attend the rides even if they are listed for the MD/PA area. In my area I try to get everybody involved. Here is a ride report by Carl Henshaw about Greg Putterbaugh’s ride and another one by Bill Johnson on the desert ride.
out. For 2007 a new ride “Sport touring at it’s finest” will be held and hopefully we will have a lot of participation. It will be held July 1.It is a combination of the finest sport touring bikes out there. Breakfast Ride Hanover, PA (submitted by Karl Henshaw COG #7239) October 15, 2006 - Sunday morning started out cloudy and cold, but the forecast for midday was to be sunny in the mid 50's. I left home at 7:45 with my wife Linda (who decided to brave the cold), it was 38 degrees. We are new to COG and this is only my second ride with COG. We arrived at the Roberts Family Restaurant in Hanover, PA for breakfast at 8:45. Fifteen riders showed up and after breakfast Russell Fleming handed out route sheets. I left the restaurant in the first group of four led by Greg Puterbaugh, the host of the ride. The temperature is now in the mid 40's. Greg took us on a nice pace that led us down good back roads past Pinchot State Park to our first break at a Rutter’s Store near Dillsburg, PA. After a quick break, we were off again. This time I hooked up with Russell Fleming. Following Russell on a spirited ride through the back roads of Adams County Orchard country and Michaux State Forest to Caledonia State Park. We arrived at the Gettysburg Family Restaurant in Gettysburg, PA about 1:30 after 3-1/2 hours and 115 miles of some great back road riding. At 2:00, my wife and I headed home in sunny 55 degree temperatures after a day of great riding. The Buttersburg Inn Dessert Ride (submitted by Bill Johnson) November 19 - After everyone had their fill of coffee or hot chocolate, Russell once again displayed his exceptional knowledge of Maryland’s rural byways by leading the group of 6 Connies and a Harley (it’s ok Dave, really) on an 80+ mile ride through the Piedmont Plateau countryside. While the beautiful fall colors of just a few weeks ago were now gone, the scenery was still captivating with the Catoctin Mountains rising to the west of the rolling farmlands. Maybe it was the overcast day or preparations for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday but, for whatever reason, the ride encountered very little traffic on our route consisting primarily of unnumbered county back roads. The temperature had reached a balmy 50 degrees by the time a pit stop was made in Emmitsburg, warm enough to turn off the electrics. A brief stint on US 15 led to more deserted two-laners and eventually to MD Rt. 77 through Thurmont. Just west of Thurmont, Rt. 77 separates Catoctin Mountain Park, home of the presidential Camp David, from Cunningham Falls State Park, site of one of the best fly-fishing streams on the East Coast. After following the twists and turns of Big Hunting and Little Hunting creeks for several miles through the Parks, the group returned to the back roads of Frederick County and eventually to the ride’s destination – the Buttersburg Inn on Main Street of historic Union Bridge. The current incarnation of the Inn opened in 2002 and is known for scrumptious desserts. The quantities of various pies and cakes consumed indicated that the reputation is well deserved. An hour of desserts and stories was the perfect ending to another great COG ride. What better way is there to spend a late fall day? It’s hard to beat great food, great company and a great ride! Our region’s first three rides for 2007will be the “Chili n Cheese” Event on January 20; “Chicken Corn Soup Gig” on February 24 and “Crab Cakes Ride” the weekend of March 17. You can find all the details on these events on the ride schedule in this issue.
The riding season has been good to me. My 1995 Concours turned over 200,000 miles and it still has plenty of miles to go. Guy Young says this is only the second 200K stickers that he has given I S S U E 6 , 2 0 06
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Fall Shamokin Hex and Brewery Tour - by Ken Quesenberry, #3361 Seven of us gathered at the Pottsville Diner for some warm coffee and a hearty breakfast. The ride up had been chilly for most of us. Bill Johnson was the long distance rider, leaving Baltimore at 5:30 to join us. After the introductions and good breakfast, we were ready to start the tour. The beginning was an easy run over to the Yuengling Brewery (www.yuengling.com). Ken had arranged a private tour of the brewery. Sharon was our host and she welcomed us by insisting we put all of our riding gear in the back room. She was very thoughtful. Yuengling is the oldest brewery in the US, dating back to 1829. The Pottsville Brewery is one of three breweries that Yuengling Lined up outside the Yuengling Brewery. operates. The tour is the real deal. You can walk up and look in the kettles, duck under the bottling line and get close to the actual equipment. The brewery does not operate on weekends, but also offer tours during the week if you want to see it in operation. After finishing the brewery tour, it was time for the Hex tour. Ken had identified 24 Hex structures. Twenty three were barns, one was a covered bridge. Jim Doyle never saw the bridge. The route was borrowed from the Berk’s County Hex Tour route. Ken ran the route backward, so you needed to look over your shoulder a few times. The Hex signs are not witchcraft, but are decorations that the Pennsylvanian Germans added to the barns. Hearts and tulips are common as well as the geometric shapes. The leaves were in full color in the area and the views were expansive. After the Hex tour, we stopped for lunch at the Port Clinton Hotel. This place has a reputation for serving a plate full of fries. Bill Johnson, Gary Berner, Ed Young, and Ken Quesenberry could not finish a large plate. These people know how to serve a Bill Johnson, Gary Berner, Gary Kemmerling, heaping helping. The Jon Gould, Jim Doyle, Ed Young sandwiches are also large, especially the cheesesteaks. With a full tank, we headed back to the tour. The last part of the ride was the infamous run up PA 125. To get there we followed PA 895 over to Pine Grove. There we picked up PA 125. This road is listed in the best of PA motorcycle roads. Well, it is a slow start but the last 16 miles are worth the wait. Two ridge crossings and 4 or 5 switchbacks, provide the spice of the route. PA 125 ends in Shamokin and we paused at the Dunkin Donuts for a pick-me-up before heading home. Seven riders braving a cold start and a cold finish, enjoyed a nice piece of PA on a beautiful Saturday. Hopefully we will see this ride again. In attendance were… COGGERS: Bill Johnson, Jon Gould, Jim Doyle, Gary Kemmerling, Ken Quesenberry. Good enough to be COGGERS: Ed Young, Gary Berner
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Mid-Atlantic AAD Report- by Pat Sprague ,#1887 It’s been an excellent year for the Mid Atlantic the entire COG Northeast Area. Our February ride didn’t come off due to the 7º F temp that weekend, but that was the exception. Many of you came together frequently to enjoy the riding, restaurants, and to be with old friends and make new ones. The bike is the Concours in COG, while the other two thirds is the Owners Group - COG is mostly about people. People riding together; people helping and learning from each other. And of course, there is the planning and looking forward to the many rides, events, and get-togethers. This year we got together in Fredericksburg, Southern Maryland, McGaheysville, Wellsboro, Hampstead, Hatton Ferry, Marlinton, Harpers Ferry, Rileyville, Natural Bridge, and Williamsburg. Some made it to Hill City, SD, riding in from Ohio to Delaware, and Ontario to Florida to share in the riding and fun. Thank you to all who made the effort and came, and for some the effort was considerable. We have quite a full schedule for 2007! The Cycle World bike show in Washington, DC and a ride from Port Royal, VA start off January. We’ll hope for milder February weather. Crabcakes eaten just before spring are said to bring good luck (not for the crabs) and shorten winter. Get your scoot ready for riding at the Wrench Fest in Lynchburg this April. The month of May will take us down to Coal Country in WV, where some SE area Coggers may join us. June will find many of us at Russell Fleming’s North and South event - always a great time. In July, a ride to various attractions will end in Sistersville, WV, with the opportunity to join the ride en route. See the rides schedule for details. If you’ve never been to a COG National Rally, this coming August may provide your best chance ever; and it may well be the best COG National ever. Sign up and reserve your rooms now. I hope to see you at Canaan Valley Resort! In September we’ll ride the Blue Ridge Parkway to TWO in Suches, GA. A beautiful time; nice temps; little traffic; super roads. Our Fall Foliage Ride and camp will be based at Willville Bike Camp at Meadows of Dan, VA. The Brrrrrrr Ride for November will have a new route over some awesome roads, with lunch at the new Swinging Bridge restaurant in Paint Bank, VA. Reserve a cabin at the KOA now if you’ll want one. We’ll end the year with a breakfast ride at Williamsburg, VA. Now is a great time to get out the calendar and make plans to ride with COG friends. Check the ride schedule on the COG web page for details. I hope to see you on a ride in 2007! January 2008 will mark five years since I took the helm from Clyde Watson as your Mid Atlantic assistant area director. Prior to Clyde it was, Guy Young and before him it was Randy Rosebro. That’s a lot of great heritage for me to follow. I want to thank them for laying such excellent groundwork for me to go forth on, and for their help, ideas, and inspiration these past five years. Also, many thanks to Steve Smith, our NEAD, for his help and guidance. Serving as AAD has been both an honor and a wonderful opportunity for me to meet many new folks, to learn, and to ride with you. I hope you have gained and enjoyed half as much as I have. It has been great fun! At the end of 2007 I will be stepping down from the AAD position. COG in the Mid Atlantic area will certainly continue on because of its members. Anyone who is interested in assuming the duties of AAD and helping the members please let me know, the sooner the better. I can help with the transition so it will be a smooth and easy one. Thank you for all your support and attendance over the past years, and best wishes for a happy holiday season and a safe and healthy New Year.
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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
Pat Sprague at 540.743.4874 or psprague@shentel.net (CT) Motorcycle Movie Madness 12/23/2006 - CANCELED due to an oversight. It was planned too close to Christmas Holiday. Contact Jon Coler at 860-221-5194 or blast an e-mail to joncoler@yahoo.com.
friends. For carpooling information contact Russell Fleming fleming@qis.net or 410.374.9687.
(NY) CW International Motorcycle Show 01/20/07 - Not a COG function. Most COGgers attend the NYC show on Saturday. Will the new Concour 14 be there? Plans are being formed now for a lunch gathering. Jacob K. Javits “Wherever Ride” 01/01/07 - If the weather permits, give the TV a Convention Center, www.motorcycleshows.com rest and your bike some exercise. Maybe you’ll Contact: Terry Faherty 718.227.2099 get that 50K or 100K sticker this year. No (VA) Breakfast & Ride scheduled ride, “Just Do It”. Email or call 02/11/07 - Gordonsville, VA. Meet at the another COG friend and get together. You’ll Inwood Restaurant at 9:00 AM. The Inwood (PA) Meet Greet and Ride Sundays feel good. Happy New Year! Restaurant is on Rt. 15 just north of the traffic Meet Sundays at 10:00 am at Kings Restaurant circle in Gordonsville. A ride will follow, (DC) CW International Motorcycle Show located in Imperial, PA, located right off the weather permitting. Hope for blue skies and 01/13/07 Not a COG event, but mentioned for Imperial exit of routes 22 & 30. We will decide clean roads. This is normally the coldest ride on your interest. We’ll meet at the Kawasaki booth a ride or destination with whoever attends, or I the mid Atlantic ride schedule. Got ‘lectrics? will have a route ready if we need it. Rides will and leave about 11:45 AM for a short walk to Alternate date if bad weather will be Sunday the lunch. Wear your COG gear, and I’ll see you begin the 1st week in April until the 1st week in 18th. Contact: Pat Sprague at 540.743.4874 or there. Washington Convention Center; Nov. If you have a ride idea, or need any psprague@shentel.net or www.motorcycleshows.com Contact: Pat Sprague additional info or directions contact Joe pesprague@earthlink.net at 540.743.4874 or psprague@shentel.net Cyprych 724.796.1401 or cyprych@hky.com Hope to see you there. (MD) Chicken Corn Soup Gig (VA) Port Royal Ride 02/24/07 - John and Missy Lippy will host a 01/14/07 – We’ll meet at the Horne’s (NY) Central NY Sunday Gatherings hearty cold weather feed at there home at 227 Restaurant at the intersection of routes 301 and Get together on the 2nd Sunday of each month, East Green Street in Westminster, MD 2pm at Johnny Angel's Heavenly Burgers, 15 17 at 9:00 AM. Jim Sparkman has some beginning at Noon. GPS coordinates N 39interesting back roads planned for us to ride E. Genesee St. Baldwinsville, NY. Meet fellow 34.094 W 76-59.451. If the weather is favorable before arriving at another place serving great, COGgers and enjoy some good food in the plug in your electrics and ride the bike. If the hot food! In the event of snow/sleet we’ll try process. Need more info or directions? Contact weather is questionable come in the cage and Lee Brink 607.299.4409 or lcbrink@pobox.com this ride again on the January 22nd. Any enjoy COG Camaraderie. Please call the questions or comments please contact Jim Lippy’s a week before so they can plan food. Sparkman at 540.775.5864 or Calendar of Events m.lippy@netzero.net or 410.871.3285. kawvger12@aol.com (NY) Hudson Valley Area Meet-n-Greet (MD) Crab Cakes Ride (PA) Chili and Grilled Cheese Event 11/19/06 - Join me for a simple breakfast/ 03/17-03/18/07 – This event will be hosted by brunch to get the Hudson Valley area COGgers 01/20/07 - Dave & Dawn Fridirici will be Herman Tessman and we’ll meet at Holly's acquainted. No planned ride, just meet and see hosting the chili and grilled cheese event at Restaurant, located east of the Bay Bridge on there home in Easton PA. Dawn say’s come what happens. Meet at 10am at the Mount hungry and that the event starts at 11:00AM and the service road on the north side of Rt. 50 at Kisco Coach Diner .(252 Main Street, Mt. goes until whenever. The location is at 415 Oak exit 43B heading east (exit 43A if you’re Kisco). From Saw Mill Parkway take exit 34 heading west). Directions and map are available (Rt133), turn right onto 133 (E Main St), follow Tree Lane, Easton, PA. (Forks Township just north of Easton) For those who are directionally on the web at: www.hollysrest.com. Plan to meet to 3rd lite, turn right onto Main St. Go thru 2 for breakfast at 9:00AM and depart the challenged and rely on GPS, the coordinates lites, diner is on the right (parking in rear). restaurant around 10:00AM on a ride that From southern Westchester via 684, take exit 4/ are: N40-42.862 W75-12.387. Directions: Herman has laid out for us on the eastern shore Traveling from east or west, Route 22, either Rt172, left at light, follow to end (at hospital), of Maryland and Delaware. The ride will end at last exit in Pa. or first or second exit over the and bear right. Diner is about ½ mile down on Elk Neck State Park in North East Maryland toll bridge from NJ. From Route 22, 4th street left. From points north, follow 684 to the Saw where we will camp for the night. Campsites exit, go north on College Ave, which becomes Mill directions. Mike Flynn are $30.00 per night and allow 2 tents per site. Cattell, which becomes Knox Ave, which keltwolf@optonline.net or 914-263-5440 Hookup with a COG friend and make camping becomes Sullivan Trail. Turn right onto reservations by calling 1.888.432.2267 or on the Elizabeth Ave, continue to dead-end turn left (PA) Shrewsbury Restaurant Brunch Ride web at: reservations.dnr.state.md.us and ask for onto Paul Eaton, and turn right onto Dogwood 11/19/06 - Meet at 10 am for brunch at camp site #230 to #240 area which is close to Terrace turn left onto Oak Tree Lane. From Shrewsbury Family Restaurant. The restaurant the bath house. I have made reservation at Route 33 take Route 191, Stockertown exit, at is located 2 mile south of Shrewsbury at the Woody’s Crab House in North East MD for light turn right, south on Sullivan Trail towards intersection of Susquehanna Trail and Keller dinner at 6:30PM for Crab Cakes. Woody’s is Drive. We will make a ride up depended on the Easton to Elizabeth Ave then follow above located at 29 South Main Street. If you cannot directions. From Route 611 take Frost Hollow weather. Russell Fleming 410.374.9687 or Rd, approx mile to Dog Wood Terrace turn left make the ride and want to join us for the fleming@qis.net GPS: N39-43.842 W076-40.120 evening please let me know so I can put your next right onto Oak Tree Lane.Dave & Dawn name on the list for dinner. Sunday morning we (VA) Breakfast and Ride, Williamsburg, VA has offered up some over night sleeping space have reservations at Pier 1 Restaurant for in their house. Please let Dave & Dawn know 12/17/05 - We'll meet at The Capitol Pancake breakfast at 9 am. Which is located at 1 North ASAP Home dfridirici@rcn.com or and Waffle House, 800 Capitol Landing Road, Main Street, North East MD. Contact Herman 610.438.3562. This event is open to all Williamsburg, VA (757) 564-1238 at 8 AM. Tessman zg1kred@yahoo.com or Russell W Northeast COG members. Please let’s show our After a great breakfast at the Capitol we'll go Fleming fleming@qis.net or 410-374-9687. for a ride at 9AM, weather permitting. Contact: support and come out and meet some new I S S U E 6 , 2 0 06
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Spring Fling ‘07 Rally - by Kevin Martin, #145 The next big undertaking for me will be hosting the ’07 Spring Fling Rally in West Dover Vermont at the end of May. I’ve been riding the southern Vermont area for many years, and there is great motorcycle riding in southern and central Vermont, as well as an abundance of area attractions. The dates for Spring Fling are a little later than usual. The rally will be held the weekend after Memorial Day weekend, and will be Thursday May 31st to June 3rd. I chose these dates because we’ll be a little further north than most of the previous Spring Flings and I wanted to hold off for milder weather. The other reason is because the following week kicks off Americade 2007, the 25th Anniversary, which starts Monday June 4th in Lake George, NY. I figured this would be a good opportunity for people who don’t normally get a chance to attend Americade to stop by to attend part or all of this classic motorcycle event. This would be a good opportunity as Lake George is only a half days ride from the location of the Spring Fling. The Americade vendor area is second to none. For Spring Fling, Vermont RT 100 in West Dover is a great starting point to some of the best motorcycling roads in the Green Mountain State. Rally headquarters will be at the Andirons Lodge on RT 100 in West Dover and additional lodging arrangements have been established at the Matterhorn Inn and the Grey Ghost Inn, also on RT 100, about a mile from the host hotel. There are a number of other lodging establishments along RT 100 in West Dover if you’re looking for alternative accommodations. All of the details regarding lodging fees and contact information can be found on the Rally Registration form located in this Newsletter. Here’s a brief summary of the lodging arrangements and amenities:
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Andirons offers 54 rooms, each with private bath, television and telephone. Some rooms have A/C and some suites available; inquire at time of reservation. There are a limited number of suites located in their Outback Building, which offers 2 queen size beds, microwave, small refrigerator, bar sink. A limited number of sofa beds are available upon request.
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Motorcyclist Friendly Owner and Staff will provide free use of a motorcycle washing area. Ample paved parking area
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Full size heated indoor swimming pool, sauna and spa, fun and games arcade room.
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Onsite Dover Forge Restaurant; Billiards Sanctuary and Sports Bar
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Available area business discount coupons. Free local transportation into the town of Wilmington and area businesses via the Mount Snow “Moovers” shuttle
• Nearby golf courses • Onsite camping available If you’re interested in camping, I’ve made arrangements with the Andirons lodge to allow tenters to rent sites on their property for a minimum fee. The site rental will be applied to a single room to be used for sharing room facilities for the campers. This way campers will be able to enjoy the local restaurants and the Dover Forge Sports Bar and not have to worry about riding back to the camp grounds late at night. Some restrictions will apply for onsite camper, like No Campfires or Grilling allowed. If you’re interested in camping but don’t want to deal with the restrictions and shared facilities, then State and private campgrounds are available within 10 miles from the Rally Headquarters. A Vermont campers website link is posted on the registration form to research area campgrounds. The banquet will be buffet style and will be held in the onsite Dover Forge restaurant. The Dover Forge is a very nice restaurant with great food, but they don’t have one large room to Page 6
accommodate everyone all at once for handing out door prizes. They have three separate dining rooms that will accommodate everyone for the buffet, but we’ll have to work something out for the door prizes. If the weather is nice, we might move the door prizes outside in the rear patio. The Andirons provides a daily complimentary Continental Breakfast. For convenience to patrons, I’ve worked out arrangements for them to open the Dover Forge restaurant each morning to provide a limited breakfast menu at standard per meal rates. For a real Diner type breakfast, Dot’s diner is just a short walk up the street from the Andirons, your choice. That’s about it. Make your reservations and send in a rally registration form as early as possible. If anyone has any questions regarding the Spring Fling, feel free to give me a call or send me an email.
Spring Fling History - by Steven Smith, #3184 The first use of the “Spring Fling” name for the spring rally was by former member and AAD-MA “Super” Dave Pawlikowski. We try to find new and interesting locations each year, but will repeat a location if needed. 1999: Sturbridge, MA (Dave Pawlikowski) 2000: Lakeville, CT (Dave Pawlikowski , Steve Smith, John Purdy) 2001: Stratton Mountain, VT (Steve Smith John Purdy) 2002: Lakeville, CT (Steve Smith, John Purdy) 2003: Delaware Water Gap, PA (S. Smith, J. Purdy, Bruce Slavinski) 2004: Jackson, NH (Tony Shelver) 2005: Wellsboro, PA (Jason Kaplitz) 2006: Wellsboro, PA (Jason Kaplitz) 2007: West Dover, VT (Kevin Martin)
We would like to keep the Spring Fling tradition going for years to come. If you an idea or interest in hosting this event, now is the time to begin planning for 2008 and beyond. If it will be your first rally it’s always easier if you plan a year and more ahead. Contact me if you have an idea. I have a short document that can halp get you started. Any past rallymeister can provide you with ideas and insights too.
Western PA AAD Report - by Joe Cyprych, #4665 Hello fellow COGgers. I am sure winter has set upon us all by now, but don’t despair. Take a look at the start of the 2007 ride schedule – it’s huge and already including lots of weekenders, day rides and a National right in our own backyard. Everyone in our area should already be making plans to attend this one in West Virginia. I could ride in this area every weekend (sometimes I almost do). I will continue to hold our weekly Sundays meet, greet and ride. This event is scheduled every week because I know things come up and some cannot attend a certain date that a ride is scheduled. Come when you can and hook up with the few that may also show up. If no one happens to be there that Sunday, you’re still a winner because you are on your bike and riding (its my philosophy). If anyone has a ride idea, destination, or an event that they would like to pursue contact myself or Steve and we will help you make it happen. I’ve attended a lot of rides this past year and met a lot of new people. I can tell that, like myself, many will be around this group for a long time. This year get out to a day or weekend ride and you will meet a bunch of new friends for life. Thanks and take care.
N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S
Concours Owners Group Presents the Northeast Area 9th Annual
Spring Fling in West Dover, VT May 31th – June 1st, 2nd, 2007 (The weekend after Memorial Day weekend)
For the 2007 Spring Fling, we’ll be heading North into the Green Mountain State of Vermont. This season we’ll be staying in southern Vermont right on famous route 100, one of the best motorcycling roads in New England. Rally Headquarters: Andirons Lodge, 183 Route 100, West Dover, (Mt. Snow Valley) Vermont (8 miles north of Junction of Rts 100 & 9, Wilmington, VT.) Toll Free: 800.445.7669 or 802.464.2114 (www.andirons.com) The Andirons has 54 rooms / with some Suites available, so book your room early to stay at the host hotel. Rates: $55 per night, double occupancy. All rates are subject to 9% Vermont sales tax. Amenities include: Full size heated indoor swimming pool, sauna and spa. Billiards Sanctuary and Sports Bar, Dover Forge Restaurant, Free local transportation via the Mount Snow “Moovers” shuttle bus. Alternative Lodging: Matterhorn Inn, 248 RT 100, West Dover, 24 rooms / 7 Suites available. Toll Free: 888.657.5488 or 802.464.4676 www.matterhorninnvt.com Rates; $60 per night double occupancy (Suite rates to be negotiated at time of reservation). Grey Ghost Inn, 290 RT 100, West Dover, 26 rooms with private baths, 1–3 bedroom suites available at added cost. Toll Free: 800.745.3615 or 802.464.2474 www.grayghostinn.com Rates; $83 per night, double occupancy. Camping: Limited onsite camping available at the Andirons for $20/tent. (Some restrictions apply: No grilling, or camp fires allowed). Area campground; Molly Stark State Park, Rte 9 East, Wilmington VT. Camping information: www.campvermont.com Rally Fee: $35 (US $) per person for COG members, their immediate family or significant other; $40 each for Non-COG members and their guests. Full refund issued prior to 4/20/07; refund less $5.00 after 4/20/07; no refund after 5/18/07. The rally fee covers the cost of the Saturday banquet meal and other miscellaneous rally expenses. Verification of registration will be checked at banquet seating. Riding: Sample self-guided ride routes will be provided. Events: The Saturday banquet buffet will be at the Dover Forge Restaurant attached to the Andirons Lodge. Seating time will be announced prior to banquet. Send lower portion of the Registration Form with rally fee payable to “Concours Owners Group” to: Steven Smith – Spring Fling 39 Alison Ave. Naugatuck, CT 06770
Questions ? Kevin Martin 978.459.6275 or cog145@verizon.net Steven Smith 203.720.7575 or nead @ concours.org Rally web page: www.concours.org/ne/springfling
(cut & return lower section) Rally Registration Form (Please PRINT Clearly) Name: (One form per person)_____________________________________________ AMA # _____________ COG #___________ Street: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: ________________________________________________ State/Province: ________________ Zip Code: _______________ Phone: (______)_____-____________ E-Mail: __________________________________________________ Country: _________ I will be a: rider / passenger / guestMotorcycle model: _________________________ License tag # __________________ Emergency Contact Information:
Name:
________________________________________________________
Phone No.:
(______)______-___________ Relationship:____________________
Please read and sign the following Concours Owners Group Release: I understand that the Concours Owners Group (COG) cannot assume responsibility for my personal safety in this event. I choose to participate in this event voluntarily, based on my own assessment of my abilities, the routes conditions and facilities, and therefore assume all risks. I release and hold harmless COG, its officers, agents and members from any and all injury and/or loss to my person or property that may result from my participation in this event. I further certify that my vehicle and I are in compliance with all applicable license, insurance and financial responsibility laws applicable to my participation in this event. All participants under 18 years of age must have their parent or guardian sign the following additional release. As the parent or guardian of the above participant, and being informed or familiar with the risks normally associated with motorcycle events, I hereby consent to his or her participation in this event, and accept and adopt all the representations and assumptions of risk set forth in the foregoing release.
Participant
Parent or
Signature: ________________________________________
Guardian (if applicable) _________________________________________
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Our Newest Northeast Area Members (since the last newsletter) Steve & Jackie Morris, #7641 Winchester, ON Canada
Anthony Cantele, #7665 Harwinton, CT
Luke Hessels, #7688 Ashbury, VA
Michael Racicot, #7644 Rockport, MA
Philip Morris, #7667 Amherst, NS Canada
John Hugo & Catalina Cuervo, #7689 Haverhill, MA
Scott Paladin, #7651 Huntington, NY
Patrick & Sharon Mulloy, #7670 Monson, MA
Charles Minskoff, #7694 Belleville, NJ
Carl Dye, #7656 Ledyard, CT
David Waag, #7677 Shoreham, VT
Michael Pisula, #7683 Pittsburgh, PA
Andy Brazelle, #7660 Forty Fort, PA
Michael Kemmlein, #7678 Stroudsburg, PA
Pierre Richards, #7664 Wyndmoor, PA
Dennis & Claire Hammond, #7682 Butlington, VT
Scenes from recent Mid-Atlantic rides Let’s make a deal?
Santa COG?? Hi-Viz Jim
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N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S