Cognitions: Random thoughts from the Northeast Area Director - By Steven Smith #3184 Issue 4, 2007
Louis & I hooked up for a while at the national rally to review this issue—that lasted for a few minutes before we needed to get back to the “fun & games” of the rally. I decided it would be best to take it home to look it over and add my 2 cents. From the feedback I’ve received so far, the “COG in Canaan” rally was a success. Kudos to the entire volunteer rally staff and other members who offered their time for things like check-in or merchandise sales. Some quick statistics from the event. 453 attendees hailing from 37 states, 2 Canadian provinces, Bermuda France. As usual, the national rally write up & photos should be in a future Concourier. We will be posting a rally report and photos on the rally web site: www.concours.org/2007 If you have not already heard, the 2008 National will be held in Frisco, CO in June. Watch for details at: www.concours.org/2008 Hopefully, the quirks have been worked out of the Fall Foliage Rally in Lake George, NY this October. The registration form & complete info is in this issue, as well as on the Northeast web site. Contact Terry directly if you encounter problems. What about next year? With all the great rides and big events in the works for this year, it is easy to forget about planning future rallies & ride. The current riding season is the perfect time to get a jump on things for next year. You can try out that next great route or begin to scope out possible venues for weekend events or a rally. Remember, we need club members to help out by hosting a COG ride, meet and greet, rally, or any other event you can think of. You can help organizing the activity from an AAD or myself. Give it a try - it is not as daunting as it may appear to be. Besides, the Northeast Area staff is here to provide support and help get you off on the right foot. Got an idea? Please contact us. There still seem to be a few regions within the Northeast Area that could use AAD representation, or at a minimum, someone to host an occasion activity. Looking at a map, the larger gaps without AADs are: West Virginia, southern Virginia, central/northern Pennsylvania, central and northern New York, northern Vermont and New Hampshire, Quebec and the Maritime regions of Canada. Contact me if you live in an area that you believe needs an AAD and you would be willing to take on this volunteer leadership position. Do you have a great ride destination to share? Maybe you want to write about a fun COG experience you had. This area newsletter is perfect for upcoming event announcements and short ride reports. The deadline for the next Northeast Area News is September 30. Please send newsletter submissions to me. I can submit longer stories to the Concourier editor. Lastly, don’t forget to read over the Northeast Area Director Election info on page 3 and send in your nominations ASAP. Until next time, ride safe.
North & South 10
Steve - by Dusty Schilling, #4899
As most of us in the Mid-Atlantic area of the North East region know, 2007 started out as a bit of a challenge for COG rides. Cold weather and storms interfered with virtually every one of the early rides. I almost left the house for the long run to the annual Crab Cakes ride but ice and snow cut that idea short, and also the McGaheysville breakfast & ride was a goner. The COG in Coal Country ride turned out to be a great event, but even though the ride through WV it was relatively near me, (I’m in Blacksburg VA), I could only link up for lunch on one day, and then come back to camp one night with a small but hardy group. I was pretty excited about the Cook Forrest camping ride in early June, my first real shot at a COG ride this year. Well… I was at home getting prepared… the eagerness, the excitement, it can all be overwhelming. After scrutinizing maps and preparing 27 different riding rotes I was ready, sort of. Taking my handy packing list (yes, I have in the past forgotten to take important things like tent poles) I finally managed to turn to loading up the bike. My plan was for an early Wednesday departure to a business meeting in Washington DC, leading to a Friday ride from DC to Cook Forrest PA for the COG camping weekend. After loading all the camping gear, my trusty JetBoil (yes and the coffee grounds this time!) I had sorted stuff so I could also load everything (including my computer, work papers, suit, dress shoes etc etc) onto the bike. It’s now 10 pm and the last thing (yes the very last thing… you can probably start to see this coming) was to do a final check of tire pressure and go to bed. I put a few pounds of air into the front tire, then turned to the rear (Avon Azaro with 3K miles). Huh? This says zero... must be operator error. Nope… It’s Zero. Oh $%@. Found a screw buried in the center of the tread. Broke out my trusty $1.99 tire repair kit and sweated over pulling the screw and inserting a rope plug. Been riding over a span of almost 35 years now and this is the first ever flat tire! Pumped up the tire hoping for the best, even called Mike from MTA Motorcycle Tire & Accessories (great service and nice guy in the Roanoke area) to leave a message, when he picked up the phone! Now that’s a dedicated guy. We discussed the situation and my new plan was to stop by MTA first thing on the way to DC and he could help me evaluate the likelihood this plug would hold. By morning the tire had lost a few pounds. Binging mindful of Andrew’s recent experience following the COG in Coal Country ride (http://preview.tinyurl.com/ywq45e) I decided on a change in plan. Mike could get a new rear in from NC so I drove up to DC in the car, planning to return to Blacksburg and then would launch on the bike from home via Roanoke to pick up the new tire early Friday morning. Yes, we can do this! But... (and you can probably see this coming) more schedule conflicts were at hand… so it turned out the weekend Cook Forrest camping ride was just not in the cards for me. I was now focused on getting to the annual North – South ride at Russell Fleming’s, (#10 this year). Got all packed up uneventfully, kissed My Little Sweetie-Poo goodbye and started to go. I have changed to my summer mesh jacket, so all the various things that go in the pockets (earplugs, Plexus, ski lock etc) were shifted over from the many pockets of my Fieldsheer to the limited three pockets on my Joe Rocket first generation mesh jacket. Had everything except the audio cord from my satellite radio (which is supposed to be in my left jacket pocket when not hooked up). Searched the tank bag, the fairing pockets, the (Continued on page 2)
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 Metro NY/NJ Jim Clark, #2113 Valley Stream, NY 516-872-3694
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 Virginia/West Virginia Patrick Sprague, #1887 Luray, VA 540-743-4874 (home) 540- 743-5132 (work) 540-743-3229 (fax) PSprague@shentel.net Greater Toronto, Canada Dave Clancy, #5452 Hamilton, Ontario 905-389-7681 davecla2@sympatico.ca Eastern Ontario, Canada Ranald MacDonald, #2349 Greely, Ontario 613-821-1206 macdonrg@rogers.com
NY Hudson Valley Mike Flynn, #4493 Bedford Hills, NY 914-239-3721 Keltwolf@optonline.net Western NY J.R. Healy, #6591 Hamburg, NY 716-648-6729 Dafonman52@yahoo.com
Know of an region, city or state that needs an AAD? It could be you. Please inquire for details.
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:
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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 2007 © Concours Owners Group
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garage, the Givi trunk, the bag of mysterious electric spare stuff I always carry, went back in the house, searched the old jacket, the floor of the closet.. everywhere. By now my wife is kinda like “Won’t he get out of here already!” and Andy the Dog is in near terminal depression when I stick my hand into the left jacket pocket on the Joe Rocket and find the cord EXACTLY where it is supposed to be! Just another typical start to a weekend ride! Foggy and drizzly so don’t go out the back way through the various valleys, since you can look off the balcony and see the zero visibility. I take the less fun and more traveled route and make it about an hour before my breakfast stop. Did some meandering around, but I have about 330 miles to go so do smaller roads (mostly 11 and 340) but don’t get too sidetracked (e.g. stay off the Blue Ridge Parkway). Stop in Luray at the “Pat Sprague Memorial Liberty Gas Station” and call Ron “I could tell you where I’ve been working out of the country but then I’d have to kill you” Penn to finalize our meeting spot near Harper’s Ferry. Ron says if neither of us show up by 20 minutes after the anointed time just take off. Now I have a deadline to meet! Zip through the Route 211 twisties and then head due north over a number of Virginia Scenic back roads that eventually put me into the gas station about 10 minutes late where Ron is waiting. We shot the breeze for awhile and zipped up to Russell’s. Got there relatively early and claimed a good tent spot, flat and right there in the front yard near the food. On the way my 2002 Connie went over 50,000 miles, gotta get me one of them 50K stickers. Saturday dawned early, as I realized a great tent spot in the front yard near the food is also right near the coffee and some of these folks are actually morning people! Oh well, got up and learned how to make toast (side note, if your toast was burned… hey, sorry!). Saturday weather was great, cleared up and warm but not too hot. Had a choice of taking the short or long route … so went on the long route with Ron, Harold Bookman and the Crazy Canadians, lead by Brian Jordan on his FJR, who had loaded ¾ of the route into his GPS. Don’t ask me, that seemed to make sense to him! A great ride ensued, Kablestown Road… whoa bubba!! Saw Brian whack the throttle and kinda “float.” hmmnn … got the Connie with all wheels off the ground four times over the day. Now I must admit airborne for me on the Connie involves approximately 1/8 of an inch, but still it was exciting! Stopped for lunch and had a discussion over leading versus following on rides. Now on most all of my rides I’m by myself, so I am the leader …. I particularly enjoy the opportunity on some of these COG rides to not navigate or pick roads, just zoning out and follow along can be fun occasionally. Also, COG rides are a great opportunity to follow folks and observe their riding styles, I have learned a lot from following folks like Clyde “Dr Smooth” Watson, Scott “I don’t need no stinking brakes” Ashbaugh, and Guy “Don’t worry that leg’s not broke” Young, and is one reason I like to go with Brian. Besides, I know he is never really lost, we are just exploring the United States eh! In any event, despite announcing (again) that he only had ¾ of the route in the GPS he couldn’t suck the rest of us into leading and we followed Brian away for more adventure. After filling up with gas we noted that Harold’s Ducati was pouring fuel on the ground. After some scratching of heads we decided the heck with it, let’s head off through the battlefield park on tiny roads into unknown parts. After all if we did get lost all we had to do was drop a match and follow the flames! Eventually either the problem (Continued on page 3) N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S
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fixed itself or the gas level dropped enough and the Ducati was fine. (It sure sounded good throughout). Pictures from the North South can be found on the COG NE website under ride reports (http://www.concours.org/ne/ reports.htm). Any questions about the “Brian Loves Ducatis” photo should be directed to him! I have not had a speeding ticket since 1979, in part due to my paranoia about small town speed limits, Brian said he agreed with that theory, but somehow I think the Canadian guys didn’t quite have that MPH to metric conversions set as we seemed to be zinging along in some tiny little hamlets!
Was practicing the “10 Steps to Cornering” technique from the Total Control lecture; was quite a bit of fun. Although for the life of me, unless “Patting yourself on the back for a Great Job” was number 10 I could only remember 9 steps! Everything Tracey said made sense and felt right as I did it. Had not been much of a weight shifter, and had never really tried to “hang off” in turns so enjoyed trying it. The beaded seat helped. In case my wife reads this what I mean is the advanced techniques carefully taught by an eminent instructor enabled me to maintain a smooth sure riding scheme while remaining well within the posted speed limits. (That’s my story and I’m sticking with it!).
At Bobby’s suggestion I had been trying keeping my GPS set on Route up (vs. North up), let me tell you that is just confusing as heck to this exGot back to Russell’s just in time for a great dinner and much BSing with Navy guy! Went small back roads along the James River and came across the large crowd. It was great to see Herman Tessman come out, even if two great road signs. Right along the river the road was an unusual we did not get to fondle his brand new FJR. crushed stone with a light layer of gravel over the whole road, after over Russell had arranged for a talk by Tracy Martin (of Total Control 15 miles of this came upon a road sign that said “Gravel”. Laughed out Advanced Riding Course) that I really enjoyed, a great addition to an loud, no kidding Sherlock! Winding my way towards Lynchburg met already well planned and fun weekend. quite a bit of traffic, all either Jeeps, big pick ups or SUVs, but never saw a single vehicle going the direction I was. Hmmn, don’t know what that Got up early Sunday (you know why!), packed up the tent and prepared means but it was odd. As I turned away from the river the road was really to leave. Ron Penn and I rode together, went the back ways towards the 1.75 lanes wide, then 1.5 lanes, then 1.25 lanes wide … and then I saw Point of Rocks crossing over the Potomac, missed a turn but the pavement was freshly laid so what the heck I continued on (it’s that Brian my favorite sign of the day … “Road Narrows”. What? Narrows more navigation training). We stayed on 15 past Leesburg to 50 and separated than this, Holy beejebers! as he headed back to Fairfax and I went south. Took a different set of Tried out one of those neckerchiefs with the beads that absorb water, scenic roads and went right past the site of last years COG Bobbers in the seemed to work great, along with the beaded seat another summer item I Tank Bag. Ride, Paddle, and Camp near Scottsville, VA (also known as plan to stay with. Made it home fine after about 350 miles for the day, the 100+ degree experience). I think Pete “Nighthawk” Long has 850+ miles for the weekend. forgiven me for dumping the canoe over but I notice he did not make the Truly the North South 10 was a great time! N-S ride!
COG Northeast Area Director Nomination & Election It’s time to elect a Northeast Area Director (AD) for the 2008-2009 term. The process begins with nominations submitted to the COG Secretary/ Historian. Please nominate those, including yourself, you feel are qualified and willing to serve. An Area Director (AD) candidate must be a member in good standing in COG, and a member of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). These requirements are defined in the Group’s Constitution, Article No. 9, Article No. 16 and BY-LAWS Number 2 and 3 (printed in the member directory). The Secretary/Historian will contact the nominees prior to the October newsletter to interview and review the position with them. If there is only one nominee after the nominee deadline has passed, no election will be necessary and that person will assume the AD position by default. If more than one candidate is vying for the Area Director position, all will be asked to submit a short bio to the Secretary/Historian. As outlined in the COG Constitution, all members, including Associates and Industry Members (of the NE Area) have voting rights. The bios and election ballot will be provided to members in the November newsletter with voting directions. The Nomination Period will close October 1; any nominations received after that date will be discarded. I would like to nominate the following person(s) for the position of COG Northeast Area Director: (please print clearly) ______________________________________________________________________________ Print your name here: ________________________________________
COG#____________
Signature ________________________________________________
Date _____________
Mail to: Bob Dombrowe - COG Secretary 3280 Sandown Park Road Keswick, VA 22947-9166
I S S U E 4 , 2 0 07
Or Email your nomination to: dombroweRJ@aol.com
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COG Urinal Ride Report- by Pat Sprague, #1887 Editor’s Note: Originally the ride was supposed to take in several other places with interesting urinals, but due to time constraints, the ride was shortened, thus only two are covered below. A pretty and cool Saturday morning dawned on July 14. At 5:45am, I headed out from OWO on my Wee Strom for the Pink Cadillac at Fancy Hill, VA. Clyde Watson and Guy Young were waiting there enjoying coffee; they and Andy Martin had spent Friday night at the motel next door. Soon Roger Somero arrived from his campsite at Watoga State Park in WV. Ron Penn, Vince Abrams, and Dusty Schilling soon pulled in. Finishing up a good breakfast, we motored westward towards our first stop, the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, VA. The urinals at the Homestead were Five Star, as is the resort itself. Vince took a more southern route along the Ohio River to meet with us later. A beautiful day unfolded as we wound our way west over routes 220, 606, and 39. Nearing Marlinton, WV we discovered the “Pioneer Days” were in full swing. Unknown to me, “Freedom Fest”, a largely Harley event, was coming off the very same day at Snowshoe Ski Resort and the roads became busy with American iron. Taking Elk River Road off route 39 we left a lot of traffic behind, in fact, we saw only one car on this road in 17 miles. Once on route 15 traffic picked up again. Just 18 miles up and over the mountain from Webster Springs, Roger, Ron, and I arrived at Rella’s, where Guy, Clyde, and Dusty had just sat down for lunch. Great cooking here! About 170 miles down, 150 to go. Roger headed back to Watoga SP near Marlinton as he had to get home early on Sunday. The rest of us rode northwest on routes 5, 47, and 16 towards St. Mary’s and the Ohio River. We crossed the Ohio there and rode the 15 miles north to Fly to catch the Sistersville Ferry, and got there at 5:52pm, just in time to see the last ferry of the day about 100 yards from shore and heading for WV. An easy ride to the New Martinsville bridge put us back in WV and we were soon at the Wells Inn at Sistersville. The Wells Inn is/was a classier, older hotel built during the oil and gas heyday of Sistersville. It’s a bit sad to see the fine old hotel drifting irrevocably into ruin. But, as Jason said, it was clean, the water hot, and the staff friendly. Six friends from Pennsylvania were relaxing on the porch when we arrived: Jason Kaplitz, Beth Barlett, Shirl Jaber, Shirl’s friend, Dave, and Joe and Michelle Cyprych. Vince had also arrived from his southern Ohio River route. After unpacking and enjoying a libation or two we strolled over to The Fort, one of the two restaurants in town (other is a DQ). Pretty good chili was enjoyed by some, chef salads done in a blender, and assorted pizza. No gondolas on the Ohio River but pretty good pizza nonetheless. A fun time was spent back at the Wells Inn porch where Sharon, an employee, joined us and related some ghost stories involving room 324. We were all on the third floor. Sunday morning dawned warmer and more humid than forecasted, and a little earlier, too, as three trains rolled past the Wells Inn during the night, each about one hour apart. No seamless rails here, it was the old clickety-clack I hadn’t heard in a few years. After filling up at the 24/7 BP across the street we headed out for our homes. Guy, Clyde, Dusty, and I rode out, and Guy soon peeled off to visit his elderly Aunt in Glenville. Clyde, Dusty, and I rode route 18 all the way to its end but stopped at T&J’s restaurant in West Union for an excellent buckwheat cake breakfast. I hadn’t ridden RT18 in several years; I love curving country roads that go nowhere. Dusty split off first to head south for Blacksburg, then Clyde continued straight on RT219, and I took route 33 back into Virginia, getting home just before a thunderstorm broke. As always, the Mountain State offers some excellent motorcycling, and COG friends make the whole weekend excellent. Oh yeah, the large old urinals at the Wells Inn were in good working order. Page 4
So Long, Old Friends… Submitted by Pat Sprague, #1887 COG member Herman Tessman of Arlington, VA died on 12 July 2007 from laryngeal cancer and pneumonia. He was the husband of Sharon Tessman and father of Greta Tessman. Herman had developed cancer in the summer of 2006 and underwent several series of chemotherapy and radiation therapy in the following months. He was recuperating and optimistic, and even bought a new FJR 1300, Pat & Herman at ‘06 North South but the cancer returned. Herman was COG member number 5302 and a very active member, attending many COG events local and distant; he also hosted a morning get together for 3 or 4 years for those attending the Cycle World motorcycle show in Washington, DC. He enjoyed modifying and maintaining his red Concours "Scarlet Uhurha" almost as much as riding it. He also enjoyed learning from other riders and always rode safely and responsibly. Herman was an excellent rider and friend. He will be missed by me and many others in COG. Cards of sympathy may be sent to Mrs. Sharon Tessman and family, 4713 11th Street, North, Arlington, VA 22205. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church, 5533 16th Street, North Arlington, VA 22205. Herman was interred in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors on Wednesday 08 August 2007.
Herman Tessman on the BRP
Godspeed, Herman.
Submitted by Bill Dean #4399 Bill Risser, (COG#5655) and NE Area member and rider of a 2000 Connie, was killed on Sunday night as he returned home from the COG national in West Virginia. He had been riding toward West Chester, PA where he and his wife, Carol, were living. He had been riding with Grant and Dee Beauchamp, Stan and Lena Stagg and some others and had turned off on his way to his house, about 15 miles away.
Bill Risser
Bill was riding solo, traveling East on Route 30 near the Lancaster, Chester county border in SE PA. It's a 3 lane road and a young woman in a Mercedes driving westbound on RT30 drifted across the median and began going west in the eastbound lane. Bill swerved to avoid but was struck head on and pronounced dead at the scene. Bill was one of the finest guys you could know, generous and gregarious and his loss is keenly felt by his friends, Church community and people all over. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church. Cards of sympathy may be sent to Mrs. Carol Risser and family, 202 Summit House, West Chester, PA 19382-6553. Although I couldn't make the rally this year due to the death of my own mother in law, I know that COG has lost a good friend and great guy. 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 09/06-09/09/07 - A perennial favorite. Great roads, great destination (TWO), great food, great COG (ON) S. Central Ontario Get-Together companions. There is no COG rally there this weekend, just ride down there, hang out, and ride Monthly Dinner Gathering: Meet at 6 pm on the some more. Meet at Afton Mountain, Route 250 at 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Mohawk Inn, the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway on located on the northwest corner of Hwy. 401 at Thursday at 8 AM sharp. It’s about 420 miles to Guelph Line, Exit 312, next to the Mohawk our first night stop at Blue Ridge Motorcycle Raceway & Slots Entertainment Facility. 9230 Campground where we will spend the night and Guelph Line, Campbellville, Ontario. have breakfast Friday morning before riding some 905.854.2277 www.mohawkinn.com Join us for dinner and socializing. All Welcome. Dave Clancy, of the best motorcycle roads in the US before arriving at TWO in Suches, GA. No reservations 905-389-7681 or clanfam@hwcn.org are required for camping at BRMC or at TWO. (PA) Meet Greet and Ride Sundays Lodging may be reserved at BRMC by calling 828.235.8350 and at TWO by calling Meet Sundays at 10:00 am at Kings Restaurant 706.747.5151. Some will return to our homes on located in Imperial, PA, located right off the Sunday and some will make it a two (or three!) day Imperial exit of routes 22 & 30. We will decide a jaunt. Contact: Pat Sprague at 540.743.4874 or ride or destination with whoever attends, or I will psprague@shentel.net. or pesprague@earthlink.net have a route ready if we need it. Rides will begin the 1st week in April until the 1st week in Nov. If (NH) White Mountains Day Ride you have a ride idea, or need any additional info or 09/09/2007 - Join me for a Post - Labor Day ride directions contact Joe Cyprych 724.796.1401 or up through the Lakes Region, across the cyprych@hky.com Hope to see you there. Kancamagus Highway and into the White Mountains National Forest. Meet at Dunkin Donuts Calendar of Events on RT 110, Chelmsford (Exit 34 / 495), ride leaves (CT) Ride & Roadside Chili House at 8 am. (From 495 South, turn RIGHT for 110 08/25/07 - First we ride and then… FOOD! We’ll West, from 495 North, turn LEFT for 110 West to meet at 9:00 AM at Marcus Dairy in Danbury, CT. Dunkin Donuts). Host: Kevin Martin The ride starts at 9:30ish AM and will crisscross 978.459.6275 or cog145@verizon.net along the CT/NY state lines, until the ride ends at (WV) Eastern Panhandle Ride and Camp The Roadside Chili House in Bethel, CT. Billing 09/14-09/16/07 – Join at the Harpers Ferry KOA, itself as a Great American Roadside Diner, the 343 Campground Rd, Harpers Ferry, WV. Roadside Chili House serves many things other www.harpersferrykoa.com 800.562.9497, than chili. Location: 44 Stony Hill Road, Bethel, CT, Phone # 203.790.5064. Directions: I-84 to exit 304.535.6895. When making reservations, ask for a 9, from the exit ramp turn south onto route 25, turn site along the “Trench”, an actual Civil War trench. right onto route 6 (MT. Pleasant Rd), drive approx Unfortunately, due to location, it’s not one of the cheaper KOA’s, but it is really nice one. 2 tents/2 1.7 miles to restaurant. For more information motorcycles per site, so it does even out in the end. contact Jonathan Coler @ 860.221.5194 or Hotels/Motels/other places to stay: joncoler@yahoo.com. www.harpersferryinfocenter.org. Approximately (MA) Pioneer Valley / Berkshire Ride 200-225 mi ride after breakfast Saturday morning, 08/26/07 - This ride will include some of the best ending up back at the campground. Lunch stop motorcycling roads in western Massachusetts, TBA. Sunday, you’re all on your own after the including 112, 116, 202, 8A, and a number of group hug and/or breakfast J Ride will include unmarked county roads. Meet at Jeanne’s Diner in mostly 1.5-2 lane backwoods country roads. You Phillipston MA, on 202 North. Take RT-2 West to want gravel, I can accommodate J Road conditions Exit 19, Jeanne’s is up on the right. The Diner will vary from “WTF” to “WOW.” Emergency opens at 8am on Sunday. Have breakfast, ride maintenance will be available with truck and trailer leaves at 9 am. Host: Kevin Martin 978.459.6275 if needed. Early model parts bike parts for a cog145@verizon.net reasonable price to get ya home. Local shops: Martinsburg, WV, Winchester, VA and Ridersville (CT) Tuesday Night Meet & Greet Cycle in Berkeley Springs, WV. Contact: Russell 09/04/07 - Come and join us for good food and Fleming at fleming@qis.net or 410.374.9687. conversation at Hooters, Wethersfield, CT. We’ll (NH) Whitehorse Gear Open House meet at 6:00 PM at this fine family oriented restaurant. Not only are the wings terrific, but I 09/15/07 - Whitehorse Gear will be hosting another understand that if you cut their menu into strips and Open House and BBQ and COG is invited. The play it backwards through a tape recorder, the hours are 10am–3pm with a free, high-end BBQ, secret meaning of Hooters will be revealed. special guests, & shopping specials. Join in for Hooters is located at 1731 Berlin Turnpike, another fun-filled day of eating, schmoozing, and Wethersfield, CT. For directions, call Hooters at shopping! This is the perfect time to ride the 860-563-8083. Weather permitting; an impromptu notches of the White Mountains and enjoy the ride will follow dinner. All bikes and riders early turning of the leaves in our beautiful Mount welcome. For more information contact Jonathan Washington Valley. www.whitehorsepress.com for Coler @ 860.221.5194 or joncoler@yahoo.com. more information.
Repeating Events
(VA) Ride to TWO I S S U E 4 , 2 0 07
(OH) Hocking Hills Ride
09/15/07 - We’ll meet at the Bob Evans Restaurant in Logan, OH on SR 664 at US 33. Gas tanks topped off and kickstands up at 10:00 a.m. The route is a 180-190 mile ride through the Wayne National Forest, Zaleski State Forest and the Hocking Hills State Park region. We’ll make our home north of Columbus available to anybody wanting to stay the night Friday or Saturday. We have a double bed in the guest room, a queen pullout in the family room, plenty of floor space in the game room, and a large backyard for tents. There are also numerous hotels, cabin rentals, and campgrounds in the area. Contact Bill Hookman at 614-776-5298 (home), 614-226-3230 (cell), or billhookman@yahoo.com for details and questions. (PA) Wellsboro Camp And Ride Weekend 09/21-09/23/07 - Informal camping weekend. Nothing planned, but there is great riding in all directions. Close to PA Grand Canyon, Slate Run, wineries etc. No reservations needed - Just mention to the campground you’re with COG. We’ll be camping at Stony Fork Campground (www.stonyforkcamp.com), 658 Stony Fork Rd., Wellsboro, PA 16901 570.724.3096. Contact Joe
Cyprych 724.796.1401 or cyprych@hky.com (CT) Sweet Ambitions 09/22/07 - Early to rise and late to bed makes a lot of time for awesome riding. This is hardly an Iron Butt, yet it is an endurance run. Meet & Greet at Marcus Dairy in Danbury, CT at 8:30 AM. Ride starts at 9:15 AM. The day will begin with a highway blast out to the Port Jervis, NY area where we’ll dip southward and visit High Point State Park – the tallest point in NJ. After we leave the summit of High Point State Park, the tri-state NJ, PA and NY area will be our playground. This ride will present a long day on the road. Bring your camera – perfect photo-ops all throughout the area. All bikes and riders welcome. For more information contact Jonathan Coler @ 860.221.5194 or joncoler@yahoo.com. (NY) Fall Foliage Rally 09/27-09/30/07 - Terry Faherty & Scott Sorger are working on plans to host this rally in Lake George, NY. Mark the date... More info will be posted as the details are worked out after Americade. 718.227.2099 or Tmcefah@aol.com (CT) Tuesday Night Meet & Greet 10/02/07 – Yup, after another long hiatus we’re back!!! Join us at 6:00 PM at the Cromwell Diner for good food and good conversation. The diner is located at 135 Berlin Road (route 372), Cromwell, CT. The diner’s phone # is 860.635.7112. Directions: from I-91 take exit 21, turn west off the exit and the diner is about 3/4’s mile down on the left hand side. All bikes (cars too) and riders welcome. For more information contact Jonathan Coler @ 860.221.5194 or joncoler@yahoo.com. (VT) MT Equinox Summit Ride 10/06/07 - My Fall Foliage ride this year will be to MT. Equinox in Vermont. If you didn’t get a chance to ride Mt. Equinox during the COG Spring (Continued on page 6) Page 5
Fling, here’s another opportunity. At 3,816‘, Mt. Equinox is actually about 300 feet higher than Mt. Greylock, so the view should be spectaular. Meet at Jeanne’s Diner in Phillipston MA, on 202 North. Take RT-2 West to Exit 19, Jeanne’s is up on the right. The Diner opens at 8am on Sunday. Have breakfast, ride leaves at 9 am for the ride to Vermont. After leaf peeping, I’ll take you on some little known Vermont county roads. Host: Kevin Martin 978.459.6275 or cog145@verizon.net (OH) Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Tour 10/06/07 - Meet at 9am to tour the museum and check out all the vintage bikes, the Motocross America display, the new exhibit "Malcolm!" which celebrates the life and career of legendary off-road rider and star of “On Any Sunday”, Malcolm Smith, and the Motorcycle Hall of Fame. The Museum is also hosting a free-to-the-public Councour d'Elegance that day. We'll head out for a ride afterwards. I will make our home available to anybody wanting to stay the night Friday or Saturday. We have a double bed in the guest room, a queen pullout in the family room, plenty of floor space in the game room, and a large backyard for tents. There are also numerous hotels near the museum. The Museum's address is: 2806 Taylor Rd., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068. Admission is $10, $5 for AMA members. More information about the museum can be found at: www.motorcyclemuseum.org (VA) Ride to Mr. B’s for Lunch 10/14/07 - There will be 2 groups starting at different location and riding to meet at 1:00PM at Mr. B’s Barbecue at Route 340, White Post, VA for some wonderful BBQ. Group 1: MD/PA riders meet at 9:00AM at Sheetz Store in Manchester, MD. Sheetz is at the intersection of MD route 30 and 27. If meeting with Group 1, please contact Russell Fleming at fleming@qis.net or 410.374.9687. Group 2 of DC/MD/Baltimore Area riders will meet at Rockville, MD. If meeting with Group 2, please contact Bobby Winters at Eagle1rw@verizon.net or call 301.990.0234. The two groups will meet at Sheetz in Brunswick, MD, at route 340 and 17, 11:00-11:30AM if you would like to meet there to ride to Mr.‘s B as one group. (VA) Fall Foliage Ride 10/19-10/22/07 - We will meet at Willville Motorcycle Camp just off milepost 178, Meadows of Dan, VA on Friday night. (www.willvillebikecamp.com) Saturday we’ll have breakfast at Meadows of Dan (a couple good restaurants there) at 8 AM and head out to ride through the pretty area. Hard roof lodging is available at the Blue Ridge Motel on Rt. 58 at Meadows of Dan at 540.952.2244. Have a safe ride to Willville! Contact Pat Sprague psprague@shentel.net or pesprague@earthlink.net or 540.743.4874
Clydesdales. There is a gift shop on the well manicured grounds. Bring your camera – photoops galore! All bikes and riders welcome. For more information contact Jonathan Coler @ 860.221.5194 or joncoler@yahoo.com. (MA) Merrimack Valley Ride 10/28/07 - Join me for my last scheduled ride of the season. This will be a late seaon Fall ride around the Merrimack Valley area. The route will be an expanded version of the ride I took last Fall, only with a few extra twists. Meet at the Acton Bickfords, Nagog Park, Rt 2A/119. Ride leaves at 9:30 am. Host: Kevin Martin 978.459.6275 or cog145@verizon.net
(CT) Tuesday Meet & Greet season finale 12/01/07 - Come and join us for good food and conversation at the U.S.S. Chowder Pot IV, Hartford, CT. As the name suggests – EVERYTHING SEAFOOD is on the menu and food is prepared to perfection. For those not inclined to partake of the sea, beef and poultry dishes are available as well. It would benefit the group if we make reservations so we can arrange (CT) Tuesday Night Meet & Greet seating for enough people. I ask that you RSVP to 11/06/07 - It was so memorable last month, we’re my email, joncoler@yahoo.com or call me at back!!! Join us at 6:00 PM at the Cromwell Diner 860.221.5194 is you plan on attending. Include the for good food and good conversation. The diner is time of day you prefer the event to occur. located at 135 Berlin Road (route 372), Cromwell, (Majority Rules)! When I make reservations with CT. The diner’s phone # is 860.635.7112. the restaurant I’ll post the meeting time. The Directions: from I-91 take exit 21, turn west off the restaurant is located at 165 Brainard Road, exit and the diner is about 3/4’s mile down on the Hartford, CT and their phone # is 860.244.3311. left hand side. All bikes (cars too) and riders Directions: I-91 to exit 27, turn east off the exit welcome. For more information contact Jonathan ramp, turn right onto Brainard Road. Restaurant is Coler @ 860.221.5194 or joncoler@yahoo.com on right hand side – parking is in the rear (which is really the front). For more information contact (VA) Brrrrrrrrr Ride Natural Bridge, VA Jonathan Coler @ 860.221.5194 or 11/09-11/11/07 - We'll gather once again at the joncoler@yahoo.com. Natural Bridge KOA just off I-81 and route 11 on (VA) Breakfast and ride to camp on Friday and Saturday nights. For those not wanting to camp, cabins are available at the 12/16/07 - Williamsburg, VA. We’ll meet at The KOA. Call 540.291.2770 to reserve one. Motels in Capitol Pancake and Waffle House, 800 Capitol the area are: Natural Bridge Inn & Conference Landing Road, Williamsburg, VA 757.564.1238 at Center, Route 11 and route 130, Natural Bridge, 8 AM. After a great breakfast at the Capitol we’ll VA 540.291.2121 Red Mill Inn, 50 South Red mill go for a ride at 9 AM, weather permitting. Contact: Road, Natural Bridge, VA 540.291.1704 Budget Pat Sprague at 540.743.4874 or Inn, I-81 Ext 180 US route 11, Natural Bridge, VA psprague@shentel.net or pesprague@earthlink.net 540.291.2896 We will meet for breakfast 8:00 AM Saturday at the Pink Cadillac Restaurant just a mile (MD) December 2007 ride will be put together depending on the weather north of the KOA on Route 11. An all new route will take us over some awesome roads with lunch at the Swinging Bridge restaurant at Paint Bank, VA. (www.theswingingbridge.com) KOA info: (www.koakampgrounds.com/where/va/46144.htm) This ride and camp, started several years ago by Guy Young, has become a perennial favourite. Contact: Pat Sprague at 540.743.4874 or psprague@shentel.net. or pesprague@earthlink.net
(MA) COG Pizza Party & Fall Social 11/10/07 - Come join us again at the Lowell Brewery Exchange (www.thebreweryexchange.com) for our annual Fall Social. We’ll meet on the 2nd floor of the Brewery in the Kegs Sports Pub for some good old socializing and snacking. Kegs Sport Bar also offers a limited bar menu, if your looking for something more than appetizers. The Brewhouse Café & Grill on the first floor offers a full service (CT) Chasin’ the Bud: Brewery Tour restaurant with a dinner menu as well. Directions 10/20/07 - Meet and Greet at Bickford’s Restaurant are available on the Brewery Exchange website in Enfield, CT at 8:30 AM. Ride departs at 9:15 located and on our Mass Cog website. COG New AM. We’ll ride spectacular roads as we make our England website: www.masscog.org Host: Kevin way to the Anheuser-Bush Brewery in Merrimack, Martin 978.459.6275 or cog145@verizon.net NH located at 221 Daniel Webster Highway. (Their Phone # is 603.595.1202) The tour offers a (MD) Buttersburg Inn Dessert Ride 11/18/07 - Meet at 10:00AM for brunch at glance into the history of the Brewery as well as the modern day processing. Periodically the stables Baugher’s Family Restaurant in Westminster MD, 289 West Main Street. Restaurant is located at the are open to the public for viewing the majestic Page 6
intersection of main West Street and Route 31 on the west side of town. GPS N 39-35.091 W07700.655. I will have a ride about 85 miles long that will end at The Buttersburg Inn in Union Bridge MD for dessert. Contact: Russell Fleming fleming@qis.net or 410-374-9687.
2008 Ride Schedule Submissions Due beginning November 2007. Please submit you ride or other activity information to be scheduled to your AAD or directly to Steve Smith.
N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S
Concours Owners Group
FALL FOLIAGE RALLY 2007 October 11 – 14, 2007 www.concours.org/ne/fallrally Guess what? It’s time for another of Scott & Terry’s Excellent Adventures!! The boys are bringing us back to Lake George, in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. Pack your electrics as mountain temperatures can be very cool in the fall.
Rally Headquarters: Surfside on the Lake, Lake George, NY, 400 Canada Street, Lake George Village, NY 12845 Reservations: 800-342-9795 or 518-668-2442 www.surfsideonthelake.com A block of rooms will be held fro a limited time. Call ASAP. Room rate for Standard room ($50+tax &fees) Other rooms available at higher cost. Be sure to mention Concours Owners Group to get rooms held in our block. Member Rally Fee: $35 (US $) per person for COG members, their family or significant other. Non-Member Rally Fee: $40 (US $) per person Full refund issued prior to 9/20/07; no refund after 9/20/07. We cannot guarantee dinner seating for registrations received after 9/20/07. The rally fee covers the cost of the Saturday dinner and rally expenses. Wristbands or similar method may be used to identify registered attendees.
Riding: Sample self-guided ride routes will be provided. Events: The Saturday dinner will be held nearby. Details provided at rally check-in or check rally web page for updates. General Questions:
Scott Sorger: 516-546-2160 Terry Faherty: 718-227-2099 (cell 917-837-6634)
Send lower portion of the Registration Form with rally fee payable to “Concours Owners Group” to: Steven Smith – Fall Rally 39 Alison Ave Naugatuck, CT 06770-3566
(cut & return lower section)
Rally Registration Form (Please PRINT Clearly) Name: (One form per person) ____________________________________________ AMA # _____________ COG #___________ Street: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: ________________________________________________ State/Province: ________________ Zip Code: _______________ Phone: (______)_____-____________ E-Mail: __________________________________________________ Country: _________ I will be a: rider / passenger / guest Motorcycle 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) ___________________________________
I S S U E 4 , 2 0 07
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Our Newest Northeast Area Members (since the last newsletter) Mike Weslake, #7904 Whitby, ON Canada
Shawn Gundersen, #7927 Leeds, MA
Gary Colgate, #7908 Harrisburg, PA 17111
Michael Margolis & Anne Frederick, #7942/A Herndon, VA
Kenneth Ingignoli & Betsy Malman, #7905/A Lake George, NY
James Marcum, #7951 Fredericksburg, VA
Randy Cairns, #7918 Lachine, PQ Canada
Doug Belling & Bailey Whiteman, #7953 Washington, DC
Larry Souleret, #7921 Pittsburg, PA David Whitecotton, #7922 St Jean Chrysostome, PQ Canada
Northeast Area Concours 14 Owners The Concours 14 began appearing on showroom floors within the last month or so. As space allows we will highlight members who have purchased a C14... At the national rally, Kawasaki had between seven and nine Concours 14 present. Besides all the demo bikes, there were three Concours 14 that were recently purchased by COG Northeast Area members. Sam Koehler (COG380) took delivery of his new C14 weeks ago and is believed to be the first COG member to take delivery of a C14. His friend Brian Jordan told us that Sam’s been looking for the “New Concours” for about 10 years. Russell Fleming (COG599) also came to the rally with his new Concours 14, in addition to his trust classic connie that he has logged over 200,000 miles on. We tried to get a photo of him on the bike, but he was moving too fast to capture the image. Rich Riczinger (COG5977 )picked up his new Concours 14 within the last few weeks and rode it to the national. As COG Tech Editor, Rich plans to tear into the new bike soon to provide useful info to the membership. (editor note: when I was looking at the demo bikes before heading to the banquet, I saw Murph taking a close look at them as well. I asked if he was getting ready for all the new stuff for the bike. He had a gleam in his eyes when he said yes he was. ☺ Louis) Page 8
N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S