Cognitions: Random thoughts from the Northeast Area Director - By Steven Smith #3184 Issue 3, 2008
It’s early June and up until now it has felt more like early spring, giving us some great riding New England weather. That all ended today. I left this morning for a ride to my parents home in New York with cool temps in the 60’s-70’s. On the way home it was closer to 90 mid-day and getting humid. This time the weatherman was right. I guess it is time to install the air conditioners.
Northeast Staff & Leadership We’re still recruiting for an enthusiastic person (or persons), with the desire to help the club, to take over Russ Fleming’s AAD position beginning January 2009. It takes only a little effort, but the rewards are many. New Jersey COG member Mike Aldea recently posted an email about volunteering in COG. He said it “can add great depth to the experience of being a member of COG. You may not know everyone when you go to a COG event but they will know you, and I found that was a nice thing during my terms as NEAD.” Well said Mike. I couldn’t agree more. Many of you know of Metro NY AAD Jim Clark; he has been an AAD since before I joined COG 10 years ago. Jim has been a very active member and the host of the numerous Catskill area rallies. One of his Kingston, NY rallies was my first foray into the world of COG and was my inspiration for wanting to host my own rally some day. Late last year Jim told me that if a qualified candidate for AAD comes along, he was ready to pass the baton. At Americade rally just a week ago, Jim was talking with Terry Faherty (COG # 792) about taking over as AAD. This is something Terry has been considering since retiring from the NYPD and I’m happy to report that he has volunteered and accepted the position, effective immediately. Hailing from Staten Island, NY, many of you know Terry as one of the comedic hosts of the famous Lake George fall rallies. Enough from me, here is what Terry has to say...
“After some deliberation I have decided to step into Jim Clark's shoes (and some BIG shoes they are!) and take over as Metro NYC AAD. First of all I want to thank Jim for his years of service and also wish him well in his continued recovery. He's been an inspiration to all who know him with his positive attitude and determination. As Steve mentioned I've retired from the NYPD and actually have some control over my schedule so I hope to have some rides planned shortly. I've been a long time member (three digit number!) and have previously co-hosted four rallies, so I'm no stranger to the COGlodytes of Terry Faherty, the Pope of Americade, is COG’s the NE. Of course, Steve found an appropriate photo of me for this intro. I'm sure he'll waste no time newest NE AAD getting me off to a flying start! See you at Stowe! “ Please join me in welcoming Terry. On behalf of all COG NE members I want to thank Jim for all that he has done for COG over the years and wish him well in his future endeavors.
2008 Northeast Ride Schedule Updates See the schedule in this issue for details... NEW: (Aug 23) Vanilla Bean Café and Excalibur Powersports Ride This is a new ride that was just added to the schedule and hosted by Greg Habel. UPDATE: (Sept 19) Wellsboro, PA Camp And Ride Weekend - Joe Cyprych recently found out that this event coincides with the campground’s annual pig roast, and once again the campground has invited COGgers to attend. See the ride schedule for details. UPDATE: (July 20) Round the Quabbin Ride rescheduled to this date. NEW: (Oct 16 – 19) Bar Harbor Fall Rally. Thanks to Tony Shelver for graciously volunteering to organize this event. The hard work is done in selecting a location and venue, but Tony will need on-site registration and route planning support. See the rally announcement in this issue. SAVE THE DATE: (Sept 24-29) Fall Rally 2009 Wellsboro, PA.
COG’s New Web Site—www.cog-online.org By now I hope you have heard that COG recently introduced our first official web site. The roll out of the new web site is moving along, but it has not come about without a few snags and misunderstandings. COG Executive Director Guy Young has published a detailed statement and apology to members that will appear in the next Concourier. As a reminder, members have access to a wealth of membership services through the new web site. Some of the features are the ability to renew membership and pay dues online, purchase COG merchandise, and register and pay for rallies. There is a document library to access archived issues of The Concourier, area newsletters, Chalkdust, ride routes, GPS files, and more. Presently there are over 500 members already using the new web, but we would like to see more. Signing up to use the all new official COG Member Online Service web (COGMOS) is simple, and if your dues are current the membership director will approve your registration without charge. You may sign up to use the online system at any time by going to www.cog-online.org, clicking on Join COG Today! Menu selection, and following the simple instructions. If you have any questions or issues registering to use the online system, please contact me or COGMOS Committee Chairman Colin Prior (colinp@reaxion.com) Please do not contact Memberize. The original plan set forth by the web committee and Executive Board was to pre-load the entire COG member database into the online database.. Having the club’s member data in one centralized location will allow COG officers to cohesively manage mailing lists for membership renewals, Concourier, newsletters, handbooks and other mailed material. In addition, this will allow us to begin regional and national email newsletters in which we can communicate quickly and efficiently with members. Our membership director resisted this, feeling that COG should not place member’s information into our new web database without individual consent. As a show of consent, the membership director requires you, the members, to register yourself to use the online system. COG does take member information privacy seriously, and as such have issued a privacy statement that is posted on the web site. Your information is secure in the password protected system, and will only be made available to other COG members if you so choose, and never to the general public. Having the entire membership included in the online database is really no different to (Cognitions - 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) Norm & Lorie Walton, #7011 Cromwell, CT 860-836-5162 ctaad@live.com Metro NY/NJ Terry Faherty, #792 Staten Island, NY 718-227-2099 tmcefah@aol.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
Northeast Area News Newsletter Staff: Louis Caplan, Steven Smith The Northeast Area News is a publication for Northeast Area members of the Concours Owners Group. Submissions are welcomed and members are encouraged to share 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 Page 2
Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh (Western PA) Joe Cyprych, #4665 McDonald, PA 724-796-1401 cyprych@windstream.net DelMarVa & Philly burbs (PA/NJ) Bob Chappell, #1283 Claymont, DE 302-791-0582 cog1283@comcast.net Ken Quesenberry, #3361 Hockessin, DE 302-234-0737 kqberry@comcast.net Maryland/Southern PA Russell Fleming, #599 Hampstead, MD 410-374-9687 Fleming@qis.net Virginia/West Virginia Kurt & Sue Nordstrom, #6049/A Spotsylvania, VA 540-582-9414 Ironhorsefun@mindspring.com 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
(Cognitions - Continued from page 1)
publishing the Membership Handbook, except members would have a live and up to date version of member contact information available online. If you think about it, the only data COG collects from members is what is on the membership application: name, address, phone, email, and AMA number. Not exactly a high security risk for identity theft and most of this information is easily obtained via a Google search. That being said, in an effort to be able to make my/our job easier as your [volunteer] Area Director, I would like to pre-load all northeast member information into the online web server database beginning in 2009. If this is OK by you, then do nothing. If there is a reason you DO NOT want COG to put your membership information in our secure online database please contact me directly by email, phone or letter.
Newsletters Northeast Newsletters are published six times a year. Several years worth of Northeast Area Newsletters are archived on our new web pages. In an effort to “go green” and help save on ever increasing printing and mailing costs, members have the option to receive the newsletter electronically only. How would you like to be among the first to receive a Northeast Newsletter when it is published? At this time when a new issue is ready, members who choose electronic delivery instead of regular mail will receive an email with a special web link to download the latest newsletter, usually a week or more before the issue hits mailboxes. Need more incentive… the electronic version has full color photos. At some point, we will transition to a new electronic delivery method using our new www.cog-online.org web site. If you wish to “go green” with the newsletter now, just send me an email.
COG article deadlines Concourier articles must be submitted to the editor prior to these dates. Fall Issue - September 1, Winter Issue - December 1 The deadline for the next Northeast Area News is July 31. Until next time, ride safe.
Steve
best fit available space. If you would like to have your material returned, please include a SASE. Please send submissions to:
Steven Smith 39 Alison Ave Naugatuck, CT 06770-3566 nead@concours.org Many of the opinions stated in this publication may make no sense to those sound of mind and may just be conveniently ignored. If you use any of the information in this rag to incur damage to yourself, your motor or any innocent or not so innocent bystanders it is you own fault...you were warned! Copyright 2008 © Concours Owners Group
Scott Kaplan #3512, provided this photo of a very unique odometer reading from his Concours. N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S
Connecticut Report - by Norm & Lorie Walton, #7011 Greetings Coggers! Each month we do a Tuesday night meet and greet dinner gathering. We try to choose different locations each month, selected by different members. On May 6 we met at “Smoking with Chris” in Southington, CT. The food was decent and had mixed reviews among the group. In attendance were Steve Smith, Jon Coler, Craig Rabin, Jim Waterman, Mike Culinan, Dave and Harriet Muir, Sherman and Michele Baumann, Karl Schenkel, Jerry Gillespie, new member Andrew Howgego, along with my wife Lorie and me. Dinner was good but the conversation was better! My wife got to debut her new bike, a 1955 Honda 750 Nighthawk. Mike Cullinan led us on a short back road ride after dinner as we made our way home. June 3 we met up before dinner for a ride led by Sherman and Michele Baumann. Sherman led us on some great back roads for just over 50 miles ending up in Storrs for Dinner at Cathy Johns. We had 12 bikes show up for the ride, and even my wife Lorie and Michele rode their own bikes. We had a great dinner made better by the company, and it was followed by some awesome ice cream. In attendance were Mike Cullinan, Dave and Jill Dutton, Sherman and Michele Baumann, Ken Knowles, Dave Muir, Dave Farris, Gary Thorstenson, Wayne Kowal, Jerry Gillespie, Gerry Barnett, Carl Dye, Tim Castelvetere and Norm and Lorie Walton. Sherman will lead the upcoming ride later this month and it will be lots of fun. Watch for your email reminder!!
Northern New England - by Kevin Martin, #145 Well the 2008 riding season is quickly getting into full swing with another very successful “Spring Fling” Rally, hosted by Rally Master Extraordinaire Jason Kaplitz. Sure the weather could have been better on Friday, but at least Saturday was a dry riding day allowing us the opportunity to do the Run for Buns Slate Ride and close out the afternoon with a trip up to the PA Grand Canyon overlook for another spectacular view of the gorge. As planned, we wrapped up the day with a great banquet feast at the Penn Wells Hotel, socializing and enjoying a few laughs with long time COG friends. That’s what its all about, Riding, hanging out with friends, and more riding. So “Hats Off” to Jason and the rest of the volunteers who helped make this years Spring Fling another success. Closer to home, we’ve also had a few enjoyable events starting with the I S S U E 3 , 2 0 08
Greg Habel and Pat Mulloy’s April Tech Session down in Monson MA. It was another well attended event with over 20 people participating, plus it was one of the few days in April when the sun was shining and temperatures were near summer like. Another good pick guys! Since Greg submitted his own article and pictures to describe this event, I’ll defer to his report in this Newsletter for more details. Since the Tech Session, I hosted a new ride this year up to Maine to visit the Nubble Light House and Nubble Restaurant, starting the ride after loading up on breakfast at one of our regular meeting places in Chelmsford MA, called Skips Restaurant. We had good turn out for this ride with nine of us leaving Skips for the ride out to the coast, including new member Tom Edwards (8144) from Marlboro Mass. I lead the ride up to the Lighthouse via secondary roads through southern New Hampshire out to the coast then we rode north on coast road 1A all the way up to Nubble. Once we reached Nubble, we were joined by Mike Benham from Dover NH, and another new member, Doug Walrath from nearby Wells Maine. After a brief photo shoot, we all walked over to the Nubble Restaurant and had lunch with a view of the rocky coast of Maine. Great view and ride, I’ll have to make this one of my regular Spring rides. Probably by the time everyone reads this article, we will have completed our next ride on June 7th to Polly’s Pancake House in Sugar Hill New Hampshire. Polly’s is famous for their country style pancakes and its been several years since I’ve been up there so I’m really looking forward to it, plus this is a great area to ride with nearby RTs 116 & 118. I also have a ride scheduled at the end of June through southern Vermont which I’ve hosted several times over the years and its one of my favorites. My big event this year is the Northeast Summer Rally up in Stowe Vermont. The Rally dates are July 10 -13 and rally headquarters will be the Commodores Inn right on famous RT-100. I hosted the 2005 Summer Rally at the Commodores so for those of you who attended back in ’05 you know what a nice lodge the Commodores is and how motorcycle friendly they are. For you first timers, you won’t be disappointed with either the accommodations or area roads. I’m currently working on new routes for the Rally so keep checking the Northeast website for route downloads, including GPS files. Please download and print out the routes you’re interested in, and bring them with you when you come to the rally, this will save printing costs for having to print out hundreds of pages of rally information to cover the attending population. Only a limited number of copies will be available during registration. Also this year there will be a Friday night reception with wine, beer, cheese & crackers and other snacks for an additional $10 per person. This was a lot of fun last time and a great way to meet new people and hang out with friends. That’s is for now. Hope to see you all at the Summer Rally. Ride Safe!
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Monson, MA Tech Session by Greg Habel #7010 & Pat & Sherry Mulloy #7670 April 19, 2008 - After holding a fun, successful inaugural Tech Session of 20+ attendees in April of 2007, my brother-in-law Pat and I decided it was time for a repeat. Working with our AAD Kevin Martin well in advance we were able to have him list it in the North East Area newsletter to coincide with his planned ride, along with us posting on the concours.org forum. The list of attendees quickly started to build with requests for assistance coming in via email and the forum. We decided to hold our valve adjustments to 2 due to the time and space needed for fairing parts. Many other maintenance items lined up. The day started off with that familiar sweet sound of near continuous Connie rumble as folks arrived. Mark Williams and Lyle “Coop” Cooper had nice areas reserved for their bikes and fairing parts set off to the side in a protected area. To ensure their bikes were dead cold, Coop had dropped his bike off the night before and Mark brought his in the truck bed. I worked with Coop and bopped around once he was well into the adjustment. Meanwhile Carl Dye helped out Mark with his valves. Pat was busy with tire changes, brake lines/fluids, amongst other things. Raul Cifuentes road all the way from Long Island with a new rear tire mounted to his seat. John and Catalina Hugo installed Murph’s fuse block along with heated grips while others provided advice. Tom Edwards had the pleasure of using Pat’s air powered bike lift while he did his first oil change, rear diff fluid change, and heated grips. Our good friend Jeff Mailhot showed up with his Honda Sabre V45 to pitch in and do some bench racing. We broke for lunch that had been prepared by Pat, Sherry, Tracey, Mrs. Coop, and Carol Watkins. Our appetites were ferocious and the food was quite delicious. Some of us (me included) kept on saying “just one more thing before lunch”. There’s nothing quite as tasty as a meatball sub with a little grease for extra flavor. Out in the driveway folks were doing a carb sync and steering head adjustments. Our first experience with a coolant change was performed on Mark’s bike and proved fairly easy thanks to COG’s official maintenance tips booklet Chalkdust (now online at www.cogonline.org ), fellow COGers advice, and a Clymer manual. We did have
Once at the scene just down the road, we were able to diagnose it as a kinked fuel line. At the end of the day it was my turn (with great assistance from my wife Tracey) to drill out some holes in my antler covers to give the bike a cleaner look. As with many tech sessions our focus was to both get the work done, as well as, teach and learn. With over 20 attendees, that’s exactly what happened. The veterans helped out the newbies and those mechanically challenged. All in all it was a great day to teach, to learn, and to frolic in the many facets of COGdom.
Bar Harbor Fall Rally - by Tony Shelver Save the date… registration info coming soon. We plan to do both mail in and online registrations for this event using the Event Calendar on the new COG website www.cog-online.org When: October 16 – 19 Where: Kimball Terrace Inn, Northeast Harbor, ME (overlooking the Yacht Marina) The negotiated rate is $95 for a harbor-facing room. What: This is will be a casual rally, with the focus on riding and socializing. As this is the end of the Bar Harbor tourist season, the roads and attractions tend to be relatively quiet, while most places of interest to COGgers should still be open. In addition to the riding, there is a lot to do in the rally area, including hiking, sightseeing and just taking in the unique Maine coastal atmosphere. Why? Bar Harbor is a well-known tourist destination (rated #16 in the USA, and in the top 100 in the world), due to the unique beauty of it’s rugged sea and mountain surroundings, and attractions such as Acadia National Park, breweries, boat tours, museums, gardens, oceanarium and more. It is also an excellent base for the great riding in Down East Maine all the way up to Lubec. There is good riding to the south as well, in the Deer Isle / Blue Hill area. Rte 191 to the north made the ’10-best’ list in Rider magazine a few years back. All these great little roads wind through typical Maine coastal scenery and fishing villages. The first place in the US to see the sun, the easternmost US settlement, a world-famous travel destination, a unique, rugged coastline, it’s all here. Additional Information: Kimball Terrace Inn: www.kimballterraceinn.com Acadia National Park: www.nps.gov/acad Bar Harbor Information: www.barharborinfo.com Lubec and north: www.cobscookbay.com To the south: Deer Isle and Blue Hill: www.downeastregion.com/bucksport.php
a false start with Mark’s bike when he returned to Pat’s house on the back of a friendly Harley rider’s bike after suffering a total power loss. Page 4
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MD/S. Central PA Report- by Russ Fleming, #599 What’s happening in Maryland And Pennsylvania? The last two months RAIN. APRIL 12 was rained out, but there were 5 crazy people to show up for breakfast. Russell Fleming, Paul Farinholt, Mike Shaw, Tony Borum and Dave Fridirici. We had a great breakfast and then went home.
Run for the Buns May 4 rained on Saturday evening but there were 4 brave soles that showed up again. Russell Fleming, Paul Farinholt, Wayne Tenney and Tony Borum. Here is ride report by Tony about the ride. I left home at 7:00 am giving me plenty of time to get to the meeting place of the Sheetz’s at the intersection of PA.114 and US 11 North in Mechanicsburg, PA. My plan and schedule got set back, by the recurring problem of my bike choking up like it was running out of gas, this time I had to pull over open the tank, put it on prime anyway I got it running both times once before the traffic stopped on I-81 North and South because they were working on a bridge over 81 and once after. Knowing I was running late with 200 miles on the tank and knowing, the bike did not act up with a full tank I stopped at got gas. Getting to the Sheetz at about 8:45 made me 15 minutes late finding Russell Fleming, Wayne Tenney and Paul Farinholt about ready to pull out so I told Russell I was surprised to see only three bikes, but had gas and would take a break at the sandwich stop and off we went. Russell knows how to pick the roads to ride and they are always nice some or most were familiar to me, but a joy to ride any time you can. At about 64.5 miles, we stopped for a break at the Troxelville CITGO to stretch and chat for few minutes and back on the road toward Slate Run. More nice roads through the hills and State Parks of PA for another 87 miles we are at the Slate Run Bait and Tackle, and some of the best sandwiches you can get. About 10 miles south of the store we pass a BMW rider sitting at a gas station He waved and we replied and kept going. Since I did not have breakfast, I went with a nice breakfast sandwich cookies and water and Russell and Wayne split one because the sandwiches are huge and I did not notice what Paul chose to eat. While I enjoyed mine while everyone else waited for their sandwiches to get done. I asked Russell about the choking up that my bike was doing and that it is always with around a half a tank of gas. Russell suggested I oil the rubber gasket under the gas cap so when I finished my sandwich I pulled the cap where you fill your oil and got enough for a light coat on the seal. The BMW rider showed up while we were chatting and some were finishing their lunch. Turns out he is from Michigan and working in Lewiston, PA and rode his bike down for this stay. After chatting eating and getting to know the BMW rider we all headed out agreeing to split so the good-byes were done before leaving the store. We all gassed up at Jersey Shore, me with 234 miles on the tank and no choking, a little oil on the seal must have worked. Time will tell. The BMW rode with us until he went left toward Lewistown and we went right headed to Routes 15/ 11 South. I split from Russell, Wayne and Paul when they headed East off I-81 and I kept going South toward Hagerstown, MD. The truck traffic on 81 was terrible so after about twenty minutes I chose to take the slower path home and took a road I knew would take me to route 11 South and that goes through Hagerstown, but added little time in my ride home getting there at 6:30 PM. This was my longest day in the saddle so far this year with about 445 miles. It was a long day but a good time and fine riding. Ride Report by Tony Bourm
stop to sight see, 150 mile ride around the Susquehanna River and update the 1st North South ride from 1998 that is 225 miles long. August 17 is the Sport Touring ride in Carlisle PA for more details check the COG web page for more details. Just a reminder at the end of 2008 I am stepping down as the AAD for this area if you would like to step up and take over PLEASE contact me ASAP.
VA/WV Report - by Kurt & Sue Nordsrom, #6049 Wow… $4.00+ for a gallon of gas and the year is six months gone, time flies when you’re having fun and the oil companies have us bent over a barrel. I never thought I would see the day when it would take over $30.00 to fill up a Concours. Well now to happier bits ….. The month of May has been a busy month here in the Northeast Region, two great events on the same weekend, decisions, decisions…..which one to attend….flip coin…..and I made my way to Winchester, VA for the Sport Touring @ Its Finest Ride. This ride took a whole year to plan with many motorcycle groups coming together to make this happen. I would like to thank the members from COG, BMW, FJR, ST and WMMA for their many hours of planning to make this event happen. A special thanks needs to go out to our Maryland AAD Russell Fleming for keeping us on track and moving forward when we got bogged down. With approximately 30 - 40 riders showing up early in the morning; on what turned out to be a less than beautiful morning (steady rain) we all had a hearty breakfast at the Flying J buffet. After breakfast was done the attention was focused on which adventure to partake in and this was done while consuming mass quantities of Java. The adventures were many, five routes to choose from, four self guided on “wet greasy” asphalt. These four routes would take the rider through numerous states (VA, WV, MD & PA) with some fantastic scenery. Then there was the off trail excursion, led by Pat “Goat Trail” Sprague. This ride went over hill, dale and through the backwoods of VA and WV. A great time was had by all the attendees and the BIG question of the afternoon was...... When are we going to do this again? Finally, we have begun our focus on next year. We have been asking ourselves what has gone right, what has gone wrong and what do we need to change. This year will be the first time in eight years that the Northeast Region has not had a Fall Rally, don’t know if that is a good thing or bad thing or the members in this area are just too damn busy to plan one. Just remember folks; we are a volunteer organization, we need your ideas and support…a little help putting these events together is much appreciated also. That being said…we are looking for other members to take the “bull by the horns” so to speak and put an event together, it is not hard, just takes a little time and effort. Sue and I would like to thank Jim, Pat and Roger for assisting us during our first year as Assistant Area Directors. We have also heard rumors during the Sport Touring’s Finest Ride that there could be something brewing in deep Southwest Virginia area for next year…….I look forward to hearing back from those involved with this adventure, sounds like a great location. Questions / concerns: ironhorsefun@mindspring.com or 540-582-9414 Till next time….ride safe, Kurt & Sue Nordstrom
Update on the June 20-22 NORTH & SOUTH 11 GET TOGETHER. Tracy Martin from Total Control riding clinic has volunteered his time again this year to give a suspension-tuning seminar Saturday after the cookout. I have 3 rides this year to choose from 110 miles ride with
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Northeast Ride Schedule - view the most current event info at: www.concours.org/ne/schedules.htm in Johnstown, PA. In just ten short years this event has grown to host over 125 vendors and 200,000+ (ON) S. Central Ontario Get-Together bikers. We return to Pioneer Park Campground Meet at 6:30 pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month (www.pioneerparkcampground.com). Thunder is a scenic 30 minute ride north of the campout. Close at the Mohawk Inn in Guelph. Join us for dinner enough to enjoy, far enough to be out of the noise and socializing. All Welcome. Located on the northwest corner of Hwy 401 at Guelph Line, exit and craziness! Pioneer Park is a terrific full-service camping resort with excellent showers and 312, next to the Mohawk Raceway & Slots facilities, minutes away from the PA Turnpike Exit Entertainment Facility. 9230 Guelph Line, #10, Somerset, PA or the Donegal exit #9. Campbellville, Ontario. 905.854.2277 Directions: From Somerset follow Rt. 31 W. 7 (www.mohawkinn.com) Contact: Dave Clancy, miles to campground. From Donegal, follow Rt. 31 davecla2@sympatico.ca or 905.389.7681. E 12 miles. Cost for the rally is just $20 payable to (PA) Meet Greet and Ride Sundays the club and a camping fee of $5.00 per night/per person payable at the campground. 4th Annual Meet Sundays at 10:00 am at Kings Restaurant rally pin for the first 100 registrants. Activities located in Imperial, PA, located right off the include tech session, self-guided rides to Flight 93 Imperial exit of routes 22 & 30. We will decide a Memorial crash site (www.nps.gov/flni). ride or destination with whoever attends, or I will Johnstown Flood Memorial (www.nps.gov/jofl), have a route ready if we need it. Rides will begin the 1st week in April until the 1st week in Nov. If and other self guided rides in the Southern you have a ride idea, or need any additional info or Alleghenies (www.cyclesa.com). Dump Stew (bring a can or 2 to add to the pot), hotdogs & directions contact Joe Cyprych 724.796.1401 or snacks Friday evening. Saturday evening meal by cyprych@windstream.net Hope to see you there. the local Volunteer Fire Dept. Sunday send off Calendar of Events Snapshot breakfast. Pavilion, picnic tables, Hot showers, campfires allowed and some wood provided! (MD) North & South 11 Get Together Motels & Restaurants nearby. Sat. night 06/20/08-06/22/08 – Join us at Martha & Russell campground band. Contact Joe Cyprych Fleming's Home, 2610 Old Fort Schoolhouse Rd, cyprych@windstream.net or 724.796.1401 Hampstead MD 21074. Tracy Martin from Total Control riding clinic volunteered his time again to (CT) Add Em up ride!! give a suspension tuning seminar Saturday after the 06/28/08 - Bring your digital cameras + your cookout. Friday June 20 for camping, come and calculators (or your Polaroids + fingers + toes) You setup your tent and have a cookout in the evening. pick the route on this ride-starting point is There is plenty of tent space in the backyard. Cromwell Diner 135 Berlin Rd (rte372) Cromwell Saturday June 21 Breakfast, Ride and Cookout. CT at 8:30AM--the finish point is Harrys Place 104 Breakfast will be held in the driveway. Serving Broadway St, Colchester, CT between 2-3PM. The Bacon and Eggs, Juice and Coffee. Starting at 8:00 object is to add up all the route numbers en route to am then you can leave at your free will on one of 4 come up with a total closest to a number that will past route that could take you in PA, VA, WV and be decided randomly at the last second. Then its up MD of 260 miles or 1 of 2 short routes of 100 to you to go out + shoot a picture of the Rte miles and end back here for a cookout that will number signs along the way. Meet back up at start about 6:30 pm. Sunday June 22 Breakfast will Harrys to check your pics-+ math skills. Who took be held one more time in the driveway. Starting the longest route? Most or least roads? Closest to 8:30 with a guided ride there after. Lodging in the number? This ride is hosted by Sherman and Westminster, MD: Boston Inn, 533 Baltimore Blvd Michelle Baumann. All bikes and riders welcome. 800.634.0846; Days Inn, 25 South Cranberry Rd, Contact Norm Walton ctaad@live.com or 800.329.7466; Best Western, 451 WMC Drive, 860.836.5162 800.528.1234. Lodging in Hanover, PA: Hampton (VT) Vermont Day Ride Inn, 800.426.7866; Super 8, 40 Wetzel St, 800.800.8000; Clearview Motor Inn, 901 Carlisle 06/28/08 - Meet me at Cliff’s Café’ for a ride up St, 717.637.3701. Directions From Westminster to through Vermont and back. Get there early for breakfast, ride leaves at 8 am. The plan is to ride the Fleming's: Route 140 to Route 27 North 6 out to Brattleboro, head north up Rte 30 & 35 into miles, Right on Old Fort Schoolhouse Rd. Fleming's is 1 mile on left at top of hill. Directions Grafton, looping around and back via routes 103 & from Hanover to the Fleming's: Take PA 94 south 5 and area roads. Cliff’s Café, 268 Main St. (Rte 119) Townsend MA, (Cliff’s is just beyond the into MD where it becomes MD 30. Continue to Manchester. Turn right at MD 27 (Sheetz store on corner at the Jct of 119 & 13 in Townsend). GPS Coordinates: N42 40.027 W71 42.368 Host: left) 2.4 miles. Then a left onto Old Fort Schoolhouse Rd. Fleming's is 1 mile on left at top Kevin Martin cog145@verizon.net or of hill. Please give me a call if you plan on coming 978.459.6275 so that I know how much food to fix. Contact (NY) Glocks In The Tankbag Ride Russell Fleming fleming@qis.net or 410.374.9687 06/29/08 - I did this a few years ago and had a (PA) Thunder In The Valley blast! The range (sunsethill.slvrcreek.com ) has guns to rent, mostly historical and movie famous 06/27/08 - 06/29/2008 - We’re invited to the 5th Annual Laurel Highlands BMW Riders Campout. types. The rates are quite decent, and it's alot of This campout coincides with the famous “Thunder fun. You can bring your own, check the site for in the Valley” Rally (www.visitjohnstownpa.com) rates/issues. The ride out is really fun, as the roads
Repeating Events
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in that area are very cool. If you are thinking about joining me, give me a heads up. Contact: Mike Flynn keltwolf@optonline.net or 914.263.5440 (VT) Northeast Summer Rally, Stowe, VT 07/10/08-07/13/08 – Save the dates: We’re going back to the Commodores Inn in Stowe Vermont. Get ready to ride some of the best roads in the great State of Vermont, including Smugglers Notch, Mad River Glen, Brandon Gap, etc. Rally Fee: $40 for COG members, $45 for Non-COG members Registration form was in the newsletter. Rally Headquarters: Commodores Inn, 823 South Main St, (RT 100) Stowe, Vermont. 800.447.8693 www.commodoresinn.com A limited block of rooms will be held until 6/30/2008, so book your room early. Call Commodores Inn to make reservations (mention Concours Owners Group) Room Rates: Double: $92 Single: $78 (inclusive). The same rates will apply if you wish to extend your stay. Breakfast Buffet is available at $8 pp/day (+tax+gratuity). Commodores Inn features modern comfort with country charm. This family owned and operated resort has the amenities to make your visit enjoyable including a 3‑1/2 acre lake; heated outdoor and indoor pools; 3 Jacuzzis, 2 saunas; comfortable living room with large fieldstone fireplace; fitness facility; Game room. For additional information: www.concours.org/ne or contact Kevin Martin cog145@verizon.net or 978.459.6275 (PA) Cooks Forest Weekender 07/18/08 - 07/20/08 - We will be holding our now annual cook forest campout at the Kalyumet campground, this is a very motorcycle friendly campground with great facilities located in a excellent area for riding, some attractions include wineries, Kinzu dam and bridge, the Zippo factory and museum, and lots of great roads in and around cook forest state park. the campground also has some rooms and cabins available for rent for those who prefer them. the campground info: Kalyumet campground, 8630 Miola Rd, Lucinda PA 16235. www.kalyumet.com 814.744.9622 when calling for reservations mention you are with COG. They also allow two tents to a site for those wanting to split a site. Hope to see you there. Contact Joe Cyprych cyprych@windstream.net or 724.796.1401 (VA) Summer Wrench Session 07/19/08-07/20/08 - Kurt Nordstrom will host a wrench session at his home in Spotsylvania. The season's half over, and should be time for a valve adjustment. Kurt has a nice garage, fair amount of tools and a bike lift. Bring any other tools you may want or need. Also, bring any fluids, filters, parts, tars, adult liquid refreshment, etc. that you may need. If a valve adjustment is planned you may tow the bike or make arrangements with Kurt to bring it early. Come one or both days. There is plenty of tent space or Quality Inn 6 mi. away at the Thornburg exit off I-95 (Exit #118). Please call or email Kurt to let him know you are coming. The address is 306 Bell Grove Lane, Spotsylvania, VA 22551. Contact Kurt & Sue Nordstrom ironhorsefun@mindspring.com or 540.582.9414 (Continued on page 7) N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S
(CT) Round the Quabbin Ride 07/20/08 - RESCEDULED -Ride the Quabbin Reservoir, on Sunday April 20, 2008. This ride is sponsored by Gerry Barnett. We will meet at Bickfords in Enfield Ct on Rte 190 for pre-ride breakfast. We will depart at 9:00AM to run some awesome back roads to the Quabbin Reservoir, the main water supply for Boston. There are 4 towns under the area the water covers now. I am told the reservoir holds more water than the Long Island Sound. After winding our way around the area we will make tracks for Bubs BBQ on RTE 116 Sunderland MA for some lunch. After lunch we will take a scenic ride along the Connecticut River back to Enfield CT. This ride could be canceled due to inclement weather. All bikes and riders welcome. Directions to Bickford’s- Rte 91 North to exit 47E.Turn left at the first light after the end of the ramp. The restaurant is on the left. From 91 South: Exit 47East to 190E to the second light, turn left ,the restaurant is on the left. Contact Norm
and Lorie Walton ctaad@live.com or 860.836.5162 (VT) Back Roads Ramble Thru Southern VT 08/09/08 - Meet 8:30am at the Brattleboro, VT Duncan Donuts, just south of the rotary on RT 5 at the intersections of NH RT 9 and Exit #4 off I-91. This is a 185 mile loop on State and county roads out to Granville, NY where we will have lunch at the Pine Tree Diner. [mile 90]. Optional visit to the Slate Valley Museum (www.slatevalleymuseum.org) returning back to Brattleboro, VT around 4pm. Host: Mark Jenson mjenso@comcast.net 603.756.4143 or 603.513.8633 (WV) Days Rally, Arbovale, WV 08/08/08-08/10/08 - Come visit beautiful Pocahontas County, WV. The rally will be at the Boyer Motel, Restaurant and Campground, located near the confluence of RT 28 & 92. The motel has about 20 rooms (definitely not the Hilton) and the campground has water and electric hookups, picnic tables at each site, hot showers with private dressing rooms, flush toilets, sewer hookups for those with a land yacht, dump station, playground and more. Grocery stores and gas nearby. Base registration fee is $25 with discounts for COG members and early registration. Details are on the registration form that was in the 2008, Issue 1 newsletter. Contact Jason Kaplitz cog62@kaplitz.com or 814.535.8669, Joe Cyprych cyprych@windstream.net or 724.796.1401. Registration questions go to Kurt & Sue Nordstrom: ironhorsefun@mindspring.com or 540.582.9414 (PA) Sport Touring at its Finest Ride North 08/17/08 - Meet for Breakfast at 9 am at the IRON SKILLET at the PETRO truck stop in Carlisle, PA. 1201 Harrisburg Pike, Carlisle, PA GPS Coordinates N 40-13.903 W 077-08.551. More Details Coming (NY) Tuesday Hooky Ride 08/19/08 - Join me on a Tuesday while all the other working stiffs are cooped up in the office. We meet at the Somers 7/11 on Rt100, off exit 6 of I-684, then go in search of curvy back roads. We'll hit someplace for lunch, hopefully grab some pics, then head home before school is out, and the roads I S S U E 3 , 2 0 08
become clogged. Contact: Mike Flynn keltwolf@optonline.net or 914.263.5440 (MA/CT/RI) Vanilla Bean and Excalibur Ride 08/23/08 - A wonderful day of country roads riding awaits in south central MA, northeast CT, and northwest RI. Meet at the famous Lowell’s Restaurant, Rt 140 (75 Cape Road) in Mendon, MA for breakfast at 8:00 am with the ride departing promptly at 9:00 am. We’ll make our way through some nice MA back roads, heading south into CT. Then through the twisties and hit the “rollercoaster” on Rt 320 in CT and bend back for our lunch stop at the biker friendly Vanilla Bean Café (their chili is excellent). We’ll continue to Excalibur Powersports to ogle the new bikes and gear while we break before the trip home. The final part of the ride takes us through northwest RI as we head back to Lowell’s for farewells. Please contact me so I can get a head count. See you there! To learn more about the ride: Lowell’s Restaurant: www.lowellsrestaurant.com Vanilla Bean Café: www.thevanillabeancafe.com Excalibur Powersports: www.excaliburpowersports.com. For more info contact Greg Habel habels65@verizon.net or 508.473.2257
(www.stonyforkcamp.com) 658 Stony Fork Creek Rd. Wellsboro, PA 570.724.3096 Contact Joe Cyprych cyprych@hky.com or 724.796.1401. (NY) Hudson Valley Surprise Ride #2 09/21/08 - Join me for a day or finding the area's best kept secret roads. We'll stop for pictures and grub, but it's all about the back roads. Route sheets will be on hand, and no one will be left in dust. Meet at the Somers 7/11 on Rt100, just off I‑684, exit 6. Contact: Mike Flynn keltwolf@optonline.net or 914.263.5440 (PA) Sunday Breakfast Ride, Cross Keys 10/12/08 - Meet for breakfast at 9 am At Cross Keys Diner. Restaurant is located at the intersection of US route 30 and route 94. The ride end at the Lincoln Diner in Gettysburg PA. Contact: Russell Fleming 410-374-9687 or fleming@qis.net (VA) Fall Foliage Ride and Camp, Meadows of Dan, VA 10/17/08-10/19/08 - We will meet at Willville Motorcycle Camp just off milepost 178 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Meadows of Dan, VA on Friday night. http://www.willvillebikecamp.com. Saturday we'll have breakfast at Meadows of Dan (a couple of good restaurants there) at 8:00 a.m. and head out to ride through the pretty area. Hardtop lodging is available at the Blue Ridge Motel (540-952-2244) on Route 58 at Meadows of Dan. Have a safe ride to Willville! Kurt & Sue Nordstrom ironhorsefun@mindspring.com or 540.582.9414
(MA) White Mountains Day Ride 9/06/08 - Join me for a post Labor Day ride up through the Lakes Region, across the Kancamagus Highway and into the White Mountains National Forest. Ride leaves at 8 am from Dunkin Donuts, Rte 110, Chelmsford MA (Exit 34 / 495), (From 495 South, turn RIGHT for 110 West, from 495 North, turn LEFT for 110 West). GPS Coordinates: (NY) Monday Hudson Valley Hooky Ride N42 36.187 W71 20.752 Contact: Kevin Martin cog145@verizon.net 978.459.6275 10/27/08 - Join me on another Hudson Valley Hooky Ride. We get to go have fun while others (WV) Over the River and Thru Woods are hard at work. Route sheets will be available, as 09/14/08 - This ride leaving from Harpers Ferry is is a lunch stop. We should be back in time to avoid organized by COG member Tony Borum. We will the after school traffic. Meeting point is the Somers meet at Cindy-Dee Restaurant 19112 Keep Tryst 7/11 on Rt100, off I-684 exit 6. Contact: Mike Rd, Knoxville MD on Sunday morning at 8:30 for Flynn keltwolf@optonline.net or 914.263.5440 breakfast and ride from there. Tony has a ride of (DE) The Chunk Yer Punkins Ride is Back! approximately 200-mile ride ending up back Cindy-Dee Restaurant. Contact: Russell W 11/02/08 - After a four-year absence, I feel the time Fleming 410-374-9687 or fleming@qis.net is right to resurrect this weekend-after-Halloween ride. But there's a twist... Instead of riding to the (VA) Wine Ride, Charlottesville, VA World Championship Punkin Chunkin', which has 09/19/08 - This event will be centered out of the grown into a huge (and by some accounts, unruly) Charlottesville KOA. Details will be forthcoming. weekend event, we'll find decent roads to ride Suggested routes will be provided to various area anywhere except the Punkin Chunkin'! Heck, this wineries. Kurt & Sue Nordstrom idea may even convince my wife to ride along!! :-) ironhorsefun@mindspring.com or 540.582.9414 Anyhow, quite a few good (IE: curvy/twisty) roads can be found on the upper DelMarVa peninsula, (PA) Wellsboro Camp And Ride Weekend and on into Southeastern PA. The plan is to explore 09/19/08 - 09/21/08 – We’ll be camping at some of these roads, find a "Mom-and-Pop"-type Stonyfork Campground. This is a great place for lunch, ride some more, then stop campground located in the middle of some of the somewhere to check out potential "punkin best riding areas in the state. It is close to wineries, targets" (like maybe the whirlybirds at the great small towns to visit, and fantastic scenery to American Helicopter Museum, f'rinstance). Meet take in. Come on out for some riding or just relax Sunday, November 2nd, at 08:00 for breakfast at around the campfire with your fellow coggers. As the Crossroads Restaurant, Naamans Road at I-95. an added bonus, this event is the same weekend Admission fee (purely optional) is a one-to-twothat the campground holds its annual pig roast and pound pumpkin. :-) We'll be hitting the road the owners have invited our group to join them. We sometime between 09:00 and 09:30. More (maybe attended one a few years back and had a great time. altered) details to follow. Contact Bob Chappell We will collect some money from our group or go Cog1283@Comcast.net or 302-791-0582 shopping as it is a bring a dish event. They plan on having a DJ, karaoke, games, beer, and lots to eat. (VA) “Brrrrrrrrrrr Ride” Hope to see you there. Stonyfork Campground (Ride Schedule - Continued on page 8) Page 7
Our Newest Northeast Area Members (since the last newsletter) James Scannell, #8223 Guelph, ON
Billy Coleman, #8268 Woodford, VA
David Harrison, #8285 Hopewell, NS
Mark Williams, #8318 Greenfield, NH
Paul Mcmahon, #8225 Fairfax, VA
Byron Miles, #8275 Midlothian, VA
Deanne Cahoon, #8290 Lakeville, MA
Peter Sievert, #8319 Tyngsboro, MA
Carl Caemmerer, #8234 Monroe,Ny,
Jon Medved, #8276 Blue Bell, PA
David Farris, #8294 Vernon, CT
Ethan Cook, #8320 Leroy, NY
Matthew Brady, #8245 Hampden, ME
Doug Walrath, #8277 Wells, ME
Patrick Gallaway, #8295 New York, NY
Brendan Mcdonald, #,8326 Gardner, MA
Raul & Monica Cifuentes, #8249 Huntington, NY
Robert Laird, #8278 Portland, ON
Stephen Hall, #8296 West Springfield, MA
Robert Petit, #8329 Grafton, MA
Anthony Shelver, #8259 Lyme, NH
Andrew Causey, #8279 Winooski, VT
Chris Leoni, #8301 Bristol, CT
Alex Mattice, #8334 Moncton, NB
Andrew Howgego, #8265 Newton, CT
Paul Marshall, #8283 St Clements, ON
David Feldman, #8315 Rochester, NY
Hardy Jacques, #8336 Rimouski, PQ
Ride Schedule (Continued from page 7)
11/07/08 - 11/09/08 - Bundle up and point your headlight toward the Natural Bridge KOA campground where we will gather on Friday and Saturday nights to poke fires and partake of COG fellowship. We will meet for breakfast 8 AM Saturday. After breakfast we will ride some favorite scenic roads before returning to the KOA. For those not wanting to camp, cabins are available at the KOA. Call 540.291.2770 to reserve one. (www.koakampgrounds.com/where/va/46144.htm) Motels in the area are: Fancy Hill Motel, 4852 S. Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, VA 540.291.2143; Natural Bridge Inn & Conference Center, Natural Bridge, VA 540.291.2121; Red Mill Inn, 50 South Red mill Road, Natural Bridge, VA 540.291.1704; Budget Inn, I-81 Ext 180 US RT 11, Natural Bridge, VA 540.291.2896. Contact: Kurt & Sue Nordstrom (540) 582-9414 or ironhorsefun@mindspring Russell Fleming at (410) 374-9687 or fleming@qis.net
(VA) Holiday Lunch at the Beach 12/13/08 - For some awesome seafood, join Kurt & Sue for lunch at the Dockside Restaurant, 1787 Castlewood Drive, Colonial Beach, VA, 804-2248726, www.dockside-blueheron.com. From wherever you are, make your own route and plan to arrive between 11:30 and 12. The restaurant is at the southernmost point of Colonial Beach, adjacent to the Colonial Beach Yacht Center & Marina. Visit Dockside's website for more information as well as a look at their menu. Kurt & Sue Nordstrom ironhorsefun@mindspring.com or 540.582.9414
(MD) The Buttersburg Inn Dessert Ride 11/16/08 - Meet at 10 am for brunch at Baugher’s Family Restaurant in Westminster MD, 289 West Main Street. Restaurant is located at the intersection of main West Street and Route 31 on the west side of town. GPS N 39-35.091 W077-00.655. 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 410-374-9687 or fleming@qis.net Page 8
N O R T H E A S T A R E A NE W S