2017 - Issue #1
COGnitions I just counted 46 individual 2017 activities posted to online event calendar. Many perennial favorites have returned, including social and weekend activities. Sprinkled in are new activities like the monthly “Ephrata Bikers Breakfast and Ride” hosted by AAD Steve Rutter, the “Newport NH Day Ride” hosted by Kevin Martin, or the ”Semi-Primitive Ride and Camping” weekend hosted by Clyde Watson. It's been a few years since we've done a Holiday Meet & Greet social Steve Smith #3184 in Connecticut and I got to thinking... then the holiday season was over. Doh! Had to push this event out to near end of winter by the time I was able to pull it together AND have time to promote the activity in the winter newsletter. We will meet at the Tavern 1757 in Seymour, Connecticut for good company, camaraderie, and some pretty decent food. COG will provide some appetizers and we will order off the menu for lunch. We will begin gathering at 12:00 PM and chit-chat a bit. Depending on availability we will be seated in the main dining area or one of the private dining rooms. When we are ready to eat we will order off the menu to keep it simple. The restaurant is 15-20 minute trip from either I-84 (Sandy Hook) or I-95 (Bridgeport) making it a reasonable trip from CT, NY or beyond. If anyone desires accommodations, there are a few in Shelton, CT, about 15 minutes away. I was told the Hilton Garden Inn used to offer a discount to patrons of the restaurant. Thanks to AAD Steve & Sue Cerutti, Spring Fling Rally details are later in this issue and online. AAD Claude Doucet has posted up a trip to visit Cape Breton in Nova Scotia for a few days. Jason Kaplitz is working on Dog Days weekend in Stauton, VA. Terry Faherty & Scott Sorger have sights on Fall Rally in Lake George, NY. Details to come. Visit the COG web site to review all posted Northeast activities, as well as the other 5 COG areas… including the “Show Me Mo Twisties“ 2017 COG National Rally at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. Looking at our membership numbers, the Northeast Area has 475 members and 91 associates. Membership numbers have been trending downward the past few years, affecting the entire club. The board is looking at this and the results of the survey from last year to understand where improvements are needed. Each member can also be part of the process to make COG great. Talk up the club to your other sport-touring and riding friends. Carry a few club referral cards and pass them out riders you meet. Stop by the local dealer and hang up a flyer. Create some club activity in your locale – host a lunch meet & greet or something similarly simple. Your COG NE staff is here to assist. . To support our staff and muster more club spirit I have been making the leftover 2016 budget dollars available to bring additional value to some of the smaller events by covering the cost of snacks and food prepared by the hosts, or picking up the tab for appetizers at a social gathering. For instance, the Spring Fling banquet will be hosted in the Bennington Museum, and the NE area is picking up the room rental cost for members. I have ordered and shipped 2’x5’ COG Northeast banners to any NE AAD who needs one to display at club activities. In early January we covered the cost for the Greater Toronto crew to attend and support the COG booth at the Motorcycle Supershow. Please bring any marketing or club building ideas to my or your AAD’s attention. We will do what we can to help you help make COG great. Until next time, ride safe.
Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
New Members
Jeff Balch
12488
Norristown, PA
Jeff Weller
12493
Needham, MA
Steven Ennis
12494
Mattapoisett, ME
Brandon Henny
12497
Nobleboro, ME
Susan Brand
9089A
Camp Hill, PA
Richard Sperry
12503
Eldersburg, MD
Richard Puswald 12505
Little Ferry, NJ
Heather Agnew
9989A
Acton, ON
Charles Braine
12512
Winterport, ME
Michelle Fortier
12512A
Winterport, ME
Bill Schollmeyer
11824
Sparta, NJ
11978A
Peabody, MA
First things first, a warm Robin Schevis welcome to our Newest NE Area COG members!
NEEDED!!!
PLEASE HELP!!! COG Northeast Seeking AADs
Looking for a fun and easy way to get involved with the direction of the club? Have ideas to improve member participation in your region? COG Northeast is always seeking Assistant Area Directors (AAD) to fill the needs in any town, state, or region that needs more activity. One, two, or more can work together in any locale. All that is needed is to have the desire and motivation to want to help COG be better; to host a few activities each year; and help and encourage other members to participate & host activities. There is immediate need to bring more activity to western & central NY, CT, RI, western PA, VA, and WV. - contact Steve Smith 203.720.7575 or nead@cog-online.org
Concours Owners Groupsm
NORTHEAST AREA NEWS Published 5 times a year for the Concours Owners Group and distributed to Northeast Area members. Past newsletters are archived in the club’s online member library at www.cog-online.org Also available at: issuu.com/cognortheast Written (most formats except Works) & photo (most formats) submissions are welcomed and members are encouraged to share their COG experiences. Please send to: Email: NECOGEditor@gmail.com Snail Mail: COG NE Newsletter c/o Maryann Geiser 139 Kennedy Rd Tewksbury MA 01876 © 1989-2017 Concours Owners Groupsm
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Editor’s Corner Even though it has the fewest days, February seems like the longest month. It’s far enough from the year end festivities that they are all but forgotten, but not yet close enough to the spring to feel that it will REALLY arrive again this year. At least we are having a warm spell this week that gives me hope, despite the foot of snow that still covers all of my lawn. But, I can dream of the travels I will be doing once the ice thaws and the flowers start to bloom. Looking over all the events on the calendar makes me glad that I can take advantage of many of them. One event I am planning to attend is the Summer Rally in Nova Scotia. We traveled there two summers ago and found it a wonderful place to ride, with uncrowded roads, beautiful scenery and friendly
people. To celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday, admission to Canada’s National parks, Historic Sites and Marine Conservation Areas is free. You can order a Discovery Pass through their web site at
Maryann Geiser #4627A
www.pc.gc.ca/eng/index.aspx. You do not
have to be a Canadian citizen to take advantage of this offer. We have our passes and can’t wait to visit the Fort at Lousibourg when we attend the July rally. See you on the road!
2017 - Issue #1
Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
Around the NORTHEAST News from your Assistant Area Directors (complete list of AADs on back page)
MA, ME, NH, VT Well, it looks like Winter has decided to show up here in the Northeast after all. We have had 2 snowstorms within a Greg & Tracey Habel week and #7010/7010A lots of that fluffy white stuff on the ground. Although riding season is a bit of a wait yet, we are not completely without Motorcycle gear or conversation in our lives. Greg and I have been testing out our new Sena 20S Bluetooth communication system by setting up and testing them while wearing our helmets around the house. I hope the neighbors can’t see in the windows! We also had a group of 8 from COG over on Feb. 11th to review a Motorcycle Safety Video by the MSF to review rules of group riding; hand signals, and protocol when the group gets separated, plus what to do in the case of a mechanical breakdown or accident. Joining us were Pat & Sher Mulloy, Wayne & Maryann Geiser, Lyle Cooper and Ed Dyer. After enjoying a nice pot-luck lunch, we watched the safety video and had a nice discussion reviewing the quiz questions provided with the video. It was great to see some of our COG friends and to review the safety information to keep
2017 - Issue #1
things fresh. Now, if Spring would just hurry up and get here we can hit the roads!! Coming up on March 11th we will be hosting our 2017 Starter Social at the Horseshoe Pub in Hudson, MA for lunch and the usual motorcycle talk, camaraderie and to review what is on the calendar for the season. On April 22nd we are hosting a Meet & Greet at Lowell’s Restaurant in Mendon, MAn with a ride to the Vanilla Bean Café in Pomfret, CT, weather permitting. Those living in CT or RI may want to join us. On Saturday, May 6th, Kevin Martin will be leading his annual Petey’s Seafood ride in lovely New Hampshire, so check the calendar and be sure to join him for a great lunch and a wonderful day of riding. Greg & I are all signed up and excited to be attending the Spring Fling this year in Bennington, VT. A big thanks to Steve Cerutti for grabbing the reigns and hosting this event. It looks like it will be tons of fun! Hope to see you all there! Well, that’s all for now. I have seen the calendar and so far it looks to be shaping up with plenty of great rides
and events. Please give us a hand and host a ride or event. We will guide you through the easy process of putting it together and will announce your event on the calendar/forum/Facebook for you. If anyone has any suggestions or would like to host something, please email us at COG7010@verizon.net. Please be sure to register on-line at on the N.E. events calendar at www.cog-online.org , if you plan to attend an event. This will help us to make reservations for lunch and plan accordingly to keep the ride group size at a safe number. Till next time, stay warm and get ready for a great riding season! Tracey & Greg
Atlantic Canada (NS, NB, PEI) As I'm writing this, Atlantic Canada is on the verge of a Nor'easter including near hurricane force winds and about 60cm (2ft) of snow predicted. I figured that I might as well send in my report Claude Doucet #9011 early before I lose power. It's been a tame winter so far but it seems like mother nature is making up for lost time. On February 11th, I attended the Moncton Motorcycle show. It was great to see bikes, sit on them and obviously drool over them since it's the dead of winter. Overall I was disappointed with the show since it had been downsized from previous years. Kawasaki was missing from the show and others were smaller displays than usual. Afterwards I met up with fellow coggers ,Andy and Eugene, where we chatted bikes and trips over some pizza. March 3rd-5th is the Halifax Motorcycle and Powersport show. I'm hoping for a better show. Spring will be a few short weeks after that so my spirits will automatically be better. My Cape Breton event July 13th-16th is now up on the calendar, it will be a great time. Hope to see many familiar faces and new ones. Don't forget to make your reservations!
Take care, Claude (Continued on page 4)
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Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS (Around the Northeast - Continued from page 3)
Greater Toronto Happy New Year! I hope and trust you all passed the Holiday season with appropriate levels of gusto AND reserve! As you would expect, attendance at our monthly meetings falls off a bit in the winter whether due to weather or Dave Perkins #5932 scheduling the meeting on Valentine’s Day! Full marks to me for a smooth move!! The Bike Show on January 6th-8th was the premier event for us in the GTA over the winter months. Officially it is known as the North American International Motorcycle Super Show. The venue is the International Centre near Toronto Pearson Airport. This is a complex of six inter-connected buildings (halls) covering over 500,000 sf. The bike show uses Halls 1 - 5 which cover about 425,000 sf. Attendance typically runs at over 50,000 enthusiasts over the three days, drawn from eastern Canada and the northeastern US. It is primarily for dealers, clothing and accessory suppliers, and clubs. There
are sections for vintage and custom bikes and a area where private owners can display and offer their bikes for sale. Kawasaki is the only manufacturer at this show; there is another show in February in downtown Toronto where the other manufacturers display their wares. Booth space (10’X10’) is provided free to clubs and COG was there once again for the (at least) 17th consecutive year. We had an excellent location for the booth and traffic was steady throughout the weekend. We also had two members’ bikes on display, a C10 and a C14. The booth staffers encourage conversation with the passersby. We have COG info sheets and business cards available as handouts and a contact sheet where those interested in COG could leave their e-mail address or phone number for personal contact after the show. Interest is still high in the Connie and in COG. The 35 who provided their info this year is about average and we hope we can encourage COG membership from a few. We were a little cramped what with two members’ bikes AND a new C14 for display supplied by Canadian Kawasaki. Next year we will restrict ourselves to two bikes, max! Shout outs to the local COGgers who stepped up for booth duty especially Richard de Jong and Dave Gingerich who were instrumental in the booth setup; and Craig Scott and Oliver Knoop who supplied the bikes, C14 and C10,
Pete and Warren ready to do battle!
respectively. And our sincere thanks to Jeff Comello and Jeff Quilty of Canadian Kawasaki--this marks the 5th year Big K has come through for us!--who sourced a C14 for the booth from a dealer; and Mike Gibson of Ready Powersports in Mississauga, Ontario, who supplied the new 2016 C14. If you have an opportunity to participate in a local show I recommend it. It could be as basic as a card table at a swap meet or cruise night. Steve has COG banners available to borrow and templates for literature and business cards. I have a sheet of hints and do's and don'ts for anyone interested. It is a lot of fun and well worth the effort in my view. After the success of last year’s Tech Day, Peter Jackson wants to host one again this year in May at his place near Trenton, Ontario, about 100 miles (160 km) east of Toronto. He has a two-car garage and we know from previous experience that four bikes will fit with lots of walking around room. The final date will be posted to the calendar. We’ll poll the attendees for the types of activities they want to perform and set up a schedule accordingly. Spring is not too far away and mild winter weather can be a siren call. Beware of the residual salt and sand on the roads. Both are like ball bearings when dry and Teflon when wet. Ride safe.
Dave East Hudson Valley NY The 2017 Spring Fling rally has been officially announced at the cog-online.org forum, and it has been officially entered into the calendar of events for the Northeast region. This year’s Spring Fling is going to be held in Bennington, VT. The hotel hosting us will Steve Cerutti #6763 be the Paradise Inn. It is within walking distance to the downtown area, which promises many shops, restaurants, and even some craft beer breweries. The hotel is very motorcycle friendly, has a large parking lot, and some great outdoor areas for après-riding socializing. They have an (Continued on page 5)
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Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS (Continued from page 4)
expansive lawn area, and a large pool with a patio area where one could enjoy a frosty beverage and/or a cigar. The only rules are: No glass bottles by the pool!! The riding in the area is wonderful, with the southern Vermont region acting as a gateway to (obviously) Northern VT, the adjoining states of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, as well as the Hudson Valley of New York. Options for day trips will abound, and the charm of New England and its quaint towns and local shops, from crafts to foods, is unmatched. The banquet will be held at the historic Bennington Museum (benningtonmuseum.org). They have a smartly appointed banquet hall, and we’ve hired a caterer who promises to bring a local seasonal flair to the food – from the salad to the dessert. The museum is very happy to have us there, and will even leave a few exhibits for us to peruse pre-banquet. The banquet seating is limited to 125 people, so get your reservations in early. I hope to see you there. Steve
Metro NY, NJ Well here we are getting ready for the start of the new riding season! I hope to see some folks at the Start of the Season Social in CT in March. Right now I'm planning Terry Faherty #792 to attend and might even get the better half to come along, four wheels of course. I’ve registered and made reservations for the Fling and the National in Missouri. The fling looks like a good time. I haven't been to Vermont in a while other than blasting through last year for the Fall rally in Maine. It will be the first time I'll be that far west on wheels for the national, although I will be cheating and trailering out courtesy of the Scottmobile, LOL! This is when things start to happen so keep an eye on the calendar and forum to keep abreast of new developments. Scott and I will be hosting another Lake George rally come September so stay tuned. We might take a looong break after this one and look for another location for a future rally. See you on the road! Terry
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Central PA/MD Here's hoping everybody had a nice holiday season and a good start to the new year. A few nice days are beginning to trickle in here in southern PA allowing for a bit of two-wheel therapy. A big thank you to Jack and Deb for hosting the Big Chill at their place in Greg Puterbaugh mid-January. A ton of #6163 fun! Looking ahead, we have several rides on the schedule for this Spring, including the Crab Cake Ride (March 26th), the Forget Your Taxes Ride (April 8th), the Back Yard Favorite Roads Ride (April 23rd) the C-14 and Steve Rutter #9715 Friends Ride (May 7th),to go along with the First Sundays @ Ephrata. And of course, Spring Fling in Bennington,VT. Sad to say, Cogdom lost another C-10 when a huge tree toppled during a wind storm directly onto longtime COG member Bobby Winters' bike barn, crushing his '95 Connie, which was resting peacefully inside. This was one of the only three ways to get a C-10 off the road, the other two, of course being the insidious hydrolock and the equally nasty head on collision. Mr. Winters remarked that he was glad he wasn't doing maintenance on the bike that day. Shiny side up GP
Eastern Ontario Greeting from the great white north! This has been a long and cold winter especially compared to the mild one we had last year. Spring is just around the corner and I can’t wait. On a cold and snowy Saturday in January AAD Rich Derek Pugh #11636 Beaudoin and myself hosted 12 people at the Red Dot Café in Osgoode, Ontario, for a good meal, to discuss life…. and motorcycles of course. Being new to eastern Ontario and being a new AAD it was good to meet new people and to have discussions on what local riders are interested in. We hope to set up some day rides once the ice is gone and also some lunch Meet & Greets at different locations throughout the area. Having just moved to Ottawa last fall I am looking forward to exploring many new roads of the area. I am sure many riders will say they ride on the best motorcycle roads but my early exploring last fall I think eastern Ontario is up for comparison. Last week eastern Ontario was into a deep freeze with large amounts of snow being deposited giving the feeling that winter would never end. But this coming week temperatures are predicted well above freezing with a mixture of sun and rain… if that change and it doesn’t get you thinking of spring and the upcoming riding season, nothing will. New tires have been put on and I will be back in the garage to finish my winter “farkling” projects and start my annual spring maintenance routine so I can be ready. It is still early but I did see a motorcycle out last Saturday, the rider was acting very wise as he took a turn and the traffic light… lots of sand and salt still on the road, motorcycle tires don’t grip well at a few degrees above freezing but most importantly… the cagers have forgotten about us. Let’s all have a safe season! I am also new to the role of AAD and hope to meet many COG members. If you have any comments or suggestions please feel free to contact myself or Rich.
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Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
Event Reports Sunday, January 22nd, 3rd Annual Big Chill "The third time is the charm" so it has been said. This was true for the 3rd annual Big Chill on Sunday, January 22. No snow on the ground and temps in the 50's; a far cry from the first two events. The afternoon was spent eating and drinking, reminiscing, talking motorcycles, and making plans for the upcoming riding season. Thanks to all who came to our first event of 2017.
Greet and Eat at J&P’s, Hampstead, MD When you think of a Meet and Eat in the middle of February in Hamstead, MD, you are obviously planning on driving the cage and having lunch with some fellow Coggers and talk about all things motorcycles. Well what a surprise. The temperatures were in the upper 60s and nearly every one of the 22 Coggers rode their motorcycles. With the exception of Bobby who sadly lost his Connie to a falling tree, I think everyone was a bit giddy since for most it was the first ride of the year. In typical COG fashion much of the discussion was how many miles it took to ride what should've been a relatively short distance to the restaurant. Kevin and his son rode at least 4 hours from Long Island. It was a nice turnout and great lunch.
Left of Sign (standing) Bob Winters, John Lippy, Greg Puterbaugh, Gerard Salmon, Chuck Landis, Dave Fridirici, Brian Saylor, Matt Needham, Dawn Fridirici, Kate Sedghi, (kneeling) Russell Fleming, Vickie Sponseller Right of Sign (back row) Dave Anderson, Bodo Wolters, Pete Madden, Jack Frederick, (front row) Dan O'Connell, Ronald Fleming, Cody Muller, Deb Bahn
Sunday, February 19th Country Cupboard Meet & Greet We had our 2nd meet and greet at The Country Cupboard in Lewisburg PA for the northeast PA area. We had ten attendees in all and discussed having a regular schedule of meet and greets. We are planning a ride on May 6th to Canton, PA ,for their first classic bike show and poker run, and we also talked about hosting a rally in the future in Wellsboro, PA, prices permitting. Next meet and greet will be April 22nd at 9AM for breakfast at Country Cupboard in Lewisburg, PA, with a ride, if weather permits. Will post details on the COG site soon. Thanks to all that attended, it was a great afternoon. George.
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2017 - Issue #1
Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS C o n c o u r s
O w n e r s
G r o u p
Northeast Area Spring Fling Rally May 18 - 21, 2017 Bennington, VT
The host town of Bennington is located in southern, VT. Its location is a day ride or less for many Northeast members and offers great riding and sightseeing. The rally hotel is in a convenient downtown location within walking distance to many great restaurants and breweries. Southern Vermont is a great starting point for many great day rides, up into Vermont and the other surrounding states of New Hampshire, Massachusetts and the beautiful Hudson Valley of New York. Rally Headquarters: Par adise Inn (www.ver montpar adiseinn.com) 141 West Main Str eet, Bennington, VT 05201 800.575.5784 A limited block of rooms will be held until 4/18/2017. You must call the hotel directly to get the reduced price - book early. Ther e ar e two room types available. Premier rooms are $90.00+tax. Premier rooms include patio or balcony, a small refrigerator and flatscreen TV. Economy rooms are $70.00+tax. Economy rooms are smaller than premier rooms, no refrigerator and no balcony/patio. Please mention you are with the Concours Owners Group to ensure you get our special rate. The Paradise Inn has a limited number of a variety of larger suites. If you are interested in a larger suite please call the inn. They are also pet friendly; if you plan to bring a pet please mention this when booking. Camping: Make your own camping ar r angements. Her e’s is info for a near by campgr ound we found on the inter net, but have not checked out. Greenwood Lodge and Campsites, on Route 9 (8 miles east on Bennington). Check out on the web at http:// campvermont.com/greenwood/. Rally Fee: $60 per person. COG Member discounted fee: $45 per person for COG members, and their associates. Save time & postage – register online through rally web page (see below). Rally fee covers Saturday group dinner, door prizes, and other rally expenses. Wristbands may be used and required to be worn to identify registered and checked-in attendees. The banquet seating is limited to 125 people. If maximum capacity is reached, we will not be able to accommodate walk-in registration for the dinner. Refund Policy: Pr ior to 5/8/17, fee paid minus $5/per son. No refund after 5/8/17. Riding: Sample self-guided ride routes download available from rally web page (see below). Banquet Dinner: Satur day, 5/20/17 at 6:00 PM at Bennington Museum, 75 Main Street – just a short walk from the hotel. Dinner will be buffet style, however, help us help the caterer plan by indicating your dinner preference (not binding). Please check one below: Beef Tenderloin, Chicken Piccata, Seafood Pasta Rally web page: tinyurl.com/COGSpringFling2017 Rally Questions: Steve Cer utti, steveonlineusa@gmail.com, 914-953-4154 If registering by mail: complete & mail for m below with r ally fee payable to “Concours Owners Group” to: Steven Smith – Spring Rally, 39 Alison Ave, Naugatuck, CT 06770-3566
2017 Spring Fling Rally Registration Form (Please PRINT Clearly) Name: (One form per person) ____________________________________________ AMA # _____________ COG #___________ Street: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: ________________________________________________ State/Province: ________________ Zip Code: _______________ Phone: (______)_____-____________ E-Mail: __________________________________________________ Country: _________ Tentative Meal Selection(non-binding): Beef Tenderloin____________
I will be a: rider
/ passenger / guest
Emergency Contact Information:
Chicken Piccata______________
Seafood Pasta_____________
Motorcycle model: _________________________ License tag # __________________ 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 Signature:_________________________________________
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Parent or Guardian (if applicable): _____________________________
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Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
RIDE & EVENT SCHEDULE Time listed is START time. Visit www.cog-online.org for updates and more details. (NS) Sat March 4, 4PM Halifax Motorcycle & Powersport Atlantic Meet & Greet Meet after the show at Canadiana Restaurant, 15 Lakelands Blvd, Halifax, NS to have a bite and chat about all things motorcycle. CLAUDE DOUCET H 902.252.5062 C 902.401.6821 motorcycleclaude@gmail.com (MA)Sat March 11, Noon Start of Year Social Meet for lunch at Horseshoe Pub, 29 South St., Hudson, MA to talk about upcoming events and new ideas. GREG HABEL H 508.444.2235 C 508.745.6677 cog7010@verizon.net
North East, MD. Or meet at Woody's if you choose your own ride. Dave will lead a ride from the Starlite Diner in Fogelsville PA. 233PA-100 Allentown PA 10AM. Meet at the diner at 9AM if you want breakfast. DAVE FRIDIRICI H 484.553.1665 GREG PUTERBAUGH H 717.632.3324 C 717.465.8059 pbaugh1@comcast.net
Arrive at 8AM for breakfast. Leave Tic Tick Restaurant, 2510 Northhamton St., Easton, PA at 9 for a ride to the Gathering of the Nortons at Washingtons Crossing St. Park. DAVE FRIDIRICI C 484.553.1665 dfridirici@rcn.com
(MA) Sat May 6, 9AM Petey’s Seafood Lunch Ride Meet at Comets Diner, 22 Westford Rd., (PA) Sun April 2, 9AM Tyngsboro, MA for breakfast then ride apEphrata Bikers Breakfast and Ride Meet COG members at Cloister Post 429 of proximately 65 miles to the coast to Petey’s the American legion, 300 Cocalico St, Ephra- for lunch around noon. ta, PA near the loading dock. We’ll chat, look KEVIN MARTIN H 978.459.6275 cog145@verizon.net at bikes and decide on the ride and lunch spot from there. (PA) Sat May 6, 9AM STEPHEN RUTTER H 717.361.1189 Lions Classic Bike Show Ride ruttersn@comcast.net Meet for breakfast at Country Cupboard, 101 Hafer Rd., Lewisburg, PA then ride to Can(PA) Sat April 8, 11:30AM ton, PA for the Lions classic Bike Show. Forget Your Taxes Ride Meet at Lions Pride Restaurant 20 Dairyland GEORGE GRIFFITH H 570.9255010 C 570.651.2919 gbgriff@epix.net Sq., Red Lion, PA for lunch and a ride to Conewingo Dam, MD to view bald eagles. (MD) Sun May 7, 8:30AM Bring your binoculars and cameras. Kawasaki C14 Riders & Friends Ride CHUCK LANDIS H 717.324.8484. Meet for breakfast at Golden Corral, 5621 bowhunter0427@yahoo.com
Spectrum Dr., Frederick, MD. You will receive route sheets for a 170-mile self-guided ride that will end at a restaurant somewhere in Winchester VA. The ride will take you on some of the FINEST riding roads in MD, VA (VA) Sat April 15, 8:30AM and WV. Gordonsville Ride GREG PUTERBAUGH H 717.632.3324 nead@cog-online.org Meet for breakfast at Inwood Restaurant, C 717.465.8059 pbaugh1@comcast.net Route 15, Gordonsville, VA then ride through (ON) Tue March 14, 6:30 PM RUSSELL FLEMMING the mountains. Late lunch at Blue Mountain South Central Ont. Meet & Greet H 443.375.1215 fleming@qis.net Brewery, 9519 Critzers Shop Rd. Afton, VA 2nd Tuesday each month at Mohawk Inn, before heading home on your own. (MD) Sun May 7, 8:30AM 9230 Guelph Lane, Campbellville, ON, just Ephrata Bikers Breakfast and Ride North of 401. All welcome. Many hungry peo- CLYDE WATSON H 804.921.5896 (See April 2 for details) ple arrive earlier to get their dinner. A mainly clyde.watson@tds.net social function to meet other riders, shoot the (ON) Mon April 17, 6:30 PM (VA) Sun May 14, 8 AM breeze, plan rides. GTA East - Meet & Greet VIR Ride DAVE PERKINS H 416.691.2191 (See March 20 for details) Meet for breakfast at Brick House Dinperkins43@rogers.com er,13520 Midlothian Tpk, Midlothian, VA At (MA) Sat April 22, 11:30AM 9AM we'll ride 115 miles toVirginia Interna(ON) Mon March 20, 6:30 PM Meet & Greet and Ride GTA East - Meet & Greet Join us for lunch and conversation at Lowells tional Raceway (VIR), 1245 Pinetree Rd., Alton, VA to watch some of America's best 3rd Monday EVERY MONTH at Tartan Tav- Restaurant, 75 Cape Rd., Mendon, MA. racers compete in the Moto America series. ern, 555 Rossland Road East, Oshawa, ON . Then we’ll ride to Vanilla Bean in Pomfret. Modest priced rooms are available in nearby All welcome. Arrive early to kick tires and tell CT. Bring a friend to check out COG! South Boston, VA for overnight stays and lies in the parking lot (weather permitting). A GREG HABEL H 508.444.2235 camping is available at the track. social function to meet other riders, discuss C 508.745.6677 cog7010@verizon.net CLYDE WATSON H 804.921.5896 tech issues, shoot the breeze, and plan (PA) Sun April 23, 8:30AM clyde.watson@tds.net rides. Greg & Russell’s Back Yard Roads Ride DAVE PERKINS H 416.691.2191 (VT) Thu-Sun May 18-21 Meet for breakfast at Dutch Country Restauperkins43@rogers.com NE Spring Fling Rally rant, 946 Baltimore St., Hanover PA. We will Join us in Bennington, VT at the Paradise (NY) Sat March 25, Noon leave around 9:15 for a 160-mile ride on Inn for a weekend of riding through gorgeous Hudson Valley Meet & Greet some of our favorite roads that you know Vermont. See registration form in this issue Join us at the State Line Diner, 375 RT 17 won’t wear out the center of you tire. The for full details. (north bound), Mahwah, NJ for lunch and best part is in the last 3 years most all of STEVE CERUTTI H 914.953.4154 great conversation. these roads have been repaved. Ride ends steveonlineusa@gmail.com BEN OTUNU C 845.423.0373 in Biglerville PA at a nice little restaurant. benotunu@gmail.com (MD) Sun June 4, 8:30AM GREG PUTERBAUGH H 717.632-3324 Ephrata Bikers Breakfast and Ride (MD) Sun March 26, 9:30AM C 717.465.8059 pbaugh1@comcast.net (See April 2 for details) Crabcake Ride RUSSELL FLEMMING Greg will layout a ride from Royal Farm H 443.375.1215 fleming@qis.net (MO) Mon-Fri June 12-16 Store, 1818 Baltimore Pk, Westminster, MD 2017 COG National Rally (PA) Sun April 23, 9AM to Woody's Crab House, 29 S. Main St., The “Show Me MO Twisties” National Rally Ride to Gathering of the Nortons (CT) Sat March 11, Noon End of Winter Meet & Greet Lunch Meet at Tavern 1757, 318 Roosevelt Dr., Seymour CT for lunch, good company, camaraderie and decent food. STEVE SMITH H 203.720.7575
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(ON) Tue April 11, 6:30 PM South Central Ont. Meet & Greet (See March 14 for details)
2017 - Issue #1
Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS will be held in Lake of the Ozarks, MO. Rally Central is The Lodge of the Four Seasons in Lake Ozarks, MO. This rally has great riding, social activities, seminars, guest speakers, technical sessions and a banquet dinner Thursday night. For more details, go to the web site concours.org/national/2017-national-rally
STEVE SMITH H 203.720.7575 nead@cog-online.org
(MD) Fri-Sun June 16-18 2017 North /South Get Together This is my annual weekend camping outing held at his home in Hampstead, MD. Set up your tent on Friday and stay for the great company and meals. I have many rides to choose from for Saturday and a led ride on Sunday. Hotel options are also available. RUSSELL FLEMMING H 443.375.1215 fleming@qis.net (NH) Sat June 17, 8:30AM Newport, NH Day Ride We will leave Cliff’s Café, 268 Main St., Townsend, MA and ride to Newport, NH. There will be a lunch stop at Fabulous 50’s Car Hop Drive In, 308 Sunapee St., Newport, NH. Please gas up before the ride. KEVIN MARTIN H 978.459.6275 cog145@verizon.net
(CT) Sun June 25, 9AM Thompson Vintage Motorcycle Clasic Held at Thompson Speed way Motorsports park, 205 E. Thompson Rd, Thompson, CT. This is a non-COG event. This is the second annual classic motorcycle show, vintage track day, swap meet and manufacturer’s marketplace thompsonspeedway.com/events/vintagemotorcycle-classic-2017
(MA) Sun June 25, Noon Quabin Bag Lunch Meet & Greet Meet us at the Quabbin Hill Observation Tower, 485 Ware Rd., Belchertown, MA at noon. Bring a bagged lunch and enjoy the view and company. We will head to the visitor center then a short ride around the Quabbin and a stop for ice cream. GREG HABEL H 508.444.2235 C 508.745.6677 cog7010@comcast.net (MD) Sun July 2, 8:30AM Ephrata Bikers Breakfast and Ride (See April 2 for details)
(NS) Thu-Sun July 13-16 Summer Rally in Nova Scotia Come ride the world famous Cabot Train in Nova Scotia! Rally central is the Holiday Inn, 300 Esplanade, Sydney, NS. Close to restaurants, cafes, casino, pubs, shops, pool hall and much more, It’s a 45 minute ride to the Cabot Trail and 30 minutes to the Fortress Louisbourg. This area is in high demand in July, so book early (ask for the Concours Block). Be sure to get your free 2017 Parks Canada Discovery pass! (See Maryann’s column on page 2 for details.)
2017 - Issue #1
www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/sydney/ yqyhi/hoteldetail#
CLAUDE DOUCET H 902.252.5062 C 902.401.6821 motorcycleclaude@gmail.com (PA) Sun July 16, 11AM Creekside Grill ‘N Ride Mark your calendars for this annual event. Imagine a shady pavilion with a cool breeze overlooking a creek, with awesome food served up by Jack and Deb. Join them at 50 Walden Ct., York, PA. A great ride will follow the event. This is the second annual event, so don't miss it! JACK FREDERICK H 717.764.9091 debbahn@gmail.com
(VA) Thu-Sun July 27-30 Dog Days, Staunton, VA Dog Days are back in Staunton, VA. This is the perfect launching pad for tome of the best riding anywhere. The Blue Ridge Parkway is just 17 miles from the hotel and several GREAT routes into WV start close to Staunton. There are local breweries and wineries for tours, the hotel is only 2 blocks from the restored downtown area where there are many choices for food and beverages. Rally central is the Howard Johnson Express, 268 N. Central Ave., Staunton, VA. A limited block of rooms will be held until June 30. Camping is also available 9 miles away at KOA Campground, 484 Walnut Hills Rd, Staunton, VA. JASON KAPLITZ H 814.615.9138
Park, 2854 Park Blvd., Marion, VA. There are cabins available at the state park, too, (two night minimum) as well as an on site restaurant. Hotels nearby in Marion also offer accommodations. Rides will be planned to explore the Grayson Highlands area of the state on Friday and Saturday. CLYDE WATSON H 804.921.5896 clyde.watson@tds.net
(MD) Sun October 1, 8:30AM Ephrata Bikers Breakfast and Ride (See April 2 for details) (MD) Sun October 7, 9AM Kawasaki C14 Riders and Friends Ride Meet for breakfast at the Union Bridge Fire Hall, 18 West Locust St., Union Bridge, MD. Route sheets will be handed out for a 150 mile self-guided ride that will end in Gettysburg, PA. GREG PUTERBAUGH H 717.632.3324 pbaugh1@comcast.net
RUSSELL FLEMMING H 443.375.1215 fleming@qis.net (MA) Sun October 15, 11:30AM Meet & Greet Join us for lunch at Bub’s BBQ, 676 Amherst Rd., Sunderland, MA, followed by an afternoon ride. GREG HABEL H 508.444.2235 C 508.745.6677 cog7010@verizon.net
cog62@kaplitz.com
(MD) Sun August 6, 8:30AM Ephrata Bikers Breakfast and Ride (See April 2 for details) (MI) Thu-Sun August 17-20 Semi-primitive Camping & Ride Join Clyde at his son’s property, Fryzelka Rd, Buckley, MI for camping, a trip to the Buckley Old Engine show on Friday and a ride around northern Michigan on Saturday. Please sign up early so Clyde can provide adequate provisions. Hotels are also available in near my Traverse City, MI (about 30 minutes away.) CLYDE WATSON H 804.921.5896 clyde.watson@tds.net
(NY) Fri-Sun September 1-3 43rd Annual Finger Lakes BMW Rally Labor Day weekend Moto Camping Event. This is a non-COG event. Held at the Watkins Glen State Park Hidden Valley Campground. We will try to rope off an area large enough to hold at least 8-10 tents for COG. Look for the COG banner. More details will be available after June 1st. BEN OTUNU C 845.423.0373 benotunu@gmail.com
(MD) Sun September 3, 8:30AM Ephrata Bikers Breakfast and Ride (See April 2 for details) (VA) Thu-Sun September 21-24 Hungry Mother Camping Weekend We’ll set up tents at Hungry Mother State
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Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS (Continued from page 6)
February 11,Rider Education Movie The group of Wayne Geiser, Maryann Geiser, Lyle Cooper, Sherry Mulloy, Pat Mulloy, Ed Dyer, Greg Habel and Tracey Habel enjoyed getting together for a delicious lunch and informational MSF Rider video on Saturday, February 11th. You can see how studious the group is! It was a good way to refresh our riding brains before we get out on the road again this spring.
Reminder: Keep Taking (and Sharing) those Photographs! We all like to reflect on past COG Northeast activities by looking at photos. 1.
Bring your camera… Try to remember to take your camera with you whenever you go on a ride or event. Many people use their phone as their camera. If that’s you, you probably have your camera anyway.
2.
Take a picture… or two or three. You don’t have to be the photojournalist taking hundreds of pictures every time the wheels stop turning, but one or two won’t hurt. As is often found on many forums “Pictures or it didn’t happen!”
3.
Share them… Include them in a post on the forum thread about the activity you’ve attended. Don’t be afraid to start a new thread in the unlikely event that one was not already going prior. If you already use a photo hosting site, use the direct link from the individual photo or the photo album in your message. Alternatively, you can use the “Media” portion of the forum (see the top banner on the forum web page) to upload your photos.
4.
Send good ones to the Concourier and Newsletter editors with a caption or short article. Maybe it will get included.
photo courtesy Kevin Martin #145
Area Director
Naugatuck CT
203-720-7575
nead@cog-online.org
Greg/Tracey Habel #7010 OPEN Bob Chappell #1283 Greg Puterbaugh #6163 Steven Rutter #9715 George Griffith #6377 OPEN Jim Ansbro #8443 Ben/Abbe Otunu #8594 Steve Cerutti #6763 OPEN Stephen Strock #10396 Terry Faherty #792 Nick Palumbo #11073 Dave Perkins #5932 Derek Pugh #11636 Richard Beaudoin #9318 Christian Dupuis #10098 Claude Doucet #9011
AAD AAD AAD AAD AAD AAD AAD AAD AAD AAD AAD AAD AAD AAD AAD AAD AAD AAD AAD
Hopedale MA
508-444-2235
COG7010@verizon.net
Claymont DE Hanover PA Elizabethtown PA Benton PA
302-791-0582 717-632-3324 717-361-1189 570-925-5010
cog1283@comcast.net pbaugh1@comcast.net ruttersm@comcast.net gbgriff@epix.net
Newtown PA Ellenville NY Copake Falls NY
215-805-0909 845-423-0373 914-953-4154
bluecon06@gmail.com Benotunu@gmail.com Steveonlineusa@gmail.com
Syracuse NY Staten Island NY Ewing NJ Toronto ON Ottawa ON Cardinal ON Sainte-Martine PQ Middle Sackville NS
315-492-6032 718-227-2099 732-925-3215 416-691-2191 519-767-8733 613-657-3294 450-427-0182 902-252-5062
cogcny@gmail.com tmcefah@aol.com wanderingnap@gmail.com perkins43@rogers.com concoursderek@gmail.com sailor_rich@sympatico.ca d1user@mac.com motorcycleclaude@gmail.com
Wayne Geiser #4627 Maryann Geiser #4627A
NE Webmaster NE Newsletter Editor
Tewksbury,MA Tewksbury,MA
978-851-2710 978-851-2710
geiserw@gmail.com maryanngeiser@gmail.com
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MA/VT/NH/ME CT/RI DelMarVa S. Central PA/MD S. Central PA/MD Northeast PA VA/WV Southeast PA/Philly W Hudson Valley NY E Hudson Valley NY Long Island NY Central NY Metro NY/NJ Central NJ Greater Toronto Eastern Ontario Eastern Ontario Greater Montreal Atlantic Canada
NE AREA STAFF
Steven Smith #3184
2017 - Issue #1