2017 - Issue #2
COGnitions
photo courtesy Bob Barbanti #7134
Greetings COG Northeast – The number of NE members is down by a few since last newsletter, but I’m hopeful we will see an increase now that riding season is here. Each member can be an ambassador to help grow the club. Talk up the club to your other sport-touring and riding friends and refer Concours and sport-touring riders you meet. A snapshot of activities is included in each newsletter, and Steve Smith #3184 I will continue to send email updates between issues. For the most up to date info please review the online event calendar. New events are posted throughout the riding season, and previously posted activities may change or be canceled. When I last counted there were 40+ activities posted to the end of the year. This is good, but imagine the choices we would have if more members organized just one activity each year. I challenge each of you to consider helping make COG great by volunteering to organize one activity. Help us help you – contact your local AAD or me to find out how easy it is to get started. The first big event here in the Northeast is the Spring Fling regional rally in mid-May. Steve & Sue Cerutti have done a wonderful job organizing their first rally, bringing the event to Bennington, VT for the first time. There are nearly 80 registered with the event less than a month away. The group dinner is being held at a unique venue, and there will have many great prizes to give away. Please review their column in this issue for important information. Other weekend events on the calendar include are the North/South in Hampstead MD, the Cape Breton Event in Nova Scotia, Dog Days weekend in Stauton VA, Hungry Mother Weekend, Fall Rally, and the Brrrrr Ride. There are many day activities too. A new regular meet & greet has been added by Steve Rutter on the first Sunday of each month, April - November in Ephrata, PA coinciding with the well known motorcycle show there. Look for the COG banner towards the back, top of the lot by the loading dock between 9:00 AM to around 11:00 AM, after which there will be up to three rides to choose from that will put you on some great roads as you head toward home. Join in the fun learning to wrench your own bike at the MD Tech Day. Until next time, ride safe
Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
New Members First things first, a warm welcome to our Newest NE Area COG members!
Marie McPherson
9789A
Chambersburg, PA
Robert Gayle
12531
Bayside NY
Robert McCormick
12533
Virginia Beach, VA
Marc Nee
12534
Bozrah, CT
Fred Harbin
12540
Alexandria, VA
Walter Eckbreth
12541
Alexandria, VA
Mike Beach
12543
Fitzroy Harbour, ON
Dale Kruelle
12544
Hughesville PA
Scott Taylor
12548
Connestoga PA
Timothy Hadden
12560
Hamilton, ON
Jay Dangcil
12562
Crownsville, MD
David Sorrick
12570
Pylesville MD
John Wallenburg
12571
Toronto ON
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 I sold my first bike earlier this year. This is the first bike Wayne and I bought, and the bike I rode for quite a few years. The young man who purchased it was very excited—I think we exchanged eight emails and five phone calls before he even saw the bike. This is his first street bike after riding dirt bikes for many years. He is looking forward to riding with his dad and uncle. I was a little sad to see her go, but I am glad to see it go to a good home where she will be loved and ridden. And, I am VERY happy to have the garage space back. It’s gratifying to see a new generation of riders on the rode who are looking forward to sharing this passion with their elders. As you all have noticed, Spring has finally arrived. That doesn’t mean that every day is sunny and warm, but it does mean that
the likelihood of pleasant riding weather is better and better. I’ve only gotten out once so far, but it felt good to put some miles on the bike and remind myself how much fun this can be. I got to try out some new farkles Maryann Geiser #4627A (that are fabulous) and I have a few more to install and try on my next ride (for one, matching license place bolts that I know will make at least one COGger happy). I’m looking forward to more rides, more gatherings and seeing you all on the road.
2017 - Issue #2
Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
Around the NORTHEAST News from your Assistant Area Directors (complete list of AADs on back page)
Atlantic Canada (NS, NB, PEI) Well, spring has finally sprung. I think most of you would agree that winter held on way too long this year but that's behind us now because we have a lot of riding to look forward to. Claude Doucet #9011 Since the last newsletter, I attended the local motorcycle show in Halifax on March 4th and I was pleasantly surprised. It was well represented by most brands and local dealers including a lot of vendors and organizations. After the show, I met up with Tony O'Malley, one of our newest members in the area. We had a bite to eat, chatted about bikes, events etc.
May 6th will be the second year that COG will have a contingent (hopefully!) at the annual Bike Blessing in Truro, Nova Scotia. It's a great way to knock off some rust and enjoy a great event. See the event calendar for more details; all are welcome. I was looking forward to the Spring Fling in Vermont but it doesn't look like it's in the cards for me this year. It is shaping up to being a great event in a great location. My Cape Breton event in July just broke double digits for registration so things are looking up. I will be posting some activity
ideas in the near future once everybody in Cape Breton is done shoveling themselves out. Cape Breton got slammed by some late storms but I think things are finally thawing out and businesses should start operating again. Ride safe Claude
MA, ME, NH, VT So long winter!! Well it’s finally starting to look like Spring at the Habel house. We went to pick up my CanAm Spyder (Boris) last weekend and I had a nice ride home on a beautiful Saturday Greg & Tracey Habel afternoon. #7010/7010A The Bike Barn is up and Boris is tucked away in his little hide-out on the side of the driveway. On Easter Sunday Greg and I took advantage of the gorgeous day and got out for our first ride of the season together. This allowed us to test our new Sena communication system and to do a dry run to the Vanilla Bean Café in preparation for the ride scheduled after our lunch Meet & Greet next weekend (4/22) at Lowell’s Restaurant in Mendon MA . The roads were in pretty good condition overall with the exception of sand on some areas that had not been cleaned up yet, so some caution was needed when navigating those areas. There was a lot of waving today to other
Claude’s First Ride of the Season April 1st, 2017
folks who were also out enjoying the beautiful weather on a nice Easter ride. We stopped off at the Vanilla Bean for a little break to find out this is one of the 4 days of the year that they are closed. Ooops! While we were sitting in the shade another motorcyclist pulled into the parking lot. (Most likely saw the bikes and thought the Café was open). Oh well, we had a wonderful ride just the same. We hope to see a bunch of you at the Meet & Greet. Long range forecast is looking good. Other great events on the schedule is a ride 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. In less than one month we will be heading to Bennington, VT, for the Spring Fling! UPDATE: We have changed the date of the Quabbin Bag Lunch & Ride to Sunday June 4th due to the conflict with the Vintage Motorcycle Classic at Thompson Motor Speedway in Thompson, CT. That event is on Sunday June 25th (presented by Indian Motorcycle of Springfield) will immediately follow the Vintage Motorsports Festival. It will include a track event on the 1.7 mile road course, swap meet, antique motorcycle show, and vendor area. We hope to see you there! Also, we are working on some plans to do an overnight this season with both camping and a hotel/motel option. No date has been scheduled yet but we will keep you posted. 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 (Continued on page 4)
2017 - Issue #2
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Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS (Around the Northeast - Continued from page 3)
accordingly to keep the ride group size at a safe number. Tracey & Greg
East Hudson Valley NY Spring has finally broken through the cold gray of winter in the Hudson Valley, and the weather is becoming more favorable for our two wheeled adventures. We were able to get out on Saturday to enjoy a huge plate of BBQ Steve Cerutti #6763 at Big W BBQ in Wingdale, NY. We met up with some fellow riders, and even another COG member. If you’ve never been there, I highly recommend it. The Spring Fling Rally is less than one month away, so with that in mind I’d like to bring up a few things: The rally registration deadline is May 8th, 2017, so get in while there is still time. The rally registration form can be found in this newsletter. The rally central location is currently heavily booked, and there are only single bed (King or Queen) economy rooms left. If you can’t get the type of room that you want, or suits your needs, there will be an alternative motel which is in sight of rally central; it is literally steps away: Bennington Motor Inn 143 West Main St (VT route 9) Bennington, VT 05201 800-359-9900 There will be no paper route sheets available, so download the routes in the COG Members Area Library > NE Area Ride & Event Info > NE Spring Fling Rally Bennington VT By the time you read this we will have tied up all the loose ends with regard to the banquet, which promises to be a great meal. Now that that’s out of the way... I encourage any COG member to consider
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hosting their own event or rally. You don’t have to be an officer of the club to be a host. The event can be as simple or as complex as you’d like – from a full rally with banquet to a no-frills un-rally rally, where you just reserve a block of rooms and give everybody the place, time, and date. Either way, there are plenty of people in COG who can lend a hand or simply provide guidance. The people are the club, and every one of us can do our part to make the club better. I hope you are all able to get out and ride, and wishing you all the best for the coming riding season and the rest of the year. Steve C.
Metro NY, NJ Greetings to all! Spring is finally springing in these parts so let the riding season begin. The Spring Fling is a month away and I'm looking forward to enjoying some nice backroads, and Terry Faherty #792 seeing all my fellow COGers. Next up for me is the National in Missouri. I'll be taking advantage of Scott Sorger's trailer for the trip out and back; yeah I'm getting tired of all that slabbing and this one is quite a bit further than I'm willing to ride in two days. Any NEers who are planning on going and need a room, yours truly is still looking for a roomie. All the usual suspects aren't attending so far. Unfortunately I'm running a Zumo 550 right now and it's useless west of the Mississippi thanks to it's less than prodigious memory. I guess I can overwrite the NE maps for the trip and reload them when I get home or maybe just go old school and use route sheets? (GASP) As I type this my beastie is at the dealer for some well deserved TLC; unfortunately being that it's officially twelve years out of date the parts have to be shipped in. What?!? Dealers don't keep parts for twelve year out of production bikes?!? What a crock!!! It's all good
though she should be running like a top when they get through with her. Before you know it, it will be time for another run up to Big W's for our annual Independence Day weekend ride. I'm hoping to be attending and leading another leisurely ride up from White Plains again. Stay tuned for details. I hope everyone had an enjoyable Easter and Passover season. Let's get this party started!! Terry
Eastern Ontario Hello everyone. Here we go with another riding season starting up. With the rain we’ve had we should have some salt free roads to ride on or at least better. Lots of pot holes and road repair are Richard Beaudoin #9318 sure needed. I managed to get the winter maintenance done that was on my list—from greasing leavers, changing brake and clutch fluids. I also did a good brake cleaning and a fork oil change. After seeing the price of the upper fork tube and its fixed bushings, I figured I better have a peek at the oil for signs of wear and attempt to reduce it. That first ride of the year with a freshly maintained bike is definitely more of a pleasure to operate. As always motorcycle safety is so important to us all who ride. Being off the bike for the winter puts us all at risk in the spring of the year for several reasons. Our skills have taken a back seat for three to four months and we need to retrain or practice our safe riding techniques. How will you react when an emergency situation happens to you? It’s a known fact that humans have a hard time seeing and processing the speed of approaching bikes. Be more visible with what you wear and where you position the bike. Don’t assume you are visible to the vehicles ahead. Access your riding skills for the moment. Am I tiered and need a break? Am I not cornering well? We all have better days than others. Ride within (Continued on page 5)
20167- Issue #2
Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS (Continued from page 4)
your limitations of your skill and how you are feeling. Continue to learn and practice skills. Ride safe and defensively and ride your own ride! As with the spirit of COG, the winter’s events did not fall short in with keeping with it’s spirit. There was good food and good friends, and we met several new riders. I have the pleasure of working with Derek Pugh in building our riding friends. Derek’s enthusiasm is second to none and it’s a pleasure to be working with him planning rides and events. All that praise should get him to buy at our next meet. Do you have a great eatery in your area, or on one of your favorite riding roads? Would you like some riding partners for the day? You too can set up a ride or lunch by contacting your local AADs— that’s one of the reasons we’re here, to assist you getting it up on the calendar. Being proactive in the club makes it better for everyone. I also want to say thanks to the all the people who make a difference in this club. It has been a great journey for Val and I meeting a group of special people who share the same passion. All of you who make those rides and rallies happen and the great mechanical wisdom shared by many on the forum keeping those bikes running smooth and safe. I want to add a shout out to Bryan from Almonte, Ontario. Bryan found a sweet deal on a 2008 Concours that was barely broken in. I’m looking forward to getting out on a ride with you, Bryan. Let’s make this the safest and most memorable biking season yet! Rich
2017 - Issue #2
Central PA/MD Spring has sprung, the days are getting warmer, the blooms are bursting forth and you know what that means! The grass needs to be mowed every few days? Well, that too, but now it's time to get serious about wearing out Greg Puterbaugh some tires. We've had #6163 a lot of fun so far on the Crab Cake Ride, the First Sunday at Ephrata, and the Forget Your Taxes Ride. Thanks go to Chuck Landis for putting together the FYT ride, and thanks to Steve Rutter for his efforts in many areas, including the First Sunday ride, along with the ride report (later in this newsletter) where he graciously refrained from naming the rider who ran out of gas. For those of you who have never coasted to a working gas pump, I can say first hand that it must have been someone's lucky day. And now, a special thank you to "retired" AAD and former OTP'er, Russell Fleming, who continues to keep his fingers in the pie, much to the benefit and gratitude of motorcyclists in this neck of the woods. He is still the driving force behind many of the COG events we get to attend, including the upcoming Back Yard Favorite Roads ride out of Hanover, PA, on April 23rd, the C-14 and Friends ride out of Frederick,, MD, on May 7th, and the annual North-South get together June 16th through 18th in Manchester, MD, at Russell's home. Between Russell, Steve Rutter, Chuck, Jack and Deb, and many others, this AAD’s job is a piece of cake. I
would definitely feel guilty about cashing a paycheck, assuming there was one. Thank you all! Ride on, Greg P.
Greater Toronto As of this writing the weather cannot make up its mind. But cool spring temperatures notwithstanding bikes are coming out if only to blow off the stink of winter. COG GTA is holding a Tech Dave Perkins #5932 Day on June 3rd. Peter Jackson will be hosting again this year at his home near Trenton, Ontario, about 160 Kms/100 miles east of Toronto. Pete has a two-plus car garage which can accommodate 5 or 6 bikes. Activities will concentrate on C10s as they are the most popular Connie in our groups and no one can get all of the Tupperware removed from a C14 in under 3 hours! But that aside, no matter what you ride, you are welcome to join in. We’ll be offering spring tune up activities, tire installation and static balancing, and plastic welding (small jobs only, please) to name a few. To top it all off, there will be a burger or dog for lunch! Full details will be posted to the calendar later. COG GTA will be sending a small contingent to the Spring Fling in Bennington, VT, this year. This a long weekend (Victoria Day) in Canada when cottages are opened and boats are launched, so motorcycling sometimes must suffer. But to those in the GTA who are not so encumbered, sign up and head on down. T here events are well organized and a lot of fun. Until the next time, ride safe! See you in Vermont... E-gards! Dave
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Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
Event Reports Crab Cake Ride The Crab Cake Ride for 2017 went off as expected Sunday March 26th. What was not expected was the cold, windy and misty weather, that never topped 43 degrees. You see it was 75 degrees and sunny the day before, and the forecast for the next day was sunny and 70 degrees. Oh well, so goes early spring riding. The weather cut down the posse to only 11 riders. Seven started in Westminster MD, and we picked up three more riders in Glen Rock PA. Dave Fridirici rode solo from the Fogelsville. The ride, lunch and conversation was excellent! Steve Rutter
Forget About Your Taxes Ride We had 13 for lunch and 10 riders for the April 8th, Forget Your Taxes event hosted by Chuck Landis. The weather was perfect being not too warm and just cool enough for insulated gear. We met for a great lunch and discussion at the Lion’s Pride Restaurant in Red Lion PA. We broke up into two groups with Russell Flemming leading one and Chuck the other. The ride made use of the very curvy routes found along the West and East shores of the Susquehanna River. The ride’s stop at the Conowingo Dam featured the spillway gates opened from the heavy rain, and an assortment of Eagles, Herron, and Vultures. The sightseeing was great, but the riding was better. Chuck Landis.
choose from as you leave the event. Hope to see everyone soon. Steve Rutter
Greg & Russell’s Back Yard Favorites Ride The weather was absolutely perfect for the April 23 rd first edition of Greg and Russell’s Back Yard of Favorite Roads ride. Last fall, Russell and Greg were in a debate of sorts about who knew the best roads in the area. Thankfully they got together and came up with the best of the best. This ride was not to be missed and did not disappoint, and I'm sure that 17 riders found that to be true. The meet, greet and eat breakfast in Hanover PA allowed to get reacquainted with two new riders this year and meet three more new folks. We had a (dam) good time circling the Pretty Boy Dam in Maryland on newly paved twisting and turning roads with a great view. Our group was treated to following a police car with lights flashing - that set a good pace for us to follow! The 164 mile route wound its way north and west on the finest MD and PA roads to be found. We were treated to vast apple orchards in full bloom south of Michaux State Forrest before ending the ride in Biglerville, PA A big thanks to Russell and Greg for exploring and cataloging of these wonderful roads. This ride shall be repeated! Steve Rutter
Russell and Greg’s Favorites Ride, April 23, 2017
Forget About Your Taxes Ride, April 8, 2017
Ephrata Biker’s Breakfast It was a beautiful early April day for the Ephrata Bikers breakfast. There was a strong turnout as the parking lot was full of just about every brand and style of motorcycle you will ever find. It was impossible to buy your own cup of coffee as we all got reacquainted after the long winter season. We had 11 COG folks, and Greg Puterbaugh handed out cards and ride events to at least 4 C-14 and C-10 riders we came across. Four of the COGgers were not riding Kawasaki, but it was great to see Fish on his really nice C-10 while leaving the Wing at home. Six of us started on the Hanover northern loop ride, and enjoyed some marvelous twisties. The downhill gas station for the not-to-me-named rider that ran out of gas was all planned. The COG calendar has many more “first Sunday of the month” events planned in Ephrata. So far there are four mapped rides to
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Ephrata Biker’s Breakfast, April 2, 2017
2017 - Issue #2
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: Paradise Inn (www.vermontparadiseinn.com) 141 West Main Street, 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. There are 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 arrangements. Here’s is info for a nearby campground we found on the internet, 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: Prior to 5/8/17, fee paid minus $5/person. No refund after 5/8/17. Riding: Sample self-guided ride routes download available from rally web page (see below). Banquet Dinner: Saturday, 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 Cerutti, steveonlineusa@gmail.com, 914-953-4154 If registering by mail: complete & mail form below with rally 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:_________________________________________
2017 - Issue #2
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. (PA) Sat May 6, 9AM Lions Classic Bike Show Ride Meet for breakfast at Country Cupboard, 101 Hafer Rd., Lewisburg, PA then ride to Canton, PA for the Lions classic Bike Show. GEORGE GRIFFITH H 570.9255010 C 570.651.2919 gbgriff@epix.net (NS) Sat May 6, 9AM Ride to Bike Blessing Ride to the Annual Bike Blessing in Truro, NS. This event is Rain or Shine. We'll meet at Tim Hortons in Enfield NS next to the Irving Big Stop and ride to Victoria Park in Truro NS. Ceremony starts at noon. CLAUDE DOUCET H 902.252.5062 C 902.401.6821 motorcycleclaude@gmail.com (MD) Sun May 7, 8:30AM
Kawasaki C14 Riders & Friends Ride Meet for breakfast at Golden Corral, 5621 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 and WV. GREG PUTERBAUGH H 717.632.3324 C 717.465.8059 pbaugh1@comcast.net RUSSELL FLEMMING H 443.375.1215 fleming@qis.net (MD) Sun May 7, 8:30AM Ephrata Bikers Breakfast and Ride Meet COG members at Cloister Post 429 of the American legion, 300 Cocalico St., Ephrata, PA near the loading dock. We’ll chat, look at bikes and deicide on the ride and lunch spot from there. STEPHEN RUTTER H 717.361.1189 ruttersn@comcast.net (MA) Sat May 13, 9AM Petey’s Seafood Lunch Ride Meet at Comets Diner, 22 Westford Rd., Tyngsboro, MA for breakfast then ride approximately 65 miles to the coast to Petey’s for lunch around noon. KEVIN MARTIN H 978.459.6275 cog145@verizon.net
VA) Sun May 14, 8 AM VIR Ride Meet for breakfast at Brick House Diner,13520 Midlothian Tpk, Midlothian, VA. At 9AM we'll ride 115 miles to Virginia International Raceway (VIR), 1245 Pinetree Rd., Alton, VA to watch some of America's best racers compete in the Moto America series. Modest priced rooms are available in nearby South Boston, VA for overnight stays and
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camping is available at the track. CLYDE WATSON H 804.921.5896 clyde.watson@tds.net
(VT) Thu-Sun May 18-21 NE Spring Fling Rally Join us in Bennington, VT at the Paradise Inn for a weekend of riding through gorgeous Vermont. See registration form in this issue for full details. STEVE CERUTTI H 914.953.4154 steveonlineusa@gmail.com
(MD) Sun May 27, 9AM Tech Day Join in the fun learning to wrench your own bike at a tech day in Matt’s garage, 6307 46th Ave, Riverdale, MD. He has tools and supplies to perform lighting installs and upgrades, tip over protection, as well as most servicing requirements. You must bring your own needed parts and consumables (oil/ filter, Antifreeze, brake pads, tires, weights, gaskets, parts, etc.) or arrange with Matt prior to have them here for you. Matt/COG will provide refreshments and snacks. MATT NEEDHAM H 301.395.9122 mattchewn1@me.com (MA) Sun June 4, 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
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
(NH) Sat July 1, 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
(MD) Sun July 2, 8:30AM Ephrata Bikers Breakfast and Ride (See May 7 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.) www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/sydney/ yqyhi/hoteldetail#
CLAUDE DOUCET H 902.252.5062 C 902.401.6821 motorcycleclaude@gmail.com
(PA) Sat-Sun July 15-16, 11:30AM Creekside Grill ‘N Ride ‘N Camp By popular demand, the Creekside Grill 'n Ride this year is expanding to a 2-day event (MO) Mon-Fri June 12-16 with overnight camping. Arrive at 11:30 on 2017 COG National Rally Saturday with lunch served at noon. Spend The “Show Me MO Twisties” National Rally the day on self-guided rides OR hang around will be held in Lake of the Ozarks, MO. Rally Creekside and enjoy. An evening cookout Central is The Lodge of the Four Seasons in will be at 5:00. Overnight camping is availLake Ozarks, MO. This rally has great riding, able including outdoor shower & port-a-john social activities, seminars, guest speakers, facilities. Sunday will begin with breakfast technical sessions and a banquet dinner served at 8:30, followed again by self-guided Thursday night. See the web site for details. rides. Join them at 50 Walden Ct., York, PA. concours.org/national/2017-national-rally JACK FREDERICK H 717.764.9091 STEVE SMITH H 203.720.7575 debbahn@gmail.com (PA) Sun June 4, 8:30AM Ephrata Bikers Breakfast and Ride (See May 7 for details)
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 (CT) Sun June 25, 9AM Thompson Vintage Motorcycle Clasic Held at Thompson Speed way Motorsports
(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
2017 - Issue #2
Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS away at KOA Campground, 484 Walnut Hills Rd, Staunton, VA. JASON KAPLITZ H 814.615.9138 cog62@kaplitz.com
(MD) Sun August 6, 8:30AM Ephrata Bikers Breakfast and Ride (See April 2 for details) (MA) Sat August 12 Green Mountain National Forest Ride Mark this on our calendar. More details to follow. KEVIN MARTIN H 978.459.6275 cog145@verizon.net
(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)
(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 (VA) Thu-Sun November 9-12 Brrr Ride Join us for the annual Brrrr Ride. We will camp at the Natural Bridge KOA (cabins are available, but we recommend early reservations.) www.koakampgrounds.com/where/ va/46144.htm
We usually meet for breakfast and dinner at the Pink Cadillac. Organized rides are planned for Friday and Saturday. Motel accommodations are located at the Budget Inn, 4331 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, VA (540-291-2896) CLYDE WATSON H 804.921.5896
RIDE & EVENT UPDATES Creekside Grill ‘N Ride This event is expanding to two days. The location was just too nice to get out of the chair and go for a ride and not come back. See previous page or the COG web site for complete details. Registration is required. Contact Jack Frederick at 717.764.9091 or debbahn@gmail.com
Petey’s Seafood Lunch Ride
This ride has moved from May 6th to May 13th. All other details remain the same and are listed as such on page 8 and on the COG web site.
clyde.watson@tds.net
PAT SPRAGUE H 540.743.4874 patrick.sprague88@gmail.com
MD Tech Day New to the schedule this year, Matt Needham will be holding a tech day in May, Join in the fun learning to wrench your own bike. On Saturday, May 27, Matt Needham (mattchewn, COG #10993) is hosting a tech day at his home garage. If you have never attended a tech day before, it is a good opportunity to hang out with other COG folks and look over their shoulder while they perform maintenance tasks. Even if you don’t need servicing on your bike now, it is a great way to ask questions and learn how to do this on your own. Matt has tools and will provide some light refreshments and snacks. Please register online so Matt knows how many to expect.
(VA) Thu-Sun September 21-24 Hungry Mother Camping Weekend We’ll set up tents at Hungry Mother State 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 8, 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
2017 - Issue #2
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Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS “A motorcycle functions entirely in accordance with the laws of reason, and a study of the art of motorcycle maintenance is really a miniature study of the art of rationality itself.” Robert M. Pirsig Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
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 MA/VT/NH/ME AAD CT/RI AAD DelMarVa AAD S. Central PA/MD AAD S. Central PA/MD AAD Northeast PA AAD VA/WV AAD Southeast PA/Philly AAD W Hudson Valley NY AAD E Hudson Valley NY AAD Long Island NY AAD Central NY AAD Metro NY/NJ AAD Central NJ AAD Greater Toronto AAD Eastern Ontario AAD Eastern Ontario AAD Greater Montreal AAD Atlantic Canada
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 r 570-925-5010
cog1283@comcast.net pbaugh1@comcast.net uttersm@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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NE AREA STAFF
Steven Smith #3184
2017 - Issue #2