2017 - Issue #3
COGnitions As I write this the northeast is in the middle of a heatwave. I don’t know about you, but oppressive heat & humidity makes me want to remain within air conditioned spaces. It’s a good time to catch up with online articles. The other day I read one titled “Can Millennials Save the Motorcycle Industry?” The gist is that that motorcycle industry has been in a significant slump since the recession and how they are looking to this age bracket to breathe new life into the industry. The hope is by attracting younger, new riders, a fresh generation riders will be purchasing motorcycles for years to come. In my opinion, COG must embrace this age demographic shift and change with the times to be able Steve Smith #3184 to attract and retain members. Many long time club members have probably found that COG is more about the people than the bike. Word of mouth is usually what brings in members and the bonding and enjoyment of participation in club activities is typically what keeps us around. Going to a COG rally is a lot like a reunion. Friends new and old meeting up after a year or more hiatus. I feel honored to have become friends with so many of you over the past 19 years. Each of us is an ambassador for the club. Talk up COG to friends and other sport-touring and riders you meet. Bring them along to one of our activities and let them know that the club welcomes all bikes and riders. If you didn’t make it to the Spring Fling rally you missed a good time. There were over 80 attendees at the rally in Bennington, VT, May 18-21. Many thanks to first-time rally organizers AADs Steve & Sue Cerutti for pulling this event together. The Paradise Inn was a great rally location and there were restaurants and shopping in the quaint New England town within walking distance. Directly across from the motel is Hemmings Motor News where they have an old fashioned gas station, café, and a free vehicle display with 25 of their collector vehicles and automobilia collection. The group buffet style dinner was held at the Bennington Museum, which was a short walk from the motel. It was a unique experience, in a wonderful venue. The upper level of the museum was open to rally attendees for viewing during the dinner. Rally attendees also received complimentary passes to visit the museum during the rally. If you are looking for upcoming club activities a snapshot of northeast area activities is included in each newsletter, and we will continue to send email blast updates as needed to keep members informed. For the most up to date information I suggest reviewing the online event calendar often and before heading out to an activity. New events are posted throughout the riding season, and previously posted activities may change or be canceled. If you are concerned there aren't enough club activities near your or you want to see more meet & greets or tech days, my typical response will be commit to hosting an event. I suggest starting with a simple club activity in your locale like a lunch ride-in “meet & greet” to generate more activity and bonding among members. Your COG NE staff is here to assist you from getting started to helping promote the activity. It starts with you. There is more to be gained by members raising hands saying “I'll do that” instead of pointing fingers saying “nobody's doing that.” photo courtesy Bob Barbanti #7134
Some of the weekend events on the calendar include Hungry Mother Weekend in VA and the Brrrrr Ride. Registration for the Fall Rally in Lake George recently opened and the information is in this issue. There are many one day activities too, like the regular club meet & greet that coincides with the first Sunday of each month bike show in Ephrata, PA. Get out and join in on the fun. 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!
David Sorrick John Wallenburg Michael Cox Scott Heard Jason Farley Roseanne Farley Jeffrey Wheeler Scott Montgomery Ross Johnson Daniel F. Patton Charles Kuchenbeisser Daniel Dukes Robert Hall Tania Hall Brad Applegate Jason Stuart Shahrokh Biniaz Mark Kehrberg Peter Galloway
12570 12571 12584 12587 12589 12589A 12591 12601 12603 12608 12609 12612 12619 12619A 12622 12630 12633 12634 12635
Pylesville, MD Toronto, ON Beaver Bank, NS Port Perry, ON Linesville, PA Linesville, PA Medway, MA New Alexandria, PA Northampton, MA Troy, NY South Wales, NY Mars, PA Ottawa, ON Ottawa, ON Browns Mills, NJ Worcester, NY Toronto, ON Torrington, CT Huddersfield, Great Britain
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 think the first COG regional rally I attended was somewhere around 2002. We attended as a family with Wayne on his Connie, and our daughter and I traveling by car. I was a little hesitant about going to a motorcycle rally, but since Wayne had attended rallies before on his own, I was convinced that this was a was family friendly event. While Wayne and Stephanie went out riding together during the day, I headed out in the car to do some exploring on my own. We found the attendees at the rally to be friendly and welcoming, and we all had a great time. Our daughter even won a prize at the banquet! Since then, we have gone to regional rallies, a few national rallies, rides, meet & greets and other COG social gatherings. I’ve met great people and made great friends. We always come away with good memories
and some terrific pictures. Wayne and I are planning our first event this year—a ride and meet & greet to the north shore of MA in September. Check the calendar for details. Thanks to everybody who has hosted events Maryann Geiser #4627A and to those who attend. If you have not yet experienced a COG event, give one a try. There are plenty to choose from—take a look at the calendar starting on Page 8. I hope to see you soon, Maryann
2017 - Issue #3
Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
Around the NORTHEAST News from your Assistant Area Directors (complete list of AADs on back page)
South Central PA/MD The Fourth of July has come and gone, so you folks in the northern part of the NE area probably need to locate your snow shovels and get them ready to use at a moments notice. Greg Puterbaugh Meanwhile, here in the #6163 southern parts, we continue to ride, certain that ol' man winter is no where near. The rally in Bennington this spring was a whole lot of fun. Kudos to the organizers. I didn't make it to the national, but I hope those who did had an enjoyable experience. I did, however, just get back from taking a glimpse at the Gettysburg Bike Week Rally, 15 miles away from home, and discovered that the V-twin cruisers were thicker than flies on a pasture cow patty on a warm sunny afternoon-and quite a bit noisier to boot. They could take a lesson from COG on how to conduct a rally. We have several rides on the schedule for the next couple of months, most of which start and end with an opportunity to feed ones face. Please check the website Calendar of Events for all the happy details. Rubber side down, Greg
MA, ME, NH, VT Motorcycles, trikes, scooters, mopeds abound , oh my! Good to Greg & Tracey Habel see the sport is so alive, well, and growing. Most of my work in the mental health field involves lots of driving with passengers so I don’t get the opportunity to
2017 - Issue #3
ride my bike during work. However, I was fortunate to have a day this past week where I had to spend most of my time in the office and thus ride my 99 Connie to work. Added to the pleasure was low traffic due to the Independence Day holiday week. While wearing my gear into work I received lots of “I didn’t know you had a motorcycle!” comments, which promptly started many a conversation. “Oh, I used to have a Honda 750, then a scooter”, or from a young Administrative Assistant “I’m saving up for an R6”. “By the way, why are you wearing all those clothes, it’s hot out?” which of course lead to the “All The Gear All The Time” discussion along with demonstrating my mesh gear. Just by riding to work 1 day, I found out I have more motorcycle enthusiasts that work for the same company. Not to mention the nurse I talked to while visiting a rehab facility who rides to work regularly. Lots of “Please be careful out there”. Tracey, Pat, Sher, and I enjoyed the motorcycle event at Thompson Speedway in Thompson, CT in late June. We ran into a few COG members and I stumbled upon an old friend of mine who was playing bass in the SPF4 band doing surf music. Besides seeing the older motorcycles in the bike show, I really enjoyed watching the track day event. It reminded me of how much I love watching motorcycle racing; especially in person. The incredible speeds on the straight-away, amazing lean angles, the smell of race fuel, and all the different engine sound variations (Ducati twins vs Kawasaki inline fours vs two stroke). I sure wish they had a racing event there; cuz I would go! After watching the weather on a daily basis, we decided to cancel our Quabbin Bag lunch 2 days in advance due to a prediction of all day rain and we wanted to give everyone advance notice via email. Unfortunately the day arrived and there was very little rain. Our apologies to all who planned to go. It also a good reminder on how important it is to register for events via www.cogonline.org so that if the event is cancelled we can notify all registered attendees via email. Also, I think in the future we will cancel our rides 1 day in advance vs 2 for inclement weather. I hope to reschedule the ride for either September or October. Kevin Martin has continued year after year to help us fill the calendar. Thanks Kevin. On June 3rd he hosted an area favorite ride to Petey’s Seafood in Rye, NH, then followed by a Newport NH Day-ride on July 1st. Kevin also has a ride scheduled for August 12th Green Mountain National Forest ride in VT.
Wayne and Maryann Geiser are also helping us out by hosting a ride on Sept. 16th followed by Meet n Greet at the American BBQ in Rowley, MA. Much appreciated. Tom Kerrigan is in discussions with us on hosting a no-frills camping weekend on Cape Cod, potentially Sept. 22-24 on a group site at Nickerson State Park including a ride on Saturday. Camp with us, or just do the ride, join us for a camp fire, or all the above. There are motels in the area that are reasonable, too. Look for details soon on the calendar. October 15th we’ve teamed up with Ed Dyer to have a Meet n Greet and ride in Western MA at Bub’s BBQ in Sunderland, MA. Should be excellent foliage viewing. Kudos to Steve and Sue Cerutti for hosting their first rally! Bennington, VT turned out to be a perfect location for a Spring Fling, including the Paradise Inn for rally headquarters. I thought the banquet facilities were very classy - way beyond my expectations. Count me in for another rally in Bennington. 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. Greg & Tracey
Eastern Ontario Hey everyone from the North East area. I hope you have had a safe and excellent riding this season thus far. One of my big goals this season was to reassess my riding style and increase the defensive part of Richard Beaudoin #9318 my ride while still enjoying the bike. Sometimes I feel jinxed that if it’s going to happen, it will happen to me. I must say the extra effort I have put in staying aware of what might happen ahead of me has paid off in spades (Continued on page 4)
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Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS (Around the Northeast - Continued from page 3)
making a close call into something where I had ample time to respond. There’s so much distracted driving out there, and the only thing I can change is how I am prepared to deal with it. One of the highlights of being in the club for me has been riding to rallies, and meeting new members. Of course, the journey there and back on the less traveled roads and finding the hidden treasures on them is also fun. Val and I are on our seventh year with the group and it has been the friends we’ve met in COG that have helped build some great memories. Seeing photos from others of scenic USA and Canada has given us ideas of many trips we’d love to take. I had a chance to get out for a visit with another club member, Mike Cutts (#1103), from Cornwall, On. Mike has reached the Twenty five years mark as a COG member. Congratulations! Mike and Danielle have supported our COG functions here, but we never really got to know each other because those gatherings are so brief. So, the chance to have a longer visit was a pleasure. I just wanted to share a bit of our chat with you. As I walked into the Mike’s garage, there was a candy diamond ‘09 C14 that replaced his 1986 C10. But he also has the first ride he ever rode—a green 1970 Triumph T 100S still in riding condition. Like so many people out there, there was passion of adventure and riding in Mike’s blood but it was a seed that was planted but not fully grown. After doing local riding and coffee shop meetings, he met an individual, Ross Copas, who Mike described as a mentor. Ross introduced him to long distance rides. Rpss is an Iron Butt race winner from 1986, and has the spirit for the long haul. A strong riding friendship
devolved and Mike and Ross had many a journey. I asked Mike what the biggest change to his biking after meeting Ross was and he said “his skill level and confidence improved so much” Mike’s adventures include a ride from the most eastern point in Canada, Cape Spear Newfoundland to Beaver Creek Yukon. A few of his favorite roads were discovered during the run to Alaska - Hwy 1 and 4 from Anchorage to Valdez. He has also completed the Four Corners ride from Blaine Washington to Madawaska Maine, to Key West Florida and San Ysidro California. Another long ride was the Three Flags Classic in 1993 touching Mexico, Canada, and the USA along route 66, route 50 Nevada (the loneliest highway) and route 130 in California. If you like riding switchbacks that’s your road. He shared some photos and tons of memories he has collected over his time biking and all I could think of is I want to do that, too. As we talked we both agreed on the value of a great riding companion. Also Mike said don’t wait until you retire to start riding that dream. That was after he told me he put the taxes on hold to take a trip one year. Thanks Mike for taking the time for sharing ,and the enjoyable visit. That’s going to be a lot of tires to follow those roads. I can’t help but think at all the miles logged by all the COG members on all those scenic roads. What a collection of photos and stories there must be. Safe travels, Rich
Mike Cutts and some of his riding memorabilia
Metro NY, NJ As I write this July is already halfway gone, man it's just FLYING! We had to bail on the Big W ride due to inclement weather. If you came from Terry Faherty #792 the north or east you were fine. South or west, not so much. Maybe next time. If I can get a free weekend I'd still like to try for a North Jersey/Catskill Ramble redux so make sure to check the calendar and forum for late breaking news. Scott and I have finally gotten things on track after a slight hiccup and registration for the Fall Rally should be moving apace by the time you read this. I'll expound further in a separate article. Enjoy the summer everyone and stay safe. Terry
Atlantic Canada (NS, NB, PEI) Since the last newsletter, I had planned on going to the Annual Bike Blessing in Truro. I ended up cancelling since the weather was looking really nasty. In Claude Doucet #9011 typical maritime fashion, the weather changed drastically the morning of he event but, by the that time it was too late to attend. Summer has been really slow to start this year with drastic swings in temperature. But that all changed just in time for my event in Cape Breton July 13-16. Look for the event report in later in this issue. Until next time, Claude
East Hudson Valley NY We’re in the thick of summer, and it just seems like yesterday that we were at the Spring Fling Rally in Bennington Vermont. The event was a success, but I’m not going to do a recap, because that’s already been done. I do want
Steve Cerutti #6763 (Continued on page 9)
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2017- Issue #3
Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
Event Reports Kawasaki C14 Riders & Friends Ride The weather forecast for ride day, May 7th, was not good for several days prior, and while we got a little damp motoring to the Frederick, Md., Golden Corral for breakfast, the rainbow over Frederick was a good omen. Our lucky streak of good weather continued, as the precipitation pretty much blew away by the time we were fed, talked out, and ready to ride. Twenty-two came for a meal, twenty-one gents and one lovely lady, Vickie Sponseller, who came as Russell Fleming's seat mate. She and the rest of us got to experience the route after Russell laid it out, then rode it twice to get rid of any kinks. The Appalachian Mts. were gorgeous, as always. I never tire of looking at them, after having grown up on the Midwestern plains. Most of the riders made it to Denny's Restaurant at the Flying J Truck Stop near Winchester, Va. for more food and some more good conversation before heading home. Many smiles, nary a frown! - Greg Puterbaugh #6163
Ephrata Bikers Breakfast and Ride—June 4 The weather was perfect for the June 4th edition of the Ephrata Bikers Breakfast. There were at least 14 COG members, and we had a nice lineup of Connies and, of course keeping with COG mentality, at least four were not on their Connies. We also met two new C-14 riders with a bunch of questions, and they have new issues of the Concourior to learn more about the club. We had 8 go out for the ride/lunch, including Mike, Jack, Dale, Greg, Gerard, Mark, and one of the new guys on a 2008 C-14. To those on the ride, apologies for the sidewalls of your tires on the 65 Miles Loop around Marsh Lake. - Steve Rutter #9715
16,17,and18. Russell was joined by his lovely lady friend and housemate, Vickie Sponseller, as the co-host of the event, which took place at the usual venue, the Fleming residence in Manchester,MD. As we've all come to expect, everything was top-notch, from the fine fare including two dinners and two breakfasts, to the nice bunch of folks, two dozen or so, who came to ride and enjoy the camaraderie. The weather threatened somewhat, but in the end was not much of a negative factor, as all who chose to got in a good ride on Saturday. A brief shower Saturday evening did show Dusty Schilling which vents on his new tent need to be zipped shut if it rains. Russell produced a picture of his front yard taken at the N/S 16 or 17 years ago, that showed 2 Harleys, 1 crotch rocket, and about 30 C-10's! This year, 2 C-10's, a few C-14's, and a lot of adventure bikes. The group's riding choices have been evolving. Several of the adventure bikes followed Paul Anderson on an off-road jaunt while Russell led a group on a "pavement only" ride. All bikes and riders returned intact with no missing parts. I hope Russell and Vickie can find the wherewithal to keep this event going for a few more years, despite the hints that this may have been the last. If so, the N/S will be missed and remembered fondly by a large number of people. At any rate, it's been one helluva run! - Greg Puterbaugh #6163 Vickie & I would like to Thank the people who step up to help with the North South this year. Ronald Fleming for mowing the grass, Greg Puterbaugh & Bobby Winters helping set up and tear down, Linda Owens for helping with the cooking and dish washing, Dwight Hoyle for cooking the bacon and Cody Muller for making the toast. The biggest THANK YOU is Vickie for coming into my life. The north South for 2018 is up in the air if it will happen. It seems the new COG member are not interested in events like the North South. This year there were 5 people who let me know that they were coming and didn’t show. It is hard to plan for food when you don’t let know the exact number of attendees. That can make for a lot of leftovers. The longs distance travelers were Mike & Roseanna Schmidt from Orange City, FL. This is the first years that no one from Canada made the trip south. The most missed person was Guy Young; there were many conversations about Guy, how he helps everyone and how he helped COG to become what it is today. - Russell Flemming #599
Ephrata Bikers Breakfast and Ride—July 2
North/South Get Together The annual North/South Get Together was hosted for the twentieth consecutive time by Russell Fleming, Friday through Sunday, June
2017 - Issue #3
We had a very nice lineup of Concours motorcycles and at least 14 COGers on hand for the July 2nd Ephrata Bikers Breakfast. We introduced yet another 2 C-14 owners to the virtues of COG. Mike Brent led 8 of us on a 125 mile ride ending up near Hamburg for an awesome lunch at Kauffman's BBQ. The ride was not entirely uneventful. Traveling north on RT 897 we encountered three vintage motorcycles headed south in the other lane. When the third rider on a 2-stroke Yamaha gave his downward salute, (we think) he hit a series of dips in the road and got an immediate uncontrollable tank slapper and went down instantly. The last five riders in our group were shocked to see the rider and bike skidding at least 250 feet. Fortunately the rider and bike stayed in their lane with the bike eventually ending up (Continued on page 6)
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Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
Event Reports (Continued from page 5)
in a corn field. The rider was saying he was ok, but without gloves and riding pants he was pretty chewed up. I think everyone helped out in some way, everything from lifting the bike out of the field, to helping the rider and bike clean up, to directing traffic. The advice from Greg after we helped him get bike running? Thanks for the show, but we don't ever need to see that one again! - Steve Rutter #9715
Creekside Chill ‘N Grill ‘N Ride—July 15 Thanks so much to Jack and Deb for hosting the Creek Side Chill’n
and Grill'n Ride July 15th and 16th. It was mentioned more than a few times that we pity the fools that could not attend. It was and awesome relaxing time, and Jack and Deb are the consummate hosts, providing everything you can think of - refreshments, great food, a great setting, covered motorcycle parking, and more. Four star lodging for the campers was provided, too, for the two day event. Thanks to Chuck for leading our group on his favorite roads. Jack and Deb need to be voted into the COG hall of fame for hosting the two Chill events every year. - Steve Rutter #9715
Summer Rally, Nova Scotia July 13-16 I rode down July 13 with a cool morning and overcast skies. I ended up getting a few spits of rain on the way down but by the time I arrived in Sydney NS, the weather started to clear. On Friday of the rally the weather was spectacular! In my book, it was the perfect temperature. We had 18 people registered, a good mix from New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Quebec, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Most attendees chose to ride the Cabot Trail on Friday and I think they weren't disappointed (other than some construction.) This construction is part of a 5 year plan which will be worthwhile because of long awaited improvements. A bit of pain for a lot of gain. I rode the trail with “newbies” Christian Dupuis and Mark Williams. I prefer riding the Cabot Trail counter clockwise and the main reason is because of Cape Smokey. I had warned Chris and Mark about the sharp turn at the bottom and explained that I would “zip” up to the top and would wait for them there since I was familiar with the road. I arrived at the top and waited. Chris and Mark arrived shortly after then dismounted and removed their helmets. They both had grins from ear to ear and said “can we do it again!” That made my day and maybe the trip to be able to share a moment like that. Friday was a long day for most but a good portion of the attendees topped off the day with an awesome Lobster Supper in Baddeck. I was glad I had made a reservation for the group because the place was absolutely packed. Saturday was another awesome day, some attendees had to leave to go home and others took it easy exploring the area. At the end of the day, we proceeded to take the group photo near the world's largest fiddle near the cruise ship terminal. We ended up afterwards at a local pub minutes from the hotel to enjoy great comThe group at Baddeck Lobster Supper (Thanks to Maryann Geiser for the photo)
pany, food and a few adult beverages. Sunday everyone went their separate ways. For my first overnight event, I was very pleased with the turnout. - Claude Doucet #9011 (Continued on page 9)
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2017 - Issue #3
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 Fall Rally
Lake George, NY September 21 – 24, 2017 Here we go again! Scott and Terry are bringing us back to the Motel Montreal in Lake George, NY for another run through the Adirondack Mountains of New York. Come on out and enjoy some prime blacktop and good old fashioned COG fellowship. Rally HQ Lodging: Motel Montreal, 3 Lake Ave, Lake George, NY, 518.668.5439 www.lakegeorgemotelmontreal.com Room block cutoff is 8/21/17; Room rate $50/night+tax+fees and requires a 3-night minimum stay. Limited block of rooms held. Mention Concours Owners Group to get discounted rooms in our block. Back-up Lodging: (no rooms held or group rate) Lake Haven Motel, 442 Canada St, 800.347.0543 or 518.668.2260. www.lakehavenmotel.com . Next to Motel Montreal. For the more luxuriously inclined we suggest the Courtyard Marriott Lake George, 365 Canada Street, Lake George, NY, 518-761-1150, $139 and up. It's a short walk to rally central. Early Registration (per person): If received by 9/1/17. COG Member/Associate discounted fee: $45; All others: $60 Standard Registration (per person): After 9/1/17: $50 COG Member/Associate; $65 all others. **Register early – a limited number of registrations can be accepted after final headcount is provided on 9/16. Rally fee covers Saturday dinner, door prizes, and other rally expenses. Wristbands will be used to identify registered attendees. Refund Policy: Rally fee paid less $5.00/person before 9/1/17; no refund after 9/1/17. Events: Saturday evening banquet included in rally fee. Zip-line ride for extra fee. View more info online. Riding: Sample, self-guided ride route downloads available from online member library or from link at event listing in the COG calendar of events. General Questions: Scott Sorger: 518-223-0544 (516-509-8392) or Terry Faherty: 718-227-2099 (917-837-6634) Registration Questions: Steven Smith 203.720.7575 or nead@cog-online.org Rally web page: can be found on the Northeast Area online Calendar of Events at: www.cog-online.org If registering by mail: complete & mail form below with rally fee payable in $US to “Concours Owners Group” to: Steven Smith – Fall Rally 2017, 39 Alison Ave, Naugatuck, CT 06770-3566 (Cut & return this section) 2017 Fall Rally Registration Form (Please PRINT Clearly) Name: (One form per person) ____________________________________________ COG# _____________ AMA #____________ Street: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: ________________________________________________ State/Province: ________________ Zip Code: _______________ Phone: __________________________ E-Mail: __________________________________________________ Country: _________ I will be a: rider / passenger / guest
Motorcycle model: _________________________ License tag # __________________
Emergency Contact Information:
Name:
________________________________________________________
Phone No.:
_________________________Relationship: ____________________
Please read and sign the following Concours Owners Group Release: I understand that the Concours Owners Group (COG) cannot assume responsibility for my personal safety in this event. I choose to participate in this event voluntarily, based on my own assessment of my abilities, the routes conditions and facilities, and therefore assume all risks. I release and hold harmless COG, its officers, agents and members from any and all injury and/or loss to my person or property that may result from my participation in this event. I further certify that my vehicle and I are in compliance with all applicable license, insurance and financial responsibility laws applicable to my participation in this event. All participants under 18 years of age must have their parent or guardian sign the following additional release. As the parent or guardian of the above participant, and being informed or familiar with the risks normally associated with motorcycle events, I hereby consent to his or her participation in this event, and accept and adopt all the representations and assumptions of risk set forth in the foregoing release. Participant
Parent or
Signature: ________________________________________
Guardian (if applicable) ___________________________________
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Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
RIDE & EVENT SCHEDULE
lies in the parking lot (weather permitting). A social function to meet other riders, discuss tech issues, shoot the breeze, and plan rides. DAVE PERKINS H 416.691.2191
Time listed is START time. Visit www.cog-online.org for updates and more details.
(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. Check http:// www.fingerlakesbmw.org/rally/index.php for more details BEN OTUNU C 845.423.0373
(MD) Sun August 6, 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 (ON) Tue August 8, 6:30 PM South Central Ont. Meet & Greet 2nd Tuesday each month at Mohawk Inn, 9230 Guelph Lane, Campbellville, ON, just North of 401. All welcome. Many hungry people arrive earlier to get their dinner. A mainly social function to meet other riders, shoot the breeze, plan rides. DAVE PERKINS H 416.691.2191 perkins43@rogers.com
clyde.watson@tds.net
(NY) Thu-Sun September 21-24 Northeast Fall Rally. Lake George, NY See information in this newsletter.
benotunu@gmail.com
(MD) Sun September 3, 8:30AM Ephrata Bikers Breakfast and Ride (See August 6 for details) (ON) Tue September 12, 6:30 PM South Central Ont. Meet & Greet (See August 8 for details)
(MA) Sat September 16, 8:30AM Ride to American BBQ M&G (MA) Sat August 12, 7AM Meet at the Mobil station at 1785 Andover St, Green Mountain/Bellows Falls Ride Tewksbury, MA (just off the Rt 133 exit from Meet at Bickfords Restaurant in Acton at Rt 495, next to the Cracker Barrel) for a ride 7am for breakfast, kickstands up at 8am.This to The American BBQ Meet n Greet in Rowis an all day ride out to RT-100 in Vermont ley, MA. Our route will wind through the north then into Bellows Falls for lunch at the Miss shore of MA, including Manchester-by-theBellows Falls Diner, 90 Rockingham Street Sea, Gloucester, and Rockport and end at (US-5), Bellows Falls, VT. After lunch we’ll The American BBQ in time for the Meet n return via US-5, Rt 12 south, and 124 south, Greet. Note: if you are staying for the Meet n stopping at Kimball’s in Jaffrey, NH for ice Greet, please register for that event also so cream. Ride ends at the Townsend Dunkin that we may give the restaurant a "heads up" Donuts on Rt 119. Approximately 235 mile on how many of us to expect. ride not including travel to Bickfords and WAYNE GEISER H 978.851.2710 home after the ride. C 978.407.2619 geiserw@gmail.com KEVIN MARTIN H 978.459.6275 cog145@verizon.net (MA) Sat September 16, 1PM American BBQ M&G (MD) Sat August 12, 8:15PM Join us for some smoked meats and more on Sport Touring Camaraderie Ride the north shore at American BBQ, 5 Railroad Moonlight Ride Ave., Rowley, MA. Although we will be orderCome out and ride a self guided ride of 85 ing from the counter individually, we have miles that is marked by reflective tape on been promised the back room so long as we sign post through Carroll County, Frederick "take care of the staff," who will be checking County, MD and PA. Ride starts at Parking on us from time to time, so be prepared to Lot of Miller’s Food Market in Manchester, throw a little in for a tip. We are putting toMD at the intersection of Rts 27 & 30. Ride gether a north shore ride (I'm told by the loends at JT Motorsports in Frederick, MD with cals that a Saturday ride after Labor Day refreshments around 11:30 pm. shouldn't be too bad traffic-wise). If you are GREG PUTERBAUGH H 717.632.3324 planning to come on both the ride and stay pbaugh1@comcast.net for the M&G, please sign up for both so we RUSSELL FLEMMING H 443.375.1215 can give the restaurant a "heads up" a week fleming@qis.net (or so) before hand. EDDIE PHELPS H 410.781.7521 WAYNE GEISER H 978.851.2710 C 978.407.2619 geiserw@gmail.com (ON) Mon August 14, 6:30 PM GTA East - Meet & Greet (ON) Mon September 18, 6:30 PM 3rd Monday EVERY MONTH at Tartan Tav- GTA East - Meet & Greet ern, 555 Rossland Rd East, Oshawa, ON. All (See August 14 for details) welcome. Arrive early to kick tires and tell
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(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
(PA) Sun September 24, 9AM Sport Touring Camaraderie Ride Meet for breakfast at 9AM in the Iron Skillet at the PETRO truck stop, 1201 Harrisburg Pike, Carlisle, PA. Choose from one of 9 rides ranging from 150 to 240 miles, some combining dirt and paved roads. All the rides end at the Middlesex Diner in Carlisle. All makes and models of motorcycles welcome. GREG PUTERBAUGH H 717.632.3324 pbaugh1@comcast.net
RUSSELL FLEMMING H 443.375.1215 fleming@qis.net (MD) Sun October 1, 8:30AM Ephrata Bikers Breakfast and Ride (See August 6 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 (ON) Tue October 10, 6:30 PM South Central Ont. Meet & Greet (See August 8 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 (ON) Mon October 16, 6:30 PM GTA East - Meet & Greet (See August 14 for details) (VA) Thu-Sun November 9-12 Brrr Ride (Continued on page 9)
2017 - Issue #3
Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS (Continued from page 8)
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/
(Continued from page 6)
The group at the big fiddle in Sydney, Nova Scotia
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 clyde.watson@tds.net
PAT SPRAGUE H 540.743.4874 patrick.sprague88@gmail.com
(ON) Tue November 14, 6:30 PM South Central Ont. Meet & Greet (See August 8 for details) (ON) Mon November 20, 6:30 PM GTA East - Meet & Greet (Around the Northeast - Continued from page 4)
to take this brief opportunity to encourage anyone who might be reading this to consider hosting a rally of his or her own. You do not have to be an officer of COG to organize an event. It can be as simple as a Sunday ride, or a complete soup-to-nuts rally. This was my first time planning a major event, and it couldn’t have been easier, solely because of the support of our members and ever-present guidance from our esteemed Area Director, and other AADs who were always happy to lend a hand or an ear. It also didn’t hurt to have a wife whose organizational and planning skills, and work ethic far surpass my own. Thank you, Sue. So when you look at our calendar of events, realize that the things that appear there aren’t magically conjured, and you have the opportunity to contribute and make it happen. Any and all events are what help to make COG such a successful and fun organization. The camaraderie at our gatherings goes far beyond the bits and bytes of our online watering holes and water coolers. Meeting new people, seeing old friends, and sharing the sport that we all have in common is the seasoning that makes life succulent and defines our fine group of members. So go out, find new places and roads, and plan your event. None of us ever needs too much prodding to ride, and since I am now a salty event-planning veteran (tongue firmly planted in cheek), just ask and I will do what I can to help make your gathering a success. Ride safe and ride often. See you in Lake George. Steve
My Encounter with Nova Scotia’s Finest Maryann and I recently joined Claude Doucet and several others in Sydney, Nova Scotia for a weekend of riding, eating great food, etc. Little did I know that, before the weekend was through, I’d have a chat with a member of the “men in blue” from “the great white north.” Maryann, Lyle Cooper, and I had spent the day navigating the Cabot Trail. We met up with most of the rest of the weekend’s group in Baddeck for a terrific seafood dinner. People left Beddeck Lobster Suppers in small groups and Maryann and I were no exception. We had nearly an hour ride back to the hotel and decided to fill up on our way. As we left the pumps and got to the edge of the parking lot to enter the road, I saw a small sedan coming from our right. I decided to let him pass before entering the roadway. He turned on his left-hand directional and pulled into the gas station to our right. Since there was nothing over there, I thought (cleaned up a bit for this publication), “What a yahoo! What does he think he’s doing?” At that moment, Maryann’s voice came over the communicator and said “He wants to talk to you.” I looked through the open passenger window and saw two things; a finger pointed at me and a badge! My first thought was, “What did I do, now?” My second thought was, “Wait! Whatever I’ve done, HE couldn’t have possibly seen me do it!” “I have a bike just like that one!” he said. Whew! Officer Canuck (sorry, I didn’t get his real name) had just gotten his C10 a short while ago and was passing the station when he recognized the shapely rear-end of my 1999 model. Pulling a quick U-turn, which, thankfully, I had not witnessed or I would have been even more concerned, he doubled back to share a little of his excitement for his new ride. We chatted a little bit. I told him about the group of us in Sydney. He asked about my top box. We both traded odometer readings (his in kilometers, mine in miles) and we parted ways, trying to the hotel before dark. - Wayne Geiser #4627
(Continued on page 10)
2017 - Issue #3
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Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS (Around the Northeast - Continued from page 9)
Greater Toronto Spring was dragged kicking and screaming into southern Ontario this year after a prolonged winter. The weather through to this writing, however, as been seasonal which Dave Perkins #5932 means great for riding. Our most recent meet & greets were well attended with long time members who live quite a distance away coming out for the first time this year. Welcome back, guys! I attended the Spring Fling in Bennington, VT along with former AAD Craig Scott and Chris Dupuis, my counterpart in Montreal, Quebec. Steve and Sue Cerutti put on an excellent rally with great accommodations and well planned routes. Chris and I took off on the roads less traveled for the most part. Chris can look at a map or a GPS trace and find exceptional roads to follow. With the exception of a 20 klick stretch of hard-pack and loose, 1" gravel he didn't steer us wrong. I call him the Road Whisperer!! We held our 3rd annual Tech Session on June 3rd. Peter Jackson hosted the event at his home in Trenton, Ontario, about 160 klicks east of Toronto. We concentrated on tune-up
operations this year but really focused on C10 valve adjustments. We wanted to make this a true, hands-on learning experience. After the requisite Tupperware removaln Peter lead the group through the steps. This can seem a daunting task to the uninitiated but the instructions in the service manual and Florida Steve's excellent YouTube tutorials take much of the mystery out of the process. Peter is a heavy equipment and diesel mechanic during the week and an excellent teacher. He showed the group what to look for and what to "feel" for when checking the gaps. We were able to get about 10 owners through the shop followed by a carb sync performed by yours truly. Other maintenance items followed suit: brake pads and brake fluid were changed, stem bearings adjusted, etc. The feedback was 100% positive from the attendees, even the C14 guys who looked on from the cheap seats and talked slow to us! None of them had yet experienced a valve adjustment performed by their dealer but knew what is would cost! We C10 guys get off easy! Peter's wife Deb laid on a lunch of pulled pork sandwiches and salads to feed the hungry mob. Thanks Deb! Though not officially COG, our next even is the 3rd Annual Ride For The Breath Of Life for Cystic Fibrosis Canada in August. Dubbed the "Memorial Ride For Marika" it is in honour of Marika Wallenberg, daughter and niece respectively of COG GTA East members John and Anton Wallenberg. At Anton's urging we started this charity ride in 2015. We had ten riders the first year and 15+ last year. For both rides we raised nearly $5,000 for CF research. We got the word out earlier this year and are expecting about 50 riders. We get smarter
each year and the donations go up accordingly. It is a good cause that we have taken under our wing. And, by the way, there is a total solar eclipse on August 21. It is cutting a huge swath across the US from Oregon to the Carolinas. The best viewing will be in Illinois so if you have never seen this truly spectacular event then put it on your bucket list. And wear appropriate eye protection; an arc welding mask is a good start!! Dave
photo courtesy Wayne Geiser #4627
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 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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NE AREA STAFF
Steven Smith #3184
2017 - Issue #3