2022 - Issue # 1
COGnitions:
Ramblings from the Northeast Area Director Happy New Year COG NorthEast! The past few months have been a bit overwhelming. As a member of the COG IT team, I was helping to cover a portion of the workload when the COG IT Officer resigned. Then COG’s Membership Officer, Fred Boothe, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly just prior to Thanksgiving. Since this role requires access to the member database, the IT team offered to assist processing membership on an interim basis. What we didn’t initially consider is that the membership Steve Smith #3184 handbook was also on Fred’s plate for completion in March, and this too landed in our hands. Amid all this COG work, Linda’s mom passed away early January. Now we make weekly trips to her home to NY to help clean out and prepare the house for sale. I know that some good cycle-therapy is needed, but according to the rodent prognosticator I may be waiting 6 more weeks. <sigh!> During the Northeast’s non-riding season there are typically a few social gatherings posted on our event calendar. These are a good way to see COG friends and break up the winter monotony. Be flexible and check the schedule ahead of time as pandemic restrictions pop up unexpectedly. Just as the restrictions loosened for Canadian members and social activities began to take place, our Toronto AAD, Dave Perkins, recently reported he was forced to suspend once again the two monthly GTA Meet & Greet dinners. I’m sure he will provide a report in this issue, and I am hopeful the GTA dinner gatherings will resume soon. On the plus side, other Northeast region social activities have been fortunate to be able to gather at restaurants.
photo courtesy Bob Barbanti #7134
Our northeast winter schedule is typically light until March/April. If you are missing COG activities, I suggest members can use the time to plan and submit Spring/Summer COG activities. Don’t forget, any member may submit an event to the COG calendar. It is easy using one of the “Submit an Event” buttons found on the club calendar web pages and filling in the required information. The Northeast Spring Fling will be in Williamsport PA May 19-22. Review the event calendar. Registration is open. Our discounted room block at the Genetti Hotel is held until 4/22/22. As Jason would say… “Book Those Rooms.” Jason has already posted up the COG Northeast Dog Days event in Marlinton WV for August 18-21, along with a few other spring/summer non-COG events where COG is invited. Check them out.
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Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
New Members
First things first, a warm welcome to our Newest NE Area COG members!
Concours Owners Groupsm
Scott Paladini Matthew Taylor Timothy Cooley Derek Cormier Eric Watkins
East Northport, NY Mineral Wells, WV Wynantskill, NY Dartmouth, NS Ashburn, VA
13572 13573 13577 13583 13584
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 https://concours.org/library 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:
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On June 18, 2022, a couple of COGgers will be instructing an Experienced Rider Course (ERC), 12:30 PM – 6:30 PM in Waterbury CT. This course will be open to the public, but COG is getting the info first to be ready to jump in and sign up when registration opens on February 22, 2022. It would be terrific if this course is filled with COG riders and friends. This course will use the latest curriculum and consists of only riding exercises. It is a perfect way to reinforce basic skills on your own motorcycle. View the COG event calendar for details and links, or visit the community college web site for registration information: https://nv.edu/motorcycle
Email: NECOGEditor@gmail.com Snail Mail: COG NE Newsletter c/o Maryann Geiser 139 Kennedy Rd Tewksbury MA 01876 © 1989-2022 Concours Owners Groupsm
The GPS/Basecamp Essentials webinar series kicked off in January and has been popular. We’ve already covered how the GPS system works, the difference between motorcycle specific and other GPS devices, covered most of the core features of the Garmin Zumo XT, Garmin Express, and an introduction to Basecamp user interface and Library. In coming sessions will take a dive into using Basecamp to create routes. If you missed a session, there are links to the recordings in the COG member library, education section. As a reminder, all upcoming club events can be found on the club’s online Event Quick List: https://concours.org/Events/List Volunteerism seems to be down all over these days and COG can really use your help. At the national level COG is seeking to fill the Membership Officer, IT Officer, Handbook Officer, and Safety Officer. Our current Concourier Editor also seeking a replacement after providing years of service. While other club officers assist in an interim capacity to keep the club’s operation moving forward, performing double or triple duties leads to volunteer burnout and the risk of needing to replace more officers. Please look at the list of club officer vacancies and consider if you can spare some time to help our club. Here in the Northeast, I am seeking to find more members to host activities – we can never have too many activities on the calendar around the Northeast Area. I would also like to fill AAD positions. There is an immediate need for AADs in the Northern New England states (ME/VT/NH/MA) as well as CT, RI, MD, southeast PA, western PA, central, west, and upstate NY, WV and VA. Other areas in the Northeast can someone to help build up club activity. Go solo or connect with a friend or spouse and do it as co-AADs. AADs can cover one or more states, or just a region. Some of the things AADs do are assist the area director, be ambassadors for COG, host at least one activity, and work with other members to promote activity in the Northeast. It's a relatively easy job that is extremely rewarding and helps you meet more members. If you are interested in helping, please contact me so we can chat and discuss how easy it is to get started. We have a terrific support network to help new AADs. We have periodic staff meetings to discuss club happenings, ask questions, share activity ideas, and just catch up. That’s all for now. Be well and ride safe.
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2022 - Issue # 1
Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
Around the NORTHEAST
happen this year with things slowly starting to open up again and with the “living with COVID” the new strategy.
News from your Assistant Area Directors
summer! Derek
Greater Toronto
Despite the differing prognostications of Greeting NE the numerous COGgers! Spring is groundhogs about right around the the continent it Dave Perkins #5932 corner so now is appears that winter the time to get your is finally turning the corner. It has steed ready for the been a cold one here in the Greater season. The Toronto Area with about 30" of farkling continues partly cloudy falling in early February on my new beastie Terry Faherty #792 and seasonal frigid temps as well. and I can't wait for But it will be +9 C / 48 F today with the weather to turn the corner. I mild temps for the remainder of the said goodbye to my full time position In the mean time I am counting the week. Too early for riding perhaps at the hospital and went back to per days till spring and when the ice and but it is always on our minds. One diem so I'll have much more snow will be gone from our condo on my predecessors as AAD, Craig freedom in scheduling which laneway and the sand will be Scott, has made a point for the past translates to more riding! Thanks to washed from the roads. I will have many years to ride in every month of my daughter's college finally being some work to do before riding and the year. Regardless of the paid off! I'm registered for the need the warmer weather for this to temperature, if the roads are clear Spring Fling in Williamsport and happen; no heated work space for and the sun is out he goes for a definitely looking forward to it. I'll me! At over 100,000km I felt it was brief ride dressed appropriately. also be spending a week outside of time for the valve adjustment and Lake George for Americade so stay tune up maintenance. I sent my As for our two COG groups, I tuned to the forum for a possible bike to a local shop that came suspended our monthly meetings ride. Can't wait to see everyone recommended for the procedure. indefinitely back in December again! See you out there and keep To save a few hours of shop rate I because the Covid Omicron variant the shiny side up! removed all the plastic before sending it in. I picked the bike up is had forced the restaurants to close cold snowy December and tucked it yet again. However, as of March 1st Terry in the garage. These plastic bits all the various provincial restrictions on inside dining and proof of still have to go back on but I might as well wash and wax them from the vaccination will be largely lifted and Eastern Ontario warmth of my basement to make it we can resume the meetings and Welcome from get on with planning for our Tech look as good as it will run! Eastern Ontario. Session and a hopefully some day rides. The border may still be an Before starting a As always, if you have an idea for a obstacle to travel to events in the newsletter article I ride or meet up please suggest it, I northeast. I hope not as these are usually look back at would be glad to help. my past writings to fun events and I miss them. see previous years Hope to see you all out on our great plan… Well the roads of Eastern Ontario; I’ll be sure Which is all I have for this go-round. plans for early Derek Pugh #11636 to wave! I offer my usual cautions to those 2020 and 2021 are (Continued on page 4) still waiting, but seem more likely to Looking forward to a great riding
Metro NY, NJ
20202 - Issue # 1
The February Toronto and Montreal Motorcycle shows (the big show for manufactures) have both been canceled yet again but planning for a return in 2023! The March Toronto Motorcycle Supershow is still on the calendar and hopefully that will happen. With current restrictions I did not plan a midwinter social but I am hoping we can plan a ride or social this spring or summer. Time will tell.
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(Around the Northeast - Continued from page 3)
who are able to go for a ride: watch out for the sand on the road (like tiny ball bearings) and wet salt as well (Like Teflon!)
Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS We got hit with another 6" of partly E-gards! cloudy last night (Februay 17). With Dave all due respect to T. S. Eliot, February, not April, is the cruelest month!!
PS: I spoke too soon, weather-wise. Kevin Martin COG 145 The Spring riding season is rapidly approaching and if you’re anything like me, you’re itching to go riding again. This is the time of the year when riders start planning service needs for their favorite bikes, while other Members, AADs, and COG Staff get busy planning Club rides and events for the new year. February is usually the time of the year when I get serious about planning my area rides, and start mapping routes in preparation for the Northeast Spring Fling, should I decide to attend. I’m also encouraged that at least for the moment, there are regular news reports that the COVID virus is waning all across the USA, and restrictions and mandates are slowly being lifted all across the country giving me optimism that we are finally getting back to some kind of normal. With that in mind, I’ve already posted several local rides on the COG Calendar and I’m working on more through the rest of the year. My Spring rides will be shorter rides of a casual nature so we can all work out our riding cobbwebs accumulated from the long winter off. As the days get longer, so will my rides so keep an eye on the Calendar of events and register if you see a ride that interests you. With that in mind, I realize that not everyone can meet in the morning for the start of a ride simply due to starting location issues. Most of my rides list planned stops, including lunch spots, so if you can’t make the start of a ride you’re interested in, feel free to join the group at one of the planned stops. If you do plan to attend just a portion of a ride, please register online and add or send a note where you plan to meet the Group. Please get to the planned stop early as timing varies due to traffic and other uncontrolled factors, as I can’t hold up a group ride for late attendees. Looking forward to seeing everyone again this year, so prep your bikes and get ready for a great riding season.
Editor’s Corner Buying a new bike is a novel experience for me. Between the two of us, Wayne and I have owned 3 bikes and none of them were purchased new. The dealer experience varies greatly. I’ll tell you about the worst one, only because it was humorous. We walked into the dealer a few days after a large snow storm. We were almost immediately greated by a very enthusiastic sales person whose first question was whether we were looking for a snow thrower. Wayne explained that he was in the market for a motorcycle. Then she asked if Wayne was a ’cruiser guy’. He again politely explained what sort of bike he had in mind (not a cruiser) and Maryann Geiser she started showing us what they had. She then turned to me and asked “Do you like riding on the #4627A back?” I told her that I had my own bike and was content riding it. It’s just funny how she had gotten the totally wrong impression of us immediately and showed her assumptions rather than asking leading questions to get to know us better. Anyway, Wayne is awaiting delivery of his new, beautiful, red, 2022 Honda NC750X bought at a different dealer. Let the farkling begin! Maryann
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2022 - Issue # 1
Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
RIDES & EVENTS
Time listed is START time. Visit www.cog-online.org for updates and more details.
(MA) Fri, April 29, 9:30 AM North Shore Ride Join Kevin on a lovely ride around the north shore. We’ll be taking a casual ride out to Rockport and Gloucester, stopping for lunch at the Gloucester Salt Water Grille. It’s early in the season, so if traffic is light, maybe we’ll take a ride out to - The Bearskin Neck Jetty - in Rockport for a brief view of Rockport Harbor, and maybe a Group photo. After lunch, we’ll end the ride back at the Tewksbury Mobil on the Run, or if Riders prefer, I can lead everyone on a back road jaunt to Johnson’s Dairy on RT-119 Groton about 5 miles from I-495 South to end the ride there. Ride starts at 9:30 am from the Tewksbury Mobil-On-The-Run / Dunkins / Rt-133. Exit 94 off I495. Lunch at Salt Water Grille, 226 Washington St. Gloucester, MA, 01930 Event mileage / Time: 91 miles / 3:30 hrs. (including lunch / Tewksbury round trip) 118 miles / 4:30 hrs. (Including lunch / Groton MA end) KEVIN MARTIN cog145@comcast.net
Estimated Miles / Time: 160 miles / 4:25 hours KEVIN MARTIN cog145@comcast.net (CT) Sat, June 18, 12:30 PM—6:30 PM Connecticut Experienced Rider Course
It has been many years since we organized any local rider training events and I’ve been asked a few times over the past few years when we could do another, so here goes... John Purdy and Steve Smith are scheduled to instruct a one-day, Experienced Rider Course (ERC) on June 18, 12:30 PM – 6:30 PM in Waterbury CT. The ERC will be open to the public, but COG is getting the info first to be ready to sign up. Registration opens on February 22 and it would be terrific if this course (MA) Sun, March 27, 12:00 Noon is filled with COG riders and friends. Winter Social It is expected that 2022 cost will be the same Program your GPS for the Town of Dracut, MA as 2021: $100 for the rider; $20 for optional and join Kevin & Amy Martin for a winter pizza passenger. social at Dracut Romano’s Pizza, 1794 Bridge For course registration and information visit St., Dracut, MA 01826. Pizza and soda will be the college's motorcycle training web served to all attendees, free of charge, courtesy page: https://nv.edu/motorcycle of Northeast COG. Donations appreciated durIt is strongly recommended to review all the ing the party to offset the NEAD limited budget information on this web page to understand for yearly events. Beer and Wine will not be (PA) Fri—Sun, May 6—8 course requirements and registration process. provided but can be purchased separately from Kentucky Derby Weekend Download the 2022 Course Schedule, when See Page 6 for details Romano’s if desired. If pizza is not your thing, Romano’s has a full menu to choose from as available (to get the course name and number well, to be paid separately by the requester. (MA) Sat May 14, 8:00 AM needed fro registration). I think March will be an ideal time to talk about Quabban Reservior Ride Download and completely review the Student plans for the 2022 riding season for COG'ers, so Join Kevin Martin on a ride out to the Quabbin Registration and Information Packet. Reservoir stopping for lunch in Belchertown please join us to hopefully kick off a safe and For information specific to the ERC, scroll before visiting the Quabbin Winsor Dam and healthy new year of Club riding. down the page and select Experienced Rider scenic overlook. After visiting the Reservoir, PLEASE BE SURE TO REGISTER ONLINE AND Course Description. we’ll return via Routes 32 & 62, stopping at the There is email & phone contact information INCLUDE YOUR GUEST COUNT DURING REGISSterling Ice Cream Stand for a treat. Ride ends TRATION, SO I CAN GET AN ACCURATE HEAD on the web page for questions specific to the COUNT TO PLAN PIZZA AND SODA. Registration at Dunkins on Rt-119 in Groton, MA. motorcycle course Ride starts at 8 am from Johnson’s Restaurant, will close on Thursday, March 24. . If there is interest, we can plan to do lunch 164 Boston Rd., (Rt-119) Groton MA 01450. KEVIN MARTIN before or dinner after nearby. Register fro Get there early if you want breakfast, please gas cog145@comcast.net this event with COG to recieve updates about up before the ride starts. Lunch at McCarthy's this. Pub, 5 E Walnut St. Belchertown, MA, 01007 (MA) Sun, April 24, 9:00 AM STEVE SMITH Mile / Time: 168 / 5:15 hrs. (not including Minute Man Ride nead@concours.org Join Kevin Martin on a ride around historic Con- stops) (CT) Sat, February 26, 1:00 PM Winter BBQ Lunch Meet & Greet Please join us for a social event to eat great BBQ and chat about bikes, riding and whatever else comes to mind. Cars and Bikes are welcome. Meet at Wood’s Pit BBQ & Mexican Café, 123 Bantam Lake Rd (Rt-209), Bantam, CT 06750 JON PURDY jnyrocket@yahoo.com
cord and Lexington MA, stopping at Minuteman National Park in Concord MA for a view of the Old North Bridge, where on April 19, 1775 the Minuteman Militia engaged British Troops, known as the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the start of the America Revolutionary War. The significance of the historic events at the North Bridge inspired Ralph Waldo Emerson to refer to the moment as the "shot heard round the world." After visiting the National Park, we’ll ride through Concord and Sudbury then loop up into Stow and Harvard MA, stopping for lunch at Johnson’s Restaurant and Dairy in Groton MA to end the ride. Ride starts at 9:00 am from Dunkin Donuts, 788 Boston Rd. (Rt-119) Groton, MA 01450. Lunch at Johnson’s Restaurant, 164 Boston Rd., (Rt-119) Groton MA 01450 Event mileage / Time: 53.5 miles / 2 hours (including stop) KEVIN MARTIN cog145@comcast.net
20202 - Issue # 1
KEVIN MARTIN cog145@comcast.net (PA) Thu—Sun May 19—22 Northeast Spring Fling Rally See Page 6 for details
(OH) Thu—Mon May 26—30 Memorial Day Weekend Getaway See Page 6 for details
(VA) Fri—Mon, May 6—4 4th of July Weekend See Page 7 for details (WV) Thu—Sun, Aug 18—21 Dog Days 2022 See Page 7 for details
(NH) Sun, June 5, 8:00 AM Lake Sunapee Ride Join Kevin Martin for a ride up around Lake Sunapee and stop for lunch in Newport NH. Looks like the old 50’s Car Hop that closed a few years ago has re-opened under the name “Dad’s” with the same outdoor Car Hop style dining like before, so that will be our planned lunch stop on this ride. Ride starts at 8 am from Dunkin’ Donuts, 788 Boston Rd. (Rt-119) Groton, MA 01450. Lunch at Dad’s Restaurant, 308 Sunapee St, Newport, NH 03773
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Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
Upcoming Overnight Events Kentucky Derby Weekend - Gettysburg May 6 - 8, 2022 Jason Kaplitz COG #32 We will be returning to Gettysburg, PA in May for the Kentucky Derby Weekend. No set agenda other than ride the beautiful country side of southeastern PA and Western MD. We will be staying at the Quality Inn Gettysburg Battlefield. This is a very nice property and breakfast is included. Rate is $125 + tax. Here is a link to book your room: https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/ZO70S2 This event is open to Concours Owners Group member and non-members and is not an official event of COG. More details can be found here: https://concours.org/event-4607611
Northeast Spring Fling Rally May 19 - 22, 2022 Jason Kaplitz COG #32 The COG Northeast SPRING FLING RALLY is headed back to Williamsport, PA. The historic Genetti Hotel is in a central downtown location within walking distance to many great restaurants, taverns, and two new brew pubs for evenings out off the bike! The host city of Williamsport has so much to offer as a rally location and is only a day ride for many Northeast and North Central members. It takes minutes to be out of town, and the surrounding area has terrific riding and sightseeing. Take a ride to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon overlook, the elk viewing area, grab a sammich at Wolfe’s General store in Slate Run, or ride to the summit of Hyner View State Park. Event details are here: https://concours.org/event-4378495 A limited block of rooms will be held until 4/20/2022 at a special block rate - book early. https://www.genettihotel.com/
Memorial Day Weekend Getaway May 26 - 30, 2022 Jason Kaplitz COG #32 I am inviting COG to join in the fun for great weekend of riding in S.E. Ohio and the delightful town of Marietta. We will be based out of the historic Lafayette Hotel at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskegon Rivers. You can watch the barges navigate the river from the roof top patio of the Lafayette! Many of you have heard about the famed triple nickel, Route 555, but this is just one of many great roads in the area. While they may lack the elevation changes of other locales, these road are a delight to ride. Serpentine ribbons of asphalt laid over the contours of the land challenging every rider’s skills! You won’t be disappointed. Checking out the Windy 9 website is a great place to start planning your trip: www.windy9.com Event details posted here: https://concours.org/event-4593667 Book your room now and come out to share in the fun. This event is open to Concours Owners Group member and non-members and is not an official event of COG.
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2022 - Issue # 1
Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS (Continued from page 6)
4th of July Weekend July 2 - 4, 2022 Jason Kaplitz COG #32 Come enjoy the wonderful town of Floyd, Va and the Hotel Floyd! This is a great destination and offers some great riding on the Blue Ridge Parkway and many side roads. The Music in town is wonderful and the Hotel Floyd is simply beautiful. This event is open to Concours Owners Group member and non-members and is not an official event of COG. Hotel Floyd, 300 Rick Lewis Way, Floyd, VA 24091. No room block held, just call or book online. 540.745.6080 https://www.hotelfloyd.com/ For more details, visit https://concours.org/event-4602734
Dog Days 2022 August 18 - 21, 2022 Jason Kaplitz COG #32 This is a weekend ride-in with limited planned activities (other than riding the great roads of West Virginia). Please mark your calendars and check back for additional information. The riding in this area continues to be AWESOME!!!! 219 North & South is great! 39 East and West is great!! The Highland Scenic Highway is great! We rode to Lewisburg, WV one Saturday and had a great time and lunch at the Del Sol Cafe. I recommend it! Oh, and the Mountain's won't disappoint cooling you off! Even if you're coming from somewhere that's been oppressively hot, pack something for under your riding jacket. We’ll be staying at the Marlinton Motor Inn, 21507 Seneca Trail, Marlinton, WV, 24954. Make sure to mention you're with the Concours Owners Group to get the group rate. Phone: 304.799.4711 Everyone will cover their own food, drink, and lodging expense. No organized group dinner.... However, we will all go to an onsite restaurant at the same time one evening. Although there are no registration fees, we are asking everyone to register so we have a headcount. Tourist information can be found here: https://www.pocahontascountywv.com/ More detailed informationn on the event can be found here: https://concours.org/event-4455430
Area Director NE Newsletter Editor
Naugatuck CT Tewksbury MA
203-720-7575 978-851-2710
nead@concours.org maryanngeiser@gmail.com
Steven Rutter #9715 George Griffith #6377 Tim Traylor #12811 Steve/Sue Cerutti #6763 Terry Faherty #792 Dave Perkins #5932 Derek Pugh #11636 Christian Dupuis #10098 Claude Doucet #9011
AAD S. Central PA/MD AAD Northeast PA AAD US Capital Region AAD E Hudson Valley NY AAD Metro NY/NJ AAD Greater Toronto AAD Eastern Ontario AAD Greater Montreal AAD Atlantic Canada
Elizabethtown PA Benton PA Waldorf, MD Copake Falls NY Staten Island NY Toronto ON Ottawa ON Sainte-Martine PQ Middle Sackville NS
717-361-1189 r 570-925-5010 301-535-6193 914-953-4154 718-227-2099 416-691-2191 613-222-9554 450-427-0182 902-252-5062
ruttersm@comcast.net gbgriff.gg@gmail.com ebonyzg1400@gmail.com Steveonlineusa@gmail.com tmcefah@aol.com perkins43@rogers.com concoursderek@gmail.com d1user@mac.com motorcycleclaude@gmail.com
OPEN POSITIONS—please inquire
2022 - Issue # 1
AADs for Central NY, Southeast PA/Philly, DelMarVa, VA/WV, W Hudson Valley NY, Long Island NY, Central NJ, MA/VT/NH/ME and CT/RI
NE AREA STAFF
Steven Smith #3184 Maryann Geiser #4627A
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