Cognitions: Issue 1, 2010
Random thoughts from the Northeast Area Director
by Steven Smith #3184
Happy New Year 2010. Can you believe the year flew by so quickly? It’s the beginning of a new decade, COG is nearing 21 years old, and this is my ninth year as your Area Director. In the last ten years COG Northeast has hosted 3 national rallies (2000, 2004, 2007), ten spring and fall regional rallies, several summer regional rallies, and so many other riding and social events that it is easy to lose count. All this happens because of the effort YOU, the members, put into this club. While what we have accomplished is nothing short of amazing, we should not fall back on our laurels. With the kick off of the membership drive you can see that one of COG’s main goals is membership growth. In effect all of you have become COG Ambassadors, and we ask that you spread the word and point Concours owners and other sport touring riders toward our club (remember that Concours ownership is not required for membership). In return, during the membership drive, each new membership that lists you as the referral gets you one drawing entry towards some great prizes, with the grand prize being a classic ’86 Connie graciously restored and donated by West Virginia member Jim Miller. We’ve been trying to make more riders aware of COG by having a presence at motorcycle shows. COG was represented at the International Motorcycle Show in New York by Greg & Tracey Habel and Pat Mulloy, who manned the Club Connection booth on Saturday morning. Also, you can read Dave Clancy’s report in this issue on the Motorcycle Super Show, where many Toronto area members volunteered to organize and work at the COG booth. Thanks to all that helped out at these shows. If you are interested in helping out at a future show, please let me know.
Greg, Tracey, and Pat in the booth at the New York Motorcycle Show
Something new COG had at the shows this year was a professionally designed tri-folded, glossy color information brochure created to help promote the club. They look awesome and are being used at the different motorcycle shows. I have a limited number available to send out to members who would like to carry some on your bike to pass out. Contact me by email or phone to find out how to receive a few.
Another way COG members can get more involved is by organizing more events in different locales around the Northeast Area and getting them posted on our Calendar of Events. This has a double effect. It provides members more reasons to get together, and it provide prospective members more opportunities to check out our club. I took some time to look at how our members are distributed around the Northeast Area. The demographics map indicates members with push pins and the colored lines indicates a 60 mile drive area around an AAD’s location. As you can see, having 100% AAD coverage is difficult. This is the reason we need to have more member support to keep this club viable. I’ve read member concern of not having enough local activities. Let’s make 2010 the year to consider what each of YOU can do to help improve OUR club. I’m not asking you to become AADs (unless you want to), but you can volunteer to organize and host a ride, social gathering, wrench session, or any other ideas you have in mind. There is nothing too silly that cannot be tried. It may take a few activities in a region to get the ball rolling. If you live close to an AAD and there are no activities, contact them to find out why and how you can help. Check out the Northeast Calendar of Events (online and in the newsletter) to see what is happening in your region. Provide me with a stamped, selfaddressed envelope and I will mail a full printed copy of the schedule by request. For your information, the complete Northeast 2010 rally line up is...
COG Northeast Demographics
“Spring Fling” regional rally – May 20-23. Somerset, PA. Registration and lodging info is in the previous newsletter and online. “Summer Bash” regional rally – August 5-8. West Dover, VT. Registration and lodging info in this newsletter and online. “Fall Foliage” regional rally – October 7-10, Natural Bridge, VA. Complete details in a future newsletter. Preliminary info online. COG is an AMA-chartered club and our rallies are sanctioned by the AMA. One of the requirements is that the person or people overseeing the rally check-in must complete the AMA Risk Management Workshop (RMW) at least every two years to maintain AMA sanction eligibility. This requirement can be met by either attending a Risk Management Workshop (held by the AMA periodically throughout the year). Better yet, you can now view the presentation on the AMA web site and complete a form stating you viewed the workshop videos. You must be a member of the AMA to be recognized by as RMW certified. Details are posted in the COG Online Library under the “Ride & Rally How To” section, or go to this web page: www.cog-online.org/clubportal/clubdocdisplay.cfm?clubID=1328&docID=13780 Good news for all those that used to read and refer to Dave Morrow's excellent Concours Tech Pages, the info is back online on the COG web site www.COG-Online.org in a new format, along with a number of never before published articles. From the Home Page select the "Tech Pages" link on the menu on the left. You will see new drop-down menu system at the top which hopefully will make it easier to find the article your looking for than the original static menu. If anyone has any new articles they would like to post or errors/corrections please feel free to send them to Colin Prior, COG IT Manager. While on the subject of the COG web site, I am happy to announce that Wayne Geiser, COG#4627, of Tewsbury, MA, has been appointed Northeast Web Editor after offering his assistance to a pleas for help is a previous newsletter. Dave will be helping with the Northeast Area web pages. Deadline for the next newsletter is March 31. Until next time, Ride safe.
NE Area STAFF
Greetings New England Coggers!
Area Director Steven Smith, #3184 203-720-7575 nead @ cog-online.org Newsletter Editor Neil Baldwin, #5762 905-875-8607 hikerboy @ sympatico.ca Web Editor Wayne Geiser, #4627 Tewksbury, MA
by Kevin Martin #145
Assistant Area Directors: Massachusetts (VT, NH, ME) Kevin Martin, #145 Dracut, MA 978-459-6275 cog145 @ verizon.net Connecticut (RI) Norm & Lorie Walton, #7011 Cromwell, CT 860-836-5162 ctaad @ live.com Metro NY/NJ Terry Faherty, #792 Staten Island, NY 718-227-2099 tmcefah @ aol.com NY Hudson Valley Mike Flynn, #4493 Bedford Hills, NY 914-239-3721 Keltwolf @ optonline.net Western NY J.R. Healy, #6591 Hamburg, NY 716-648-6729 Dafonman52 @ yahoo.com Pittsburgh (Western PA) Joe Cyprych, #4665 McDonald, PA 724-796-1401 cyprych @ windstream.net DelMarVa & Philly burbs Bob Chappell, #1283 Claymont, DE 302-791-0582 cog1283 @ comcast.net Maryland/Southern PA Help needed—please inquire!! Virginia/West Virginia Kurt & Sue Nordstrom, #6049/A Spotsylvania, VA 540-582-9414 ironhorsefun @ mindspring.com Greater Toronto, Canada Dave Clancy, #5452 Hamilton, Ontario 905-389-7681 davecla2 @ sympatico.ca Eastern Ontario, Canada Ken Fader, #8534 Brockville, Ontario 613-865-7995 kensc14@g.mail.com Page 2
Happy New Year Coggers and Family Members! Now that 2009 is behind us, it’s time to start thinking and planning our next event season. Last year I loaded up on my local rides, averaging almost two per month for the riding season primarily because I knew that I would be unable to attend any of the club rallies. This year, however, I’m looking forward to attending the Spring Fling and, especially, my own Vermont Summer Rally, discussed later on in this article. As a result, I’ve decided to scale back the number of weekend rides but change the venue a bit this year with more overnight type rides. The reason for this is that I’m very limited when planning day rides with routes that offer nice country roads, lunch stops and attractions all within a round trip day ride. What ends up happening if you’re one of the regular attendees is that we often travel the same roads over and over to get to and from the different destinations because of the restriction in distance for a single day ride. I try to mix it up as much as possible by including as many off route roads as I can to change the scenery and make it more enjoyable, (thank God for Garmin), but its getting difficult to find new routes. There’s a limited number of good roads so as enjoyable as the routes are, they are getting far too familiar for me and I suspect for many of the regular members that attend my rides. So to that end, I’ve decided to add more overnight rides this year as an experiment which will enable us to go further and explore areas we normally wouldn’t be able to visit on an day ride. The downside of this is that some people may not be able to dedicate an entire weekend to attend a COG ride or may not be prepared financially for the added costs associated with an overnight ride. So I still have several day rides planned as well this year to try to accommodate everyone. So what’s in the planning for Northern New England COG this year? Well, before the riding season kicks in, I’ve got two winter events on the calendar this year. First, coming up in just a few weeks, new members Tom & Anne Kerrigan (COG 8497 & 8497A) from East Bridgewater MA will host a winter Tech Session in Tom’s heated garage. Tom is interested in learning how to do a valve adjustment on his ZG1000 (C10) Concours, and was hoping that members would take a break from their winter chores to help walk him through the valve adjustment process. If anybody is interested in helping Tom out or can make recommendations on any special tools he might need, please give him a call and register yourself in the online calendar if you plan on attending. (Continued on page 5)
Happenings from Virginia & West Virginia by Kurt & Sue Nordstrum #6049+6049A Well, Neil sent all of us AAD’s a nasty gram telling us to get off our hind parts and submit some information for the newsletter. Here goes…….. Being from the VA & WV regions the weather sometimes gives us Coggers a chance to get out and about on rare occasions throughout the winter months. Historically we have a pretty mild December and sometimes even into January. This December brought us some bitter cold. Morning temperatures have been in the single digits for over half of the month. This was followed by 24” inches of the white stuff. We don’t like this white stuff in Virginia; nobody knows how to drive in it while you northerners like to play in it. The rest of us consider it just not very motorcycle friendly. While I wait patiently for the snow to melt so I can get my bike back on the road; my dear sweet wife and co-AAD decides to take a swan dive in the driveway and breaks her leg while walking “her” dog. Not to worry, nothing that a few shots of liquor, a 6” piece of stainless steel and seven screws wouldn’t fix. Sue really got bitchy when I suggested that Millerized (Jim Miller, COG WV) perform the repairs in his garage. She insisted on a hospital, go figure, not trusting a fellow Cogger, sorry Jim, maybe the Mig Welder scared her off. Now has my life really changed; while the Queen recuperates on the sofa, I am busy playing Chief Cook and Bottle Washer and have had to enlist some retired COG Staffers to fill in for me while I am taking care of Sue. Pat “Goat Trail” Sprague orchestrated the annual trek of Coggers to the “International Motorcycle Show” in Washington, DC. He writes……. “Here are two pictures I took today during our get together. Not as much stuff at the show this year as in previous years but it was very fun for everyone to get together again. As always the food at the Capitol City Brewery was first rate and the Cog Camaraderie was at its best.” January’s ride is normally hosted by Jim Sparkman; over the past few years attendance has been slim as this ride is weather dependant. Jim and I discussed moving his ride to April when the weather is a little more cooperative, he agreed and I thought the calendar was set for the 2010 riding season. But Noooooooooo; Guy Young II thought differently and put together a “One Impromptu COG Ride” in January and included the Adventure Riders Forum crew from the Richmond, VA area. The weather was perfect, albeit a little dicey in the morning, highs for the day were mid 50’s, Guy Young writes…….. “We had a good turnout (~18?) for the ride today, even tho' we had to tippy toe through some black ice to get to Horne's in Port Royal, then a smidgen on one of the first roads we took after we headed off. The rest of the ride the roads were clear. We wound up eating lunch at the Sea(Continued, including pictures, on page 5) NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
What’s up in Metro NY/NJ by Terry Faherty #792 I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday season, I know I certainly did! As I write this it's the Monday after our annual Javitz Show get together. I was a relatively good boy this trip...that is until I saw the "Park and Go" centerstand rolling dolly. Needless to say my card got a little more worn and a very heavy box will be arriving at Chez Faherty very soon. "Gee hon, I don't know what that heavy box could be...must be some kind of special contest I won!" Thats my story and I'm stickin with it! The bikes were awesome and I think they're still trying to wipe up the drool I left staring at the latest Connie 14. Hmmmm....maybe I can raid the deferred comp account again, and my son Connor doesn't really fit on the old FZ-1 perch....but I digress! Our lunch stop at Daisy Mays BBQ had to be changed on the fly unfortunately. Seems that by "new dining room" they actually meant four picnic tables jammed into a very small room. Oh well, we adapted and overcame and headed to Virgil's in Times Square, good BBQ but not Daisy Maes. Now I have an excuse to go back with the wife. Thanks to all the brave souls who attended and persevered. Winter has decided to give us a break here in the tri-state area. Last week was in the 40's and today was 60...NICE! Got the bike out for a quick spin last Monday and got to sample the new Michelin PR 2's. Not many real roads to enjoy em here but they do seem to make the bike feel more agile. I'm going to try to get a ride going in April some time on a Saturday. Perhaps another spin up to the Catskills is in order. Stay tuned to the forum for more details. For those not web savvy, you can always call me come March to see what’s up. My contact info is in the AAD section. Right now I'm planning on attending the Spring Fling, arriving Thursday evening...I hope. Americade is also on my radar if I can get enough days. The summer rally in August is also a must, from what I'm hearing the location sounds perfect. I hope to see some of you in my travels, till then stay warm and remember, every day that passes gets us closer to riding season!
Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Coggers by Dave Clancy #5452 Our group had a booth at the Motorcycle Super Show at International Centre by Toronto airport Jan. 15 - 17. The traditional dates were changed this year so it seemed less busy, although we had many visitors, some to just chat, some members (it’s great to put faces to names), some interested in COG. We hope new memberships will be generated and lapsed members renew. It is a huge show, with many vendors, custom bikes, vintage bikes, racing organizations, government tourist departments., pretty ladies, not so pretty bikers, dealers, accessories we want and some we don’t. There were few motorcycle manufacturers, who now have a separate MMIC (Motorcycle Manufacturers Industry Council) show in December. This made our C14 on display in the booth popular. Here is list in no particular order of the COG folks who made it happen: Dave Perkins, Lloyd Mather, Jim Scannell, Walter & Pam Paczkowski, Paul Marshall, Don Mitton, David Gringerich, Bob Ferguson, Greg Coleman, Dan Weaver, Richard DeJong, Chris Merritt, John DeVos. Richard DeJong was our contact with the show and provided the booth & setup with Dave Perkins. David Gingerich borrowed & transported the C14, generously lent by Russell Dawson, helped with loading/unloading by Paul Marshall and Dave Perkins. I received COG brochures and cards from Al Norcross. Thank you all for helping me out with this. Our 2nd Tuesday EVERY month get together (details in calendar of events) at Mohawk Inn jctn. 401 & Guelph line are continuing. Now is the time plan our next riding season. You can meet others to ride with, get help with your bike and bring stuff to trade or sell. Everyone is welcome, members or not. See you there!
Pittsburgh (Western PA) Greetings by Joe Cyprych #4665 Hello fellow Coggers. I am sure we are all pretty sick of winter by now, but there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel and spring will be here before we know it. With that, it’s time to start planning our upcoming rides and get-togethers. We have our Spring Rally coming up in Somerset, PA… trust me, it’s an awesome area for riding and has plenty of attractions to visit. We had a camp in that area for over 25 years and you will not be disappointed with this location. Details on the COG home page for our Cook Forest ride in July, and we are working out the details for a Wellsboro campout in September or October. We are also going to continue our Sunday meet-and-greet rides, starting in April or whenever the weather permits us to. Don’t be shy—if you have a ride idea, or event that you would like to share with the club, contact myself or Steve and we will help you make it happen. I hope everyone had a great holiday and I am looking forward to seeing the old and new faces again this year out at the COG activities. Keep warm and see ya soon! ISSUE 1, 2010
What’s Online now at www.cog-online.org Info and countdown: National Rally Jul 12-16 in Tomah, Wisconsin! Newly updated Tech Page Index and Menu. Discussion Forums with over 300 active discussions on tech, accessories, riding gear, safety, and much more. The Esteemed Connie Dropper s Anonymous (CDA) forum. Event Calendar Vendors COG Online Store PLUS renew your membership online!
Northeast Area NEWS is a bi-monthly publication for Northeast Area members of the Concours Owners Group. Submissions are welcomed and members are encouraged to share their COG experiences. Please send submissions to: Neil Baldwin RR3, 821717 Sideroad 1 Chatsworth ON N0H 1G0 Canada hikerboy @ sympatico.ca Submissions by email are ideal to cut down on retyping but frankly we’ll take it any way we can get it. If you snailmail something (e.g, picture) please clearly state if you want it returned. Submissions may be edited to fit space. Many of the opinions stated in this publication may make no sense to those sound of mind and may just be conveniently ignored. If you use any of the information in this rag to incur damage to yourself, your motor or any innocent or not so innocent bystanders it is you own fault...you were warned! ©2010 Concours Owners Group
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The past, the present & the future of COG in VA & WV by Kurt & Sue Nordstrum #6049+6049A January is almost in the books and I believe all in the VA, WV & MD riding area are praying to the weather gods, enough is enough. December brought us record frigged temperatures and a bunch of snow, January has brought some snow but “feet” not inches of rain. Can you say Sogfest? Back in December I contacted our Grand Exalted Ruler, Steve Smith and discussed with him a few issues that I thought needed addressing. One of which was the lack of an AAD in the MD area. Now as we all know Russell Fleming stepped down from that post almost two years ago and no one has (at this time) filled his shoes. Granted Russell’s shoes will be hard to fill, he did an excellent job and still to this day coordinates rides and events in the NE. He has been a great help to Sue and I throughout the years. But since his retirement there has been no communication to the MD masses from a COG official. This may explain my email to all you Marylanders in the month of December. I just want to make sure you’ll don’t feel like step children, and if no one will step forward Sue and I are going to meld you into the VA & WV crowd. So don’t be surprised if you start receiving emails from us. If there is anyone that would like to put together a ride in MD and needs assistance or guidance………speak up!! Also, we are already looking forward to the 2011 riding season, if you have some ideas for your state lets hear’um, otherwise prepare yourselves to drive north or south on a monthly basis to enjoy what we call COGdom. Speaking of AAD’s… Sue and I made it known that we were retiring from the AAD ranks at the end of 2010. Steve has made the notation in the NE newsletter and I have discussed the possibilities with a candidate. This job is not super difficult; you don’t have to be an English major to write newsletter articles either. I find it easier talking through the keyboard than I do in person to be honest. The beauty of this job is the high pay, the prestigious hat that you buy yourself, bantering with the Exalted Ruler and putting together the
ride schedule. Sue and I have found that all you need to do is ask and the Host & rides show up. I would really like to get someone in place at least by mid year to shadow me and see how it is done. Anyone from the MD area that has a sparkle in his / her eye that wants to attempt this job I will assist as well. Now on to the fun stuff; the ride schedule, check the calendar @ www.cog-online.org for more details.
• • •
2/21/2010 - (VA) Breakfast & Ride, Gordonsville, VA, this ride will be hosted by Pat Sprague at psprague@shentel.net or 540743-4874. 3/27 – 3/28/2010 - (MD) Crab Cakes Ride, North East, MD, this ride will be hosted by Russell W Fleming retired AAD MD/PA, fleming@qis.net or 410.374.9687. 4/18/2010 - (VA) Tax Relief Ride, Port Royal, VA, this ride will be hosted by Jim Sparkman @ 540-775-5864 or kawvger12@yahoo.com.
Now on to some new and exciting news; the COG NE Fall Rally will be coming to Virginia for 2010. Sue and I are happy to say that the dates are locked in and the venue has been chosen. So mark your calendar for October 7th – October 10th, and plan on attending the Fall Foliage Rally @ Natural Bridge, VA. I am happy to announce that Pat “Goat Trail” Sprague has volunteered to layout at least one dual sport / non asphalt style ride for those that just need “some dirt” in your teeth. While there will be numerous old and new asphalt ride routes as well. I hope you can plan on spending a few days riding the valleys and mountains and enjoying COG Camaraderie this fall. Details will be forth coming in future newsletters, also keep an eye on the official COG on-line calendar for updates as they become available. All the best,
Kurt & Sue Nordstrom
More pictures from Guy Young’s January Impromptu COG/ADV Ride
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NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
(Virginia & West Virginia report & pictures, continued from page 2) breeze Restaurant on Gwynn's Island, and given our numbers that showed up unexpectedly, they did an excellent job. I highly recommend the place. Also, I got to meet a MD Cogger (Ren??) I hadn't met before.” Lastly, I would like to thank all that have helped Sue and I out this past month , the first chance I get……….Sue will be buying you a beer. Until next time ride safe or play in the snow ;-)
(New England report, continued from page 2) Tom also has room for other bikes if anybody is brave enough to ride to his house in mid February. The scheduled date is Saturday February 13 and the event starts at 10 am. Lunch is included and Tom’s contact information and address are posted in COGMOS. The second winter event will be my annual March Winter Social. We’re returning again to the Lowell Brewery Exchange in Lowell MA on Sunday March 7th. Sunday works out well at the Brewery because it is less crowded and easier to accommodate a large crowd like we had last year. The social starts any time after 4 pm. I’ll be kicking off the 2010 riding season on April 17 hosting a new ride called the Cathedral of the Pines War Memorial Ride out to the Jaffery NH area, stopping for lunch at Kimball’s Farm helping them celebrate their first official weekend of the season after being closed for the winter. Kimball’s has great food and even better ice crèam, (not that I ever indulge in those types of treats). I know, I know we’ve been to Kimballs before on but I don’t think I’ve ever stopped at the War Memorial, so that makes this a new ride. Our overnight events this year will commence with a Berkshire Camping Weekend & Ride hosted by the Habels and the Mulloys, scheduled for Friday through Sunday, May 14 – 16 at the October Mountain State Forest in Lee MA. Full details of this event are posted in the COG Online Calendar. Check it out and make your plans early, this will be a very fun event.
“Before” - on our way in to DC Bike Show
Other overnight events being planned this year include a visit to Americade 2010 in June and a Northeast Harbor & Acadia Ride planned for early September. I’ll be soliciting help coordinating Acadia event later this year so if anybody is interested in assisting, please let me know. Right now I’m planning on going back to the Kimball Terrance Inn where we had the 2008 Fall Rally, but I’ve got to contact them to work out arrangements. I’m happy to announce that I’ll be hosting the Northeast Area Summer Rally this year up in West Dover Vermont, home of the Mount Snow Resort and Conference Center. I’ve been able to get accommodations and lodging rates that will fit just about anybody’s needs and budget. Further details, and registration form, are on page 6.
“After” - Lunch at Capitol City Brewery, following the show
Christ Church, for inspiration
In summary, we’ve got another great year to look forward to and a lot of new members out there that will hopefully join in on the fun. To that point, I ask that all of you COG veterans please make a conscience effort to introduce yourselves and welcome our new members attending our events. As we all know first impressions are very important and new members should feel welcome at all of our events so that they will come back again and again! Keep watching the COGMOS online calendar or my Home Page for ride and event updates to ensure you don’t miss out on any last minute changes due to weather or other things and prepare for another fun filled COG event season. See you back on the twisties soon!
Horne’s Breakfast ride… a little frosty!
Lunch time, at Gwynn’s Island
More picture from Guy Young’s January ride on page 4.
ISSUE 1, 2010
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C o n c o u r s O w n e r s G r o u p “Summer Bash” Regional Rally, West Dover, Vermont August 5-8, 2010 Rally Headquarters: Mount Snow Resort, Rt. 100, West Dover, VT 05356. Main phone: 802.464.1100, Reservation Department: 800.817.0764. A limited block of rooms will be held until Tuesday July 6, 2010, so book your rooms early. Call the Reservation Department for room reservations. Be sure to identify yourself as attending the Concours Owners Group Regional Rally. Lodging: Negotiated room rates for the Grand Summit Hotel are: Studios $89/night; Standard Hotel Rooms $99/night; 1 Bedroom Suites $149/night. Room rates for the Snow Lake Lodge, at the base of the resort are $49/night all rooms, some with double occupancy capability. Hotel check-in time is after 3:00PM on the day of arrival. Checkout time is before 11:00 AM on the day of departure. Reservations must be cancelled seven (7) days prior to arrival to avoid forfeiture of first night’s deposit. Credit cards are accepted. Rates listed are subject to 10% tax and 8% service charge. Amenities: Grand Summit Hotel & Conference Center: 200 Full Featured Guest Rooms; Onsite banquet facilities; Restaurants; Pubs; Health Center with pool; Jacuzzi; sauna; steam room; gym; etc. Onsite-convenience store, gift shop, deli and sports shop. All rooms have either sleep sofas or Murphy-beds in addition to bedrooms that allow for additional guests; many have both. Most standard rooms and studios have locking adjoining room doors enabling rooms to be combined into smaller suites if necessary. Snow Lake Lodge: Over 100 standard guest rooms at a low special event rate, some with air conditioning and suitable for room sharing if needed allowing the rate to be further reduced. The Snow Lake Lodge also offers an outdoor pool with bar area and second level patio and Jacuzzi, all overlooking Snow Lake with a view of Mt. Snow and the Grand Summit Resort, which is within walking distance or a short ride up the hill. Note: The Mount Snow Resort does not offer pet friendly accommodations. Local pet friendly accommodations are available locally; contact the Resort for more info. Camping: A very limited amount of onsite tent camping has been arranged for $10 per person/per night, plus an additional $40 fee for limited RV and camper hook up. Specific camping rules apply and are posted on COGMOS. Camping reservations are highly recommended, call 800.498.0478. Additional off-site area camping information can be found at: www.campvermont.com Events: There will be a Friday evening welcome reception from 6:30 to Midnight and a Saturday evening Banquet dinner at the Grand Summit. Recommended Self-guided ride routes will be provided. Check the Rally website for available GPS routes for downloading. Rally Fee: ($US) $40 each for COG members, their immediate family or significant other; $50 each for Non-COG members, guests, and walk-in. Full refund issued prior to 7/01/10; refund less $5.00 after 7/01/10; no refund after 7/15/10. Mail in registration ends 7/31/10. Walk-in registration at rally will be available, but Banquet seating will be subject to space availability. The rally fee covers the cost of the Friday night Reception and Saturday banquet meal and other miscellaneous rally expenses. Verification of registration will be checked at the Reception and Banquet seating. Rally Questions: Contact Kevin Martin 978.459.6275 or cog145 @ verizon.net
This event will be
Registration Questions: Contact Steven Smith 203.720.7575 or nead @ cog-online.org Register online or Mail lower portion with rally fee in $US payable to “Concours Owners Group” to: Steven Smith – Summer Rally 39 Alison Ave Naugatuck, CT 06770-3566
2010 “Summer Bash” Rally Registration Form (Please PRINT Clearly) Name: (One form per person) ____________________________________________ AMA # _____________ COG #___________ 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 licenses, 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: __________________________________ Page 6
Parent/Guardian (if applicable) ___________________________________ NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
Northeast Activity Schedule - View the most up to date info on the online Event Calendar at: www.cog-online.org Recurring Events (ON) S. Central Ontario Get-Together. Monthly Dinner Gathering: Meet at 6:30 pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Mohawk Inn, located on the northwest corner of Hwy. 401 at Guelph Line, Exit 312, next to the Mohawk Raceway & Slots. 9230 Guelph Line, Campbellville. (www.mohawkinn.com) 905-854-2277 Join us for dinner and socializing. All Welcome. Dave Clancy, davecla2@sympatico.ca or 905-389-7681. (PA) Meet Greet and Ride Sundays. Meet Sundays at 10:00 am at Kings Restaurant located in Imperial, PA, located right off the Imperial exit of routes 22 & 30. We’ll decide a ride or destination with whoever attends, or I will have a route ready if we need it. Rides begin the 1st week in April until the 1st week in Nov. If you have a ride idea, or need info or directions contact Joe Cyprych 724.796.1401 or cyprych@windstream.net Call me to check when these rides will begin.
Calendar of Events (MA) Winter Tech Session 02/13/10 - New Northeast COG Member, Tom Kerrigan is opening his home to Coggers who can help walk him through his first valve adjustment on his C10 Concours. This will be a good opportunity for experienced Coggers to teach Tom and others how to do a valve adjustment using Tom’s C10 as the donor bike. If you’re looking for a good way to kill off a winter Saturday, Tom is offering to hold a tech day at his heated garage in East Bridgewater MA on a Saturday, February 13. Tom is looking for folks who have valve adjustment experience who would be willing to work with him to show him, and others looking to learn, the ins and outs of adjusting the valve train on the C10. Tom will provide burgers, dogs, and beer / soda to all who show up. There is plenty of room for lots of bikes if anyone wants to brave the elements and ride to the event and do service on your own bike. Please contact Tom to discuss any special tools that he may need to buy or borrow for this service.The Tech Session starts at 10 am. Address: 45 Deer Run Drive, East Bridgewater, MA 02333. GPS Coordinates: N42 01.701 W70 54.459 Contact Tom Kerrigan tom.kerrigan@comcast.net or 508.378.4396 (VA) Breakfast & Ride 02/21/10 - Got electrics? We will meet at the Inwood Restaurant (540-832-3411) in Gordonsville, VA on Route 15, just north of the roundabout in Gordonsville, VA, at 9 AM Sunday morning 21 February 2010. A ride will follow, weather permitting. Hope for blue skies and clean roads; this is normally the coldest ride of the year. Got electrics? Contact Pat Sprague at psprague@shentel.net or 540-743-4874 (CT) COG Pizza Dinner Meeting 02/21/10 - This will be a good time to try and get some rides on the schedule for the upcoming season. Any recommendations for ISSUE 1, 2010
places to visit or things to do would be greatly appreciated. I hope many of you can make it! Dinner will be at 3PM. Verona Pizza, 2211 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, Marion, CT 06444, 860.621.1924 veronapizzeria.com. Contact Norm Walton ctaad@live.com or 860.836.5162 (MA) COG Winter Social 03/7/10 - Come join us again for some off season fun at the Lowell Brewery Exchange. We’ll meet on the 2nd floor of the Brewery for some good old socializing and snacking. The Lowell Brewery Exchange offers a large seating area with Bar, big screen TV’s, Billard Tables, and other games. Sunday night is free pool night if anybody’s interested. The food arrangement will be a little different this year than in the past due to Club budgetary constraints. Attendees are asked to pay ($10 per person) which will include All You Can Eat appetizers, snacks, and nonalcoholic drinks. (Alcohol can be ordered separately from the bar). As always, balances will be carried over to the next social event. Arrive any time after 4 PM. Directions can be found on the Brewery Exchange website at; www.thebreweryexchange.com Brewery Exchange 201 Cabot Street, Lowell, MA GPS Coordinates: N42 39.059 W71 18.988 Contact: Kevin Martin cog145@verizon.net or 978.459.6275 (MD) Crab Cakes Ride 03/21/10 - 03/22/10 – We will meet at Holly's Restaurant. Holly's is located east of the Bay Bridge on the service road on the north side of Rt. 50 at exit 43B, heading east (exit 43A if you’re heading west). Directions and a map are available at www.hollsrest.com. We plan to meet for breakfast at 9:00 am and will depart the restaurant around 10 am and ride the eastern shore of Maryland and Delaware. The ride will end at Elk Neck State Park in North East Maryland where we will camp for the night. Campsites allow 2 tents per site. Hookup with a COG friend and make reservations by calling 1.888.432.2267 or online at: reservations.dnr.state.md.us and ask for camp site #230 to #240 area which is close to the bath house. I have made reservation at Woody’s Crab House in North East MD for dinner at 6:30 pm for crab cakes. Woody’s is located at 29 South Main Street if you cannot make the ride and want to join us for the evening please let me know so I can put your name on the list for dinner. Sunday morning we have reservations at Pier 1 Restaurant for breakfast at 8.30 am. This is located at 1 North Main Street, North East MD. For more information contact: Russell W Fleming retired AAD MD/PA, fleming@qis.net or 410.374.9687; Kurt & Sue Nordstrom: ironhorsefun@mindspring.com or 540.582.9414. (MA/NH) Cathedral of the Pines War Memorial Ride 04/17/2010 - Join me for a ride out to Rindge NH to visit the Cathedral of the Pines War Memorial then stop for lunch at Kimball’s in Jaffrey for their weekend season opener. Meet at Bickfords, Nagog Park, Rt
2A/119 in Acton MA. for breakfast, ride leaves at 9 am. Host: Kevin Martin cog145@verizon.net or 978.459.6275 (VA) Tax Relief Ride 04/18/10 – Port Royal, VA. The tax season is over, hopefully the refund fairy was looking after you and you now have some free cash to do some riding. We will meet at the Horne’s Restaurant at the intersection of Routes 301 & 17 at 9:00 AM for breakfast. Jim Sparkman has some interesting back roads planned for us to ride before arriving at another destination serving some great hot food. In the event of sleet or snow this ride will be cancelled (it happens sometimes in VA this time of year). Any questions please contact Jim Sparkman: kawvger12@yahoo.com 540.775.5864; or Kurt & Sue Nordstrom: ironhorsefun@mindspring.com or 540.582.9414 (MA) Spring Tech Session 05/1/10 - Hosts Pat and Sher Mulloy along with co-hosts Greg and Tracey Habel will be having another spring tech session at the Mulloy’s in Monson MA. Start time is 9:00 am. Spring Tech Sessions tend to be very popular with area members so if you’re interested in servicing your bike, contact either Greg or Pat in advance to reserve a spot on Tech Day, and to discuss requirements for tools and supplies to accommodate your particular service request. If you don’t have any service needs, stop by anyway to meet fellow Coggers. We will also be providing lunch so bring your appetites! Anyone wishing to join a group ride down to Monson, lead by Kevin Martin, can meet for breakfast at Bickfords Nagog Park, Rt 2A/119 in Acton MA. The trip down will take at least 90 minutes so we’ll be leaving Bickfords at 8:00 am. Get there early to eat breakfast and join the ride. Please gas up before breakfast. Address: Pat & Sherry Mulloy, 507 Old Wales Rd, Monson MA. GPS Coordinates: N42 04.033 W72 17.033 Bickford's Family Restaurant: 20 Nagog Park, Acton MA 978-263-0442. GPS Coordinates: N42 31.330 W71 26.004. Contact Pat Mulloy sniper64@aol.com 413.267.9462 or Greg Habel habels65@verizon.net or 508.473.2257 (VA) Sport Touring Camaraderie Ride 1 05/02/10– Organized by members of COG and other sport-touring clubs (FJR, BMW, WMMA, V-Strom). Meet for Breakfast at 8:30 am at the Country Market Restaurant at the Flying J Truck Stop ( I-81 exit 323) 1530 Rest Church Road, Winchester, VA N 39-15.22 W 78-06.13. There will be 5 rides to choose from between 150 to 200 miles long. One of the rides will be a mix of paved and unpaved roads. All rides are self-guided and end back at the Flying J Truck Stop. For lodging information please contact one of us and we will provide you with information. COG Contacts: Russell W Fleming 410.374.9687 fleming@qis.net or Kurt & Sue Nordstrom 540.582.9414 ironhorsefun@mindspring.com (Continued on page 8) Page 7
Welcome to Our Newest Northeast Area Members! (since the last newsletter) North Huntingdon PA - Chris Charles #8991 Plainfield CT - Mark Orlomoski #8992 Woodbridge VA - Pat Flanders #8995 Rexford NY - Michael Landau #8998 Bala Cynwyd PA - Tony Novak #9004 Lake Echo NS (Canada) - Claude Doucet #9011
Newmarket ON (Canada) - Stephen & Linda Olliff #9022 Peterborough ON (Canada) - Paul Orser #9025 North Andover MA - David Rouleau #9029 Madison NY - James Ryan #9031 Ephrata PA - Donald DeBord #9035
Northeast Activity Schedule - continued from back page (MA) NE Berkshire Camp & Ride Weekend 05/14/10 – 05/16/10 – Join hosts Greg & Tracey Habel, and Pat & Sher Mulloy for a memorable spring camping weekend in the Berkshires. On Saturday we’ll have a day ride, lunch at a family restaurant, followed by a cookout and campfire back at the campground. The campground has 3 yurts (cabins) complete with bunk beds, tables, chairs, water, and electric for an additional fee. Bring your own linens and utensils. Nearby hotels are also available (see COGMOS for more information). Schedule: Friday, 14: Arrival and campfire. Supply your own meal(s), snacks and non alcoholic beverages provided. Saturday, 15: Light breakfast supplied by your hosts for campers. Bagels, muffins, coffee, OJ. Leave for ride at 9 am. Meet at the campground entrance fueled up and ready to go. Lunch around Noon at a Family restaurant TBD. Saturday Afternoon ride back to the campground for 6pm cookout prepared by your hosts at the host site followed by an evening campfire. Sunday, 16: Light breakfast supplied by your hosts for campers. Bagels, muffins, coffee, OJ. Per person cost of the Saturday cookout: TBD based on attendance but we’re going to keep the cost to under $10 pp. Campground info: October Mountain, 256 Woodland Road, Lee, MA, phone number: 413.243.1778. October Mountain State Forest is located in the central Berkshires, western Massachusetts and is run by the MA Dept of Page 8
Conservation and Recreation. Note: Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on all state lands. No firewood is allowed to be brought into the campground but can be purchased there. Make your camping reservations now to make sure you have a spot via the Reservations link on www.mass.gov/dcr/ parks/western/octm.htm and select the days you will be staying or call Reserve America at (877-444-6777). Prices are: $12 and $14 per night for instate and out of state residents respectively. Up to 4 people per site and two tents. Tenting sites do not have electric or water. The small yurts are $30/night and the large $40. I have reserved site 44 as the host site. The campground has 46 sites so please reserve now to guarantee a site! For tenting I recommend the sites numbered in the 40’s. Check-in is 1 pm; check-out is 11:00 am. Contact Greg Habel habels65@verizon.net or 508-473-2257 (PA) Spring Fling Rally 05/20/10 – 05/23/10 – We are headed to Somerset and southwest Pennsylvania. Jason Kaplitz is our host. It has been many years since hosting a rally in this area. This is a great riding area and there are many things to see and so. Rally HQ will be the Quality Inn, Somerset, PA. 814-443-4646. A limited block of rooms will be held until 05/13/2010. Please book early as rooms may go fast. Room rates $78.48/night including tax. Ask hotel about room options. Mention Concours Owners Group to get rooms in our block. Pioneer Park Campground,
814.445.6348. Located 7.5 miles from the hotel. Complete details online or on the rally registration form. Contact: Jason Kaplitz: cog62@kaplitz.com or 814.535.8669 (MA/NY) Visit to Americade 2010 06/11/10 – 06/12/10 - Join me for a Spring ride out to Lake George NY to spend part of Saturday visiting Americade 2010. We’ll be riding up to Brandon Vermont on Friday to stay overnight at the Brandon Motor Lodge, (www.joomla.brandonmotorlodge.com) 2095 Franklin St. (US-7) Brandon, VT, (800.675.7614). Friday’s ride will start at Cliff’s Café in Townsend MA where we’ll meeet for Breakfast. Plan to leave by 8am to ride some of my favorite Vermont back roads. Saturday morning we’ll leave early for the ½ hour ride to Larrabees Point to take the Ticonderoga Ferry across Lake Champlain for the 1 hour ride down 9n to Lake George and Americade 2010. The plan is to visit the Americade Expo for a few hours then leave Saturday afternoon after lunch for home. Click on the Brandon Motor Lodge Hyperlink above for lodging information. The standard Ferry rate for motorcycles is $5 (one way). As of this posting, there is no charge for the Ferry due to the closing of the Crown Point Bridge, curtisy of NY State. Host: Kevin Martin cog145@verizon.net or 978.459.6275
Check the www.cog-online.org Event Calendar for complete and up to date activities listing.
NORTHEAST AREA NEWS