Cognitions: Issue 4, 2010
Random thoughts from the Northeast Area Director
by Steven Smith #3184
The “Big Story” Big news broke at the national rally in Tomah, WI several weeks ago when the 2011 national rally was announced. The news hit the web forums and listservs almost immediately. It was a hot topic of conversation at the recent summer regional rally at Mount Snow resort in West Dover, VT, and the news spread like wildfire among the many members who do not participate in the forums. What’s the news? Hold on to your helmets... next summer COG will return to Mount Snow, but this time to hold the 2011 “Green Mountains” National Rally, AUG 8-12. More COGgers, more COG shenanigans, same terrific location. It’s time we shared this with the rest of the club and show them why COG Northeast loves Vermont. During the summer rally the rally organizers were approached by many attendees and told that Mount Snow will be a wonderful national rally venue. When asked “who is coming back for the national” during announcements at the summer rally banquet dinner, the show of hands was quite staggering and humbling. The same great room rates will be offered, as will the banquet menu. If you would like to view the presentation that was shown to attendees at the national rally in in Tomah, go to the COG web site home page (www.cog-online.org), scroll toward the bottom of the page, and look for the link to the 2011 rally. Once on the rally home page, scroll down a bit; the presentation begins playing immediately. Check back to the rally pages often as more detail will be added over time, including registration fees and options, lodging option descriptions, tourist planning information, and eventually sample ride routes and GPS files. I will continue to have national rally updates in the newsletters to keep you up to date and let you know when rooms can be booked, or when registration is open. Right now we are looking to compile a list of members who are willing to volunteer to help out during the rally. Please email me your name and email address. I will be sending email updates to the volunteer rally crew. The greatest volunteer need will be for registration/check-in and rally greeters/guides. Please submit any ideas you have for consideration, and let me know if you have a specialty that would make an interesting seminar or demonstration.
Summer Rally Here I was at the future site of the 2011 national rally. Everyone I talked with was pleasantly surprised when they heard the news. Those I spoke with were very happy to have the chance to sample the national venue, get the lay of the land, and decide where they want to stay next year. The rally crew had the opportunity for a preliminary run and still have time to work out any kinks. The accommodations are first class, and many took advantage of the hotel heated pool and health club. Our arrival at Mount Snow was Thursday early afternoon. Kevin Martin and the MA crew were already there. After unloading it began to rain. I did not see THAT in the weather forecast. Others continued to roll in, a bit rain soaked. It stopped raining late afternoon, and after check-in closed for the evening several of us headed out to a restaurant a few miles down the road. After dinner we gathered at the fire pit on the back patio and Steve C fired it up. This was repeated each evening along with cold beverages. We even had fire toasted marshmallows on our last night. Excellent weather rolled in THU night, and the rest of the weekend was fantastic, typical Vermont August weather. Daytime temps in the 70’s with little humidity. Many took advantage of the great weather and headed out early to ride one of the many sample routes that rally host Kevin Martin provided. Southern Vermont offers great riding and destinations in every direction. Some chose to head south to Massachusetts to check out the view from the top of Mount Greylock, or to see the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls. Others headed north to the Vermont Country store or to ride the gaps of the Green Mountains. Several people took advantage of the free bus service called the MOOver to head out to dinner or go shopping. Friday evening was the pre-dinner social mixer in the hotel lounge in which attendees were treated to cheese & cracker platters and a couple of complimentary adult beverages. The Saturday buffet dinner was terrific. Sliced steak and roasted turkey, stuffed shells, roasted potatoes, vegetable and salad. Of course Green Mountain coffee was served along with a scrumptious blueberry crisp. Kevin had an assortment of raffle prizes to give away after dinner. One the way out of the banquet many expressed their excitement to me about coming back to Mount Snow for the national. I echo your sentiments and can’t wait until next year. I am pleased that everyone that rode in, rode home. I hope everyone made it home without incident. Until next time, ride safe
NORTHEAST STAFF 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, #8542 Tewksbury, MA, 978-851-2710 Wayne @ MyPowerCouple.com
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 south Mike Flynn, #4493 Bedford Hills, NY, 914-239-3721 Keltwolf @ optonline.net NY Hudson Valley north Bob Barbanti, #7134 Wallkill, NY, 845-895-1130 ny.neaad @ yahoo.com Western NY Help needed—please inquire!! 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, ON, 905-389-7681 davecla2 @ sympatico.ca Eastern Ontario, Canada Ken Fader, #8534 Brockville, ON, 613-865-7995 kensc14@g.mail.com
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What’s up in Metro NY/NJ by Terry Faherty #792 Greeting again all! I hope everyone is enjoying this sweltering summer...thank goodness for A/C! The July 4th weekend ride to Big W's BBQ was a smashing success with many regulars and quite a few newcomers joining the ride. I personally was very impressed with the turnout and had a great time seeing everyone. I think the total for the ride out of Marcus Dairy was 21 bikes with a few waiting at the restaurant, and the BBQ was excellent! Thanks to Steve and Bob for doing most of the heavy lifting for this one. I'm getting the ball rolling with bike prep for the Summer Bash in Mt Snow, which will be here in just over two weeks...man time is flying! I actually got the Friday off so I'll be heading north after work on Thursday with a 1 to 1:30pm departure goal. If anyone is leaving then and wants to join me I'll be slabbing north via the Thruway past Albany then heading east into Vermont via NY Rt 7, Vt Rt 9 to good old Rt 100 and Mt Snow. Lets hope the weather is as nice as it was for our BBQ ride! You won't miss me because I'll be wearing my new mesh jacket with hi-viz yellow accents...remember to wear yer sunglasses to avoid retinal damage! That reminds me I need to order up some rain pants to wear over the mesh...good thing my new AMA Visa just came, I can break that sucker in! Two weeks after that I'll be flying off to Indianapolis for another MotoGP extravaganza. This time I'm bringing my son Connor along to join the fun. He turns 15 on that Saturday so there will be some parental embarassment taking place at dinner that night...preferably something with a candle or sparkler in it and the singing of Happy Birthday by perky wait staffers. I'm sure he'll just LOVE that so! If anyone is out there come down to the last turn before the main straightaway and say hello. That pretty much takes up August, next thing ya know the kiddies will be back in school and the leaves will be a-changin'. See you in Vermont and ride safe!
Hudson Valley northwest News By Bob Barbanti #7143 It's been pretty busy for me since the last newsletter. I’ve had lots of riding with different groups of motorcyclists to go along with work, family time, fathers day and July 4th. Trying to squeeze in time to play with my 86 Concours project bike has been hampered by all of the above. Personal stuff aside, here's what has been happening in my little area of COGdom. I have three different events to talk about so I'll go in the order in which they took place: The June 12th Planes and Bikes ride seemed like it was going to be a bust. I had no commitments to go and rain in the forecast. The 8:30 meet yielded no riders. I was the only rider (not good)! Abbey and Ben Otunu showed up just to send us me off. They were in the area, but could not go because of family obligations. It was nice to see them. Since it was just myself so far, I decided to head home for a little bit… good thing since the skies opened up once home. And wow did it come down! The rain stopped about the time I needed to leave to meet up with Brian Felice, who was coming in from Rhode Island. Wouldn't you know that, unlike the recent meet & greets, Brian was earlier than he said. So now he's waiting on me! We went into the Antique motorcycle show and had a great time. We looked at a lot of motorcycles and parts. So much that we ran out of time. At 1:30 we had to leave to make the Air show. We arrived over at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome with a few minutes to spare and the air show went on as scheduled. The whole "team COG" (both of us) was entertained by the air show. After the show we talked with the pilots and then checked out the museum. A little after 5 PM. Brian and I split from there, he heading back to Rhode Island and me in the opposite direction. We both wanted to make time before round two of the storms came in. It actually turned out to be a great day with the sun coming out for the air show! There a couple pictures on page 5 but I took a good amount of photos of both the Antique Motorcycle show and the Air show. You can view the photos with the following web addresses:
Rhinebeck Antique Motorcycle show: http://rides.webshots.com/album/577936378lpcELs Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome - air show: http://community.webshots.com/album/577935101DBzgMV On July 3rd, Steve Smith, Terry Faherty and myself had a three prong attack for what we called "The Independence ride to Big W BBQ". Steve led a group from Connecticut, Terry from down near New York City, and I led a group out of Newburgh, NY. My group out of Newburgh consisted of Mike and Lori (Continued, including pictures, on page 5)
Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Coggers by Dave Clancy #5452 Our second Tuesday of every month, dinner meeting at Mohawk Inn, Jctn 401 and Guelph line road is a recurring event. Thanks everyone who has been attending, it is great to meet and talk to you. Often, it is there where someone can point you to a solution for a bike problem or arrangements are made to meet up to ride to events. Everyone is welcome, members or not. If you want to layout a ride, for a ½ day or day on Sunday or Saturday, or you know a good spot for a Sunday brunch, let me know and I will publicize it. Bring your ideas for COG to the meetings, we can talk about them and I can raise them with Steve Smith and other AADs. Check the calendar at www.cog-online.org for details.
NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
Happenings from Virginia & West Virginia by Kurt & Sue Nordstrum #6049+6049A
What’s Online now at www.cog-online.org
Damn it’s hot! I have been working on my honey do list this weekend and I finally came in to get out of the heat and it was 104 degrees. Hopefully the rest of you in the NE region are not getting blasted by this heat wave and can get some serious riding in.
Photos from recent NE events including:
There is something in common with a motorcycle rider and man’s best friend; both enjoy the wind on their faces. Here in the NE we have many opportunities through the efforts of many volunteers to have the wind blowing in our faces.
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Independence Ride to Big W BBQ
Some of us belong to many motorcycling organizations; this increases our opportunities sometimes two, three or even four fold. Choices are many, sometimes too many, which one do I choose? Then there are some of us that have family commitments that just really mess the whole idea of motorcycle touring, riding, rallies attending, etc. This summer so far I have fallen into the last category.
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Rhinebeck antique motorcycle & airplane show
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Tech Day in Monson MA
You see a few years ago the COG Nationals were going to be held in South Dakota. My eldest son and his fiancé decided to get married that year. I made it known “do not plan the wedding the week of the X”, “X” being the week of Nationals. Guess when the wedding was… Well many years have gone by, Sue and I were making plans to attend this years COG Nationals in Wisconsin when my son called back in the late fall, early winter to inform us we were going to be grandparents. Needless to say Sue and I became very excited, then I asked when is the baby due?
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Maine Coast Ride
Funny how history repeats itself, Sue and I missed another COG Nationals but we have a healthy grandson; so I guess it all equals out, NOT! Well I hope life’s little detours are over for the rest of this year and we can get back to enjoying our motorcycle hobby. The rest of the year in Virginia & West Virginia is going to be a busy one. August will bring us the Dog Days Campout Weekend in Arbovale, WV. I have had many inquires about this weekend and it appears we will have Coggers from as far south as GA and TN and has far north as Canada again making the trip to the mountains of WV. Sue has been busy plotting a route to Rella’s Restaurant, which is north of Webster Springs with a side trip to Hanging Rock. For those that have never been to Rella’s you are missing some of the best food in the world and she doesn’t take American Express. Sue has also planned a trip to Helvetia to the Hutte Restaurant, which has been highly recommended by Guy Young II. BTW, Guy pilots a KLR while traveling the hills and mountains of WV, so no guaranty to the road conditions. September we will have a meet, greet and eat @ Mr. B’s BBQ in White Post, VA. Last year approximately 35 Coggers and their friends showed up for good eats and tire kicking. If you haven’t attended one of these meet, greet and eat at Mr. B’s you’re missing something very special, the cuisine is to die for. Last year we had one rider clock almost 700 miles in one day just for the BBQ. But wait there is more… In October we VA & WV Coggers will host the Fall Rally in Natural Bridge, VA. The rally registration is open, so please go to the forum and register soon. The economy for the past two years has depleted our play monies and the NE rallies have taken a hit on attendance, which is understandable. We make every attempt to hold down the costs of the rally fee and hotel / motel room rates and try to find camping close by for the really frugal Coggers. We have to do all of this, as well as find great riding roads for us to frolic on for the better half of a couple days; we believe we have accomplished this for this rally. Sue and I only blocked 15 hotel rooms and 15 cabins at the conference center; so in the words of a famous Rallymiester “BOOK THOSE ROOMS NOW”. Until next time, ride safe and we hope to see you at the next event!
Pittsburgh (Western PA) Greetings by Joe Cyprych #4665 We’re all full swing into the riding season now and I hope some of you got out and attended one of the many rides that are on the calendar and on the web page. We just returned home from our Cook Forest weekender and want to thank those that attended. We had 11 members representing PA, WV and Maryland, We had great weather during the day but were pounded with thunderstorms both nights, We all thought Friday night’s storms were brutal but it turned out to be child’s play compared to the next evening which included a tornado warning and 5+ inches of rain running thru our campsite! It wasn’t pretty and we had one attendee bail out due to his tent being rolled over and filled up with water. Eventually it passed over. The kelty tarp held strong (tornado tested) and while sitting under the tarp with water running over our feet true COG camaraderie showed up, We enjoyed some adult beverages told a lot of jokes and stories, came up with some new club mottos and positions (none official and can be printed in the newsletter). All in all it was an experience that we will all remember and laugh about for years to come. This to me is what this club is truly about and I am proud to be a member. I hope to see everyone at Boyer in August. (I will bring the kelty just in case). Take care.
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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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North meets South 13, June 25/26 2010 By Dave Clancy #5452 Russell Fleming has been holding his North meets South COG gathering for many(13) years at his home at Manchester Maryland and has done it again this year on June 25/26. Some of the members from South Central Ontario, having enjoyed the event in the past decided to attend. It’s only 500 miles plus or minus depending on start location for us. Brian Jordan developed an excellent route, all back roads (he loathes freeways) and most of us decided to take two enjoyable days vs. a long 10 or 11 hours. Our start weather was perfect, cloudy, a few drops hardly wet the road, cool enough. We stopped for lunch in Angelica NY and for the night in Wellsboro, site of a few “Spring Flings”. We found accommodation at the Canyon Motel, the other places were fully booked due to gas drilling crews we were told. A shower, a meal at Harlen’s family restaurant and a Rolling Rock refreshment or two and all was right in the world. The next day dawned sunny, great route to follow and a lunch stop at the Bears Den, Ickesberg Pa. The weather was comfortable until early afternoon. As we rode farther south and lower altitude, for us Canucks 90 plus and humid was a shock. Russell and Martha opened their place to folks attending. They let those who wanted erect their tents where they liked, they opened their house to us. They put up large tents Why Ontarians ride in PA ! with tables and seating. They provided food Friday and Saturday night. They provided breakfast Saturday and Sunday and their BBQ (used by Dwight Hoyle to cook the morning bacon). Russell’s large garage served as event central. Helping with the rest of the crew on Sunday to dismantle and move to storage all of this, reinforced for us how much work Russell and Martha put in to the event. Russell has organized many local rides over the years and I can say unequivocally he is a very deserving Over the Pond representative.
Event Central
Our tents were up by late afternoon. I watched folks arrive and met many of them and renewed acquaintances. Some had come from local motels where they were staying, others lived locally. Pat Sprague stayed in Russell’s motorcycle storage shed – I just report, not explain. I met Roseanne and Mike Schmidt who were on trip from Florida. Some folks brought their children. The kids enjoyed the camping and freedom of the large property. The Flemings said in excess of 50 folks planned to attend. Evening entertainment consisted of conversation, the volume directly related to the consumption of liquid refreshments people had brought with them. Guy Young provided stories about his new garage construction, Rich Riczinger entertained by lying in the drive way taking pictures of the moon – just reporting, not explaining. During the day, besides riding, we previewed of all the work Jim Miller has done to the bike (as well as providing it!) for the member ship prize, thanks for bringing it Jim. Russell had laid out a ‘short’ ride and a ‘long’ ride. Brian’s long ride comment was “John DeVos and I had a nice ride on Russell's route. It was a bit cooler in PA, no traffic to speak of, and lots of fun twisties.” There was a short ride. I learned by trying to follow a prior route sheet to Susquehannock overlook with Doug Hall and Pete Bokkers that Garmin GPS compatibility is a mystery. When I’d had enough 90 plus heat and humidity I instructed my GPS to get me back to Russell’s by the fastest route and I arrived back after the other’s, who being Luddites, used an old fashioned paper map – go figure eh! The trip home was uneventful – except I dropped my bike while stopped, 28 inch inseam with a 31.5 inch seat height and a crowned road with a low shoulder. The border crossing was quick. Even the 10 minute thunderstorm just as we approached the Wellend canal, did not dampen the memory of a great week end. Thanks Russell!
Thanks to a great host
Russell’s Lawn Ornaments???
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NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
Rangeley, ME Weekend Schedule Change
(Hudson Valley northwest Report, continued from page 2) Menges from Jeffersonville, NY., George Opper from Warwick, NY., Ben and Abbe Otunu from Ellenville, NY., and myself. We had a nice ride out by the reservoirs on rt 301 between Cold Springs and Carmel, NY. We all met at Marcus Dairy in Danbury CT and picked up quite a few
By Mike Benham, #6309 I need to reschedule the Rangeley, ME weekender planned for AUG 2022. The new dates are AUG 27-29. See the ride schedule for more info. I am also inviting others to join me at the New England Ride for Kids on Sunday, 8/15/10, at Tantasqua Regional High School, 319 Brookfield Rd., Fiskdale, MA. Registration is 8 AM to 9:45 AM . Info. at 800-253-6530, or www.rideforkids.org.
White Mountain Run, NH Ed - This report is a combination of the reports and photos submitted by ride organizer Willy Sullivan #8799 and Dan Celik #8850 (WillyP and docdan respectively on the forum) who rode over from Vermont to join in on the fun... May 29, 2010, four intrepid riders gathered at Peg's Restaurant on RT 113 in North Woodstock, New Hampshire. Willyp and DocDan each on a red Kawasaki ZG1000, Mike rode a Honda Nighthawk 750, and Mark with his ZG1400. Some said they were crazy. The weather report called for thundershowers, with a 30% chance of rain. And the route? The Kancamagus Pass, Bear Notch and Hurricane Mountain. Three names of infamy, to strike terror into the hearts of Sunday drivers everywhere. And perhaps the most fearsome place of all, the Dave Muir Memorial Scenic Overlook and Rest Area. Why would these four adventurers brave these odds, what could possibly motivate any sane person to undertake such a challenge? In the immortal words of DocDan: "I like riding in the rain." According to WillyP: "It's not supposed to rain until 4." And the general sentiment echoed by the rest of the group: "It'll be fine." And with that, our heroes were off. After coffee at Peg's, of course. Were they scared? Yes they were, but only because a trailer truck had made a left turn into Peg's, coming dangerously close to the bikes, while they watched helplessly from their table in Peg's. We started out on Rte 112 (Kancamangus Highway) and through the Kancamagus Pass enjoying the first parts of the White Mt National Forest and its offerings of natural beauty. A quick stop at the Livermore rest area for pics. We turned off north onto Bear Notch road and enjoyed what seemed to be newer tarmac laced with twisties. Bear notch Road. Traffic was light, much lighter than would be expected for a Saturday on Memorial Day weekend. From Bear Notch road a right turn onto NH302, and then down to Hurricane Mtn. Road. Appropriately named, and strangely enough, took us across Hurricane Mountain. Hurricane Mtn Road was about to be tamed. The road quickly turned to almost a single lane embedded with quick turns and steep ascents. As we neared the top the descent became evident and soon turned into a roller coaster for motorcycles! It was a blast and could have easily warranted a ride back the opposite way. And when it was over, four riders emerged triumphant. "Well, I almost went over the handlebars at one point. I had stood up on the pegs because the road looked kinda rough, but it actually dropped suddenly about ten feet." said WillyP. In spite of being shaken, but not stirred, the riders pressed on. The David Muir Scenic Overlook And Rest Area was ahead. And yet the riders continued, only stopping briefly to laugh in the face of danger. And because there was a stop sign. "That was fun" and "Strange road" agreed the four. And then they went on. To the David Muir Scenic Overlook And Rest Area. The place where, as WillyP said upon arrival... "Lunch Time!" After our lunch stop we ate up the tarmac towards Rte 2 and back into New Hampshire. We ended our ride with the Two Sisters Mountains watching over us. And so, dear reader, after considerable handshaking and critter encounter story swapping, the four riders, who began the day as complete strangers, parted as friends, a bond forged that threat of rain, maniacal truck drivers, bizarre roads and the David Muir Scenic Overlook and Rest Area could not deter. Like the fire that strengthens the sword, adversity creates bonds of friendship that cannot be broken. Would they do it again? Brave the threat of rain? The frost heaves, the potholes, the crazy road over Hurricane Mountain? What do these four unstoppable riders say? “It was fun” “I had a good time.” “Do it again?” “uhm... sure, I guess so." "ok." ISSUE 4, 2010
more riders. We again split into three groups, each lead by one of the event organizers. I had motorcycle troubles which left both my Concours14 and the 86 Concours both down for the ride. So I had to rely on my Mean Streak for the ride, which is actually a great bike to ride especially when it is hot out. The Mean Streak doesn’t have a GPS holder and Terry had a similar GPS problem which might have put us in a bind. We went with plan "B", enlisted the help of others who also had the route to help us lead the groups. I have to thank Brain & Andrea Felice of Coventry, RI. and Greg & Lisa Mitchell from Norfolk CT., for helping out on the routes. It was a nice ride and we met more riders yet at Big W. I figure we had probably 30 bikes or more at Big W, and quite a few were riding two up. So we had a good size crowd that took over the restaurant. The food was excellent and very filling. Too bad I didn't have enough time to really talk to everybody. A lot of people were leaving by the time some of us had finished eating. But a good time was had (hopefully) by all! I feel that our experiment was a success. Maybe we can try it again in the future. The following week, on July 10th, brought my monthly "second Saturday of the month" event. And for the third month in a row, it rained heavy in the morning, up until lunch time or so. This month it was back to Newburgh, NY. for a Gateway Diner, Meet & Greet . I expected it to be a total bust, with steady rain since 6AM and downright pouring at 11AM when the M&G started. I was very impressed to see two people waiting when I arrived. I was even more impressed since they both rode their bikes in this heavy rain to get there! Wayne Jenkins from Harwinton, CT. and Alex Benoit from the Bronx, NY. were my two riders. I give them both a big thumbs up! About 11:35AM Sue and Steve Cerutti showed up. Sue was proud that they were only five minutes late and almost made it on time. Then Sue found out that the Meet & Greets start at 11AM! But that was much better than our late arrival of the month award. Mike Aldea who gets a gold star for making all of my M&G's so far this year, called at 11:37 to ask if we were still having it. Mike hadn't even left the house yet. So by the time he arrived, it was a little past 12:30PM. So Mike gets the late arrival award. But Brian and Andrea Felice captured the record in May with the two hour late arrival! LOL Once again we sat until just about 2PM. The food was good and our Waitress took very good care of us. I decided to surprise anyone who showed up with an attendance gift. I gave everyone who attended a small LED flashlight for their bike. Hopefully they will never need to use them with bike troubles. In the end, once again we had six people attending. Hopefully everyone had a good time. It was 100% COG members who participated. Of course all riders are welcome. A lot of people join COG after attending a COG function. So I'm glad to have non COG members attend also. Next up we have the summer rally in Vermont on August 5-8th, that I plan on attending. Then the following weekend August 14th will be a return to the Gateway diner for an August meet & greet in Newburgh. I'm sure I'll have something in September also, but there's no definite plans as of yet. So check the events board of "COG on line" later to see what is brewing. So hopefully I'll see some of y'all at one of these events!
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C o n c o u r s
O w n e r s
G r o u p
Northeast Area Fall Foliage Rally October 7 - 10, 2010
Natural Bridge, VA
Rally Headquarters: The Natural Bridge Hotel & Conference Center, 15 Appledore Lane, Natural Bridge, VA 24578. Main phone: 800-533-1410. Lodging: A limited block of rooms & cottages will be held until Tuesday, September 7, 2010, so book your rooms early. Be sure to identify yourself as attending the Concours Owners Group Regional Rally. Negotiated room rates for the Natural Bridge Hotel are: Cottage $61.20/night, Patio Hotel Rooms $72.25/night. Rates are based on single or double occupancy. Hotel check-in time is after 4:00PM on the day of arrival. Checkout time is before 11:00 AM on the day of departure. Reservations must be canceled seven (7) days prior to arrival to avoid forfeiture of first night’s deposit. Credit cards are accepted. Rates listed are subject to 11% tax. Amenities: The Natural Bridge Hotel & Conference Center is located on 1600 acres in the famous Virginia Shenandoah Valley. Their 158 traditional hotel rooms, patio rooms, and cottage rooms offer tasteful decor, some with wonderful mountain views and balconies; onsite banquet facilities; restaurants; gift shop; deli. Experience the natural beauty and retreat. Note: Pet friendly accommodations are available in the Cottage Rooms. Contact the Hotel for more information. Camping: The Natural Bridge KOA located just off I-81 and RT 11 is the official campsite for the Fall Rally, it is located a few miles from the Natural Bridge Hotel and Conference Center. For those not wanting to tent camp or RV camp, the KOA has cabins available with A/C & heaters that will keep the chill off. Camping in the Meadow will be $10/night, official KOA tent sites will be at a 20% discount, and RV sites and cabins will be at a 10% discount. To make reservations with the KOA please call 540-291-2770, be sure to mention that you are with “COG” to get the discount. Events: There will be a Saturday evening Banquet in the Jefferson Room, along with a cash bar. Recommended “self-guided ride routes” will be provided in Rally Package. Pat “Goat Trail” Sprague is cooking up some “scenic off road excursions for the non asphalt” crowd. Check the Rally website in September for available GPS routes for downloading. Nearby Attractions: The Natural Bridge, The Natural Bridge Caverns, Drama of Creation, Cedar Creek Trail, Native American Village, Toy Museum, Wax Museum and Factory; and Natural Bridge Zoo and numerous World Famous Virginia Wineries. Rally Fee: ($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 9/01/10; refund less $5.00 after 9/01/10; no refund after 9/15/10. Mail in registration ends 9/30/10. 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 Saturday banquet meal, AMA insurance and other miscellaneous rally expenses. Verification of registration will be checked at the Banquet seating. Rally Questions Contact Kurt or Sue Nordstrom, 540.582.9414 or ironhorsefun @ mindspring.com Registration Questions Contact Steven Smith 203.720.7575 or nead @ concours.org Register online or Mail lower portion with rally fee in $US payable to “Concours Owners Group” to: Steven Smith – Fall Rally 2010, 39 Alison Ave, Naugatuck, CT 06770-3566
(Cut & return this section) 2010 Fall 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 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 Page 6
Parent or Guardian (if applicable) NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
Northeast Activity Schedule - continued from back page (Continued from back page) from between 140 to 200 miles long. One of the rides will be a mix of paved and unpaved roads. All rides are self-guided and end at the Middlesex Diner in Carlisle PA. 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 Greg Puterbaugh 717-632-3324 pbaugh1@comcast.net (ME) Rangeley Lakes Region Weekend 08/20/10 - 08/22/10 - Join Mike Benham for a weekend of riding in the scenic Rangeley Lakes Region of Maine. Make your own way to the Rangeley Inn Friday evening, 08/20/10, and join the group for an evening meal and conversation. Following breakfast on Saturday, 08/21/10, join Mike Benham for a scenic ride of the Rangeley Lakes Region (there are two ride options - Mike will lead on the Chain of Ponds - Coburn Gore route). Following breakfast on Sunday, 08/22/10, join Mike Benham for a scenic ride leading south from Rangeley. Call Mike Benham, 603742-3707, if interested. This Rangeley Lakes Region is serious Moose country - avoid riding in the dark, or proceed cautiously at least ten mph under the speed limit!
the bay start at $110 per night plus tax. There are 13 rooms available as of the 3rd week of July so book early if you’re interested. Ask for Dave. Kimball Terrance, 10 Huntington Rd, Northeast Harbor, ME. 800.454.6225 (www.kimballterraceinn.com) Host: Kevin Martin cog145@verizon.net or 978.459.6275 (VA) Mr. B’s BBQ 9/18/10 - Ride to eat, eat to ride, repeat! Plan your own route, enter it in your GPS and don’t be late for some of the best BBQ in the state of VA. Join your fellow VA & WV Coggers for lunch ride to Mr. B’s BBQ. Plan on meeting at Mr. B’s BBQ on Route 340, in White Post, VA around noon. Mr. B’s BBQ is located next to the White Post Post Office on Route 340. Contact: Kurt & Sue Nordstrom: ironhorsefun@mindspring.com or 540.582.9414 (VA) Fall Rally, Natural Bridge, VA 10/07/10 - 10/10/09, This event will be held at the Natural Bridge Hotel & Conference Center just minutes off the Blue Ridge Parkway. More information will be forth coming, still nailing down the details. Kurt & Sue Nordstrom: ironhorsefun@mindspring.com or 540.582.9414
(MA) Vanilla Bean Café Ride
(MA) Pioneer Valley/Berkshire Foliage Ride
09/11/10 – Join us for a wonderful day of country roads riding in south central MA, northeast CT, and northwest RI. Meet at the famous Lowell’s Restaurant on Rt 140 (75 Cape Road) in Mendon, MA for breakfast at 8:00 am with the ride departing promptly at 9:00 am. We’ll make our way through some nice MA back roads while we head south into CT. Next we’ll wander through the twisties and hit the “rollercoaster” on Rt 320 in CT and bend back for our lunch stop at the biker friendly Vanilla Bean Café (their chili is excellent). Our bellies satisfied we’ll head out for some more spirited riding. The final part of the ride takes us through northwest RI as we make our way back to Lowell’s for ice cream and farewells. If interested, please contact me so I can get a head count. Hope to see you there! Contact Pat Mulloy sniper64@aol.com 413.267.9462 or Greg Habel habels65@verizon.net or 508.473.2257
10/16/10 - This ride will include some of the best motorcycling roads in western Massachusetts, including The Mohawk Trail, 8A, 116, 112, and a number of unmarked county roads. We’ll be stopping for lunch in South Deerfield MA at Wolfie’s Restaurant. Meet at Bickfords Restaurant, 526 N. Main St (Rt 12) Leominster, MA. GPS: N42 32.985 W71 45.754. Ride leaves at 8:30 am. If anyone wants to ride to Leominster with me, I’ll be at the I-495 South Rest Stop in Chelmsford, leaving around 7:15 am. The rest stop is just south of exit 34 on I-495. Host: Kevin Martin cog145@verizon.net or 978.459.6275
(ME) Northeast Harbor & Acadia Weekend 09/16/10 – 09/19/10 - We’re going back to Northeast Harbor and Acadia for a weekend blast. This will be a 4-day event staying at the Kimball Terrance Inn where we had the 2008 Fall Rally. The plan is to spend the day riding up to Northeast Harbor on Thursday 9/16, check in and relax. On Friday We’ll ride around Acadia Park, and visit the summit of Cadillac Mountain. On Saturday we’ll ride north to have lunch in Lubec ME at the little Pub I found overlooking the Bay, then visit Quoddy Head Lighthouse, the eastern most point in the US, on the way back. Sunday will consist of the ride back home. I’ve negotiated a rate of $ 103.50 per night plus tax ($110.75) for full size rooms (two beds) without views of the bay on the first and second floor. Rooms with a view of ISSUE 4, 2010
are several ways to get to Romano’s Pizza, 1794 Bridge Street (Rte 38, Bridgewood Plaza), Dracut MA 01826, (www.mypizzamenu.com) For out of towners, here a few ways to get there; contact me if you need specific directions. 1) From 495 North or South, take Exit 38 which is also Rte 38 and follow through Lowell and stay on 38 North. At intersection of Rte 38 & 113 (Wendy’s on right), go straight through lights, Romano’s is 1 mile up on the Left in Bridgewood Plaza. 2) From 93 North or South, take Exit 46 to the Methuen Rotary and bear right onto Rte 113 toward Dracut. Follow Rte 113 West for 6 miles to the Rte 38 intersection (Wendy’s on Left). Take Right onto 38 North and go 1 mile, Romano’s on Left in Bridgewood Plaza. Host: Kevin Martin cog145@verizon.net or 978.459.6275 (VA) Brrrr Ride, Natural Bridge KOA 11/12/10 - 11/14/09 - This ride and camp was started by Guy Young several years ago and has become a perennial favorite. We will gather once again at the Natural Bridge KOA just off I-81 and RT 11 to camp on Friday and Saturday nights. For those not wanting to camp the KOA has cabins available with heaters (sort of) that will keep the chill off. To make reservations with the KOA please call 540-291-2770. Hotels and motels (Budget Inn – 540-291-2896 & Relax Inn – 540-291-2143) are in the area for those that require hard top shelter. We will meet for breakfast at 8:00 AM at the Pink Cadillac Restaurant (RT 11) on Saturday morning just a mile north of the entrance of the KOA. The route will take us over some awesome roads with lunch then back to the camp for dinner and COG camaraderie. Hopefully there will not be a fire ban in VA and we will be able to have a nice campfire this year. Any questions or comments please contact Kurt or Sue Nordstrom @ 540-582-9414 or ironhorsefun@mindspring.com.
Check the www.cog-online.org Event Calendar for complete and up to date activities listing.
(MA) COG Halloween Social 10/30/10 - Join us for our annual end of year Fall Social luncheon and, weather permitting, a Halloween Ride. We’ll return again this year to Romano’s Pizza and Sub Shop on SR38 in Dracut MA. Hopefully the weather will allow attendees to ride to this event so that we can close out the day with a Halloween ride. Romano’s has great food and a good size seating area where we can hang out and enjoy the afternoon. There is plenty of parking within view of the dining area. This will be an “All Weather” event, so 4-wheel or 2-Wheel is your choice and Halloween costumes are optional. Arrive at Romano’s at 12:30 pm and relax. The food arrangement will be a little different this year than in the past due to Club budgetary constraints. Attendees are asked to pay ($5 per person) which will include All You Can Eat appetizers, pizza, and non-alcoholic drinks. Beer and wine available separately. Proceeds from the March winter social will offset any cost overages. As always, balances will be carried over to the next social event. There Page 7
Welcome to Our Newest Northeast Area Members! (since the last newsletter) Swansea MA - Shaun Bogan #9202 Clifton Park NY - Steve Cowper #9205 Trenton NJ - Scott Still #9208 Catlett VA - Adrian Griffith #9215 Lancaster PA - Rudy Vedder#9217 Warrenton VA - Zak Siska #9224 Calverton NY - James L. Eagan #9226 Newmanstown PA - Dan Long #9229 Martinsburg WV - Dominic Zippilli #9233 Erie PA - Alan Wassel #9235 Mount Pleasant PA - Don Scott, #9238 Bronx NY - Alexander Benoit #9242
Bronx NY - Harry Martinez #9248 Navan ON - John Morris #9249 Zeleinople PA - Robert & Catherine McAnally #9251/A Mount Laurel NJ - Wayne Sikorski #9250 Altoona PA - Daniel Johnson #9253 Rutland VT - Christopher Scherer #9257 Methuen MA - James Denoncourt, #9262 Newmarket ON - Tom Kowalski, #9263 Easton MD - Eric Jans & Shelly Schiera, #9265/A Rockville MD - Richard Alexander, #9268 Morristown NJ - Matt Murphy, #9269
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.
Mount Snow in West Dover, Vermont. This is a great riding area and there are many things to see and do. Kevin Martin is the host and always provides some great riding. It has been many years since hosting a rally in this area. Details online or in this and future newsletters. Contact: Kevin Martin cog145@verizon.net or 978.459.6275. (WV) Dog Days Campout
Calendar of Events
08/13/2010 - 08/15/10 – Boyer Station is located in beautiful Pocahontas County surrounded by the Monongahela National Forest. Home base will be the Boyer Motel, Restaurant and Campground, located near the confluence of Routes 28 & 92. The campground has water and electric hookups, picnic tables at each site, hot showers with private dressing rooms, flush toilets (with privacy), sewer hookups for those with a land yacht, dump station, playground and more. The motel has about 20 very rustic rooms. Grocery stores, gas and restaurants are nearby. Contact: Kurt & Sue Nordstrom: ironhorsefun@mindspring.com or 540.582.9414.
(VT) NE Regional “Summer Bash” Rally
(NY) Newburgh Meet & Greet
08/05/10 – 08/08/10 – We are headed to
08/14/10 - Come join me for lunch and a
(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 Hope to see you there.
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monthly meet and greet on the second Saturday of each month (except June, I have a ride already scheduled on that day). We will meet at 11am at the Gateway diner in Newburgh, NY. It's a chance to meet some of the COG family and friends. We will be having lunch with the possibility of a short ride being a possibility afterwards. I'm going to try to make this a monthly meet if it gets participation. I picked a fairly new diner on 300 in Newburgh. The Gateway is in the Town of Newburgh, NY. It is located within seconds from exit 17 on Interstate 87 or exit 7S of Interstate 84. The Gateway Diner is located adjacent to the Hampton Inn on Route 300. Contact Bob Barbanti rbarbanti@hvc.rr.com 845.895.1130 (PA) Sport Touring Camaraderie Ride 2 08/15/10 – Organized and members of by COG and other sport-touring clubs (FJR, BMW). All makes and brands motorcycles welcome. Meet for Breakfast at 9:00 am at the Iron Skillet restaurant at the Petro Truck Stop in Carlisle PA, 1201 Harrisburg Pike, Carlisle PA, GPS Coordinates N 40-13.903 W 077-08.551. There will be 6 rides to choose (Continued on page 7) NORTHEAST AREA NEWS