2012 - Issue #4 - Autumn
COGnitions Random thoughts and ramblings from your Area Director The riding season is zipping by quickly. In the last newsletter I was writing about Spring Fling, and coming up in late October is the fall rally. Rally organizers selected a great location for the fall rally in Matamoras, PA, which is along the Delaware River and the borders of NY and NJ. There is easy access to the hotel from I-84 and Route 6. Nearby is the well known Hawk’s Nest and lots more great riding in the Catskill Mountains, Northern NJ, and NE PA. There is still time to register, so what are you waiting for? I will still manage to squeeze in this event in even with my overly busy schedule and my daughter’s October wedding. See the rally info on the last page. If you can’t swing the rally, be sure to check out the calendar of events. There are still several activities left to go this year in different regions from Virginia to Ontario. I’m glad to see some members are already working on activity plans for next year. This is the time to get your ideas together and do some reconnaissance and planning so that you can submit spring and early summer activities over the winter to be listed on the Calendar of Events. List activities early gives plenty of heads up for those who must plan. Terry Faherty provided details for the annual lunch gathering at the NY motorcycle show in his report. This is always a fun time. Meet at the connie around 2pm and then the group grabs some taxis to head out for a late lunch. Arrive early to take in the show. As the time gets closer COG usually gets an discount code for online tickets sales. It will probably be posted online or in the next newsletter. Jason Kaplitz has found a new Spring Fling location in Bedford, PA. He has locked in the dates, which are posted on the Ride & Event Schedule on page 7. More details will be provided in a future newsletter and posted in the online calendar. Jason is also coordinating a long weekend unrally type event in Staunton, VA over the 4th of July holiday. The schedule also lists the dates for the COG 2013 “Moutain Rendezvous” National Rally. Here is an extra bonus for those that need to plan vacation ahead of time: the dates of the COG 2014 “Silverdammit” National will be June 16-20, 2014. The location is still a closely guarded secret, but plans are in the works for a special event to celebrate COG’s 25th anniversary.
t Ride & Even E SCHEDUL e7 starts on pag
photo courtesy Bob Barbanti #7134
Hope to see some of you at the fall rally. Until next time… Ride safe.
Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
New Members
First things first, a warm welcome to our newest NE area COG members!
Alexandria VA Michele McCloskey #10295 Owen Sound ON Allan Ramsay #10296 Poughkeepsie NY DennisSantiago #10304 Oxford MA Mark Lundstrom #10306 Unionville CT Jeff Schleppy #10324 Mount Jackson VA Glenn Harriman #10332 Clay NY Joe Kenny #10334 Corinth ME Mark Washburn #10336 Buxton ME John Spring #10338 Saunderstown RI Todd Flynn #10339 Dingmans Ferry PA Pete Fox #10340 Rockport MA Paul Bryant #10342 Philadelphia PA Shawn Eckles #10343 Harrisonburg VA Cornell Banks II #10347 Rockville MD Danielle Church #10348 Atkinson NH Scott Ouellette #10358 Washington DC James Terburg #10360 Ashburn VA Michael Dean #10366
Hollis NH Dave Geller #10371 Lamoine ME Chris Fennelly #10375 Elmira NY Curt Hamann #10377 New Haven CT Donald Masters #10381 Riner VA Gregory Pfaff #10383 Chester VA Jackie Jones #10390 Glen Allen VA Clayton Marshall #10391 Syracuse NY Stephen Strock #10396 Winchester VA Glen Jones #10397 New Paltz NY Lee Walis #10398 Newburgh NY Fred Whitaker #10400 Levittown PA John Moran #10403 Dillwyn VA Anthony Moss #10404 Epping NH Phillip Hicks #10411 Queensbury NY Toivo Karhinen #10415 Hillsborough NJ Don Blake #10416 Ajax ON Peter Jackson #10425 Manassas VA Michael Neumann #10426
Dog Days Rally more pics on page 6
NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
is published 5-6 times a year for Northeast Area members of the Concours Owners Group. Submissions are welcomed and members are encouraged to share their COG experiences. Email: cog@peacockforest.ca Snailmail: 821717 Sideroad 1, RR3 Chatsworth, ON, N0H 1G0, Canada 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! © 2012 Concours Owners Group
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Editor’s Corner “Connie for Sale”
Neil Baldwin #5762 I’m delighted to announce that Tim Anderson #9470 stepped forward and volunteered to take over editorship as I end my 4 year run. We will co-edit the final issue of the season in late autumn and then Tim will be master of his domain, and all the perks it entails <LOL> Speaking of perks, I’ll use the remainder of my “Editor’s Corner” space to
unabashedly plug the fact that I am selling my 2003 Connie. She’s in fantastic shape, well-maintained, and with an embarrassingly low number of kms. Going cheap ($4K) to avoid winter storage plus I will knock off $500 to any current or potential COGger who commits to remain a COG member throughout the time they own the bike. The only hitch is that I am near Owen Sound… Ontario… Canada :-) If you know someone interested email me for a sale flyer which includes more info. Contact me: cog@peacockforest.ca
2012 - Issue #4 - autumn
Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
Around the NORTHEAST
News from your Assistant Area Directors (complete list of AADs on back page). Metro NY/NJ Terry Faherty #792 Well, folks, the season is winding down again! It seems like yesterday we were looking forward to the Spring Fling. We had a great time at the Dog Days Rally. I think I can safely say that the roads in WV are quite possibly some of the best I have ever ridden. If you haven't made it there yet, take advantage of the Dog Days next year, you will not be disappointed! Jason did his usual bang up job, and yours truly even won some swag! Anyone attending the Fall Foliage Rally and would like to ride out with some company, I'm planning on heading out on Thursday morning if my vacation days hold out. Worst case scenario: an afternoon departure after work. I'll try to post final plans on the forum. That's pretty much it for me when it comes to real riding this season. Next year will be different when I finally get 4 weeks vacation. Advance warning for the Javitz International Motorcycle Show: I'll be gathering up interested parties for our usual late lunch/dinner on Saturday. Meet at the Connie as usual between 2-2:30 pm. I think we'll give Blue Smoke BBQ a rest and head back to Heartland Brewery for a change. Keep your eyes on the forum and calendar for details or call me to get the details. It'll be Saturday January 19th, 2013. That's if this whole December 21, 2012 thing doesn't pan out! Hope to see you all at the Fall Rally. Have fun and ride safe!
PA west Joe Cyprych #4665 It’s hard to believe that summer has flown past us already, and I hope you all had the chance to get in a bunch of riding. I know we sure did. It was great to see a lot of old friends and we
2012 - Issue #4 - autumn
made some new ones this year. With that, the remaining season is probably my favorite time of the year, with the cooler weather, season change etc. Check out the schedule… there are some remaining rides coming up including our Canaan Valley ride September 28-30. I hope to see some of you there. As always, if you have a ride idea or suggestion (it’s not too early to think about next year ) hit myself or Steve up and we will help you make it happen.
MD John Hamilton #9279 Although MD doesn’t often sponsor any major events, due to a lack of good roads outside of the far west from Cumberland onwards, we have lots to choose from north and south of us. I would like to do something in 2013 or 2014, as you will read below, right now I don’t have much time to think about it. Ideas are welcome so let me know! (See back page for my contact info.) I went to the Marlinton event, which was a great deal of fun with much good riding and tasty beverages. Will definitely do that event next year. Looking at the COG calendar, we have the ride to Mr. B’s BBQ coming up soon. Anyone who wants to ride down for BBQ and to socialize is welcome. Then Canaan, Bridge Day, and eventually the Fall Rally. I think I’ll go ahead and schedule another lunch at the Crabby Pig… that went over well and was great once we put a bunch of tables together. I’ve been really busy the last few months. I’m working on getting a better job, but have to wait and wait for decisions. The Store is taking a fair amount of time right now, with several vendor and inventory issues. So most weekends when I’m not riding, I’m slowly working on the store inventory. I’m taking my 2012 over to Twigg (dealer) tomorrow to have it lowered, since I’m tired of being on tip toes at stops. I’m going to put my head back down behind the windscreen now, and maybe when riding season is over I’ll have time to think and rest.
VT, NH, ME, MA Grey & Tracey Habel #7010/7010a Wow, hard to believe we are headed into fall already! It's been a fun-filled season with a few more events still to come. In July we had a great turnout at the Meet & Greet in the quaint town of Springfield VT with 16 people attending from 4 states (MA, NH, NY, RI). After lunch Mike Benham and Greg braved the afternoon downpour for a 3 hour loop while others scrambled home to beat the rain. In August, Kevin Martin led a beautiful and well attended ride to Newport NH. Greg and Tracey held the southern Maine meet and greet at Spurwinks Country Kitchen, home of Uncle Don's famous homemade pies in Scarborough. (See pictures on next page.) The weather was beautiful while a good part of New England was doused with heavy rain. Eight of us enjoyed lunch including new Maine member John Spring and soon-to-be member Steve. Greg, Mike Benham, and Bob Dallon did a 150 mile loop up to Sebago Lake and back. Early on, the untested old route proved a bit surprising with formerly public roads now closed as private seaside gated roads near Portland. Still a great ride. Looking ahead: Coming up on September 22nd we are having our monthly Meet & Greet at Good Days restaurant in W. Bridgewater MA planned by Lyle "Coop" Cooper and Tom Kerrigan followed by a ride led by Coop. September rounds out with a "No Frills" Camping weekend at Otter River State Forest in Baldwinville, MA. Join us for camping or the Saturday, day ride or both. October's Meet & Greet will be held at Bub's BBQ in Sunderland, MA with a ride following lunch which will include a stop at Yankee Candle in Deerfield to get our picture taken in front of the King Candle as part of the Roadside America Ride Contest. continued on page 4... More area news: AADs for southeast PA/NJ south and for VA/WV have filed ride reports on pgs 5&6.
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Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS ...VT, NH, ME, MA report from page 3
On November 10th we will finish up the season's activities with our End of Season social which will be held in Monson MA at Pat & Sher Mulloy's house. Come share your stories of the 2012 riding season, help us brainstorm 2013, and meet the ride contest winner. As always we want to hear from you, what you liked, didn't like, and any ideas.
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Check out the calendar regularly for additional events and rides scheduled for the season. Please be sure to register on-line at on the NE events calendar, if you plan to attend an event. This will help us to make reservations for lunch and plan accordingly to keep the ride group size at a safe number. If you have an idea for a ride or are interested in hosting an event, please contact us and we will be glad to help you put it all together!
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1. Spurwinks Outside 3. VT restaurant
2. Spurwinks Inside 4. VT restaurant outside
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2012 - Issue #4 - autumn
Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
RIDE REPORT
Bucks County Covered Bridges Run By Jim Ansbro #8443 We completed the 2012 Bucks County Covered Bridges Run on September 2nd, and the day started off with a thick overcast, but that was our advantage, as it stayed fairly cool, just a little too humid, but once we were moving, all was right with the world again. We dragged along for the first two stops, but then picked up the pace through a few more bridges until the notorious u-turn. My day in infamy.. It was a tough turn, but it had to be done, and for that, I'm truly sorry to all, since two of our veteran members found themselves testing the severe angle look on their beloved C-10's. CDA's should be available if you so desire, but you'll have to write your testimony on the forum, mums the word from me. Once the bike's were righted with the help of a few locals, and fished out a members keys from the bottomless bowels of a C-10, we were finally back on track. That is until we hit a new addition to one of the roads that we searched for. And I really wanted our group to experience this particular bridge, because of the road leading to it, but it was not meant to be. DO NOT ENTER signs were installed recently, and there really wasn't another route to take without going at least 8+ miles in order to hit it from the other side. Next year I promise to re-route the trip to include the Uhlerstown Covered bridge. Time for lunch, now here was something I couldn't screw-up. Whew! I don't believe there were any disappointments with this rustic, back in time Country store. Back on the road. We followed the Delaware River for close to 10 miles, quite scenic, before turning southwest for a few more bridges. As we were taking some pics, the weather turned, and it was decided we should start back, so we went to a quaint shopping village called Peddlers Village. You're able to park around the perimeter, and walking paths are throughout the village. A great way to stretch the legs after a day riding. All seemed to have enjoyed the day, and besides a few hiccups, and the rain riddled ride back home for all, I sure hope they did. Hope to see you all at the Fall Foliage Rally!"
2012 - Issue #4 - autumn
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Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
RIDE REPORT Eat & Ride Gordonsville VA
By Pat Sprague #1887 On a pretty July morning nine riders rode their motorcycles to gather for breakfast with friends at Gordonsville. Present at the Inwood Restaurant were Bob Dombrowe on his KLR 650, Clyde Watson with his F800 GS, Trish Steele on her FZ6, Tim Steele riding a ‘Dijon’ C-10, Dan Hermes aboard his C-14 of water crossing fame, Roger Somero on his FJR 1300, Tom Fear-No-Dirt Hofsiss on a Wee Strom, Glenn Hammer on his new C-14, and Yur Obed’ent Survant riding a dirtified DRZ400SM. Newbie Glenn bought his C-14 in March 2012 and had over 8k miles on it; no moss was noted on his wheels. After an excellent breakfast we ambled outside to find Bob’s KLR sleeping on its right side: the rear tire had gone flat and the near-vertical sidestand caused it
to take a nap. Clyde pumped up Bob’s tire and accompanied him back to Bob’s place. As Bob’s home in Crozet was our destination for lunch, the remaining seven of us headed out on a ride route that would take us there, too, albeit the longer way ‘round. Elements including Streets n Trips, Mr. Garmin, the TAFI (Triple A Folding Interface), and a hooligan ride leader conspired to have us on a gravel road less than three miles from our first turn. Ah well, though three sensible ones pursued an alternate route, four of us continued along a mix of gravel and pavement to Scottsville, where a strong easterly magnet sucked Roger and Tommy back to their digs in Virginia Beach. Glenn and I continued over back roads to the Hatton Ferry, the last poled ferry operating in America: http://thehattonferry.org/ It is normally open on Saturday and Sunday, but wasn’t. It can be closed because of too high or too low water
conditions. It was too low. “What if we get out and push?” I asked the ferry master. “Last weekend we had to do just that”, was his reply, and the water was lower today. Staying a dry land course Glenn and I rode up Route 56 to Route 51, then Route 6 up to near the Blue Ridge Parkway where a call got us directions to Bob and Patty’s; we met there with everyone and enjoyed a nice lunch compliments of the Dombrowe’s. After lunch, Bob pulled out his GL1800 and showed Glenn and I some nice back roads, a peach orchard store serving excellent peach ice cream, and one of Claudius Crozet’s (closed-off) tunnels adjacent the present-day Amtrack and NWS railroad. Glenn and I took route 810, one of my favourites, back towards Sperryville, and route 211 over the mountain to home. Many thanks to Bob and Patty for their gracious hospitality and to everyone who attended.
Dog Days photos by Wayne Geiser, Jerry Holland and Guy Young
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2012 - Issue #4 - autumn
Concours Owners Group NORTHEAST AREA NEWS
RIDE&EVENT SCHEDULE
Time listed is START time. Visit www.cog-online.org for updates. (VA) Sat 15 September 11AM Barbecue at Mr. B's Ride to Mr. B's Barbecue at his new location near Berryville (up the road a ways from the old White Post shack) and eat barbecue for lunch. I'll be there around 11AM trying not to eat all the barbecue. JOHN HAMILTON 301.733.5387H 301.393.8221W 240.291.8603M john.hamilton@myactv.net
(MA) Sat 22 September 11:30AM MA Meet and Greet Tom Kerrigan and Lyle Cooper will co-host a Meet’n’greet at the Good Days Restaurant, 99 S. Main Street, West Bridgewater, MA 02379 (508-584-0077). We will have lunch and then do a ride of approximately 100 miles. LYLE COOPER 508.613.2047H 508.361.3451M lcooper370@comcast.net
(WV) Fri-Sun September 28-30 COG in Canaan We will be heading to Canaan Valley again to enjoy some of the best roads & scenery in the northeast. Those who have been here know what I am talking about; those who have not, you need to come and experience it! We got a great rate this year and rooms will still be 59.00 a night single/double. The block of rooms are under COG so mention it when booking. Rooms went fast last year so book early. Come on out and meet the gang for some great riding and evening tire kicking. Canaan is always a great time. Hope to see you all there. If you need any more info feel free to contact me. JOE CYPRYCH 724.796.1401H cyprych@windstream.net
(MA) Fri-Sun 28-30 September 1PM No-frills Camping Weekend Fall camping in north central MA on the NH border at the Otter River State Forest. On Saturday we’ll have a day ride, lunch at a family restaurant followed by a campfire back at the campground. No frills means you are responsible for your own meals etc. Tenting not your thing? Try one of the yurts (a canvas cabin) at the campground complete with bunk beds, tables, chairs, water, and electric. Just bring your own linens and utensils. Tracey and I plan on reserving site # 52 for our site. There is also a ride-only option if you don’t want to overnight. Further details on www.cogonline.org. Hope to see you there! GREG HABEL 508.444.2235H 508.856.7609W 508.873.1042M COG7010@verizon.net
2012 - Issue #4 - autumn
(MA) Sun 7 October 11:30AM Meet’n’Greet at Bub’s BBQ Join us for lunch at Bub's BBQ in Sunderland MA followed by an afternoon ride to Yankee Candle to get our picture in front of King Candle as part of the MA/ME/NH/VT ride contest. Bring a friend! Due to the popularity of rides i am looking for volunteers to lead a second group of riders and 1 sweep per each group. GREG HABEL 508.444.2235H 508.856.7609W 508.873.1042M COG7010@verizon.net
(ON) Tue 9 October 7PM South Central Ontario Meet-Up 2nd TUE each month Mohawk Inn, Campbellville, Guelph Ln, just N of 401. All welcome, friends, wives, girl/boy friend. Many hungry people arrive earlier to their dinner - road house food, salad, wings, burgers, fish & chips etc. A mainly social function to meet other riders, shoot the breeze, plan rides. DAVE CLANCY 905.389.7681 dnclancy747@gmail.com
(WV) Fri-Sat 19-20 October 7PM Bridge Day, Fayetteville WV Bridge day is one of the largest single day events in WV: www.officialbridgeday.com Come and watch some of the 400 crazy people whom parachute off the bridge! It’s a great carnival atmosphere with many vendors and lots of interesting sites to see. When you’ve had enough jumping you just happen to be in a great area to ride! The Midland Trail, Scenic Route 150 and WV Rt. 39 are all nearby. We will be staying at the Four Season Lodge in Richwood, WV; a great 40 minute ride from the event. A block of rooms is being held for the 19th & 20th, under COG at $59.95 plus tax 2 people. JASON KAPLITZ 814.535.8669H 814.659.6865M cog62@kaplitz.com
(PA) Thu-Sun 25-28 October Fall Foliage Rally See back page for details.
(VA) Fri-Sun 9-12 November 5PM Brrrr Ride
Hopefully there will not be a fire ban in VA and we will be able to have a nice campfire this year. KURT NORDSTROM 540.582.9414 kwnsdn@gmail.com.
(MA) Sat 10 NOV 4PM End of Year Social Join us for the end of year social at Pat and Sher Mulloys house, 507 Old Wales Rd in Monson, MA. We'll share the fun times and adventures of the 2012 riding season, brainstorm ideas for 2013, and announce the winner of the Roadside America ride contest. Your hosts, the Habelloys, will provide the main course and non alcoholic beverages. Please bring an appetizer or dessert. GREG HABEL 508.444.2235H 508.856.7609W 508.873.1042M COG7010@verizon.net
(ON) Tue 13 November 7PM South Central Ontario Meet-Up Same details as 9 October.
(ON) Tue 11 December 7PM South Central Ontario Meet-Up Same details as 9 October.
PLAN AHEAD 2013! End of season can be sad but don’t get mad, think to next year’s good times to be had. Details to be published in forthcoming newsletters and www.cog-online.org
(NY) January 19 Motorcycle Show Lunch Javits Center; NYC; 2:00-2:30 at the connie.
(PA) May 16-19 COG NE Spring Rally Bedford Inn, Clara’s Place, Bedford PA
(VA) July 4-6 Independence Getaway Weekend Howard Johnson Express, Staunton VA
(ID) August 26-30 COG NATIONAL RALLY 2013 Rocky Mountain Rendezvous Idaho Falls ID
This ride and camp was started by Guy Young several years ago and has become a perennial favourite. We will once again gather at the Natural Bridge KOA just off I81 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. There are a few hotels and motels in the area for those that require hard top shelter. Saturday Morning Breakfast: meet 8:00 AM at the Pink Cadillac Restaurant, located on RT 11 a mile north of the KOA entrance. The ride route will take us on some awesome roads with a lunch stop, and then back to the camp for dinner and COG camaraderie.
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CT, RI Norm Walton #7011 860-836-5162 ctaad@live.com
Northcentral PA Duane Shaffer #9189 570-726-4676 dkshaff@kcnet.org
VA/WV Pat Sprague #1887 540-743-5132 psprague@shentel.net
Web Editor Wayne Geiser #4627 978-851-2710
Metro NY/NJ Terry Faherty #792 718-227-2099 tmcefah@aol.com
South East PA+NJ south Jim Ansbro #8443 215-805-0909 bluecon06@gmail.com
ON (Greater Toronto Area) Dave Clancy #5452 905-389-7681 davecla2@sympatico.ca
NY (Hudson Valley NW) Bob Barbanti #7134 845-895-1130 ny.neaad@yahoo.com
DE, east MD Bob Chappell #1283 302-791-0582 cog1283@comcast.net
ON (eastern) Ken Fader #8534 613-865-7995 kensc14@gmail.com
PA (western) Joe Cyprych #4665 724-796-1401 cyprych@windstream.net
MD John Hamilton #9279 301.733.5387
QC (Montréal) Christian Dupuis#10098 450-427-0182 d1user@mac.com
wayne@mypowercouple.com
Newsletter Editor Neil Baldwin #5762 519-794-0129 cog@peacockforest.ca Assistant Area Directors: (AADs) VT, NH, ME, MA Greg & Tracey Habel #7010
508-444-2235 COG7010@verizon.net
john.hamilton@myactv.net
NY: west/SE/central
NE AREA STAFF
Area Director (AD) Steve Smith #3184 203-720-7575 nead@cog-online.org
“Fall Foliage Rally” Matamoras, PA October 25-28 Let’s wrap up the riding season with a “Spook-tacular Fall Rally.” The Tri-State Area provides great routes in any direction and easy accessibility from I-84. Please join your fellow Cogger’s for what promises to be a fantastic fall finale. Lodging: Rally HQ is Best Western Inn @ Hunt’s Landing, 570-491-2400 www.bestwestern.com/ innathuntslanding Room reservation includes a full complimentary breakfast. No charges applied until check out. Mention COG to get rooms in our block. Registration: $55 per person. COG Member discounted fee: $45 per person for COG members, immediate family or significant other. Deduct $5 before 8/31/12. Save time & postage – register at www.cog-online.org through Calendar of events or contact Steve Smith for form via SnailMail. Registration ends 10/15/12.Walk-ins additional $5. Rally fee covers Saturday dinner, door prizes, and other rally expenses. Wristbands may be used to identify registered attendees. Events: There will be a Saturday evening banquet dinner in the hotel restaurant. Riding: Sample self-guided ride routes download available from online member library or from link at event listing in the COG calendar of events. Questions: (general/rally) David Fridirici 484-553-1665 / dfridirici@rcn.com (riding/GPS) Jerry Gowen 732-238-9189 / topster10@comcast.net (registration) Steven Smith 203.720.7575 / nead@cog-online.org photo courtesy Kevin Martin #145