ne2003 issue1

12
From the Area Director By Steve Smith Northeast Area News March 2003 I hope that your holidays were wonderful and you are ready for a fantastic 2003 COG season. Thankfully, my non-riding season is quickly winding down. Like other snowbound northeast members, I am suffering from the dreaded PMS (parked motorcycle syndrome). Like you, I try to keep that monkey off my back by finding some alternate motorcycle activities. One annual winter ritual is a trip to the Big Apple, New York City, for the International Motorcycle Show. Got there for early entry (thanks GTOC), ate some pastry, and gawked at some bikes. One noticeably absent thing was the standard marketing spiel from Big K. About 1pm, a group of 17 headed out for a nice lunch at the Chelsea Brewing Company. Thanks to hometown boy, Terry Faherty, for locating a great spot and organizing our group lunch. The Northeast AADs have put in outstanding effort getting the 2003 ride schedule together. You will find the schedule in this newsletter, on our web pages and in the COG ride database. There are a number of activities for the Northeast area, including some noteworthy perennial COG NE events. The annual northeast regional Spring Fling rally registration is already under way. I have also heard rumors rumbling about a possible fall rally in Lake George, NY, in addition to the Fall Foliage Ride weekend in Luray, VA. Check out the ride schedule - All I can say is “WOW!!” Remember to thank these folks if you have the chance to meet up with them – maybe even buy them a “cold one” of choice. Occasionally I hear a comment that has to do with the lack of COG activities “near me.” I feel your pain - Even with all the planned events there may not be any close enough to entice you to participate. There is one sure way to see a COG activity close to your area - Stand up and shout, “I'll do that!” Consider taking the lead to coordinate one ride, backyard get-together, dinner or lunch meeting, or camping trip - anything. There may be others in your area wishing there were a closer ride. Say, “I'll do that!” You’ll meet other Concours Owners from your area and have a great time doing it. Tony & Barbara Thompson (ON, Canada) have said “I'll do that!” 3 years in a row, hosting a springtime scavenger hunt type ride. Check out this year’s “2003:The Touron the ride schedule. Way to go! We really need your help to have activities in all the regions of the Northeast Area. The Northeast leadership staff is presenting you with an opportunity - passing the baton, sort of. You can pass it, drop it, or take it to the finish line and show the rest of the country why the “Northeast Area Rules!!!!” Pat Sprague wrote a very well timed article for this issue on Group Riding, Group Fun? I have heard the tale of two recently crashed Connies, on two different outings. Fortunately both riders are fine, and thanks to protective riding gear they experienced mostly bumps and bruises. Both of these riders were very candid about their mishaps in postings to the COG listserv, realize that the crash could have been avoided, and wanted to share their experience to prevent others from falling into the same trap - one of their stories is presented following Pat's article. One of my goals has been to try to communicate better with the members so we can keep up to date information coming your way. In an effort to do this we are using means like this newsletter and email. Recent attempts to send out announcements to members who list an email address have met a favorable response. Unfortunately, we have experienced a large number of rejected email addresses. It is important to be sure COG has your current information on file. If you need to update any information all you have to do is contact an AAD, the membership director, or me. You can do this by phone, regular mail, email, or on the web. The web-based form is used to select your choice for our recently implemented eNews (electronic delivery of the newsletter), but it can also be used to send your updated information to us. eNews provide you with an email notification that a new newsletter has been posted to the web site, ready for download. Subscribers to eNews will be able to get the newsletter 2-4 weeks sooner than by regular (bulk) mail delivery and you will be able to see the pictures in full color. If you decide to say YES to eNews you will not receive the newsletter by regular mail. This does not affect any other COG related mailing, such as The Concourier. If you change your mind, you may go back to the web at a later date and make changes. COG will not send you unrelated SPAM or distribute your personal information. The web address to sign up is: www.concours.org/ne/E-News Steve “. . .There is one sure way to see a COG activity close to your area – Stand up and shout “I’ll do that!”. . .” Quick Notes, New Members, Contact Info 2 The Art of Cornering, MD/PA Report, Mid-Atlantic Report 3 Group Rides, Group Fun??!! 4-5 How Not To Brrr Ride 5 Front Wheel Bearing Removal/Install 6 Northeast Ride Schedule 7-10 Brrr Ride 2003 Report 11 Spring Fling Registration 12 Inside this issue: Massachusetts Fall Ride

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Page 1: NE2003 Issue1

From the Area Director By Steve Smith

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March 2003 I hope that your holidays were wonderful and you are ready for a fantastic 2003 COG season. Thankfully, my non-riding season is quickly winding down. Like other snowbound northeast members, I am suffering from the dreaded PMS (parked motorcycle syndrome). Like you, I try to keep that monkey off my back by finding some alternate motorcycle activities. One annual winter ritual is a trip to the Big Apple, New York City, for the International Motorcycle Show. Got there for early entry (thanks GTOC), ate some pastry, and gawked at some bikes. One noticeably absent thing was the standard marketing spiel from Big K. About 1pm, a group of 17 headed out for a nice lunch at the Chelsea Brewing Company. Thanks to hometown boy, Terry Faherty, for locating a great spot and organizing our group lunch.

The Northeast AADs have put in outstanding effort getting the 2003 ride schedule together. You will find the schedule in this newsletter, on our web pages and in the COG ride database. There are a number of activities for the Northeast area, including some noteworthy perennial COG NE events. The annual northeast regional Spring Fling rally registration is already under way. I have also heard rumors rumbling about a possible fall rally in Lake George, NY, in addition to the Fall Foliage Ride weekend in Luray, VA. Check out the ride schedule - All I can say is “WOW!!” Remember to thank these folks if you have the chance to meet up with them – maybe even buy them a “cold one” of choice.

Occasionally I hear a comment that has to do with the lack of COG activities “near me.” I feel your pain - Even with all the planned events there may not be any close enough to entice you to participate. There is one sure way to see a COG activity close to your area - Stand up and shout, “I'll do that!” Consider taking the lead to coordinate one ride, backyard get-together, dinner or lunch meeting, or camping trip - anything. There may be others in your area wishing there were a closer ride. Say, “I'll do that!” You’ll meet other Concours Owners from your area and have a great time doing it. Tony & Barbara Thompson (ON, Canada) have said “I'll do that!” 3 years in a row, hosting a springtime scavenger hunt type ride. Check out this year’s “2003:The Tour” on the ride schedule. Way to go! We really need your help to have activities in all the regions of the Northeast Area. The Northeast leadership staff is presenting you with an opportunity - passing the baton, sort of. You can pass it, drop it, or take it to the finish line and show the rest of the country why the “Northeast Area Rules!!!!”

Pat Sprague wrote a very well timed article for this issue on Group Riding, Group Fun? I have heard the tale of two recently crashed Connies, on two different outings. Fortunately both riders are fine, and thanks to protective riding gear they experienced mostly bumps and bruises. Both of these riders were very candid about their mishaps in postings to the COG listserv, realize that the crash could have been avoided, and wanted to share their experience to prevent others from falling into the same trap - one of their stories is presented following Pat's article.

One of my goals has been to try to communicate better with the members so we can keep up to date information coming your way. In an effort to do this we are using means like this newsletter and email. Recent attempts to send out announcements to members who list an email address have met a favorable response. Unfortunately, we have experienced a large number of rejected email addresses. It is important to be sure COG has your current information on file. If you need to update any information all you have to do is contact an AAD, the membership director, or me. You can do this by phone, regular mail, email, or on the web. The web-based form is used to select your choice for our recently implemented eNews (electronic delivery of the newsletter), but it can also be used to send your updated information to us. eNews provide you with an email notification that a new newsletter has been posted to the web site, ready for download. Subscribers to eNews will be able to get the newsletter 2-4 weeks sooner than by regular (bulk) mail delivery and you will be able to see the pictures in full color. If you decide to say YES to eNews you will not receive the newsletter by regular mail. This does not affect any other COG related mailing, such as The Concourier. If you change your mind, you may go back to the web at a later date and make changes. COG will not send you unrelated SPAM or distribute your personal information. The web address to sign up is: www.concours.org/ne/E-News Steve

“. . .There is one sure way to see a

COG activity close to your area –

Stand up and shout “I’ll do that!”. . .”

Quick Notes, New Members, Contact Info 2

The Art of Cornering, MD/PA Report, Mid-Atlantic Report 3

Group Rides, Group Fun??!! 4-5

How Not To Brrr Ride 5

Front Wheel Bearing Removal/Install 6

Northeast Ride Schedule 7-10

Brrr Ride 2003 Report 11

Spring Fling Registration 12

Inside this issue:

Massachusetts Fall Ride

Page 2: NE2003 Issue1

Page 2 NORTHEAST ARE A NEW S

Area Director Steven Smith Naugatuck, CT 203-720-7575 [email protected]

Webmaster Rick Miller 410-646-5963 [email protected]

Editors Doug Allen 518-731-9524 [email protected]

Louis Caplan 703-978-9844 [email protected]

Assistant Area Directors

New Hampshire Tony Shelver Moultonborough, NH 603.520.0324 [email protected]

Massachusetts Kevin Martin Dracut, MA 978-459-6275 [email protected] Connecticut Brad May Wallingford, CT 203-269-9042 [email protected]

Metro NY/NJ Jim Clark Valley Stream, NY 516-872-3694 [email protected]

NY Hudson Valley Mike Flynn Bedford Hills, NY 914-244-3537 [email protected]

Pennsylvania - Western Eric Crookston North Huntingdon, PA 724-864-1972 [email protected]

DelMarVa & Philly burbs (PA/NJ)

Bob Chappell Claymont, DE 302-791-0582 [email protected]

Maryland Russell Fleming Hampstead, MD 410-374-9687 [email protected]

Mid-Atlantic States Patrick Sprague Luray, VA 540-743-4874 (home) 540- 743-5132 (work) 540-743-3229 (fax) [email protected]

Northeast Ontario, Canada Patty Smith-Verspoor Gloucester, ONT 613-830-4497 [email protected]

Northeast Area News Publisher: Steven Smith Editors: Doug Allen Louis Caplan

The Northeast Area News is a publication for Northeast Area members of the Concours Owners Group. Submissions are welcomed and members are encouraged to share information about a wide variety of topics on motorcycling. The preferred method is via e-mail, so the editor doesn’t have to do a lot of typing, but any type of legible submission will be gladly accepted. Digital images are welcome, but please do not

embed them in the document. Submissions may be edited to best fit available space. If you would like to have your material returned, please include a SASE. Please send submissions to: Doug Allen 2 Molly White Drive Coxsackie, NY 12051-1119 [email protected]

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!

Northeast Area Officers

Douglas Gray, #5578 East Longmeadow, MA

Richard Dixon, #5584 Brockville, ON Canada

Robert Belo, #4127 (transfer) Toronto, ON Canada

Aaron & Laura Rubin, #5594 Rockville, MD

Mike Evers, #5595 Beverly, MA

Patrick McGrath, #5605 Harper's Ferry, WV

John & Marybeth Sullivan, #5606 Philadelphia, PA

Gerald Staub, #5609 Marlton, NJ

Paul Farinholt, #5620 Westminster, MD

Christopher Henry, #5622 Edgartown, MA

Frank Santa Fe, #5625 W. Newbury, MA

Jay Shaffer & Lisa Barker, #5626 Parkton, MD

Alan Taylor, #5634 Lefferts Station, NY

John Greene, #5635 Spring Grove, PA

Peter Luedee, #5640 Meriden, CT

David Brodnick, #5642 Berlin, NJ

Fiona Tripp, #5643 Branford, CT

Philip Mancuso, #5651 Schenectady, NY

Marcus Jarrett, #5652 Hanover, ON Canada

William & Carol Risser, #5655 Narvon, PA

William Pautler, #5662 Wynantskill, NY

Glen Cook, #5667 Terra Cotta, ON

Lee Vittetow, #5669 Toronto, ON

Al Riviezzo, #5675 Islip Terrace, NY

Donald & Linda Hamm, #5676 Pittsburgh, PA

Quick Notes...

Welcome to our new Northeast Area Members

• 2003 COG National Rally - June 16-20, Asheville, NC. Registration form in the latest Concourier. Info is also on the web www.concours.org/2003, or contact Calvin Underwood at 828-298-8427 or [email protected]

• AAD Temporarily Resigns - Jamie Headley, our co-AAD for Western PA, had to temporarily resign his position. He received an alert order for the National Guard and is no longer available to help out. As he told me “I apologize for the short message but I have a lot of things to take care of.” Until then, Eric Crookston will handle it solo. We wish Jamie the best of luck and a speedy return home.

• New Northeast Web Site - All new look. The web ride schedule is also in a searchable database by COG area. Check it out: www.concours.org/ne

• Next Newsletter Deadline - The deadline for submissions to the next issue of the newsletter is April 15, 2003. Please see the section in the lower right for instructions on making submissions. As space permits we will publish your “favorite ride” or “ride report”. Please keep article size to a page (or less if you have pictures).

• South Central Ontario Meetings - Dave Clancy hosts meetings on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at Bumpers in Milton at 7:30 PM. Just to meet, exchange factual anecdotes, plan rides, etc. From 401 S. on 25 through Milton to where 25 jigs left; keep going straight (Martin St.) until you come to a T (Main St.) turn right. Bumpers is on the right a block or so up. From QEW or Hwy 5, take 25 north (aka Bronte) to Milton.

Page 3: NE2003 Issue1

MARCH 2003 Page 3

Maryland & South Central Pennsylvania Report by Russell Fleming - AAD

Sunday 12 January 2003, Fredericksburg, VA

I knew my cabin fever must be on the rise as I rode out from home at 15 degrees F and felt good about it. Ninety minutes later I arrived at the 2400 Diner at eight thirty. Ten other similarly “infected” arrived around nine AM, six of them on bikes. Jim and Martha Sparkman, Zack Mully, Trevor Angel, Mike Nasca, Ron and Delesa Sandidge and myself were among the Certifiably Cold Coggers while Steve Merino, Kevin Long and his friend looked a bit warmer having arrived a la cage.

After a great breakfast and many cups of HOT Joe, those on bikes set out on the 140 mile ride over the sunny, cold Northern Neck area of Virginia, culminating at Lowery’s restaurant in

Tappahannock. There we were joined by Guy Young and Thom DeCarlo on their Connies. Guy and Thom (and around 300 other patrons) had the kitchen geared up. The HOT oyster stew was fabulous, as were the HOT crabcakes, the HOT flounder, HOT seafood platters, and more HOT Joe. After a couple hours of soaking up the calories, both food and central HEAT, I offered a silent prayer to the Gerbing and Widder gods that our electrons may flow unimpaired and we pointed our bikes in different directions.

Cogger Jim Sparkman knows many more of the really nice back roads in this area and has accepted to lead this ride on 11 January 2004, when we will meet at Horne’s restaurant in Port Royal, VA. Jot it on you calendar or check the ride schedule, it will be a good one. Stay warm

Mid Atlantic Report by Pat Sprague –AAD

January 18, 2003 Mike and Roseanne Schmidt hosted the Chili and Cheese, Tech Session in Hanover PA. Man, what a difference a year makes - in 2002 we were sitting in the driveway at picnic tables in short sleeves. This year when I was getting things together to go to the Schmidt’s the temp was only 5 degrees with ice and snow on the driveway. In attendance were Mike and Roseanne, John and Missy Lippy, Russell Fleming, Bobby Winters, Paul Farinholt, Wes Dunn, Tony Borun, Jay Horine, Rick Miller, Jason Kaplin, Jack Greene, Zack Mully, Guy Young, Clyde Watson, Eddie Phelps and Mark Schmit.

Zack Mully rode his Connie for the tech session on how to change foot peg bracket. Dunlop 491/591 tires are not good for riding on ice. Everyone was envious of Mike’s garage. One bay for Roseanne’s car, three bay shop, one bay motorcycle’s parking and one bay rented out. Then there is the 2 bay two-story frame garage next to this garage. Roseanne had two pots of chili one hot and one mild. I believe everyone had at least 2 bowls of chili and 2 or 3 grilled cheese sandwiches that were prepared perfectly by Missy Lippy. I would like to thank Mike and Roseanne for a great day of COG fun.

What’s better than a track day? How about spending a day or two with knowledgeable instructors, valuable classroom sessions, and the high-speed excitement of putting it all together on the track. You are never too old or too young to benefit from a California Superbike School experience. And it just so happens that they will be running sessions at Pocono International Raceway the week after the Spring Fling Rally (5/19-5/22). This track is just a 25-minute ride from the rally HQ. Other tracks in the northeast that host this school are Watkins Glen, NY and VIR, VA.

Some NE COG members have attended sessions including Jim Clark, Scott Sorger, Artie Vaccaro. I’ve attended several sessions at Watkins Glen and a weekend in California, at the Streets of Willow Springs, where this photo of me was taken. Believe me, you will improve your cornering skills. FUN?! This is the most fun you will ever have with your riding gear on!

Maybe I’ll see you at Pocono Raceway after the ‘Fling. Don’t say you’re gonna do it someday – Just do it now… and “Discover The Art“ of cornering. Oh, yeah! Did I mention how much fun this is????

For more information: www.superbikeschool.com or 323-224-2734.

Cornering—Yes, You Too Can Discover the Art by John J. Purdy, Jr.

Scenes from lunch after the NYC M/C show

Terry (aka Slim Shady), Scott, Clayton & Linda

Brad (AAD-CT) & Linda, Dick McWay Mary & Doug (NE co-editor), Scott & Betty

Our AD?!

Page 4: NE2003 Issue1

Page 4 NORTHEAST ARE A NEW S

We are the Concours Owners Group. We ride motorcycles and often gather together as a group to ride. This usually provides each of us with much camaraderie, enjoyment, and just plain fun. But sometimes it’s just not so much fun. Occasionally there are a few things that can diminish our enjoyment of riding:

Death - Yep, let's get the big one out of the way first. It's the permanent penalty for being inattentive, doing something dumb, riding outside your comfort zone, or just being at the wrong place at the wrong time. It can happen to any of us; it's part of the risk we accept when we ride a motorcycle. It affects everyone for a long time, causes much sadness and loss, and never makes good campfire stories. Is to be avoided, and is usually the result of...

Crashing - As the old saying goes, "crashing sucks." - It can definitely make you late for lunch. We'll talk more about "late" later - it's one cause of crashing. A crash is really not an accident, an accident occurs when a piece of space debris enters Earth's atmosphere and continues on a course to connect with your head as you're motoring along on a pretty Saturday morning. Or it could be an errant golf ball connecting with your helmet as you ride by a golf course. The latter example did happen to Bobby Winters, COG # 4311, as he rode by a golf course while attending the COG national rally in Montrose, CO. Luckily Bobby and his bike stayed up: one broken helmet vent and a good story were all that came out of it. Accidents are unavoidable and thankfully very rare.

Crashes are always avoidable because they are the result of a collection of events or situations which, if allowed to progress, will escalate to a crash. The key word here is "allowed" because the rider can and should alter the collection of situations to prevent the crash. Crashes are preventable. If we think of climbing a ladder each rung represents an adverse element or something that is heading you towards a crash. The higher you climb the closer you are to crashing. The final rung is the "straw that broke the camel's back" and you are rewarded with a crash. That final step can be rung eight, three, or two, depending on what each rung might represent. Riding at 120 mph in congested city traffic will usually lead to a crash at rung two. Rung one was the crazy thinking that led you to rung two. Most elements leading to a crash are much more subtle.

I would now like to introduce Conrad, our Concours rider. Conrad is 46 years old. He rode a Honda 250 some 25 years ago to commute to school, but quit riding after the second child came along. His wife, Connie, works as a nurse and has no interest in

riding. With the kids now grown, Conrad wanted to get back on a motorcycle and found a nice used '94 Concours a little over a year ago. The previous owner also made him a good deal on his old leathers (which fit!). Conrad has heard about the MSF classes and wants to take one when he has the time.

Conrad learned about COG by a chance meeting with another Concours rider at a convenience store gas stop. Conrad is a quite likeable guy and has attended two previous rides with the local COG group. Now let's see what leads to Conrad's crash.

Rung one: Because of some recent allergies Conrad got only three hours of sleep last night.

Rung two: Conrad needs a new rear tire but didn’t have the time to get one put on. It will be a 250 mile ride and he hopes that it will be OK. Step up to...

Rung three: Conrad has never ridden to this town and missed the exit he needed to get him to the meeting place. Now he’ll have to ride another five miles before he can turn around. He’ll probably be late.

Rung four: He has turned around now and has picked up his speed so as to “not be the last one there”.

Rung five: There’s been a bit of road construction at the exit he needs and last night’s rain has created a little muddy run-off in the exit turn.

Rung six: Realizing that he’s going into the muddy section too fast, Conrad grabs the front brake, locks the wheel, and sends the bike into a low side slide with him sliding down the exit ramp behind it. Because of his good riding gear and not hitting anything stationary (luck) he suffered only a sprained ankle. The bike is unrideable, but not totaled. Conrad won’t be late for the meeting; he won’t be there.

As the ladder analogy suggests, if we remove one or two rungs (elements) a crash does not occur. Conrad was fatigued, worried, riding on unfamiliar roads, speeding, and focused on his destination rather than his riding. He was also a rather inexperienced rider. Maybe if any one of these were changed the crash wouldn’t have occurred. Getting more sleep, taking care of maintenance to eliminate worry, better route planning, slowing down, and focusing on his riding would have allowed him to negotiate the muddy exit ramp and arrive at the gathering where his buddies would say, “Conrad, where have you been? Good to see you”. But now it’s time for a bit of fixing and a lot of reflecting. Conrad has a good attitude though. He’s not blaming the mud or the bike. He knows it’s largely something he did or didn’t do, but isn’t sure yet just what. He’ll learn and be back a better rider later.

There are a couple other things that can blow away your riding fun and one is:

Getting lost - If you let it, that is. Getting lost can be a great opportunity to explore new roads, see new things, meet new people. But for some folks getting lost is a terrifying matter, as if some big hole will open up in the road and they'll never be seen again! Maybe we just need a different viewpoint here: we never get lost on a COG ride. Really! We are sometimes "temporarily disoriented" but with a little time, common sense, and a cool head we're back to where we'd like to be soon. If you notice that you just passed the

(Continued on page 5)

Group Rides, Group Fun ?!! By Patrick Sprague

”Occasionally there are a few

things that can diminish our

enjoyment of riding...”

Once upon a Concours attached to a Virginia tow-truck

Page 5: NE2003 Issue1

same church for the third time it's time to stop and think. Maybe even ask for directions! The important thing is that you are only temporarily disoriented and the key thing is to keep your mind on the riding you're doing right now and not on your destination. The destination and your friends will be there later. Getting lost is "being late's" father and they are both distractions which take your mind off your riding. How to prevent getting lost? Plan ahead; Use good maps; Plan out your route beforehand; Do not rely on others (who may also get lost); Be your own leader; Pay attention to signs and road changes; Be willing to alter your route and realize that sooner or later you will become lost anyway and be ready to deal with it. You may want to carry some bare essentials: some "tank-bag food"; some water; a little t.p.

There are a few other things that can squash your riding fun but I’ll end with…

Riding over your head. This is riding your bike at speed or conditions which are beyond your normal skill, and usually occurs when a less skillful rider follows faster riders (who may or may not be skillful). The ride is never fun and the results can be disastrous. I have led rides with 30 plus bikes and received the following comments from different riders in the same group: “this is way too

fast” and “can we pick up the pace a bit?” This tells me that with the diversity in riders’ skills, styles, likes, and dislikes, it is not possible for a large group to ride together over a distance and keep the fun in it.

So what can we all do to keep the fun in it? We can ride in smaller groups of four to six bikes with riders sharing our riding style. We can be honest with ourselves about our skill levels because if we aren’t, we start out on rung one BEFORE we even get on the bike. Then we can all meet at our destination and share our stories. That is fun. And we can resist the temptation to turn it up a couple notches towards the ride’s end. Remember, nobody wants to call your next of kin. End of fun for everyone.

What I will do to help: in our Mid-Atlantic area, we will ride in smaller groups of four to six bikes. Where I might expect more than 15 bikes on a ride, I’ll try to provide two routes to get to our destination, if necessary. With over 25 bikes, we can ride in several small groups over two or three routes, arrive at our destination together, and have a lot more fun. One goal of mine for every ride I take is to be able to ride the next day. I hope it’s yours, too. Let’s keep the fun in it and enjoy a great riding year in 2003. Thank you for all your help and participation. See you at a ride!

(Group Rides - Continued from page 4)

MARCH 2003 Page 5

it seems a fitting tale… I am one of two COG riders who mistakenly thought that this ride was Saturday. I met Mark Graham, for the first time, at the diner on Saturday morning. We wondered where everybody else was and figured that we must have had the wrong day. While waiting for others to show up we spent some time looking at each other’s bikes and admired some of the mods that had been done. We decided to go ahead and have breakfast and then went for a short ride. This would be my first COG ride, even if it were just the two of us. I have put almost 11,000 miles on the Connie in the last year, but none as part of a group. It was a nice day - the sun was out brightly, with low winds, and the temperature was chilly in the mid 20's, but on its way up to around 40. We both had heated vests and I had just installed my Kimpex grip heaters. Having temporarily hooked up the power to them that morning, I was anxious to try them out to see how well they worked. Neither one of us was that familiar with the area, so we went to the Visitors Center off I-95 to get a map. Mark picked out some roads around Lake Anna that looked interesting and we went for a ride. First we went east on Hwy 3, then south on Hwy 20, then Mark picked out some other back roads and I happily followed along. Since neither of us were familiar with the local roads, we were not riding aggressively, but were enjoying a relaxed pace on these back roads.

There were some moderate curves, but nothing stressing. I must say that I was really enjoying the company of a fellow COG rider, as I usually have to ride alone. The grip heaters, on low, must have been working, because my hands were neither hot nor cold. After we were riding about an hour I am sad to report that I, or should I say my 2002 Connie, did not make it back safe and whole.

I have a slightly bruised right ankle, sore muscles and a greatly bruised ego, but I'm otherwise OK. I was fully armored with my First Gear jacket and over pants, JR boots, and full-face helmet. My Connie was not so lucky. She is in lots of pieces, which looks like mostly plastic damage, a lot of plastic damage. We were riding on 2-lane back roads and came to a right hand turn. A line of trees was along the road on the right hand side, which blocked the view into the curve. Mark was following a pick-up truck and I was following along behind Mark. As I entered the turn, I planned to use the standard outside, inside, outside tract through the curve, and quickly discovered that in my complacency I had misjudged the

severity of the turn. As I started into the corner, I went from being in the shadows to facing directly into the sun, which compounded the problem. I had been expecting a moderate 45-60 degree turn similar to the previous curves and discovered it was a full 90. I quickly realized that at my speed and attack angle on the curve, the line I chose would carry me outside my lane and I didn't know if any vehicles were coming from the other way. I looked at the other side of the road and saw no shoulder, just a leaf-covered ditch, which was initially the same level as the road. It only takes an instant, but the bike goes where you look, and I was looking at the ditch. The next thing I knew, I was about 1-2 feet off the pavement parallel with the road, when I must have hit something hiding under the leaves. On my front wheel, whatever I hit bent the right side of the rim in towards the center a couple of inches. The force of this impact threw me into a high side tumble off the left side of the bike. The world seemed to be spinning in a funny direction for a while, and then I came to a rest in the ditch.

Mark saw me in his rear view mirror and was wondering why I was flying through the air. He turned around and got back as I was picking myself up out of that ditch. My Connie had ended up doing a couple of somersaults with a half twist and landed on her left side on the edge of the road facing the opposite direction from which I had come. After Mark made sure I was all right, he helped me to upright what was left of my previously beautiful bike. Upon a quick inspection of my bike, we determined that I wasn't going to be riding it anytime too soon. Fortunately, he had the COG list and a cell phone and was able to reach Clyde Watson. Clyde, who had a bike trailer, immediately dropped what he was doing to come to the aid of a fellow biker, a COG member that he had never met, to help me out. With his help, we carted off what was left of my Connie in hopes that one day it will be whole again.

COG is made up of some wonderful folks. Thanks to Mark and Clyde of COG for all the help that day, and thanks in advance for any help in finding parts and putting her back together. Thanks for listening. I hope this helps someone else to keep from having to experience this. Like I am sure we have all heard many times, it only takes a moment. Especially on roads that you are not familiar with, keep your focus on where you want to go. Be careful out there.

How not to Brrr Ride by Ron Doby

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Tools required: (in addition to what you will need to remove/replace front wheel)

• Halogen Light (as heat source) • Hammer • Snap Ring Pliers • Punch, Tool Steel (the one illustrated is 0.4” in

diameter and 12” long. A sharp 90° edge is needed to catch the edge of the bearing inner race.)

• Bearing Driver (a 1-¼” copper coupling RTVed to a wood block works well.)

Procedure:

• Place the new bearings into the freezer. • Remove the front wheel • Left Side: Remove the speedometer gear housing and collar

from the wheel. Remove the circlip and speedometer gear drive.

• Right Side: Remove the grease seal, using a hook or flat screwdriver and remove the circlip.

• Heat left hub area with a halogen light for a couple of hours. The aluminum will expand more than the steel bearing races.

• Insert a metal rod (punch) into the hub from the right side and remove the left-side bearing by tapping evenly around the bearing inner race. Note: Service manual is incorrect on this instruction, as it says to remove the right bearing first. Tech Editor’s Note: The illustration provided in the Concours shop manual for the removal of the front hub bearing is incorrect. The wheel is wrong side up. The author has made changes to the illustration to make it correct. (thanks to GBY)

• The distance (spacer) collar comes out with the bearing. Remove the right-side bearing by tapping evenly around the bearing inner race. Heating eases removal.

• Clean inside of hub and lube with grease. • Heat the hub if it has cooled. • Install the right bearing first as it has a recess on that side

for the distance collar, makes it easier to keep it in place. • Reinstall the circlip, add lube and replace the grease cup. • Install the left bearing, add lube install the speedometer

receiver and the circlip.

NOTE: When installing the front wheel, ensure the speedometer receiver (on the hub) fits into the tabs on the speedometer screw gear (the part the speedometer cable screws into). If it does not, the wheel will become harder to turn as you tighten the axle. Hurts gas mileage too.

If you'll notice the taper in the bore of the wheel, the way they have it shown has the widest part of the taper up. On the front wheel this is the speedo drive side, or the LH side of the wheel. It's wide for a reason, mainly because the inner collar has more room to move out of the way so you can gain good purchase on the bearing when first trying to get it started so you can drive it out. Therefore, the correct side to drive from first when removing the front wheel bearings is the RH side, NOT the left.

Insert the drift opposite of the side shown, and tap out in the opposite direction depicted in the picture.

For additional information refer to:

Best of Chalkdust II FEND5------Wheel Bearing Replacement; Front/Rear WHEEL BEARINGS: (03/91)

Front Hub Wheel Bearing Removal / Installation- by Troy Minton

Disclaimer: The procedures and suggestions presented in this column are solely those of their authors. C.O.G. and Kawasaki Motors Corp. USA, neither recommends nor endorses any motorcycle modification, which might adversely affect rider safety. Any modification that may be safety-related should only be done by, or under the supervision of, a qualified motorcycle mechanic.

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NH Cabin Fever Lunch 2/22/2003 New Hampshire’s famed Cabin Fever meeting. We are repeating last year's feast at the Romans. 4 Prevere Road, Raymond, NH. BYOB, BYOL. Contact: Dave Roman; 603-895-0632 [email protected]

CT Wednesday Night Ride In, N. Haven, CT 2/26/2003 6:00 PM - Informal Gathering for cheap dinner and conversation. Drive or ride in. Great way to meet or renew old friendships. Bring your riding spirit and your best stories. This first one of the year will be at the Athena Diner, Rt. 5, (Washington Avenue) North Haven, CT (Just north of exit 12; I-91) Families welcome. Contact: Brad May; [email protected] 203.269.9042

MD/VA/PA Crab Cakes Ride 3/15/2003 to 3/16/2003 "Crabcakes Ride". Grasonville, MD. We will meet at Holly's Restaurant. 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. Contact: Patrick Sprague 540-743-4874 [email protected] or Russell Fleming; [email protected] 540-743-4874

CT Meet, Greet, Ride & Run Sundays, Southbury, CT 3/16/2003 We will meet at Dunkin Donuts in Southbury between 9:00 and 10:00 AM. Riders present will decide where they want to go and ride with others that have their preferred riding style. i.e. casual, moderate, or Rip & Run. Nobody is expected to ride outside their ability. There are no time limits or restrictions. Kids are welcome. Any bike welcome. Directions: From I-84: Get off exit 15 go north to light at first shopping plaza (200-300 yards). Take a left and then an immediate left into white clapboard shopping plaza. Look for Dunkin Donuts. (Look carefully, zoning laws don't allow usual bright DD sign) Weather permitting. Contact: Brad May [email protected] 203.269.9042

VA Non-COG event Cycle World Intl M/C Show, Chantilly, VA 3/21/2003 March 21, 22, 23. Chantilly, VA "Cycle World International Motorcycle Show" The Philly show will not be this year, but this one will be closer for many Mid-Atlantic folks. This is not a COG event but is included for general interest. COG members may get together for lunch on Saturday. Read all about it on the web at www.motorcycleshows.com Select the Washington, DC show. Contact: Pat Sprague; [email protected] (540) 743-4874

CT Wednesday Night Ride In - Danbury, CT 3/26/2003 6:00 PM - Informal Gathering for cheap dinner and conversation. Riding after? Great way to meet or renew old friendships. Bring your

riding spirit and your best stories. Marcus Dairy, Danbury, CT (I-84, exit 4, Danbury Airport) Contact: Brad May; [email protected] 203.269.9042

All the NE! No ride planned today, but.. 4/1/2003 ...check out the all new 2004 Concours. It's rumored to feature a fuel-injected ZRX1200 mill, inverted forks, six-pot brakes, adjustable windscreen, eight-gallon tank and a wet weight of 520 pounds. Will come in hold-your-breath Blue color. Contact: www.kawasaki.com

MD/PA Breakfast Ride York PA 4/6/2003 Meet for breakfast 8 am at the Starlite Diner, 1353 Kenneth Road and Route 30. The diner is in front of Dick's Sporting Goods Store on the west side of York. After breakfast we ride to Ephrata, PA for the bike get together - should be there around 10 am if you would like to meet there. After checking the bikes out we will go for a ride and have a late lunch. Contact: Russell Fleming 410-374-9687 [email protected]

MA - North Shore Day Ride 4/12/2003 Meet at Moto Market, Acton MA @ 9 am for a pre-season ride to the North Shore via RT-133 out of North Andover. We'll have to take a short burst up 495 N to get out of the city, then hop on 133 E for a scenic ride through Georgetown, Ipswich, & Essex, eventually working our way out to Rockport & Gloucester, where we'll stop for lunch. Contact: Kevin Martin 978-459-6275 [email protected]

NH Tech Day 4/12/2003 This year Dave Roman is again providing his extensive Connie knowledge and the facilities: 4 Prevere Road, Raymond, NH. Contact: Dave Roman; [email protected] 603-895-0632

VA , The Bridges of Madison (and Greene) County, Waynesboro, VA 4/13/2003 Meet for breakfast at 9:00 a.m. in Waynesboro, VA at Lynn's Pancake and Steak House, 2120 West Main Street (Rt. 250 - West side of town). After breakfast, the bridges we cross probably won't be worthy of a “National Geographic” story, but the roads to them will be sweet. We'll end up in Sperryville, VA at the Appetite Repair Shop, just in case your appetite got dented since breakfast. Contact: Patrick Sprague; [email protected] 540-743-4874

CT Meet, Greet, Ride & Run Sunday, Southbury, CT 4/20/2003 Meeting time 9:00 AM Casual Sunday ride. Meet at Dunkin Donuts, Southbury. See the 3/16/03 ride listing for details & directions. Contact: Brad May; [email protected] 203.269.9042

CT Wednesday Night Ride In, Cromwell, CT 4/30/2003 6:00 PM - Informal Gathering for cheap dinner and conversation. Riding after. Bring your riding spirit and your best stories. Cromwell Diner, Rt. 372, just east of the I-91, exit 21 intersection. Contact: Brad May; [email protected] 203.269.9042

CT/NY Mike's Surprise Ride - Danbury, CT 5/3/2003 A fun day ride on the area's backroads. Meet at 9am at Marcus Dairy (I-84, exit 4, Danbury Airport), ride leaves at 10am. After winding our way for about 150 miles, we'll end up at an eatery. Nothing fancy, just good after ride food (think burgers, pizza, etc). Space permitting, I plan to be under the highway overpass, look for the red Connie with a Security Squad sized pilot. Route sheets will be available. Ride at your own pace. Contact: Mike Flynn; [email protected] 914-244-3537

ON The Tour: 2003, Milton, ON, Canada May 3, 2003 Southern Ontario's COGgers once again invite you to take The Tour. The secret details are still, well, secret, but involve riding, hunting, scavenging and feasting. Meet at McDonald's Restaurant at Hwys 401 and 25 in Milton, ON, around 8 am for breakfast, with the start scheduled for 9 am. Bring a map of Ontario, pen, paper and your initiative. RSVP appreciate. Contact Tony Thompson; 905-825-1070 [email protected]

MD/PA Slate Run for BUNS and Wellsboro Gas Lights 5/3/2003 to 5/4/2003 Saturday May 3, 2002 we will meet at Sheetz at Route 11 and 114 on the north side of Mechanicsburg, PA at 8:00 am and plan to leave at 8:30. There will be a riders meeting to hand out maps and route sheets so that everyone can ride at there own pace Contact: Russell Fleming; [email protected] 410-374-9687

MA Quabbin Reservoir Ride 5/3/2003 Meet at Moto Market, Acton MA @ 9 am. This is a re-try of my Fall Quabbin ride that I had to cancel twice due to poor weather. We'll head west via RT-62 & 32 stopping at the Reservoir Summit off of RT-9. After a brief stop we'll continue west on 9 stopping for lunch in Belchertown at the Jct of 9 & 202. Contact: Kevin Martin; [email protected] 978-459-6265

NH Ride to Polly's Pancake Parlor 5/4/2003 Ride to Polly's Pancake Parlor for the opening (Sugar Hill NH). RSVP, so we can work out how many folks to expect. Contact: Tony Shelver; [email protected] 603.520.0324

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Northeast Ride Schedule

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Northeast Regional Spring Fling Rally 5/16/2003 to 5/18/2003 "Spring in to the Gap" 5th Annual Spring Fling Rally May 16-18, 2003 One of the Northeast's premiere events is back… Refer to the registration flyer. Contact: Steve Smith; [email protected] 203-720-7575 or John Purdy 203-720-2286

VA "Lost Ride", Meadows of Dan, VA 5/16/2003 to 5/18/2003 Gather at Willville Motorcycle Campground Friday evening, www.willvillebikecamp.com or meet at the Blue Ridge Restaurant at Meadows of Dan at 9:00 AM Saturday. John Hinton has some interesting riding and destination planned. This should be much fun in an area known for great roads. And… there may be a Bluegrass jam session in Floyd on Friday night. Hard roof lodging is available at the Blue Ridge Motel on Rt. 58 at Meadows of Dan at (540) 952-2244. The motel is about 1-1/2 mile from Willville and we'll have breakfast there Saturday morning at 8:30 AM Contact: John Hinton; [email protected] (540) 997-5207

NH 'Ride to Nowhere' 5/24/2003 Southern NH ride on some seriously twisty and very rural roads in Rockingham County (mostly). The ride is <200 miles on mostly small town roads and the route crosses itself at times and the curves are in abundance. We will make a day of it by stopping at a good seafood restaurant or something on or near the coast Latest and greatest details Contact: Dave Roman; [email protected] 603-895-0632

CT Meet, Greet, Ride & Run Sundays, Southbury, CT 5/25/2003 Meeting time 9:00 AM Casual Sunday ride. See the 3/16/03 ride listing for details & directions. Contact: Brad May; [email protected] 203.269.9042

CT Wednesday Night Ride In, Bethany, CT 5/28/2003 6:00 PM - Informal Gathering for cheap dinner and conversation. Riding after. Tonight we meet at Billy's Ice Cream, RT 63, Bethany, CT. This is a favorite place of our NE leader Mr. Smith. Contact: Brad May; [email protected] 203.269.9042

NH Laconia Bikeweek 6/7/2003 to 6/15/2003 Laconia Bikeweek Campout. Tom O'Neill is organizing activities such as attending the hillclimbs on Wednesday, a trip up Mt. Washington, flat track races on Friday night and the big races on Sunday. Camping space and maybe some bed & floor space will be available at Tom's cabin in Ossippee, NH. Contact either Tony Shelver (NH AAD): 603.520.0324 / [email protected] OR Tom O'Neill; [email protected] 603-666-0292

MA Atlantic Coastal Ride 6/7/2003 Meet me at Skips Restaurant, at the jct. of Rtes 495 & 110 in Chelmsford MA @ 9 am. Early arrivals can load up on a pre-ride breakfast, then join me at 9am for a pre-summer ride up along the Atlantic coast. For any NH folks that would like to hook up with us, we'll be heading east via RT-111 in Salem NH, working our way over to RT-1A along the coast. The plan is to stop and have lunch overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Contact: Kevin Martin; [email protected] (978) 459-6265

CT New England / Eastern Canada Ride to the National Tour 6/13/2003 to 6/15/2003 Meeting at Dunkin Donuts off I-84 in Southbury, Connecticut early Friday morning (8:00 AM – 9:00AM) Hope to pick-up riders from eastern Canada, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island & Connecticut. We plan to head across I-84 to RT 81 in Scranton, PA to head down and meet up with Russell & Martha Fleming in MD. Please look at the Flemings Ride Info. We would like to make arrangements to stay Friday night in this area. E-mail Russell or myself and we will provide a short list of hotels in Russell’s area. Saturday commences with breakfast at 8:00 AM. Then off to the much-awaited Blue Ridge Parkway. Progressing toward Asheville, NC we will ride long on Saturday and allow 2 days to get to our destination. Ride will include stops at various small attractions along the way, with stops pre-planned by all on Friday night after dinner. I have a lot of tourist info and welcome more, as well as all your suggestions. For those of you to the north, please start communicating with your AAD's or myself so that we can plan accordingly. Hotels, campground reservations, etc. (Ready to ride the “Dragon”?) Remember this is a family event so please bring your kids if you can. There has been some really positive feedback about doing this as a group(s). Please help build on the momentum of this ride. We can show all at the National how strong the Northeast area is. We will be staying through the whole event. I strongly suggest that you make reservations early to insure getting a room. Contact: Brad & Linda May; [email protected] 203.269.9042

MD/PA Change to North / South "Ride To The National" 6/13/2003 to 6/21/2003 Martha and Russell Fleming have changes for the North South Ride of 2003. We are going to the National in Ashville NC and we are putting together a group ride. Friday 13 anyone can come and camp in our yard and have a cookout that evening. Saturday 14 we will meet for breakfast 8am at Bullock's Airport Inn Route 97 and Airport Drive in Westminster MD. After breakfast we will ride to the Blue Ridge Parkway and stay at Sleep In Tanglewood in Roanoke VA. Sleep In Tanglewood is located 2 mile of the Parkway at 4045 Electric Rd. for reservations call 1-800-628-1929. Sunday we pack up and ride the Blue Ridge Parkway to

Ashville NC for the COG National. Contact: Russell Fleming 410-374-9687 or [email protected]

NY Hudson Valley Saddlebag Cookout - location TBD 6/14/2003 Can't make it to the National this year? Join me for a saddlebag cookout. I provide the destination (state or county park), charcoal, plates and utensils, you provide your meat and drink. As people commit, we can plan out the menu (but figure burgers and dogs). No planned ride, just meet and eat! I can provide directions, and possibly some good roads. I plan on having the grill going between 1 and 2pm so you can enjoy your own rides. When I locate the park, I will post further details or Contact: Mike Flynn; [email protected] 914-244-3537

NC COG National Rally, Asheville, NC 6/16/2003 to 6/20/2003 COG 2003 National Rally “Mountain Do” in the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville TN WOW. Great riding, lodging, scenery, and it's doable for us NE Coggers. See www.concours.org/2003/ This is sure to be an exceptional National Rally. Make your reservations now. Contact: Calvin Underwood 828-298-8427.

CT Wednesday Night Ride In, W. Haven 6/25/2003 6:00 PM - Informal Gathering for cheap dinner and conversation. Riding after. This week we go to the beachside specialties of Chick's Drive-Inn. This is a local landmark seafood/hotdog joint right across from Long Island sound. Worth the trip to watch the people and bikes. Beach Street, West Haven, CT Contact: Brad May; [email protected] 203.269.9042

PA Thunder in the Valley 6/28/2003 Meet near Pittsburgh for breakfast followed by a scenic ride Johnstown for "Thunder in the Valley" rally. Spend a few hours and have some good greasy festive food then head back home. Details will be worked out closer to the event. Contact: Eric Crookston; [email protected] 724-864-1972

NH Southern NH and VT ride 6/29/2003 Southern NH and VT ride. Ride to eat, eat to ride. We will do some good roads on the way to lunch in VT, and hopefully do a repeat (the ride, not the lunch) on the way home. Planned start is at 9:30 a.m. in Manchester. Coggers who would like to meet up on the way email me so we can arrange a schedule. Contact: Tony Shelver; [email protected] 603.520.0324

CT Meet, Greet, Ride & Run Sundays, Southbury, CT 6/29/2003 Meeting time 9:00 AM Casual Sunday ride. See the 3/16/03 ride listing for details & directions.

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Meet at the Dunkin Donuts, Southbury. Contact: Brad May; [email protected] 203.269.9042

MA - Western MA Day 7/12/2003 Meet at Moto Market, Acton, MA @ 9 am, and join me for a summer ride to South Deerfield MA to visit the Yankee Candle Shop and Antique Car Museum. This is a great take for guys & gals ! If you haven't been to the Candle Shop yet, you’re in for a real treat. We'll take the Mohawk Trail out to Millers Falls then head south into S. Deerfield stopping at the Yankee Candle Shop. Contact: Kevin Martin; [email protected] (978) 459-6265

CT Mini Iron Bottom Ride - Danbury, CT 7/12/2003 to 7/13/2003 Starting in Danbury, Connecticut heading Northeast into Massachusetts into Southeast, New Hampshire up into the White Mountains and winding up into Maine and Possibly as far as Montreal, Quebec then back down through Vermont, over into the Adirondacks of New York state and back to Danbury, Connecticut. This is not in anyway associated with the "Iron Butt" riding organization. Any bike welcome. More details to follow. Contact: Brad May; [email protected] 203.269.9042

MD/PA Breakfast Ride Shrewsbury, PA 7/13/2003 Meet for breakfast 8:30 at Shrewsbury Family Restaurant. The restaurant is located 2 mile south of Shrewsbury at the intersection of Susquehanna Trail and Keller Drive. With the weather being hot I any think about riding up to Strasburg Railroad Museum. Should be at the museum about 11 if you want to meet there. After checking the old trains out we hope to take a ride somewhere. Contact: Russell Fleming 410-374-9687 or [email protected]

VA/WV "Helvetia Ride", Luray, VA 7/18/2003 to 7/20/2003 This ride will depart from Pat and Sharry Sprague's One Wheel Only motorcycle campground Saturday morning at 8 AM. Those wishing to can join the ride at the 7-11 at the I-81 Route 211 exit in New Market at around 8:30 as we will ride right past the Contact: Patrick Sprague; [email protected] 540-743-4874

PA Mid Ohio Vintage Days 7/19/2003 Races, AMA Shows, Demo Rides, Trials, Swap Meet, Auctions... everything motorcycle. Located at the Mid Ohio race course in Lexington OH. not far from the AMA Museum. Camping is available on site w/o reservations. Book hotels early as they go fast. A few of us will be leaving from the Pittsburgh PA. area early Friday morning. More info as the show dates are set. The dates below may change. Contact: Eric Crookston; [email protected] 724-864-1972

NH Northern NH and Maine day ride 7/19/2003 Northern NH and Maine day ride. The planned route starts in Gorham, NH, shoots across to Rangeley, ME, returns via Errol, NH and Colebrook, NH, and wends its way to the finish in Sanbornville, NH for an early dinner. This one starts early, goes far, and finishes late... Latest and greatest details Contact: Peter Perkins.

CT Meet, Greet, Ride & Run Sundays, Southbury, CT 7/20/2003 Meeting time 9:00 AM Casual Sunday ride. See the 3/16/03 ride listing for details & directions. Contact: Brad May; [email protected] 203.269.9042

CT Wednesday Night Ride In—TBD 7/30/2003 6:00 PM - Informal Gathering for cheap dinner and conversation. Riding after. Look for more info later once we decide on a meeting place. Suggestions welcome. Contact: Brad May; [email protected] 203.269.9042

MA Trip to Ludlow VT 8/2/2003 Meet at Moto Market, Acton MA @ 8 am. Join me for a scenic ride up NH RT-123 & 124 crossing the Connecticut River at Bellows Falls. We'll head north on RT-5 & 103 stopping for lunch at the Mill Restaurant on Main St. in Ludlow VT. After lunch we'll tour more of Vermont's best roads. Contact: Kevin Martin; [email protected] (978) 459-6265

CT Meet, Greet, Ride & Run Sundays, Southbury, CT 8/17/2003 Meeting time 9:00 AM Casual Sunday ride. See the 3/16/03 ride listing for details & directions. Contact: Brad May; [email protected] 203.269.9042

VA/MD/PA Ride To Mr. B's, White Post, VA 8/17/2003 A group of Maryland/PA riders will meet at a yet to be determined location. A group of Virginia/WV/DC riders will meet at a yet to be determined location. Each group will ride approximately 150 miles to meet at 1 PM at Mr. B's Barbecue at Route 340, White Post, VA for some wonderful BARBECUE. If meeting with the MD/PA group, please contact Russell Fleming at [email protected] or call (410) 374-9687. Let's see lots of Concours at Mr. B's. B there or B square. Contact: Patrick Sprague 540-743-4874 [email protected]; Russell Fleming [email protected] 410-374-9687

NY Catskill Mountain Ride, Windham, NY 8/23/2003 We'll be starting off in Windham, meeting place/time to be determined. We'll head through the Catskills and around some of the terrific reservoirs. For those interested, I'll be heading back to Western New York on Sunday via a run up routes 10 and 8 through the Adirondacks.

Look for more details to follow. Contact: Glen Liucci 585-671-2493 or [email protected]

CT Wednesday Night Ride In—TBD 8/27/2003 6:00 PM - Informal Gathering for cheap dinner and conversation. Riding after. Look for more info later once we decide on a meeting place. Suggestions welcome. Contact: Brad May; [email protected] 203.269.9042

“Run With the Wolf” Rally, Suches GA 9/4/2003 to 9/8/2003 A perennial favorite. Great roads, great destination (TWO), great food, great COG companions. This is about my favorite event. Hosted by the SEACOG, folks ride from Ontario, Florida, the mid-west and all points in between to enjoy this rally. Meet at Afton Mountain, Route 250 at the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway on Thursday at 8 AM sharp. It's about 420 miles to our first night stop at Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground where we will spend the night and have breakfast Friday morning before riding some of the best motorcycle roads in the US before arriving at TWO in Suches, GA No reservations are required for camping at BRMC or at TWO. Lodging may be reserved at BRMC by calling (828) 235-8350 and at TWO by calling (706) 747-5151. Some will return to our homes on Sunday and some will make it a two (or three!) day jaunt. Contact: Patrick Sprague; [email protected] (540) 743-4874

MA Visit Queeche Gorge, VT 9/6/2003 Meet at Moto Market, Acton MA @ 7:30 am. This is a longer trip than my other rides, so we'll have to leave a little earlier. Join me for an early morning ride up to Queeche Vermont to have lunch and view Vermont's Little Grand Canyon and ride Vermont. Contact: Kevin Martin; [email protected] (978) 459-6265

CT/NY Mike's Surprise Ride Part Deux - Danbury, CT 9/14/02 OK, you should know the drill by now. A fun run through the area's backroads (figure 150 miles or so) ending with some good grub (nothing too fancy or expensive). Meet at Marcus Dairy (I-84, exit 4, Danbury Airport) under the overpass (space permitting) around 9am. Route sheets will be on hand for all, so leave in your own groups for your own ride. Look for the red Connie with the Security Squad sized pilot. Contact: Mike Flynn; [email protected] 914-244-3537

VA "The General's Scouts", New Market, VA 9/19/2003 to 9/21/2003 Awright all you enlistees, draftees, and overnight officers who can read and rite, join up and serve your country (Blue or Gray), and help

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Cogdom scout out some roads, attractions, and historical points to be featured in "The General's Ride", a Civil War theme rally to be held one year from now in New Market, VA. We muster men and materiel at The Southern Kitchen Restaurant on South Route 11 in New Market, VA at 9 AM. on Saturday morning. Camping is available at OWO both Friday and Saturday nights. Uncle COG wants YOU! Contact: Patrick Sprague; [email protected] (540) 743-4874

NH The 'Not-the-Fall-Foliage, Not-a-Rally' Rally 9/19/2003 to 9/21/2003 The rally will be based in the North Conway area in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The rides will cover central and northern New Hampshire, as well as parts of western Maine and maybe even Vermont. There are a lot of scenic routes, interesting twisties and challenging roads in this area, with rivers, lakes, mountains and abundant wildlife to be seen. The full story... Contact: Tony Shelver; [email protected] 603.520.0324

CT Meet, Greet, Ride & Run Sundays, Southbury, CT 9/21/2003 Meeting time 9:00 AM Casual Sunday ride. See the 3/16/03 ride listing for details & directions. Contact: Brad May; [email protected] 203.269.9042

CT Wednesday Night Ride In - TBD 9/24/2003 6:00 PM - Informal Gathering for cheap dinner and conversation. Riding after. Look for more info later once we decide on a meeting place. Suggestions welcome. Contact: Brad May; [email protected] 203.269.9042

MA Mt. Greylock Foliage Ride 10/4/2003 Meet at Moto Market, Acton MA @ 7:30 am. Join me for a ride out the Mohawk Trail into North Adams MA to ride up to the summit of Mt. Greylock, the highest point in the State of Massachusetts (3,491 ft). Bring your cameras to capture the early Seasonal colors of a 3 States view. We'll stop for lunch in the Berkshiers, or maybe have lunch at the Summit Lodge. Contact: Kevin Martin; (978) 459-6265 or [email protected]

MD/PA Breakfast Ride - Cozy's Restaurant Thurmont, MD 10/12/2003 Meet for breakfast 9 am Cozy's Restaurant 103 Frederick Road (Route 806) Thurmont MD. We will ride around Catoctin Mountains and South PA. Contact: Russell Fleming 410-374-9687 or [email protected]

VA "Fall Foliage Ride", Luray, VA 10/17/2003 to 10/19/2003 Pat and Sharry Sprague will host a weekend camp and ride at their home seven miles north of Luray. See the Helvetia Ride for directions

and lodging. This will be a 235 mile ride from OWO, with camping available there Friday and Saturday nights. A continental breakfast will be served Saturday and Sunday mornings, barbecue on Friday night, and a chili with fixins' supper on Saturday night. Lunch on Saturday will be on the road. Come ride with friends, make some new ones, and see the beauty of Autumn in the mountains. Please call Pat and Sharry at (540) 743-4874 or email at [email protected] so they can plan the food requirements

MA S. Sugarloaf Mtn. 10/18/2003 Meet at Moto Market, Acton MA @ 9 am for a ride out to South Sugarloaf Mtn. (652 Ft) which overlooks all of S. Deerfield and Amherst MA. We'll have lunch at a local Restaurant then head back to Acton via some alternate routes. Contact: Kevin Martin; [email protected] (978) 459-6265

CT Meet, Greet, Ride & Run Sundays, Southbury, CT 10/19/2003 Meeting time 9:00 AM Casual Sunday ride. See the 3/16/03 ride listing for details & directions. Contact: Brad May; [email protected] 203.269.9042

CT Wednesday Night Ride In - TBD 10/29/2003 6:00 PM - Informal Gathering for cheap dinner and conversation. Riding after. Look for more info later once we decide on a meeting place. Suggestions welcome. Contact: Brad May; [email protected] 203.269.9042

MA Mass Burr Ride 11/1/2003 Meet at Moto Market, Acton MA @ 9:30 am. This will be a repeat of a ride I hosted last Fall through Carlise, Concord, Sudbury MA heading out around the Wachusett Reservoir and stopping in Clinton for lunch. The entire loop back to Moto Market is just under 100 miles. Contact: Kevin Martin; (978) 459-6265 or [email protected]

VA "Brrrrrr Ride", Natural Bridge, VA 11/7/2003 to 11/9/2003 Bundle up and point your headlight toward the Natural Bridge KOA campground where we will gather on Friday and Saturday nights to poke fires and partake of COG fellowship. For those not wanting to camp, cabins are available at the KOA. Call (540) 291-2770 to reserve one. Motels in the area are : Fancy Hill Motel, 4852 S. Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, VA (540) 291-2143 Natural Bridge Inn & Conference Center, Route 11 and route 130, Natural Bridge, VA (540) 291-2121 Red Mill Inn, 50 South Red mill Road, Natural Bridge, VA (540) 291-1704 Budget Inn, I-81 Ext 180 US route 11, Natural Bridge, VA (540) 291-2896 We will meet for breakfast 8:30 AM Saturday at the Fancy Hill Restaurant at 4832 S. Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, VA (540) 291-2860. After breakfast we will ride some favorite

scenic roads before returning to the KOA. KOA info: http://www.koakampgrounds.com/where/va/46144.htm Contact: Patrick Sprague; [email protected] (540) 743-4874

Chunk Yer Punkins 6 11/8/2003 The World Championship Punkin Chunk is a Delaware original; 2003 marks its 18th year. Originally conceived as a friendly competition - as well as a unique way to get rid of leftover pumpkins - it has grown tremendously, and has spawned similar competitions. Contact: Bob Chappell; [email protected] 302-791-0582

CT Meet, Greet, Ride & Run Sundays, Southbury, CT 11/16/2003 Meeting time 9:00 AM Casual Sunday ride. See the 3/16/03 ride listing for details & directions. Contact: Brad May; [email protected] 203.269.9042

CT Wednesday Night Ride In - TBD - End of the season get together 11/19/2003 6:00 PM - Informal Gathering for cheap dinner and conversation. Look for more details. Suggestions welcome. Contact: Brad May; [email protected] 203.269.9042

VA Breakfast and Ride, Dinwiddie, VA 12/14/2003 We'll meet at That's-A-Burger, Inc. at 19606 Carson Road, Dinwiddie, VA (804) 469-7716 at 9AM. This is on RT 703 near the intersection of RT 670. We'll leave around 10AM to ride some back roads ending up in Appomattox, VA for lunch. Contact: Patrick Sprague; [email protected] 540-743-4874

(Continued from page 9)

Clyde Watson says, “What?!! No ferry on Sundays?”

Page 11: NE2003 Issue1

MARCH 2003 Page 11

Brrrr Ride 2003 by Jason Kaplitz COG #62 Well, the weather had been really bad leading up to the Burr Ride. Rain and cold mostly, we had even seen a little snow. Hang in there I kept telling myself; it’s got to break. And break it did! Our local weatherman finally hit a forecast that I liked, sunny and in the 60’s for Nov 8, 9 & 10. Natural Bridge KOA here we come.

I left Johnstown, PA Friday morning about 9:00 in bright sun and temps in the 50’s, not bad for November! I was to meet my buddy Tim Ward in Ligonier at 9:30 so I didn’t waste much time getting over the mountain. As planned, I picked up Tim at the BP station and we proceeded south on Rt. 381 with plans to stop in Bruceton Mills WV. for a coffee break and to look at the map. We enjoyed the ride south and pulled into Bruceton Mills about 11:30 ready for a break. We consulted the map and picked a route south that would include some of my favorite back roads. We left Bruceton Mills on 26, picked up Rt. 72 in Kingwood and eventually followed 219 south with a lunch break in Elkins WV. Life is good!

From Elkins, Tim and I set a pretty spirited pace south on 219 all the way to Marlinton WV. where we turned left and headed east on WV. Rt. 39. Route 39 is one of my all time favorite roads, it’s just mile after mile of twisty two lane back road ending with a run through the Goshen Pass. Leaving Rt. 39, we headed south on Interstate 81 looking for the KOA at Natural Bridge. I had a Kamping Kabin reserved just in case the weather hadn’t cooperated. We rolled into the KOA about 5:00 pm and found maybe 8 or 10 other COGGERS already in camp with more to arrive as the night progressed. Once unpacked, the evening followed the typical agenda, dinner up the road, stop for beer and back to the campground for some time around the fire. Yep, a real fire this year-no kerosene heater. The fire restriction of last year was since lifted.

Morning came soon and found the KOA polluted with Connie riders and surely more to come. We headed over to the Fancy Hill Restaurant to meet up with the others and any day riders that came in. After a good breakfast complete with County Ham the group headed out for the day, about 30 riders in all. Tim and I skipped the group ride and instead headed for the Blue Ridge Parkway with plans to go south to the Meadows of Dan. Tim had never ridden the Parkway so I was glad that the weather was great and that traffic was light. We rolled south enjoying the ride and the views for several hours with plans to stop at the Chateau Morrisette Winery just north of the Meadows of Dan. Soon it was 1:00 and my belly was telling me that the morning’s county ham had worn off, so we exited the Parkway and had some lunch in the Meadows of Dan.

The cashier told us we had missed the turn for the winery; it was 6 miles north. Off we went back up the Parkway. We follow the directions and sure enough found Chateau Morrisette just off the main road. Wow, what a place, and big! I don’t know what I

expected but this was more that that, lots of cars and people everywhere. Once inside we weren’t disappointed, the place was gorgeous! We met a nice older gentleman who was the greeter and he pointed us in the right direction to make a purchase. No tasting, just buying on this trip. I wanted a couple of bottles of “My Dog Blue” which a friend had turned me onto a while back and I also grabbed two bottles of Black Dog! I’ve got lots of luggage room. Tim suggested we have a bottle of each for back at the campground, I like that Tim.

In the parking lot we met some other riders who where local and they asked if we had seen the bathrooms? Yes, we had and we agreed that they where the most beautiful we’d seen anywhere on the Parkway! You’ll have to stop and enjoy them yourselves. Tim and I packed up and proceeded north. The ride north was just as much fun as the ride down earlier in the day and the thought of dinner and a little wine by the campfire kept us focused.

Once back in camp we learned of an accident that left one bike in the river and one rider bruised but thankfully not broken. It too often happens when you get that many men and all that horsepower together! The COG crowd at the KOA had definitely grown, there where about 30 or so riders in camp, sporting many different rides. Those FJR’s are multiplying fast! The evening around the campfire was lots of fun with many stories and jokes being told. It was actually hot sitting by the fire, so much for Burr!

The ride home on Sunday was much like the rest of the trip, I could go on and on about two lane back roads, and lots of twisties, and great weather but you’ve all heard that before. I knew the ride home was the beginning of the end, the end of another great riding season. A season that saw many miles pass, many weekends filled with adventure and lots of friends along the way. I decided it was such a great season and that I had enjoyed it so much that I wasn’t going to let the WV. State Trooper on route 33 near Judy’s Gap ruin it, the season I was ending was well worth the $125.00 donation!

Brrr Ride, Bluegrass VA, Buckwheat Bunch

Page 12: NE2003 Issue1

Page 12 NORTHEAST ARE A NEW S

The Spring Fling is back with a vengeance and we are headed for the Pocono Mountain region. The rally headquarters will be the Ramada Limited (welcome.to/ramada669) in Delaware Water Gap, PA. A limited block of rooms has been set aside and will be held until 04/16/2003, so book your room early. The discounted room rate will be either $49 or $59 per night depending on the final number of rooms we book. Call the Ramada directly to book your room 570-476-0000 (be sure to mention Concours Owners Group). For those of you who may prefer to camp - there are numerous campgrounds within 15 minutes of the rally HQ. The closest are: Foxwood Family Campground, East Stroudsburg, PA, 800-845-4938, 570-421-1424 (www.foxwoodcampground.com) and Delaware Water Gap KOA, East Stroudsburg, PA, 800-562-0375, 570-223-8000 (www.koa.com)

Friday afternoon rides will be impromptu, decided by those present. As in the past, Saturday ride sample route sheets will be provided and are planned as self-guided. The Ramada has an indoor heated pool, and complimentary continental breakfast. There is no lounge or restaurant, but there are some nearby. We have contracted with an outside caterer for the Saturday banquet dinner and it will be held in a banquet room at the Ramada. It is okay and recommended to BYOB for the banquet.

Rally Headquarters: Ramada Limited, Broad St, Delaware Water Gap, PA 18327 Driving Directions to Ramada Limited:

From I-80 East: Follow I-80 East to Exit 310 (Delaware Water Gap). Ramada is 1/4 mile on the left.

From I-80 West: Go through the Delaware Water Gap tollbooth ($1). Take Exit 310 (first in PA). Follow the signs for Route 611 South (2nd right after leaving I-80). Proceed to the stop sign and turn right. Ramada is 1/8 mile on the left.

Rally Fee: $35 (US $) per person for COG members and their immediate family; $40 each for Non-COG members and their guests; plus an additional $5.00 for all registrations received after 5/1/03. Full refund issued before 5/1/03; refund less $5 after 5/1/03; no refund after 5/10/03. We cannot be guaranteed a banquet meal for registrations received after 5/10/03.

Questions / Comments / Suggestions? Steve Smith: 203-720-7575 [email protected]

John Purdy: 203-720-2286

Rally web page: www.concours.org/ne/springfling

Rally Registration Form (Please PRINT Clearly) Name: (One person per form) ____________________________________________ AMA # _____________ COG #___________

Street: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

City: ________________________________________________ State/Province: ________________ Zip Code: _______________

Phone: (______)_____-____________ E-Mail: ____________________________________________ Country: _______________

Emergency Contact Information: Name: ________________________________________________________

Phone No.: (______)______-___________ Relationship:____________________

Motorcycle model: _________________________ License tag # __________________

Please read and sign the following Concours Owners Group Release: I understand that the Concours Owners Group (COG) cannot assume responsibility for my personal safety in this event. I choose to participate in this event voluntarily, based on my own assessment of my abilities, the routes conditions and facilities, and therefore assume all risks. I release and hold harmless COG, its officers, agents and members from any and all injury and/or loss to my person or property that may result from my participation in this event. I further certify that my vehicle and I are in compliance with all applicable license, insurance and financial responsibility laws applicable to my participation in this event.

All participants under 18 years of age must have their parent or guardian sign the following additional release. As the parent or guardian of the above participant, and being informed or familiar with the risks normally associated with motorcycle events, I hereby consent to his or her participation in this event, and accept and adopt all the representations and assumptions of risk set forth in the foregoing release.

Participant Parent or Signature: ______________________________________ Guardian (if applicable) ___________________________________

Send lower portion of the registration form with rally fee payable to “Concours Owners Group” to:

Steven Smith - Spring Fling 39 Alison Ave Naugatuck, CT 06770

C o n c o u r s O w n e r s G r o u p Presents the Northeast Area 5th Annual

Spring Fling Rally “ S p r i n g i n t o t h e G a p ”

May 16th – 18th, 2003