It’s the day after Thanksgiving and here at the homestead we got the first snow of the season earlier in the week. I added Sta-bil to the fuel in the bikes and I fired up the snow blower to make sure it is ready to go when needed. I may need to consider swapping the bike and snow blower between the garage and shed pretty soon. The PMS (parked motorcycle syndrome) is

beginning to set in. Oh, well. There’s lot’s more to get in this issue, so I’ll keep this short.

The past several issues I put out a call for hosts for our 2008 regional spring rally. After the smoke cleared, one person was left standing there. I’m not if sure he stepped up or if everyone else just ducked and took cover, but... Rallymeister Jason

Kaplitz is back, and has another great Spring Fling in Wellsboro, PA on tap for you. See the registration form in this issue, and I hope to see you all there. Jason says “book your room.” I am still waiting to see what will happen with regard to the summer and fall rally. Stay tuned.

I have some $2 discount coupons to the Cycle World International Motorcycle shows in our area. Contact me if you want some. Plans are to meet up Saturday at the NY show and head out for a group lunch. New York, NY, Dec. 28-30, Javits Convention Center. Terry Faherty is organizing lunch and asks that you contact him if you will be going so he can get an early headcount for reservations. You can reach him at tmcefah@aol.com or 718-227-2099. Washington, DC, Jan. 11-13, Washington Convention Center. Kurt Nordstrom, AAD, is hoping to organize a group gathering for the Washington show. Contact him at Ironhorsefun@mindspring.com or 540-582-9414.

The deadline for the next Northeast Area News is January 30.

Have a terrific holiday season and a wonderful, healthy new year. Stay well and I hope to see many of you in 2008.

Until next time, ride safe. Steve

Cognitions: Random thoughts from the Northeast Area Director - By Steven Smith #3184

Issue 6, 2007

Two thousand seven offered a nice 70-degree January ride for the VA/WV area; we thought the winter might remain balmy. Not so - three monthly rides were cancelled: February, two degrees F. March, six inches of snow. And April, rain with 20 MPH winds, turning to snow. COG withdrawal set in which is like PMS, but worse.

It got better. Jim and Margarete Hammond hosted a small Wrench Fest on April 27 and 28. Our May ride, a four-day event, was staged at Twin Falls Resort State Park in Mullens, way down in Coal Country, WV. The roads were in excellent shape and the campground and lodge at Twin Falls quite nice. I didn’t attend Russell and Martha Fleming’s North & South event but by all accounts and photos it was a great time. July saw the VA/WV Coggers riding far into WV to check out antique urinals. As a plus, we had lunch at Rella’s and discovered a restaurant in West Union, WV serving awesome buckwheat cakes.

West Virginia played host to the COG in Canaan National Rally at Canaan Valley Resort State Park. The venue, food, events, roads, and company here made for a superb rally. Kudos goes to Jason Kaplitz, Steve Smith, and the staff for doing such a great job. In early September several Coggers rode down to TWO at Suches, GA for four days of riding and relaxing. KTM’s presence there with a tractor trailer full of demo bikes provided even more fun than planned.

In October we rode to Willville Bike Camp at Meadows of Dan, VA for our Fall Foliage Ride. Coggers from Florida to Ontario shared in COG camaraderie and even motorcycle troubleshooting expertise when a certain KLR 650 developed electrical gremlins. Hot dogs, s’mores, and beer… everything a growing boy needs. The annual pancake and sausage feed at the Meadows of Dan fire hall started at 7 AM on Sunday and the Buckwheats were excellent. The annual end of season Brrrrrrrrrr Ride and camp is written up later in the newsletter. It was a great one!

The past 60 moons have come and gone quickly. Five years!! They flew by. COG members have seen a few changes since I became the AAD. New members have joined for the bike and several have stayed for the people, some have become friends. Some of our COG friends have passed on from this life and as they were a big part of ours, they will be missed.

We have all gotten five years older, a real privilege.

When I took the AAD reins from Clyde Watson, the Mid Atlantic area encompassed MD, DE, DC, VA, and WV, with most members clustered in central and eastern Virginia and central Maryland. It was a lot of riding geography for our active Mid Atlantic membership to deal with. Many thanks go to Steve Smith’s insight and Russell Fleming for becoming the MD and SE PA AAD. To add to our riding opportunities, Russell organized his ride schedule to alternate with my VA/WV rides leaving Coggers with twice as many opportunities to ride with friends. We have all benefited.

Other things have changed in the past five years. Gasoline prices increased about 100%, from around $1.50 to over $3.00 a gallon. That has made us appreciate our two-wheeled transportation even more. A long awaited change was imminent in 2007 when pigs were first spied cruising treetops: the Concours 14 was born. The new C-14 has fulfilled a dream of several Coggers and will bring new folks unfamiliar with the Connie into the fold. We always knew that COG would continue, and now with the badge on a new bike. I salute Kawasaki for the insight and dedication to produce the bike, not to mention upgrading their popular and venerable KLR.

During my stay as AAD I have tried to retain the most popular monthly rides. The Brrrrrrrrrr Ride in November remains a well-attended end-of-season camp and ride. It was started by Guy Young many years ago when only he and I attended and it snowed! We came back. The Crabcakes Ride in MD and DE, also started by Guy, remains a popular season opener in March. Russell Fleming’s North & South ride in June always brings a good crowd, and Sharry and I have hosted six Fall Foliage Ride and Camp events at our home campground, One Wheel Only.

To inject some diversity and variety I added camp and ride events to Helvetia, WV, the Dog Days Ride at Boyer, WV, COG in Coal Country, a Virginia Wine Tour, a Sadie Hawkins Day meet for dinner, The Urinal Ride, The General’s Ride Regional Rally, and Wrench Fests at Jim Hammond’s home. With Clyde Watson’s help the Bobbers in

(VA/WV Wrap up—Continued on page 2)

VA/WV Wrap Up - By Pat Sprague, #1887

Page 2 NORTHEAST ARE A NEW S

Area Director Steven Smith, #3184 203-720-7575 nead@concours.org

Newsletter Editor Louis Caplan #2894 703-978-9844 Nighthawk700@yahoo.com

Web Staff Steve Smith Kendra Weaver, #4807A Assistant Area Directors Massachusetts (VT, NH, ME) Kevin Martin, #145 Dracut, MA 978-459-6275 cog145@verizon.net

Connecticut (RI) Jonathan Coler, #5379 Rocky Hill, CT 860-257-4009 joncoler@yahoo.com Norm & Lorie Walton, #7011 Cromwell, CT 860-836-5162 ctaad@live.com

Metro NY/NJ Jim Clark, #2113 Valley Stream, NY 516-872-3694

NY Hudson Valley Mike Flynn, #4493 Bedford Hills, NY 914-239-3721 Keltwolf@optonline.net

Western NY J.R. Healy, #6591 Hamburg, NY 716-648-6729 Dafonman52@yahoo.com

Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh(Western PA) Joe Cyprych, #4665 McDonald, PA 724-796-1401 Cyprych@hky.com

DelMarVa & Philly burbs (PA/NJ) Bob Chappell, #1283 Claymont, DE 302-791-0582 cog1283@comcast.net

Ken Quesenberry, #3361 Hockessin, DE 302-234-0737 kqberry@comcast.net

Maryland/Southern PA Russell Fleming, #599 Hampstead, MD 410-374-9687 Fleming@qis.net

Virginia/West Virginia Patrick Sprague, #1887 Luray, VA 540-743-4874 (home) 540- 743-5132 (work) 540-743-3229 (fax) PSprague@shentel.net

Kurt & Sue Nordstrom, #6049/A Spotsylvania, VA 540-582-9414 ironhorsefun@mindspring.com

Greater Toronto, Canada Dave Clancy, #5452 Hamilton, Ontario 905-389-7681 davecla2@sympatico.ca

Eastern Ontario, Canada Ranald MacDonald, #2349 Greely, Ontario 613-821-1206 macdonrg@rogers.com

Northeast Area News Newsletter Staff: Louis Caplan, Steven Smith

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 their COG experiences. 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: Steven Smith 39 Alison Ave Naugatuck, CT 06770-3566 nead@concours.org

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! Copyright 2007 © Concours Owners Group

Northeast Area Staff

We put another great riding season under our belts and I would like to thank all of you that attended our rides this year and hope to see you at many more to come. We’re going to continue our meet, greet and ride Sundays, along with our now yearly Cooks Forest, Thunder in the Valley, Wellsboro, and Boyer Station weekend rides. Info will be posted soon. I see that we have picked up some new members in the Pittsburgh area and I hope to meet you all soon. If anyone has a ride, meeting, or a event that they’re interested in putting together, contact me or Steve Smith, and we will help you make it happen. If you are on our local email group and change your email address please update us with your new one. Or if you would like to be added , send me your info. Michele and I would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Take care.

Western PA Report - by Joe Cyprych, #4665

the Tank Bag ride, camp, and fish was enjoyed by a few adventurous souls. I hope you were able to attend and enjoy some of these. You may notice that many of the newer rides have been through or were based in the Mountain State, West Virginia. With the wonderful riding and increased amenities there, including a progressive State Park system, West Virginia has become a natural magnet for me to escape from East Virginia’s increasing traffic congestion. For those living near or east of I-95, WV is another planet, but no passport is needed: just ride west.

I wish to thank Guy Young and Clyde Watson for their ideas, help, and support in producing monthly rides over the past five years and Steve Smith for his guidance and direction. All are appreciated. And I especially thank those who hosted and attended local rides and events. You in essence are the Concours Owners Group. Without your participation, attendance, and sharing of your time there would be no COG. Thank you.

Please join me in welcoming Kurt and Sue Nordstrom as our new VA/WV AADs. I am sure they will do a great job of moving the area forward, but they can use your help! If you know of a special riding area, campground, eatery, or interesting attraction that you would like to share, please offer to host or lead a ride for your fellow members. Sharing with others is what sets COG apart from many other clubs so please do! Just contact Kurt or Sue and they’ll get it into the schedule. Deciding to do it is the hardest part; after that, it’s easy.

Wishing everyone a prosperous, healthy, and safe New Year, I’ll see you soon at a COG ride. Pat Sprague, COG 1887

(VA/WV Wrap up—Continued from page 1)

Greater Toronto Report - by Dave Clancy, #5452 The riding season is pretty much over for us now in South Central Ontario, although a few diehards manage to ride a day here and there. Our second Tuesday of the month meetings continue all year, snow or shine, meeting at the Mohawk Inn in Campbellville at 6:30 (next is Dec 11). Directions are posted in the ride schedule. Everyone is welcome, friends, spouses, girlfriends - members or not, Connie owners or not.

We need to determine the winner of our county seat contest for the rider who has photos of his bike in each location to prove he visited more than anyone else. Thanks to Tony Thompson for starting this contest. We have a ride planned out, from Fergus (just north of Guelph) to Collingwood, then back to the Orangeville area. Stay tuned for the date next spring. It's undetermined at this point. For those who aren't familiar with the area, this part of the province is relatively flat and during the 19th century, the British army laid out the roads in a flat grid pattern; bless their unimaginative hearts. Believe it or not, Brian Jordan and Doug (Jordy) Hall have found twisty roads and interesting views in this part of Ontario.

Reminders: The Toronto Motorcycle Show is the first weekend after New Years. You can join our local email list for local news and contacts. Here’s the link: ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/COGGTA

ISSUE 6, 2007 Page 3

Winter is rapidly approaching, especially given that it was snowing up here two days before Thanksgiving. The Fall Rally in Lake George, NY was the last major Northeast COG event of the season is now just a fond memory. Despite the inclement weather it was a big hit thanks to our hosts Terry Faherty and Scott Sorger. I love riding Upstate New York in the off-season; great roads with little traffic, not to mention it was nice seeing everyone again. Good job guys! After the COG Fall Rally I continued to host my local rides, wrapping up the season with my fall ride. It started with a hearty breakfast at Bickford’s restaurant in Acton, MA. My local day rides typically attract about a half dozen riders, and on occasion I’ve seen as many as 12 riders attend. Folks must have been itching for a ride this day because to my surprise when I walked out of Bickford’s to mount up for the ride, I counted at least 20 bikes… yikes! I’m not totally unfamiliar with leading large groups on a ride, but generally those rides are pre-planned to accommodate those large groups. The ride I planned for that day was a series of back roads with numerous twists and turns. I also included roads that I’ve never traveled before using my new Zumo GPS, thinking that a small group could easily divert off route to get away from any poorly surfaced roads. So much for that plan.

A group this large is difficult to manage as it can stretch out a half mile or more and I can be on a different street than the bikes behind me. Fortunately, a couple of other riders and myself, were equipped with 2-way FRS radios so that I was able to keep in contact with riders in the rear of the group. We still managed to get separated when a few bikes at the end missed a turn. The radios really helped out because Chris Bastista, who had offered to run sweep with his radio, led the separated riders back to the rest of us while we waited at a planned stop on the Prospect Hill overlook in Harvard, MA. After that, we kept together all the way to the lunch stop. Once there we found trying to seat 22 people all together was a challenge. Again I lucked out, as even though the place was packed with patrons, the manager some how set up one long table for our entire group. The food was great too. All in all, the ride worked out surprisingly well and everyone had a good time.

I wrapped up my COG event season again with a Fall Social at the Lowell Brewery which was attended by a handful of folks, including; Lyle Cooper and his wife Lu; Bob and Carol Watkins; Greg and Tracy Habel; Pat and Sherry Mulloy; Bill Hamilton and myself. This year after snacking down on some Brewhouse appetizers, the group opted to go downstairs to the Café & Grill for dinner to continue the socializing. I think everyone had a good time - I know I did. In fact I was enjoying myself so much I totally forgot to pull out my camera and take pictures of the group… oh, well. Thanks to everyone who took time out from their busy schedules to join me on this annual get together.

What can we expect in the 2008 season? The Spring Fling rally is headed back to Wellsboro PA, the COG National will be in Frisco CO, and we’re entertaining the idea of a summer rally for those of us who are unable to make the cross country trek out to Colorado…stay tuned.

Northern New England- by Kevin Martin, #145 Closer to home, this coming Spring Greg Habel and brother-in-law-member Pat Mulloy are planning on hosting another Wrench Session down at Pat & Sherry’s home in Monson, MA. They held their first Tech Session this past spring and it was a smashing success, and I expect the next one to be more of the same. If locals are interested, I’ll host a breakfast ride down to the Tech Session like I did this year, so it should be fun. Also, Greg may possibly host a ride into the Connecticut area to maybe include a visit to the Vanilla Bean. Details are still being worked out - keep and eye on the COG ride schedule.

It’s really great when area members step up and offer to host rides and run events like what Greg and Pat are planning on doing next year, as well as have other area members done in past years. Besides making my job a little easier this is a great way for members to give back to COG and other members by offering an opportunity for folks to ride areas that I normally wouldn’t host a ride because I’m not familiar with those locales. Plus it’s a great way to meet new members and make new friends. I welcome other members to step up and offer to host a ride or plan an event in their hometown or in one of their favorite riding areas. It’s our club so it’s up to us to keep it successful!

Over the winter break I’ll be working out my 2008 yearly ride schedule and because of the success of the overnight Aerodrome ride that I hosted earlier this year out in New York, I’m thinking about doing another overnight in one of my areas that generally can’t take advantage of in my monthly rides. Ever since I offered to assume AAD responsibility for the northern New England States a few years ago I’ve been thinking about how I can offer an event to members who live outside of my general riding area for a day ride. Geographically, my membership area is probably one of, if not the largest area, in the COG Northeast Region, so trying to host events convenient to all of my members is a real challenge for me, plus I still need to fit in weekend family things to do.

I feel that I’ve got New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts fairly well covered with all of the rides and events that I host in those states throughout the year. Maine still escapes me primarily due to the distance needed to travel just to meet up for a ride. Over the past year we’ve lost several of our Maine members, and although I haven’t received any direct feedback indicating that lost membership is related to the lack of events up there, I’m sure that some of those folks probably felt disconnected from the rest of the membership Maybe the remaining handful of members feel the same way. To that point, if any members in Northern New England feel that my rides and events don’t offer opportunities close enough to your home area to join in, please speak up so that I can work to correct the situation. Of course, expanding the event area may require more assistance from you folks, so be ready to pitch in.

Frankly, the only practical way for me to host a ride in Maine and still make it attractive to members in and around the Tri-State area is to make it an overnight event. So I’m thinking of coordinating an overnight ride in Maine next season to offer something to the folks up there. No promises here folks, but I’d like to try to coordinate something out along the Maine coast possibly around Owls Head to visit the Transportation Museum, or as far up as the Bar Harbor Acadia area. Any suggestions from you COG Maniacs during the off-season will be greatly appreciated.

Another area that I feel I fell short on this year was in taking attendance and use of waivers at my local rides and taking more event pictures to use in the newsletter and MassCOG website. I’m going to try to make a concentrated effort next year to get attendees to sign the Club ride waivers before rides and to photograph more of the attendees, so be prepared to put on your best smile at my next ride.

That’s about it till the next Newsletter. Keep an eye out for information on my annual winter social typically held in March. If you are on of those who continue to ride right through the winter season, stay warm and ride safe.

Page 4 NORTHEAST ARE A NEW S

“Brrrrrr Ride” - by Pat Sprague, #1887

November 2007 - Another great “Brrrrrrr Ride” is COG history. Twenty seven Coggers and friends rode in for one, two, or all three days of this years ride, which lived up to its name. Most folks rode in on Friday. Sharing the roads, rooms, and tables were Randy Rosebro, Tom Hofsiss, Roger Somero, Ken Wagner, Jason Kaplitz, Kurt and Sue Nordstrom, Clyde Watson, Andrew martin, Don Ricks, Jay Shaffer, Mich and Paul Vangellow, Paul Farinholt, Walt McWhirt, Mickey Davenport, Guy Young, Russell Fleming, Wayne Tenney, Trevor Angel, Chris Tecca, Bobby Winters, John Lippy, Tony Borum, Terry Faherty, Brian Roth, and yours truly, Pat “Goat Trail” Sprague.

The weather was cold. Jason from J’town, PA, and Andy from Buchanon, WV rode through some heavy snow, but all got better as they approached VA. After pitching cabins and settling in we walked the one mile to the Pink Cadillac for supper. They were very busy but got all of us taken care of. The walk back got the calories kicked in, which was good as a state wide fire ban was in effect for the entire weekend. Firemeister Clyde was in withdrawal; the rest disappointed.

Saturday dawned clear and chilly. This time we rode the bikes to the Pink Caddy to break the fast. The grub was very good, as usual. I had a new route which took us south over Eggleston Road to route 100, and west to Pearisburg where we took a break for hot liquids. We headed north to ride through Goldbond, VA. No powder factory or much of anything else is there, not even a sign. The old joke was that West Virginia didn’t need any state boundary road signs, the bottom of the road just fell out and you knew you were there. The old joke remains valid here: at the state line route 17 became a gnarly goat trail, narrow, with broken asphalt, frost heaves, and root bumps. All slowed here. One lucky (!) rider took out a bear cub that ran across the road and the rider “almost went over the handlebars”. I didn’t think a KTM could do that!

A few miles later we passed the large buffalo ranch spread and arrived at our lunch destination, the Swinging Bridge restaurant. I had the Buffalo Burger… very tasty. The food was excellent and the décor unique. Gasoline is available here as well as designated motorcycle parking. The return trip over back roads went through what two mapping programs list as “Strom”. It ain’t there, just woods on both sides of the road. As a mapmaker in a former life, I know this was probably a joke. Some of us extended the return ride by taking RT43 up to the Blue Ridge Parkway, then north to RT501 and back to the KOA; a last chance to ride the Parkway in 2007. After supper at the Pink Cadillac, Randy Rosebro was presented with a small souvenir black bear which had angel wings on its back. It was a master stroke of timing that Clyde found this appropriate memento at the KOA gift shop. And I was presented with a very nice wall plaque from my COG friends, inscribed to Pat “Goat Trail” Sprague for five years of leading them astray. Well earned on both accounts, right Randy? Thank you to all!

Sunday morning had some of us beating a trail home and others riding over some smaller roads to a special breakfast , the annual Buckwheat and Sausage feed at Blue Grass, VA. The hundred miles to Blue Grass included some really nice back roads and it was warming up nicely, so no cold, wet, greasy roads this year. The buckwheats and sausage and real maple syrup were superb. After a group photo by the Ruritan marquis we rode in mostly different directions to our homes. It was the best of times. Thanks to all who attended!

Connecticut Report - by Norm & Lorie Walton, #7011

NY Hudson Valley Report - by Mike Flynn, #4493 Hello Hudson Valley COGgers. Winter is upon us. Time to watch out for leaves and black ice. It’s also time to plan ahead for next spring.

The NYC motorcycle show is the weekend right before News Years (12/28-12/30). Not the best weekend for it, but I do plan on attending. I need to replace my custom molded earplugs. I seem to lose one or both every 2-3 years. If you go, search me out. Maybe we can come up with some fun things to do.

Speaking of fun things to do, I am planning my ride schedule for next year. With a bike finally running, I am looking forward to riding this year. I am planning a couple of Sunday rides, one or two hooky rides, and the Glocks in the Tankbag ride. This ride takes us out to northeast PA, to the Sunset Hill Range. No need to bring a firearm, they have many of the popular weapons that you can use. The Dirty Harry .357, M-16, AK-47, Glocks, shotguns, oh my. I did this a few years ago and had a blast. The roads there were great, and it made for a great day.

I am also hoping to plan a camping trip or two. This would be in at a New York State campground in the Hudson Valley. No planned rides, just show up. I’ll have some suggested routes laid out, but this is a bring what you want type thing. My family will probably tag along, so we can bring a few extra luxuries for us. Email or call me if interested. I will plan these around the weather, so if I can contact those directly, it would be better. Lastly, if anyone wants to host a ride or event, let us know. If you have a preference for a type ride, let me know. I’m open to all suggestions.

Where did the summer go? It seems that as the riding gets more exciting and as the season progresses, time passes more quickly. I guess it is true that time flies when you’re having fun.

This past season is my last as Connecticut AAD. Last year I planned to step down to pursue a graduate degree but for whatever reasons it didn’t come to fruition. This year I’ve planned better and things are underway. It is my most sincere hope that folks enjoyed the rides and events that I planned as much as I enjoyed putting them together and sharing in the great times with you.

The cool part about this transition is that my successors are two of the finest folks you’ll ever meet and they love riding. They are very knowledgeable of terrific routes in the area and beyond - and are great to ride with and hang out with. I‘d like to ask all of you to offer a warm welcome to Norm and Lori Walton as they step up as a team to fill the role of Connecticut Assistant Area Director. Hey guys… you’re getting two for one! I am excited about the transition. I look forward to sharing in more fun rides and events in the future. Two wheels rule!

from the outgoing AAD-CT- by Jonathan Coler, #5379

Greetings - I hope everyone is having a Happy Holiday. Now that the cold weather is upon us it’s time to think about the next season of riding. My wife Lorie and I are taking the reins from Jon as Co-AAD’s in CT. We hope to keep the area as active and fun as Jon has. He has done a great job, many thanks Jon! We have added the first two Tuesday night dinners for they year and more are to follow. Everyone should watch their email for a survey on what you would like to see for some riding next season. We hope everyone has a happy and healthy New Year and don’t let PMS (parked motorcycle syndrome) get to you. You can reach us at ctaad@live.com or 860-836-5162 if you have any questions or suggestions for the upcoming season.

ISSUE 6, 2007 Page 5

November 3rd – Though short notice was given on the forum, we had a good turn out. I would like to thank Ted Granger of Midlothian, VA for hosting the event. Ted made some awesome fresh ground java as well.

Ted has been a wrench most of his life, and he has more tools than the Snap-on, Mac and Sears tool centers combined. I even saw one of the elusive “left handed smoke changers” in the corner of his garage that we used to send young Boy Scouts in search of at Goshen Scout Camp when I was a youngster. Jim Schaffer of Maryland pulled up with an 88 Connie in need of some TLC. Dwayne Sanders came by with a sweet looking 98 that he had just purchased off of Ebay to view the trashing of Jim’s 88 and to learn the fine art of the valve adjustment. And I (Kurt Nordstrom) showed up for moral support, consume mass quantities of java / eat donuts and assist in the story telling.

Once Jim’s bike cooled down we proceeded in acting like a NASCAR pit crew and tore into his Connie. We found the previous jackleg mechanic had tightened the valve adjuster nuts to a million foot-pounds and it took a breaker bar just to break them loose. At that point Ted gave Jim a lesson in the fine art of valve adjustment and then Jim proceeded to finish the job under the watchful eye of the master. While this was proceeding along at a good clip Kurt went to work on the dreaded Connie deceleration wobble, may pounds of oxygen were required to solve this problem. Once the valves were adjusted, Kurt broke out the Morgan Carbtune and we proceeded to fine adjust the carburetors.

While all of this wrechin’, story telling, java drinkin’ was taken place we had the Pink “Hello Kitty” boom box cranking with the latest Classic Rock tunes. And OH, BTW none of our manhood was threatened or diminished by listening to tunes through a pink colored boom box. A special thanks goes to Ted’s daughter for the use of the boom box.

We broke up this party at about 4 pm so everyone could get home before it turned too cold. As Jim and Kurt headed up RT 95, Dwayne headed back on his long trip to Midlothian, VA. As Jim left Kurt at the Bowling Green exit to head back to Maryland he had a huge smile on his face. It was later reported on the Forum by Jim that the wobble was gone and his fuel mileage had increased by almost 10 mpg.

I would say this had been another successful Wrench Session.

VA Wrench Session - by Kurt & Sue Nordstrom, #6049 What’s happening in MD & PA? October was the Mr. B’s Ride, there were about 2 dozen bikes to show up and enjoy some fantastic Barbeque. Participants come from MD, PA, VA and DC. Everyone went home with a full belly. November was the Butterbur Dessert Ride with not many takers. Here is a ride report by Mike Shaw, #7469.

It was a cold, foggy morning when woke up the day of the Butterbur ride. With a high of 40°F and drizzly overcast skies according the weather forecast, it promised an unpleasant day but not an unbearable one. I hopped on Slightly Dangerous, pushed the starter, and started my 90-minute trek to meet the guys at Baugher’s Family Restaurant in Westminster, MD. As usual on days like this, I questioned my sanity about fifteen minutes in, but thanks to my lack of electrics the cold gets to my brain quickly and my questioning mind is set at ease. The ride there went without a hitch, but was enjoyable as usual. PA16/MD140 is always a nice pleasant ride through the countryside.

I pulled into the restaurant a little before 10 a.m. I knew the name sounded familiar--my wife and I often ate here while she was attending college nearby. I was the first one there, and watched Russell, Naz Asgarali, Tony Borum, Bob Legget, and Greg Puterbaugh all pull in on their Connies. I gave an involuntary shudder as I remembered the great wind protection and engine heat I got from my Connie; sometimes I do miss the old girl. We stood outside chatting for a bit and admiring the live turkey the restaurant had on display. After waiting for everyon eto arrive, we went inside sat down for what I knew was going to be a great breakfast. I was not disappointed; they have especially good hot chocolate. Tony and I caught up on the latest Hagerstown happenings and the Twigg’s Cycles drama.

Then it was time to ride - for most of us. Bob decided to sit this one out due to lack of electrics. Again I questioned my sanity, as I was the only one riding without electrics. Starting out and the numbing cold again quickly brought rationality to bay. After a good 45 minutes or so Greg decided he had enough, waved and was off on a side road. Naz, Tony, Russell, and I carried on. Occasionally the weather would go from uncomfortable to more uncomfortable with a bit of rain here and there, but it stayed decent all things considered.

About halfway through we took a break at a gas station, and I took the opportunity to warm up a bit and catch up on the latest tire debates. As a motorcycle novice I try to soak all the info up, but in the end just retained something about air pressure. Russell knows more about tires than I will ever know. At this point, Russ was leading the pack, and I was second. With a sudden puff of black smoke out of his tailpipes, Russell announced he was going to pick up the pace a bit. I spent the next 20 miles playing catch up, with Russell bringing out the Ninja in his Connie. Naz, who was third, decided to bow out at some point. Just three of us were left when we pulled into Butterburs for dessert.

In front of Butterburs we spotted a VStrom that Russ recognized. Trevor Angel was inside waiting for us. We headed inside where pots of hot coffee were waiting. With frozen fingers wrapped around a steaming hot cup of coffee, I asked the waitress if there were any warm desserts. Turns out she would warm most of them for us, so I got a nice healthy slice of warm apple pie. We sat and exchanged stories while enjoying dessert, and after a while parted ways. At least my belly was warm on the way home.

Check the NE Ride schedule for the rides that I have planned for 2008; everything is already posted. Our first winter social event will be the Chili & Cheese on January 6, 2008, hosted by Jay and Kristen Schaffer (Kristen will be 8 months pregnant at that time). The second social event is in February 23, 2008 the Chicken-Corn Soup hosted by Missy & John Lippy.

Hope everyone put on their Christmas list at least one new set of tires so they can come and ride with us in MD & PA.

MD/S. Central PA Report- by Russ Fleming, #599

Repeating Events (ON) S. Central Ontario Get-Together Meet at 6:30 pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Mohawk Inn in Guelph. Join us for dinner and socializing. All Welcome. Located on the northwest corner of Hwy 401 at Guelph Line, exit 312, next to the Mohawk Raceway & Slots Entertainment Facility. 9230 Guelph Line, Campbellville, Ontario. 905.854.2277 (www.mohawkinn.com) Contact: Dave Clancy, davecla2@sympatico.ca or 905.389.7681. (PA) Meet Greet and Ride Sundays Meet Sundays at 10:00 am at Kings Restaurant located in Imperial, PA, located right off the Imperial exit of routes 22 & 30. We will decide a ride or destination with whoever attends, or I will have a route ready if we need it. Rides will begin the 1st week in April until the 1st week in Nov. If you have a ride idea, or need any additional info or directions contact Joe Cyprych 724.796.1401 or cyprych@hky.com Hope to see you there.

Snapshot of the Calendar of Events (CT) Tuesday Meet & Greet season finale 12/01/07 - Come and join us for good food and conversation at the U.S.S. Chowder Pot IV, Hartford, CT. As the name suggests – EVERYTHING SEAFOOD is on the menu and food is prepared to perfection. For those not inclined to partake of the sea, beef and poultry dishes are available as well. It would benefit the group if we make reservations so we can arrange seating for enough people. I ask that you RSVP to my email, joncoler@yahoo.com or call me at 860.221.5194 is you plan on attending. Include the time of day you prefer the event to occur. (Majority Rules)! When I make reservations with the restaurant I’ll post the meeting time. The restaurant is located at 165 Brainard Road, Hartford, CT and their phone # is 860.244.3311. Directions: I-91 to exit 27, turn east off the exit ramp, turn right onto Brainard Road. Restaurant is on right hand side – parking is in the rear (which is really the front). For more information contact Jonathan Coler @ 860.221.5194 or joncoler@yahoo.com.

(VA) Breakfast and ride 12/16/07 - Williamsburg, VA. We’ll meet at The Capitol Pancake and Waffle House, 800 Capitol Landing Road, Williamsburg, VA 757.564.1238 at 8 AM. After a great breakfast at the Capitol we’ll go for a ride at 9 AM, weather permitting. Contact: Pat Sprague at 540.743.4874 or psprague@shentel.net or pesprague@earthlink.net

“Wherever Ride” 01/01/08 - If the weather permits, give the TV a rest and your bike some exercise. Maybe you’ll get that 50K or 100K sticker this year. No scheduled ride, “Just Do It”. Email or call another COG friend and get together. You’ll feel good. Happy New Year!

(MD) Chili and Grilled Cheese Event, Hereford 01/06/08 - Jay and Kristin Shaffer will host the chili and cheese event at their home near Hereford, MD, beginning at 12:00PM and goes until the chili

is gone. There will be motorcycle movies, lots of food, and we will find out whom the good girls and boys were that Santa brought a new C14 to for Christmas. The location is 17330 Prettyboy Dam Rd, Parkton, MD 21120. For the GPS guys, the coordinates are: N39 35.979 W76 43.930 Directions: From Interstate 83, take exit 27- Mt. Carmel Road (Route 137) west 4 ½ miles. Turn right on Prettyboy Dam Rd; house is 1/2 mile on left, directly opposite the entrance to a housing development called Quail Hill Court. Conatct Jay Shaffer j-shaffer@comcast.net or 410.357.5108. This event is open to all Northeast COG members. Please your support and come out to meet new friends. Russell Fleming fleming@qis.net or 410.374.9687.

(CT) Tuesday Night Meet and Greet Dinner 01/08/08 - Let's all warm up with some red hot Mexican food this time! Puerto Vallarta in Middletown is our stop for dinner and conversation. They offer a huge menu of authentic Mexican food and some great atmosphere made better by those who attend! We will meet at 6:30 PM View the menu at www.puertovallartausa.com. They are located at 200 Main Metro Square Middletown, CT 860.852.0080 This event may be canceled due to inclement weather but hey it the North East! Norm Walton 860.836.5162

(CT) Tuesday Night Dinner, Meet and Greet 02/05/08 - The cold weather is upon us and it time to warm up to some great pizza. Dinner will be at Willington Pizza RT 32 Willington CT. They offer some very tasty dishes and great atmosphere. Meet at 6:30 PM to give everyone time to arrive. Preview their menu at www.willingtonpizza.com and directions are on the website. This event may be canceled due to inclement weather, but its the North East! YMMV. Norm Walton 860.836.5162

(MD) Chicken Corn Soup Gig, Westminster 02/23/08 - John and Missy Lippy will host a hearty cold weather feed at there home at 227 East Green Street in Westminster, MD. (GPS coordinates N 39-34.094 W 76-59.451) We’ll meet at John and Missy’s at Noon. If the weather is favorable plug in your electrics and ride the bike. If the weather is questionable come in the cage and enjoy COG Camaraderie. Please contact the Lippys a week before so they can plan food. m.lippy@netzero.net or 410.871.3285.

(MD) Crab Cakes Ride 03/15/08-03/16/08 - We plan to meet for breakfast at 9:00AM at Holly’s Restaurant and will depart around 10:00AM on a ride that late Herman Tessman laid out for us on the eastern shore of Maryland and Delaware. Holly's is located east of the Bay Bridge on the service road on the north side of Rt. 50 at exit 43B, heading east (exit 43A if you’re heading west). Directions and a map are available at www.hollysrest.com. The ride will end at Elk Neck State Park in North East Maryland where we will camp for the night. Campsites are $30.00 per night and allow 2 tents per site. Hookup with a COG friend and make reservations by calling 1.888.432.2267 (or reservations.dnr.state.md.us) and ask for camp site

# 230 to # 240 area which is close to the bath house. I’ve made reservation at Woody’s Crab House in North East MD for dinner at 6:30PM for Crab Cakes. Woody’s is located at 29 South Main Street if you cannot make the ride and want to join us for the evening please let me know so I can put your name on the list for dinner. Sunday morning we have 8.30AM breakfast reservations at Pier 1 Restaurant for, which is located at 1 North Main Street, North East MD. For more information contact: Russell W Fleming: fleming@qis.net or 410.374.9687; Kurt & Sue Nordstrom: ironhorsefun@mindspring.com or 540.582.9414; or Ken Quesenberry: kqberry@comcast.net or 302.234.0737.

(MD) Sunday Breakfast Ride 04/20/08 - Meet for breakfast at the Golden Corral in Frederick MD on route 355 south of route 70 at 9 am. After breakfast route sheets will be handed out for a 150 mile self guided ride that will end at Mountain Gate Family Restaurant in Waynesboro PA. The ride will take you on some of the FINEST Motorcycle riding roads in the area. Contact Russell Fleming fleming@qis.net or 410.374.9687

(PA) Slate Run for Buns 05/04/08 - Meet at Sheetz at Route 11 and 114 on the north side of Mechanicsburg, PA at 8:00AM and plan to leave at 8:30AM. There will be a riders meeting to hand out maps and route sheets so that everyone can ride at there own pace. There is a planned lunch stop at Slate Run Store and Tackle Shop. After a SUPER Sandwich and drink we will head home. This will be a day ride of 400 miles. Contact: Russell Fleming fleming@qis.net or 410-374-9687.

(PA) Northeast Spring Fling Rally 05/15/08-05/18/08 - After a one-year hiatus we return to Wellsboro, PA, home of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon! Wellsboro has proven to be a great location for a NE Regional rally. It's central location is just a day ride or less for many members and offers great riding and sightseeing at an affordable price. Our host town of Wellsboro is located in north central PA, along the famous Route 6 corridor, not far from New York State's Finger Lake Region. The rally area is abundant with museums, wineries, terrific scenery, and great roads. Rally Headquarters will be the Penn Wells Lodge. Room rates vary, but are around $70/night. For campers, the Stony Fork Creek Campground is only a few miles away. The base rally fee is $40, with discounts for COG members and early-bird registration. For our banquet dinner we’ll continue the COG favorite tradition of heading over to the Penn Wells Hotel for their well known Saturday Smorgasbord. See the rally registration from for complete details or contact Jason Kaplitz, cog62@kaplitz.com or 814.535.8669.

This is just a snapshot of posted upcoming events. View the current & complete ride schedule online: www.concours.org/ne/schedules.htm

Northeast Ride Schedule - view the most current event info at: www.concours.org/ne/schedules.htm

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ISSUE 6, 2007 Page 7

C o n c o u r s O w n e r s G r o u p N o r t h e a s t A r e a 1 0 t h A n n u a l S p r i n g F l i n g

May 15 – 18, 2008 Wellsboro, PA

After a one year hiatus we return to Wellsboro, PA, home of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, for the 2008 COG NE Spring Fling! Wellsboro has proven to be a great location for a NE Regional rally. It's central location is just a day ride or less for many members and offers great riding and sightseeing at an affordable price. Our host town of Wellsboro is located in north central PA, along the famous Route 6 corridor, not far from New York State's Finger Lake Region. The rally area is abundant with museums, wineries, terrific scenery, and great roads.

Rally Headquarters: Penn Wells Lodge, 62 Main St, Wellsboro, PA 800.545.2446 570.724.2111 (www.pennwells.com) A limited block of rooms will be held until 04/15/2008 - book early. Room rates vary (approx. $70) depending on type of room. Ask hotel about options. Mention Concours Owners Group to get rooms in our block. Alternate Lodging: A limited number of rooms are held at the neighboring Sherwood Motel ($79-$89), (www.sherwoodmotel.org) 800.626.5802. There will also be rooms available at the Penn Wells Hotel a block away. Camping (make your own arrangements): Stony Fork Creek Campground, 658 Stony Fork Creek Road, Wellsboro, PA, www.stonyforkcamp.com 570.724.3096

Rally Fee: $35 per person for COG members, their immediate family or significant other. $40 per person for Non-COG members and their guests. Early-bird: Deduct $5 per person if registration is postmarked by 3/31/08. Refund Policy: Full refund issued prior to 4/30/08; refund less $5.00 after 4/30/08. Banquet dinner seating limited to first 150 registrations received. Rally fee covers Saturday dinner and other rally expenses. Wristbands may be used to identify registered attendees.

Riding: Sample self-guided ride routes provided; new sample routes will be added for 2008.

Events: We are looking for new and fun activities to keep us busy and out of trouble while at the Fling! We’ll continue the tradition of the famous full smorgasbord Banquet at the Penn Wells Hotel on Saturday; a COG favorite!

Questions? Jason Kaplitz 814.535.8669 or cog62 @ kaplitz.com Michael Flynn 914.263.5440 or keltwolf @ optonline.net

Rally web page: Watch the website for latest rally updates: www.concours.org/ne/springfling

Mail lower portion with rally fee payable to “Concours Owners Group” to: Michael Flynn – Spring Fling PO Box 58 Mamaroneck, NY 10543-0058

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

Street: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

Phone: (______)_____-____________ E-Mail: __________________________________________________ Country: _________

I will be a: rider/ passenger / guest Motorcycle model: _________________________ License tag # __________________

Emergency Contact Information: Name: ________________________________________________________

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

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

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

Participant Parent or

Signature: ______________________________________ Guardian (if applicable) ___________________________________

Harry Dinger, #8037 Fair Haven, NJ

Mark Cohen, #8038 Wexford, PA

David & Tammy Boston, #8039 Lancaster, PA

Steve Van Hoesal, #8040 Hagersville, ON Canada

Paul & Jodi Parlock, #8045 Washington, PA

James Mazzone, #8051 Wayne, PA

Page Brough, #8053 Virginia Beach, VA

George W Martin, #8055 Port Washington, NY

David & Lisa Bossar, #8057 Trafford, PA

Phil Clark, #8061 Richmond, VA

David Long, #8064 Ephrata, PA

Douglas Griffin, #8065 Midlothian, VA

Gil Osenburg, #8066 Glen Arm, MA

Jerry Greer, #8070 London, ON Canada

Dan Foley, #8076 Somerville, MA

Mark Smiley, #8079 Baden, PA

Andrew Hutchinson, #8083 Stratford, PEI Canada

Laszlo Prising, #8086 West Hill, ON Canada

Our Newest Northeast Area Members (since the last newsletter)

Page 8 NORTHEAST ARE A NEW S

Scenes from the VA Fall Foliage Camp & Ride to Willville - photos by Pat Sprague