Happy New Year!! 2008 is the beginning of a new term for me as your Area Director. This is my 4th elected term and I am not sure if I should be honored to have run unopposed… or worried that there will be no one to take over when it is time for me not to run again. For now, all is good and you are stuck with me for two more years. I’ve got a number of important things to cover, so please bear with me…

Staff Changes. On a sad note, Russell Fleming informed me he has decided to resign as AAD at the end of 2008. His announcement is included as part of his regional report in this issue. Russell’s well deserved “retirement” will leave a void in the staff in the Maryland and southeast Pennsylvania regions. If you have interest in this position contact me ASAP.

AADs are key volunteer positions within COG. They are appointed by the Area Director (AD) and help by facilitating many of the activities of their region, and as such controls the general flavor and character of the organization. The AAD is mostly a leader. They are responsible for hosting and assisting members to host, regional COG activities such as rides, rallies, and social activities. Any geographic region may have one or more AAD: a city, a state, or even just a part of a city or state. It is important to note that you do not need to be an AAD to host a ride or other club activity—any member can do it. To host an event, the most important criteria to have are enthusiasm and the desire to make COG a better club. If you would like to help make your region more active by holding a COG ride or activity, please contact me and I can answer questions and provide assistance to get you going.

2008 Ride Schedule. The Northeast Area Calendar of Events is loaded with activities - I counted nearly sixty - and there will be several NE regional rally choices. Thanks to Jason Kaplitz the Spring Fling Rally is returning to Wellsboro, PA (registration form was included in the Issue 6, 2007 newsletter). In July you can head to Vermont for a no holds barred Mid-Summer Bash Rally and in August join the fun at the low key Dog Days Rally in WV that emphasizes camping. You can find registration forms in this issue or on the Northeast Area web pages. Sadly, no one has yet staked a claim to organize and host the fall northeast rally. I hope that this event does not fall by the wayside. If you can’t make it to a weekend rally, there are plenty of one day events or simple overnighters to choose from.

Thanks to the different organizers we have a terrific mix of planned activities to choose from including Day rides; Camping trips; Lunch runs; and Socials. But wait, there’s more… how about weekend overnight events and rallies? Don’t forget the COG National Rally in Frisco, CO. These events are open to all members and friends. There is always room to fit more activities into our schedule. If you have any ideas for a club activity, please contact an AAD or me and we will help get you started. It’s much easier than you think, and a great way to meet other members and introduce them to your favorite riding area.

In each Northeast Newsletter we provide an abbreviated list of events upcoming in the next few months. For those who need to plan ahead I would be happy to send a printed copy of the most current Events Calendar to anyone who sends me a request and includes a self-addressed stamped envelope. Better yet, save the postage… the entire Northeast Area Events & Ride schedule is kept online in the COG ride database: www.concours.org/schedule Last year Russell gave me the idea to publish a summary of our planned overnight & weekend events. Here is the ‘08 list:

• March 15-16, Crab Cakes Ride (MD) • May 15-18, Northeast Spring Fling Rally, Wellsboro, PA • June 2-6, COG National Rally, Frisco, CO • June 20-22, North & South 11 Get Together, Hampstead, MD • July 10–13, Mid-Summer Bash Rally, Stowe, VT ** REGISTRATION FORM IN THIS ISSUE ** • July 18-20, Cooks Forest Weekender, Lucinda, PA • July 19-20, Summer Wrench Session, Spotsylvania, VA • August 8-10, Dog Days Rally, Arbovale, WV ** REGISTRATION FORM IN THIS ISSUE ** • October 17-19, Fall Foliage Ride and Camp, Meadows of Dan, VA • November 7-9, “Brrrrrrrrrrr Ride”, Natural Bridge, VA

Discounts for Members. Every so often vendors offer up discount to COG members… Here are a few that I know of… Riders of Kawasaki is pleased to offer COG Members a premium ROK membership for just $19.99. That’s a fifty-percent savings! Some of the benefits you’ll receive with a premium ROK membership include: Personalized ROK membership card, Rand McNally road atlas, 24-hour roadside assistance, one-year subscription to Accelerate™ magazine, ROK clothing patch, pin and decals, ROK hospitality and complimentary gear check at selected events, Special discount ticket packages to selected races, shows and events, A $50 skills class completion gift card rebate, Trip routing service, lodging and rental car discounts, ROK sponsor promotions and discounts. To take advantage of this special offer, you must use a special application form. If you contact me, I can email the info to you. For the computer impaired, mail me your request with a self-addressed stamped envelope and I will print and mail a copy back to you. RoadRUNNER Magazine Discount – Get subscription discount by ordering online at: www.roadrunner.travel Use the club code for the Concours Owners Group: CORCR5. 1-yr $20, 2-yrs $36, 3-yrs $46 subscription deal.

Newsletters. Past issues of the Northeast Area Newsletter are archived on our web pages. We also have what I like to call eNews. How would you like to be among the first to receive a Northeast Newsletter when it is published? When a new issue is ready, members who choose to use eNews instead of regular mail will receive an email with a special web link to download the latest newsletter, usually a week or more before the issue hits mailboxes. In the near future the Northeast are will follow suit with other COG areas and make eNews the primary method of delivery. Regular mail delivery will still be an option for those who do not wish to use eNews. Look for details later this year.

Keep your contact info current. We strive to keep the members informed on club news and events. Please help us get this (Continued on page 2)

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

Issue 1, 2008

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) 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 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 2008 © Concours Owners Group

Northeast Area Staff

NY Hudson Valley Report - by Mike Flynn, #4493

Greater Toronto Report - by Dave Clancy, #5452

OK, Mid-Hud COGgers, here’s the line-up for this year’s rides. Please feel free to add your rides or ideas. I’m getting a little tired of having the CT crew finding out about our fun roads. Let them deal with the Herbs and Nutmegs, while we enjoy the Stormking Highway, and Bangall-Armenia Road. I do hope to have one or two weekend camping trips this year. These will be spur of the moment trips, and no frills. My family will be along, so we will have coolers and some other creature comforts. Email me to be put on the list.

OK, here is what you’ve been waiting for. The ride dates. If you want to add a ride, or have an idea for one, let me know. Always wanted to go somewhere, or do something? Make it a ride. Then we can all go. It makes for a great day!

OK, enough babbling. Here you go.

• 4/27 is a Sunday Surprise Ride. • 6/29 is a Sunday Glocks In The Tankbag Ride • 8/19 is a Tuesday Hooky Ride • 9/21 is a Sunday Surprise Ride • 10/27 is a Monday Hooky Ride

All rides leave from the Somers 7/11 on Rt 100. DeLorme Mapsource info has it at Latitude: N41° 16.668' Longitude: W73° 42.492'. Meet at 8:30am for coffee. No gas pumps, but gas isn’t far. Day rides will involve back roads fun riding, with rest and meal stops. The Glocks ride is longer, heading to a shooting range for some fun. (sunsethill.slvrcreek.com) The roads will be great, and you don’t have to partake of the guns if you don’t like.

information to you by keeping us posted if you move, change phone number or email. You can call, email or send a letter to me and I will be happy to submit the change for you.

COG article deadlines. Concourier articles must be submitted to the editor prior to these dates. Spring Issue - March 1, Summer Issue - June 1, Fall Issue - September 1, Winter Issue - December 1

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

Until next time, ride safe. Steve

(Cognitions - Continued from page 1)

Our group again had a booth at the Toronto Motorcycle Show (always 1st weekend after New Year). Many thanks, to Lloyd Mather and Richard DeJong, who carried the ball this year. Thanks also to the members who crewed the booth, and especially to Jim Snow who loaned us his bike. A surprising number of Concours owners, who are not members, dropped by to check us out. Our job was to answer their reservation - why join when most benefits are free on the net? The answer of course is - as well as associating with a terrific group of riders, without support it will die and drive another small nail into motorcycling.

Our 2nd Tuesday meet and greet in Campbellville continues all year, it's in the NE schedule. Some people from our area are planning to attend the national, even though it's half a continent away. We have a ride (see schedule) planned in May. Don Mitton and I test rode it - it is really enjoyable. Thanks to everyone for their support including the 2nd Tuesday attendees. Although it hit -16 C, (about 0 F in American) these January days, the snow and ice will melt and motorcycles will again hit the roads.

ISSUE 1, 2008 Page 3

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

What’s happening in MD & PA? The Chili and Cheese event started off the 2008 MD and South Central PA ride schedule. Hosted by Jay, Kristin, Carly and baby brother (who is due about Jan 27) Shaffer. The morning started out with rain but eventually got sunny and warm. There were 18 people in attendance. Most were on motorcycles. What’s this? Guy Young coming in his pickup! Carly would stand at the door to see if anybody saw her. She was little Miss Independent. All had finger foods, and then they had chicken chili, regular chili, rice, cheddar cheese and cookies for desert. Everybody went around telling his or her motorcycle stories and we even had a demonstration on how to load a trailer for the National.

February will be a great feast when the Lippy’s host the chicken corn soup ride February 23.March is the crab cake ride dedicated to Herman Tessman. Check the NE Ride schedule for the rides that I have planned for 2008.

I need to set the record straight about May. Check the Northeast ride schedule and you will see the Sport Touring at its Finest Ride and the Spring Fling is the same weekend. This is a COG event. Sport-Touring ride is in Winchester, VA and I started planning this ride in July 2007. By August all my help was on board and we start planning the detail of the ride. By October the plans were worked out and half of the rides were laid out. I had to work around an Apple Blossom Festival, which 100,000 people come to the area to see the apple blossom and Mother’s Day. This is why I picked this date. Middle of October I was asked to help out with the Spring Fling which I said no because I was working on another ride. The rally masters were given a copy of the dates. If there are any questions about which ride to go to go to the Sport-Touring one, there are no fees but a lot of different rides to pick from.

Announcement: 2008 will be my last year as AAD for MD and PA After 6 years it is time for me to go ride my motorcycles. I have other interest I am working on and helping to take care of my elderly parents. Please contact Steve Smith or me if you would like more information on how to become an AAD.

Since this is the first newsletter of ‘08 I’d like to begin by saying “Happy New Year!!!” Here we are in February, at the tail end of winter, making plans for this year’s rides and events. The first event I’ve got scheduled year is my annual Winter Social. It will be held at Kegs Sport Pub in the Lowell Brewery Exchange, which is quite the place. Located inside the renovated Wannalancit Mills in Lowell, MA, it will accommodate a large group of people, and has the additional benefit of games, music, billiards, and a full restaurant on the main floor. Details are posted in the event schedule as well as on my website: www.masscog.org. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again.

Spring will be just around the corner, not too long after the March social, and we’ll all be planning our laundry lists of things to do to get prepared for the start of the new riding season. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to ride again. Around this time of the year I typically start thinking about the service needs for my ’04 Concours to prepare for the riding season. When you ride a motorcycle, there’s always something that needs to be done, and for me this spring brings along with it a new set of tires, routine fluid changes, and possibly a valve adjustment.

Since I’m on the subject of servicing our Concours, there’s a perfect opportunity coming up on April 19th to get your bike in tip-top shape by attending Pat Mulloy’s and Greg Habel’s Tech Session being held in Monson Massachusetts at Pat’s house. The guys offered this event last year for the first time and it was a big hit and decided to host it again this year… thanks very much guys, and a special thanks to Sherry & Tracey who will be coordinating refreshments. This is a great opportunity for members to learn service techniques and to query other members on Concours servicing lessons learned. Even if you’re not interested in servicing your bike, stop by anyway to say hello.

Again this year, I’m working on a full ride schedule which also includes a couple of new rides. Now that I’ve switched over to 21st century technology and tossed my maps for a Zumo GPS, I’ve been able to map out some rides with the included mapping software in areas that I’m not familiar with to expand my portfolio. For you other GPS users, you’ll notice that I’ve added GPS coordinates to my ride listings to identify key meeting locations. I’m having a lot of fun with my Zumo and MapSource, so stay tuned. The first new ride will be up into Maine to visit the Nubble Light House. Since I’ve never been to Nubble Light before, this ride will be treat for me. After touring the Lighthouse we’ll have lunch at the Nubble Light Restaurant then ride back via the coast.

Another new ride for me this year will be a ride up to Polly’s Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill NH to feast on some of the best pancakes in the Northeast. I’ve also received offers from area members to host a ride during the year but nothing has been finalized yet, so for those of you who would like to lead a ride, please contact me so that I can fit it into the schedule. Right now the month of August is open because I’m going to be pretty busy planning and attending a wedding for my oldest daughter. I’m hoping that someone can step up and host a couple of weekend day rides in August to fill in the blanks. Any takers?

I’ll also be hosting a Northeast Summer Rally in Stowe Vermont this year. I’ve had several people ask me over the past couple of years if we’ll ever be going back to the Commodores Inn... well, 2008 is it. Details are hot off the press after being worked out by my chief negotiator Dave Samuels. See the registration form in this issue for complete details. SAVE THE DATES ! Stowe is one of the best areas of Vermont to motorcycle in and is convenient to a large portion of the Green Mountains National Forest, Lake Champlain, and New York, all of which are great areas for the sport touring enthusiast.

We’ve got another great year to look forward to so keep watching the COG ride schedule database or my website for updates to planned events to ensure you don’t miss another fun filled riding season. See you soon!

Northern New England - by Kevin Martin, #145

Page 4 NORTHEAST ARE A NEW S

Last year we were blessed in the Virginia Mid-Atlantic with daytime January temperatures of 50 to 70 degrees and the weather did not turn real nasty till the middle of February. What a difference a year makes. Well, whatever happened to Global Warming? The weather in the Virginia Mid-Atlantic has been unseasonably cold and wet. When I say wet I mean snow, sleet, rain and freezing rain. I believe Mother Nature has made up for the terrible drought we had this past summer. Did I say it was cold? It was 7 degrees this morning in my back yard just south of Fredericksburg, VA. The weatherman and the Farmers Almanac both predicted a mild winter. Boy were they wrong.

This past month some of our members had a chance to visit the International Motorcycle Show in Washington, DC. At 11:45 AM we headed to the Capital City Brewery for lunch and refreshments before heading back to the show. During lunch one of our members had time to reflect about he and his C-14 becoming “one” with a Virginia White Tail. After his experience, he was questioning himself on whether to ride again. The rest of us assured him this was a common concern and the conversation quickly turned to the upcoming riding season and events we have planned. The Virginia White Tail was long forgotten.

Jim Sparkman led a ride out of Port Royal, VA. The group traveled down through the Northern Neck of Virginia, back up to Tappahannock, VA for lunch at Lowery’s Restaurant for some great seafood. Unfortunately, remember I said it has been cold and nasty, well most of the faithful that would have showed up for this ride were either snowed in or had frozen asphalt to deal with. Though the turn out was slim, a good time was had by all that showed up. I would like to thank Jim for leading this event and suggest we change the name of the ride from the VA Breakfast Ride to the January Freeze Ride. I believe the temperature never got above 25 degrees all day and they clocked in over 250 miles. Can you say hearty souls?!

The month of February I take my annual trek to Florida to deal with mother-in-law and mother issues but will be back to lead a ride out of Fredericksburg, VA the first weekend in March. I promise to bring some warmer, drier weather back with me from FL. Roger Somero will also lead a ride out of the Chesapeake, VA area later in the month. I look forward to seeing you all there.

In closing I would like to say that this nasty weather has me sitting down behind my computer and I am becoming one with my GPS program. I believe I have discovered some great riding paths (hopefully all paved) for the future events.

Jason, Steve and I have been working hard on putting together the Dog Days Rally in August; there is excellent information on the COG web site for your viewing. To quote Jason’s favorite phrase, “book those rooms and send in your registration forms.” Sue and I all ready have.

If you have any questions, concerns or comments please do not hesitate to email either Sue or myself at ironhorsefun@mindspring.com, put COG in the subject line so I can pull it out of my Spam filter box or call @ 540-582-9414. Until next time, ride safe.

VA/WV Report - by Kurt & Sue Nordsrom, #6049

CT ERC Sign Up - by Norm & Lorie Walton, #7011

An all COG Experienced Rider Course (ERC) has been scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2008, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. The course is provided by Connecticut Rider Education through Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury, CT and is open to riders from any state. It’s a great way to tune up for the upcoming season of riding.

Our own John Purdy will be one of the instructors for the course. It is a one day course of practicing the skills necessary to survive the rigors of daily riding on public streets. The course will be all COG riders if we can fill all 12 openings before March 1. After that, the class will be open to the general public. I took the BasicRider Course from John many years ago and have taken the ERC two years ago. It’s a great tune up after a long winter layoff.

Send me your name and address and I will send you an application for the course. All applications must be in by March 1, 2008 if we are to keep the class an all COG event. Contact me and I’ll get the forms in the mail to you. I hope to see you at the class. Ride Safe!!! Contact Norm Walton at ctaad@live.com or 860.836.5162

On February 5, many of us braved the fog and rain to gather at Willington Pizza for the monthly Tuesday night dinner. In attendance were Gary Thorstenson, Gerry and Cherry Barnett, Sherman Baumann, David and Jill Dutton, my wife Lorie and our daughter Erzsica. I would also like to welcome a new member, Mike Krukiel, who made the trip with his daughter. The food was great and the conversation was even better. We all spoke about plans for some riding this year and I have a lot of things to post for some riding. I can't wait to get some riding in - it's been a long off-season already.

Recently I added some new listings to the Connecticut region ride schedule.

These are described on the ride schedule in this issue:

March 4 Tuesday Night Meet & Greet, – Cromwell Diner March 30 Run to the Shoreline Ride, April 1 Tuesday Night Meet & Greet, - Acapulco's Mexican restaurant Here are the other additions to the events schedule:

April 20 Round the Quabbin Ride This ride is sponsored by Gerry Barnett. We will meet at Bickfords in Enfield Ct on Rte 190 for pre-ride breakfast. We will depart at 9:00AM to run some awesome back roads to the Quabbin Reservoir, the main water supply for Boston. There are 4 towns under the area the water covers now. I am told the reservoir holds more water than the Long Island Sound. After winding our way around the area we will make tracks for Bubs BBQ on RTE 116 Sunderland MA for some lunch. After lunch we will take a scenic ride along the Connecticut River back to Enfield CT. This ride could be canceled due to inclement weather. All bikes and riders welcome. Directions to Bickford’s- Rte 91 North to exit 47E.Turn left at the first light after the end of the ramp. The restaurant is on the left. From 91 South: Exit 47East to 190E to the second light, turn left ,the restaurant is on the left. May 6 Tuesday Meet & Greet Dinner will be at Smoking with Chris, 59 West Center St. Southington CT 860-620-9133. We will gather at 6:30pm. They offer BBQ, Seafood, Salads, and a Vegetarian menu. They come highly recommended by a group member. Check out their web site at www.smokinwithchris.com A short ride may follow dinner is weather and time allow. All bikes and riders welcome. Contact me if you need more info. ctaad@live.com or 860.836.5162

Connecticut Report - by Norm & Lorie Walton, #7011

Snowman on a Connie

ISSUE 1, 2008 Page 5

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.

Calendar of Events Snapshot (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) 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.

(VA) Fredericksburg Loop 03/01/08 - We'll meet at Cracker Barrel in Central Park at 10:00 a.m. to take a ride thru the countryside ending at Hard Times at Four Mile Fork (also home of Morton's BMW) for lunch. If you want to have breakfast at Cracker Barrel, it is suggested you arrive between 8 & 8:30. Kurt & Sue Nordstrom ironhorsefun@mindspring.com or 540.582.9414

(CT) Tuesday Night Meet and Greet Dinner 03/04/08 - This months Tuesday March 4th Meet and Greet Dinner will be at an old favorite, Cromwell Diner 135 Berlin Rd (rte 372) Cromwell Ct. We will meet at 6:30 PM for dinner and conversation. All bikes and riders welcome. Directions: Rte 91 South to exit 21, turn right at the bottom of the ramp the diner is about 400 yards on the left. From 91 North take exit 21 and turn right at the bottom of the ramp. Follow Rte 372 for ½ a mile. The diner is on the left. Contact Norm and Lorie Walton ctaad@live.com or 860.836.5162

(MA) COG Winter Social 03/08/08 - Join us for our annual winter social for some off season fun at the Lowell Brewery Exchange. Meet on the 2nd floor in the Kegs Sports Pub for some socializing and snacking. Appetizers and soft drinks will be partially funded by COG and any contributions offered by attendees. Alcoholic beverages will be the

responsibility of the individual consumer. When the appetizers are gone, Coggers are welcome to order a more substantial meal off of the limited menu or we can move downstairs to the Café & Grill on the first floor. Detailed directions are on my Home Page located at: www.masscog.org Directions are also available on the Brewery Exchange website at: ww.thebreweryexchange.com Brewery Exchange 201 Cabot Street, Lowell, MA, GPS Coordinates: N42 39.059 W71 18.988 Contact Kevin Martin cog145@verizon.net or 978.459.6275

(MD) Crab Cakes Ride 03/15/08-03/16/08 - Meet for breakfast at 9:00AM at Holly’s Restaurant and we’ll depart around 10:00AM on a ride that late Herman Tessman laid out for us on the eastern shore of MD & DE. 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 online 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 888.432.2267 (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.

(VA) Gander Mountain Camping Farkle Ride 03/30/08 - This ride will take us through some nice back roads and end up at the new Gander Mountain Store in Richmond where you'll be able to pick up some new camping/outdoor gear for the upcoming season. Meet at the Waffle House (N36 51.888 W76 24.528) at 8:00am for breakfast, located at 3251 Western Branch Blvd, Chesapeake, VA 23321 757.483.6264. We’ll leave at 9:00am sharp. Contact Roger Somero, r.somero@verizon.net 757.636.4910(c), or 757.523.0798(h)

(CT) Run to the Shoreline 03/30/08 - Meet at 9:00 AM at Dunkin Donuts 545 South Main St Middletown, CT. We’ll depart 9:30-9:45 AM on a ride that will take us down to the shoreline and back into the woods through some of the best roads available from Durham to Branford and all points east. We’ll end up in Old Saybrook for lunch at the Monkey Farm 571 Boston Post Rd Old Saybrook CT. The Farm is an award winning café that has a great lunch menu and a rustic atmosphere. They only accept CASH and NO credit cards. There is an ATM is available at the café. After lunch we might continue along the East

side of the CT River to points North depending on how many are interested and the weather conditions. Route sheets cannot be provided as this will be a non GPS, off the top of my head ride. No dirt roads, I promise!! All bikes and riders welcome. Directions to Dunkin Donuts 545 South Main St Middletown CT. From RTE 9 south, take exit 13 Rte 17 South. Turn Left at the bottom of the ramp and follow Rte 17 South about 1½ miles. Dunkin Donuts is on the left across from McDonalds. Rte 9 North take exit 11 to Randolph Road. Turn left at the bottom of the ramp and follow Randolph Road to Rte 17 , turn right on Rte 17 North and follow it for about 1 mile to Dunkin Donuts on your right. Contact Norm and Lorie Walton ctaad@live.com or 860.836.5162

(CT) Tuesday Night Meet and Greet Dinner 04/01/08 - COG Tuesday Night Dinner on April 1 2008 will be at 6:30 PM at Acapulco's Mexican restaurant on 61 Palomba Drive Enfield, CT 860.763.5000 Exit 47 E off I 91 and Rte 190 East for approx 1 mile. Palomba Drive on left. Restaurant is in the Big Y shopping plaza. All bikes and riders welcome. A short ride may follow if weather and time allow. Contact Norm and Lorie Walton ctaad@live.com or 860.836.5162

(VA) Breakfast and Ride, McGaheysville, VA 04/13/08 - Meet for breakfast at 9:00am at Thunderbird Diner, McGaheysville, VA, 42 Island Ford Road. This is right on US 33 across from the McGaheysville Volunteer Fire Dept. A great diner with good food and right reasonable prices. After breakfast, we’ll ride southwest, weather permitting. Pat Sprague 540.743.5132 psprague@shentel.net or Kurt & Sue Nordstrom 540.582.9414 or ironhorsefun@mindspring.com

(MA) Spring Tech Session 04/19/08 - Members Greg Habel and Patrick Mulloy will be hosting another spring tech session this year at Pat’s house in Monson MA. Start time is 9:00 am. Spring Tech Sessions tend to be very popular with area members so If you’re interested in servicing your bike, contact either Greg or Pat in advance to reserve a spot on Tech Day, and to discuss requirements for tools and supplies to accommodate your particular service request. If you don’t have any service needs, stop by anyway and meet fellow Coggers. Also, Greg & Pat’s significant others (Tracey & Sherry) will be whipping up another tasty lunch like they did last year. Anyone wishing to ride down to Monson with me can meet me for breakfast at Skips Restaurant (Skips Restaurant, 116 Chelmsford Street (Rte 110) Chelmsford MA GPS Coordinates: N42 36.196 W71 20.749) It will take at least 90 minutes to get to Pat’s house, so plan on leaving Skips no later than 8:00 am. Pat Mulloy’s House: 507 Old Wales Rd, Monson MA GPS Coordinates: N42 04.033 W72 17.033 Contact Pat Mulloy sniper64@aol.com 413-267-9462 or Greg Habel Habel65@verizon.net or 508-473-2257

(MD) Sunday Breakfast Ride 04/20/08 - Meet for breakfast at the Golden Corral

(Continued on page 8)

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

Page 6 NORTHEAST ARE A NEW S

N o r t h e a s t A r e a D o g D a y s C a m p i n g R a l l y August 8 - 10, 2008

Arbovale, WV The very motorcycle friendly Pocahontas County, WV is a long time favorite riding area of COG. We've held several rallies and campouts in the area and now return to Boyer Station Motel & Campground for this event. This is ample camping space and 20 rustic motel rooms for those that don't want to commune with nature. We'll be in the heart of some of the best riding offered in the Mid Atlantic, just an hour south of Canaan Valley, WV, the site of last years National Rally. You can re-ride your favorite route or try a new one. So, come back to West Virginia and escape the Dog Days of Summer in the mountains of WV. Rally Headquarters: Boyer Station Motel & Campground, 304.456.4667. CAMPING: $7.00 per night/per person. No reservations needed for camping. The campground has water and electric hookups, picnic tables at each site, hot showers, flush toilets, sewer hookups, and dump station. MOTEL: rates vary in the $50.00 range. Call for room availably. There is a restaurant onsite. There is a gas station and convenience store nearby. Other Area Lodging: The Hermitage Motel, 888.456.4808, about 3 miles north of Boyer Motel. Rally Fee: $20 per person for COG members, their immediate family or significant other. $25 per person for Non-COG members and their guests. Rally fee provides Saturday evening Chicken Dinner, door prizes, area info packet etc. Rally fee DOES NOT include camping or motel cost! Early-bird discount: Deduct $5 per person if registration is postmarked by 7/4/08. Refund Policy: Full refund issued prior to 7/15/08; refund less $5 after 7/15/08. No refund after 8/1/08. Riding: Sample self-guided ride routes provided. Rally Questions? Jason Kaplitz 814.535.8669 or cog62 @ kaplitz.com Registration Questions? Sue Nordstrom 540.582.9414 or ironhorsefun @ mindspring.com Latest info on the web: www.concours.org/ne/ Mail lower portion with rally fee payable to “Concours Owners Group” to: Sue Nordstrom – Dog Days 306 Belle Grove Lane Spotsylvania, VA 22551

Dog Days 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) ___________________________________

ISSUE 1, 2008 Page 7

M i d - S u m m e r B a s h R a l l y , S t o w e , V e r m o n t

July 10 – July 13, 2008 (The weekend after the 4th of July weekend)

This summer we’re heading back to the Green Mountains of Northern Vermont.

Rally Headquarters: Commodores Inn, 823 South Main St, (RT 100) Stowe, Vermont. 800.447.8693 www.commodoresinn.com Room Rates: Double: $92 (inclusive) Single: $xx (inclusive). Breakfast Buffet is available at $8 pp/day ( + tax +gratuity). A limited block of rooms will be held until 6/30/2008, so book your room early. Call Commodores Inn to make reservations (mention Concours Owners Group). The same rates will apply if you wish to extend your stay. Commodores Inn features modern comfort with country charm. This family owned and operated resort has the amenities to make your visit enjoyable including a 3‑1/2 acre lake; heated outdoor and indoor pools; 3 Jacuzzis, 2 saunas; comfortable living room with large fieldstone fireplace; fitness facility; Game room.

Closest Camping: 1 mile south of rally HQ. Gold Brook Campground, 1900 Waterbury Road (RT 100), Stowe, VT, 802-253-7683 Additional camping information: www.campvermont.com

Restaurants: Commodores Inn has an on site restaurant and lounge. The restaurant offers only a daily Vermont Style Breakfast buffet and Country Dinner buffet. Pub fare can be ordered in the lounge. There are many other restaurants in the surrounding area.

Events: There will be a Friday evening welcome reception and a Saturday evening dinner held at Commodores Inn.

Rally Fee: ($US) $40 each for COG members, their immediate family or significant other; $45 each for Non-COG members and their guests. Full refund issued prior to 6/01/08; refund less $5.00 after 6/01/08; no refund after 6/18/08. Mail in registration ends 6/29/08. Walk-in registration at rally will be subject to available space and first come, first served . The rally fee covers the cost of the Friday night Reception and Saturday banquet meal and other miscellaneous rally expenses. Verification of registration will be checked at the Reception and Banquet seating.

Riding: Self-guided ride routes will be provided.

Rallly Questions? Contact Kevin Martin 978.459.6275 cog145 @ verizon.net Registration Questions? Steven Smith 203.720.7575 nead @ concours.org

Mail lower portion with rally fee in $US payable to “Concours Owners Group” to:

Steven Smith – Summer Rally 39 Alison Ave. Naugatuck, CT 06770

Mid-Summer Bash Rally Registration Form (Please PRINT Clearly)

Name: (One form per person) ____________________________________________ AMA # _____________ COG #___________

Street: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

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

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

Emergency Contact Information: Name: ________________________________________________________

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

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

(cut & return lower section)

Chris J Lenihan, #8090 Chester, NY

Ray Tolbert, #8096 Amherst, VA

Jim Dunlea, #8100 Bellingham, MA

Patrick Hogan, #8101 Wind Gap, PA

Dwayne Sanders, #8105 Midlothian, VA

Barry Lassoff, #8108 Villanova, PA

Max Tsyrin, #8109 Lackawaxen, PA

Thomas Koch, #8110 Tonawanda, NY

Robert Kinney, #8111 Howell, NJ

Mark Musser & Barbara Salvatoriello, #8118 New York, NY

Jonathan Cohen, #8120 Malden, MA

Rick Maio, #8123, Centreville, MD

Kevin Reynolds, #8126 Bradford, NH

Mike Krukiel, #8127 Higganum, CT

Robert Lester, #8128 Chatham, ON Canada

Glenn Paddock, #8129 Cheshire, CT

Rod Noakes, #8132 Ottawa, ON Canada

Joel & Cathie Macphee, #8133 Amherst, NS Canada

Kim Paige, #8141 Auburn, ME

Shannon Miller & Melissa Murray, #8142 Ashburn, VA

Our Newest Northeast Area Members (since the last newsletter)

Page 8 NORTHEAST ARE A NEW S

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 (CT) Round the Quabbin Ride 04/20/08 - Ride the Quabbin Reservoir, on Sunday April 20, 2008. This ride is sponsored by Gerry Barnett. We will meet at Bickfords in Enfield Ct on Rte 190 for pre-ride breakfast. We will depart at 9:00AM to run some awesome back roads to the Quabbin Reservoir, the main water supply for Boston. There are 4 towns under the area the water covers now. I am told the reservoir holds more water than the Long Island Sound. After winding our way around the area we will make tracks for Bubs BBQ on RTE 116 Sunderland MA for some lunch. After lunch we will take a scenic ride along the Connecticut River back to Enfield CT. This ride could be canceled due to inclement weather. All bikes and riders welcome. Directions to

Bickford’s- Rte 91 North to exit 47E.Turn left at the first light after the end of the ramp. The restaurant is on the left. From 91 South: Exit 47East to 190E to the second light, turn left ,the restaurant is on the left. Contact Norm and Lorie Walton ctaad@live.com or 860.836.5162 (NY) Hudson Valley Surprise Ride #1 04/27/08 - Join me for some back road fun on another surprise ride. The surprise is the roads and lunch stop. We’ll be hitting some of the area's more hidden secret roads to play on. All riders welcome; route sheets will be handed out. Meet at the Somers, NY 7/11 on Rt100, off I‑684, exit 6. Contact: Mike Flynn keltwolf@optonline.net or 914.263.5440 (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. (CT) Tueday Meet and Greet dinner 05/06/08 - COG Meet and Greet Dinner, Tuesday May 6th 2008. Dinner will be at Smoking with Chris, 59 West Center St. Southington CT 860-620-9133. We will gather at 6:30pm. They offer BBQ, Seafood, Salads, and a Vegetarian menu. They come highly recommended by a group member. Check out their web site at www.smokinwithchris.com A short ride may follow dinner is weather and time allow. All bikes and riders welcome. Contact Norm and Lorie Walton ctaad@live.com or 860.836.5162

(Ride Schedule - Continued from page 5)