By Ed Frulla   Mon, Jul 05, 2010

June was a very busy month for us.  Besides all  of the activity surrounding Americade and Warrensburg Bike Week, we decided to upgrade our image handling on the site.  We installed technology to display images somewhat like you are used to using on E-Bay and other such sites.  This expanded capability allows us to display more images in an article without causing our users to have to hit the back button after each image view.  It is cleaner and looks way more professional.  We can now feel more comfortable about putting large galleries of pictures at the end of the articles and we have started doing that with this issue.  There is a down side to this in that it took us way longer to get the software working than we anticipated and that delayed the July issue.  For that we are truly sorry but we think you will like the change.

June was a very busy month for us.  Besides all  of the activity surrounding Americade and Warrensburg Bike Week, we decided to upgrade our image handling on the site.  We installed technology to display images somewhat like you are used to using on E-Bay and other such sites.  This expanded capability allows us to display more images in an article without causing our users to have to hit the back button after each image view.  It is cleaner and looks way more professional.  We can now feel more comfortable about putting large galleries of pictures at the end of the articles and we have started doing that with this issue.  There is a down side to this in that it took us way longer to get the software working than we anticipated and that delayed the July issue.  For that we are truly sorry but we think you will like the change.

In the coming months we are going to add a store to the magazines’ web site.  Initially we will be offering the full line of White Diamond detailing products and will add other products that we feel make sense as time goes on.  I use the White Diamond products on my Fury and am pleased with the ease of use and results so I feel comfortable offering them for sale on the site.

We kind of, sort of, have added to our roster of authors.  In this issue you will see a submission of poetry about motorcycling in our region written by TFSneider.  We love his work and have asked him to submit to us on a monthly basis and we are hoping that he accepts.

I personally look forward to June because there is so much activity happening in the region.  I took the week of Americade off from work so that I could enjoy it.  What I can tell you is that I gathered a great deal of material for articles and I will be using that material in future issues.  We met quite a few new people and generated more subscriptions. 

I was also astounded by the positive impact that we as motorcyclists can have on the area.  There was the Veterans Recovery Project escort and the support of the Osborne family by the Patriot Guard Riders.  The Americade Poker Run that I attended had a check point at the County Nursing Home.  The elderly ladies there had baked cookies and made kerchiefs and were selling them at the checkpoint and they were very glad to see the motorcyclists arrive and from what I was told, they look forward to it every year.  The American Legion Post 574 Riders Group conducted their annual “Breydens Battle For Sight Run” to help a local military family arrange for treatments so that their son Breyden can regain some of his sight (see the article in this issue).  Our friend Whiskey Walker conducted his annual “Run For Downed Bikers Fund” and Brit at the Boars Nest conducted a run to benefit the SPCA.  The articles for these two events will be published in a future issue.  Sporty at Sportys’ Iron Duke Saloon and the Goat Brothers held their annual custom bike show to benefit Spinal Cord Research and we will have an article about that event in a future issue as well.

I need to take some time to talk about the one thing that will keep this magazine active and that is subscribers.  In talking with people during various runs, I heard the following things.  Your newsletter with the schedule of events is being forwarded throughout the brotherhood clubs.  The schedule of events is a big hit.  Another subscriber said that she prints off the magazine and takes it to her club meetings for everyone to read and they enjoy it.  This is nice in one way because it means that we are doing something right and producing a product that apparently people want to read and use.  It also sucks because it deprives us of subscribers.  We do not charge for subscriptions so that means that our only source of revenue is advertising.  Before businesses will advertise with us, they want to know how many potential customers (subscribers) will be viewing their add.  So here is what we are asking.  If you are forwarding the newsletter to a friend, please ask them to go subscribe, it takes only minutes, costs nothing and they will get their own copy of the newsletter next month and you won’t have to remember to forward it to them.  If your club members enjoy the magazine, please encourage them to become subscribers.  If your friends enjoy the fruits of our labor, at least give us the consideration of counting them as subscribers so that the site can start to pay for itself.  Having said that, we encourage you to continue to print the magazine for those riders that you know that do not have computers or access to the Internet.

Hope you enjoy this issue and the new features that we have added to the site.

Ride Safe and Ride Well

Ed Frulla
Publisher

By Ed Frulla   Sun, Jun 27, 2010

My first encounter with J & J's Fox Laire Tavern was last year during the 2nd Annual Christopher Hitchcock Memorial Run held in August 2009.  When told that the ride would start at a tavern named J & J's Fox Laire in Bakers Mills\Dog Town, I thought to myself, this place is more than slightly off the beaten path and must be a real hole in the wall.

I have been to J & J's several times since then and all I can think of now are the words from Robert Frost.  "I took the road less traveled by and that made all the difference".  J & J's is really a piece of Americana that you need to experience to appreciate.

My first encounter with J & J's Fox Laire Tavern was last year during the 2nd Annual Christopher Hitchcock Memorial Run held in August 2009.  When told that the ride would start at a tavern named J & J's Fox Laire in Bakers Mills\Dog Town, I thought to myself, this place is more than slightly off the beaten path and must be a real hole in the wall.

I have been to J & J's several times since then and all I can think of now are the words from Robert Frost.  "I took the road less traveled by and that made all the difference".  J & J's is really a piece of Americana that you need to experience to appreciate.

For thirty-four years, John Monroe ran J & J's and created an environment that welcomed folks from near and far.  For the last two years, Ricci and Joe have been running the establishment and hope to purchase it in the near future..  When I asked Ricci what changes they planned on making she just simply smiled and said none.  This legacy of keeping the atmosphere the same is what makes this tavern both unique and successful.

I love a tavern where you feel welcome from the moment you walk into the place and J & J's is exactly that.  Ricci and Joe work hard at making their guests feel comfortable.  The service is fast and friendly, the beer is always cold, the mixed drinks a little more stiff and the food is excellent.

        

Located beside the establishment is a very large covered area with plenty of seating at the picnic tables and an area set up for pig roasts and BBQs.  This makes J & Js a favorite end point for many biker runs held throughout the year.  Besides being the end point for biker runs, J & Js also hosts numerous banquets and receptions throughout the year.  These facilities are available for your use, just give them a call at (518) 251-0133.  They are capable of providing for all of your food, beverage and facilities needs for your event.

 Every other Friday night is Prime Rib night.  I used to travel the U.S. for work  and I can vouch for the fact that the Prime Rib prepared by Joe is comparable to the best that I have eaten anywhere in my travels.  If you are planning on Prime Rib for dinner, arrive early or call ahead.  Sometimes Ricci and Joe will throw in a half chicken BBQ on the off weekend.  Check their Facebook page listed below to see what's cooking and when.

Live music is provided almost every Saturday night.  During Whiskey Walkers Harley Bash, Flip Side will be performing from 9:00 PM to 1:00 PM on July 23rd and Finger Piddle will be performing from 9:00 PM to 1:00 PM. on July 24th.

 Some major events that are occurring at J & Js are:

• 07/10/2010 2nd Annual Toga Party
  • Not really a biker event but any party with even the slightest potential of half naked women desreves to be included in the schedule of events
• 07/23/2010 Whiskey Walkers Harley Bash
• 08/28/2010 The 3rd Annual Christopher Hitchcock Memorial Run
• 09/05/2010 End point for Whiskey Walkers' Bob Walker Memorial Run
• 09/25/2010 Annual Woodsman's Days with a timber sports competition

You can find the details of these events in the schedule of events on the North Country Rider Web Site.  The best way to keep track of all that is happening at J & Js Fox Laire Tavern is to visit them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/J-Js-Foxx-Lair-Tavern-Dog-Town-USA/401429680649.

 "I took the road less traveled by and that made all the difference".  I found a very comforting place to hang out, with good food, live entertainment and plenty of cold liquid refreshments.  But most of all I made two new friends and you will too if you stop by and give them a try.

 

      

By Ed Frulla   Mon, Jul 05, 2010

There are few organizations that define patriotism and selfless service more than the American Legion so it should come as no surprise that there are “Riders Groups” associated with American Legion Posts throughout the United States of America.

One of the most active rider groups in this area is The American Legion Post 574 Riders Group in Hudson Falls, New York.  The events that they host have become legendary in the region.  The 94 members of this riders group dedicate themselves to serving and supporting American Legion Post 574 and the local community and many are also actively involved in the Patriot Guard Riders.

There are few organizations that define patriotism and selfless service more than the American Legion so it should come as no surprise that there are “Riders Groups” associated with American Legion Posts throughout the United States of America.

One of the most active rider groups in this area is The American Legion Post 574 Riders Group in Hudson Falls, New York.  The events that they host have become legendary in the region.  The 94 members of this riders group dedicate themselves to serving and supporting American Legion Post 574 and the local community and many are also actively involved in the Patriot Guard Riders.

Membership is open to any member of an American Legion Post and all are welcome to join.  To join you need to contact the Director of the Riders Group or the Membership Chairman and arrange for a meeting prior to the next regularly scheduled Riders Group meeting.  At this meeting you will be informed of what is expected of the members of the American Legion Post 574 Riders Group and your American Legion membership and your motorcycle registration will be reviewed.  You will then be invited to meet the members of the Riders Group at the next regularly scheduled meeting.  The contact information for the Director or Membership Chairman can be found at http://americanlegionpost574.club.officelive.com/officersriders.aspx

The Post 574 Riders Group is well known for the events that they host.  Each June they conduct the “Braydens Battle For Sight” run.  Brayden was born with optical nerve deficiencies and the operation to alleviate this condition is expensive. The proceeds of this run are used to assist this military family in obtaining the needed treatments.  I went on this run this year and it speaks volumes to the ability of The Post 574 Riders Group to put on an event.  The run traversed three counties and there were State Police and County Sheriffs at every major intersection blocking traffic.  When the run was over, there was a very well prepared hot dog and burger BBQ at Post 574.  The effort required to coordinate this run must have been extensive and the whole thing went off without a hitch.  Did I forget to mention that there were 127 bikes on the run. 

On Saturday, August 7^th, they are going to do it all over again with the 6^th Annual Poker Run to Benefit Veterans and Community.  The funds collected from this run are used to support the work of many different charities in the community as well as to help local veterans.  This is an event of legendary proportions and last year there were over 200 bikes in the run.  We very much encourage you to attend and if you do, stop by our booth and say hi.

When not hosting major events, the members of the Riders Group are doing what most riders do, they ride.  Like most of the motorcycle organizations in the area, they send representatives to other organizations’ events so there is someone going somewhere every weekend.  Once a month they try their best to get a Riders Group ride together to just enjoy each others company.

If you are a member of an American Legion Post that does not have an associated riders group, give the Post 574 Riders Group a call and join.  Just like when you were on active duty, there are periods of hard work, periods of pure fun and all of the camaraderie that you can handle.

 

 

By Ed Frulla   Sun, Jul 04, 2010

I enjoy riding but I enjoy it much more when I am riding with a group in support of a worthwhile cause.  On July 19^th I rode over to the American Legion Post 574 in Hudson Falls, NY to participate in their annual “Braydens Battle for Sight Run”.

Brayden is a 17 month old infant that suffers from Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, a condition that is caused when the optic nerve is not fully developed.  There is no treatment available for this condition in the United States but it is available in China.  The funds from this run and associated activities are to be used to help Braydens’ family afford this expensive treatment.  Braydens’ dad is a U.S Army Staff Sergeant and will be deploying to Iraq again in the near future and his family has earned and deserves our support.

I enjoy riding but I enjoy it much more when I am riding with a group in support of a worthwhile cause.  On July 19^th I rode over to the American Legion Post 574 in Hudson Falls, NY to participate in their annual “Braydens Battle for Sight Run”.

Brayden is a 17 month old infant that suffers from Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, a condition that is caused when the optic nerve is not fully developed.  There is no treatment available for this condition in the United States but it is available in China.  The funds from this run and associated activities are to be used to help Braydens’ family afford this expensive treatment.  Braydens’ dad is a U.S Army Staff Sergeant and will be deploying to Iraq again in the near future and his family has earned and deserves our support.

Upon arrival at Post 574 I was directed to the registration area and registration was quick and painless.  After registration it was out to the pavilion for some hot coffee and donuts provided by Post 574. 

Free coffee and donuts, I like this ride already!

We departed Post 574 with a bike count of 124 and rode north on Ridge Road, crossed Rte. 149, rode down the east side of Lake George, connected to Route 9N and headed towards Luzerne.  The first refreshment stop was at the American Legion Post 862 in Luzerne.  Upon departing Post 862 (with 127 bikes) we proceeded through Hadley and rode down the east side of Sacandaga Lake to Broadalbin where we made a refreshment stop at American Legion Post 337.  The ride then skirted Saratoga, went through Fort Edward and returned to Post 574.  This ride was extremely well organized.  The ride progressed through three counties and there were uniformed Police at every major intersection.  The effort required to coordinate this must have been extensive.  The ride was also well managed and very well paced and was a pleasure to participate in.  Sue Ostrander and her event team are to be congratulated on the truly remarkable job they did in organizing and conducting this ride.

Upon our arrival at Post 574 the guest of honor was there.  It was moving to drive into the Post and see Braydens’ family standing there with Brayden and holding signs saying “Thank You”.  The members of American Legion Post 574 Riders Group were already cooking and everyone lined up to grab some grub.  The beer on tap was ice cold as were the sodas.  The camaraderie and brotherhood was evident as people sat together, ate and had a well deserved good time.  There were plenty of additional opportunities to help Braydens’ cause in the form of T-shirt sales, 50/50 drawings and merchandise purchases.  The Jury and The Wild Dogs (both are Hudson Falls based organizations) each made a club contribution to Braydens’ cause and they should be acknowledged and congratulated for their contributions.  I would also like to acknowledge Rob and Wendy, the owners of ARCA Ink.  They are members of the Post 574 Riders Group and although I do not know this to be a fact, I am betting that the profit they made printing the T-shirts for this event was somewhere around zero.

The following organizations were in attendance.  We did our best to try and record every organization that we saw.  If we missed yours, please accept our apologies.

• ·         American Legion Post 574 Riders Group – Hudson Falls (DUH)
• ·         True Order – Hudson Falls
• ·         American Legion Post 490 Riders Group – Stillwater
• ·         Hootch Hogs – South Glens Falls
• ·         The Jury – Hudson Falls
• ·         Wild Dogs – Hudson Falls
• ·         American Legion Post 337 Riders Group – Broadalbin
• ·         American Legion Post 1231 Riders Group – Clinton Heights
• ·         Crazy Train Riders - Corinth

I really enjoyed this day.  Besides the great ride and the great food, I was able to meet some of our subscribers that I had not met before.  It is always nice to introduce myself and have someone say that they are a subscriber and enjoy the content of the magazine.  I had the pleasure of meeting Lady Bug and Moon Goddess who are members of the Crazy Train Riders based in Corinth.  Lady Bug stated that she has been putting together an article to submit to the magazine for some time now but keeps re-writing it.  Our suggestion to Lady Bug is to send it to us ASAP.  After that many re-writes is has to be better than the stuff we put out. 

Michelle is Braydens' mom.  She graciously offered some of her time for an interview and I want to thank her for that.  Like any mom, she wants what is best for her child and she has the added burden of a husband that is going to be deployed soon.  After talking to her I know that she has the strength of character and the will to succeed which will get her through these times.  I hope that the number of bikes and riders that participated in this event is evidence to her that she is not in this fight alone.

I would also like to take this time to personally thank the American Legion Post 574 Riders Group for allowing us the privilege of covering this event. 

This is an annual event and I would encourage each and every subscriber to participate in this event next year.  The cause is just, the ride is excellent and you just cannot beat the feeling that you accomplished some real good while having a great time.

See you next year at American Legion Post 574 for the next “Braydens Battle for Sight Run”.  Lets shoot for a two hundred bike count next year.

To follow Breydens' progress or to make a dontation, please visit Braydens' Facebook Page.

Picture Gallery

            

            

             

            

             

 

By Ed Frulla   Mon, Jul 05, 2010

When I am riding my head is on a swivel looking for the cager that is coming out of nowhere to take me out.  When I get to a red light, I used to feel like I could let my guard down and relax a little.  That all changed in late March. 

When I am riding my head is on a swivel looking for the cager that is coming out of nowhere to take me out.  When I get to a red light, I used to feel like I could let my guard down and relax a little.  That all changed in late March. 

I am a member of Low Expectations MC based in Albany.  Low Expectations is a virtual club that uses Meetup.com as the vehicle to coordinate the clubs activities.  Late March, two Meetup.com clubs in Phoenix AZ had joined together to go on a ride.  While stopped at a red light, the group of bikes was struck from behind by a Sanitation truck being driven by a driver high on meth.  Four riders were killed and nine were hospitalized.

To honor the fallen riders of these two Phoenix Groups and to raise awareness, an effort was undertaken to conduct Motorcycle Awareness Rides across the Nation on May 23^rd.  Low Expectations MC conducted the ride for the Albany Area.

About fifty bikes and riders met at Guptals Arena and rode from Guptals Arena to the Village of Lake George using the middle lane of Interstate 87.  All riders were encouraged to wear high visibility shirts or vests.  High visibility shirts with the phrase “Can You See Me Now” were available for purchase prior to the event.  YNN News was on hand to provide media coverage.  I guess the local ABC, CBS and NBC affiliates were just too busy to show up even though they were invited. 

An event occurred during the ride and I am still trying to figure out how some drivers can be so idiotic.  There is a line of fifty bikes in a two second stagger formation with high visibility clothing, most of which states “Can You See Me Now” on the back and when we get to Exit 17, some cager in a grey Audi driving in the third lane cuts through the formation to exit the interstate.  I guess some people are just too stupid to educate.

Another Motorcycle Awareness event is in the planning stages.  This event will involve the transportation of a memorial banner from club to club until the banner has passed through all 48 states in the contiguous United Sates.  Should be a fun ride and we will keep you posted as things progress and details emerge.

Picture Gallery

           

       

By TFSneider   Tue, Jul 06, 2010

I met Tim (TFSneider) while on a Patriot Guard mission.  As we talked, I told him about the magazine and he told me that he wrote poetry about motorcycling in our region.  He showed me some of his work and I really liked it.  So much so that I encouraged him to allow us to publish his work and he agreed.  Now all we need to do is convince him to publish monthly and the world (at least our little chunk of it) will be a very nice place indeed.

I met Tim (TFSneider) while on a Patriot Guard mission.  As we talked, I told him about the magazine and he told me that he wrote poetry about motorcycling in our region.  He showed me some of his work and I really liked it.  So much so that I encouraged him to allow us to publish his work and he agreed.  Now all we need to do is convince him to publish monthly and the world (at least our little chunk of it) will be a very nice place indeed.

This poem that he submitted is absolutely perfect for this issue.  The subject matter of the poem fits nicely with the article on the World Wide Motorcycle Awareness ride and we could not have asked for a better fit.

So here is TFSneiders first submission and lets hope for many more.

Pickins for the Crow

                  By TFSneider

Work at 8, on the road by 7.

38 degrees; brisk but clear.

I only have 23 miles to go

Traffic is light; little to fear.

A hundred yards up in the ditch

A bloated dead deer carcass lay.

And perched upon its snout

Was a Crow just pickin’ away.

I thought about my ride

And if that deer t’was me.

And how some too-busy cager (people caged within the confines of a vehicle)

Just didn’t happen to see.

If a cager makes a text or calls

When he is supposed to be drivin’

Watches everything but the road

His radio’s jumpin’ and jivin’.

 Do you think for one minute

He’s aware to where he goes?

For in one blink of an eye

A biker is pickins’ for the crows.

Although bikers party a bit

And tend towards hedonistic

They’re very aware of how they ride

Let’s be realistic.

Skulls and snakes and long fork rakes

Dark glasses and leather clothes

Display very well we ride towards hell,

And maybe … pickins’ for the crows.

Cagers!!   Pay attention t’wher your going

Don’t just stare at the stripes.

Keep your eyes open, turn down the tunes,

And listen for our pipes.

There’s reasons bikers draw attention

Most every where we go.

We don’t want to end up

Pickins for the crow.

By Ed Frulla   Sat, Jun 26, 2010

Each year I look forward to the Memorial Day weekend.  Not only because it is a celebration of those who served our country but also because it indicates that Americade and Warresnburg Bike Week are just around the corner.  Maybe it is just me, but I get excited waiting to see when the vendors show up and when preparations start for these two events.

I thought it would be kind of cool to create a pictorial article with a time line to show how the vendor areas for both Americade and Bike Week morphed from vacant areas to the well populated venues that we would be visiting in the near future. 

Each year I look forward to the Memorial Day weekend.  Not only because it is a celebration of those who served our country but also because it indicates that Americade and Warresnburg Bike Week are just around the corner.  Maybe it is just me, but I get excited waiting to see when the vendors show up and when preparations start for these two events.

I thought it would be kind of cool to create a pictorial article with a time line to show how the vendor areas for both Americade and Bike Week morphed from vacant areas to the well populated venues that we would be visiting in the near future. 

To make following this article a little easier, we will define the eight areas that we covered.  They are:

• Post Office - The vacant lot North of the Warrensburg Post Office on Main Street.  This is a Warrensburg Bike Week site.
• QVN Sales - The vacant lot North of Rob's Motorsports on Main Street in Warrensburg.  This is a Warrensburg Bike Week site.
• VFW - The open lot North of Stewarts near the VFW on Main Street in Warrensburg.  This is a Warrensburg Bike Week site.
• DEC Beach Road - The Department of Environmental Conservation parking lot for the Million Dollar Beach on Beach Road in Lake George and the Battle Ground Park.  This is an Americade site.
• Beach Road Parking Lot - The parking lot on the side of Beach Road below the Fort William Henry in Lake George.  This is an Americade site.
• RBR - Roaring Brook Ranch Resort on Route 9N in Lake George.  This is an Americade site.
• Alexander Funeral Home - Main Street in Warrensburg,  This is a Warrensburg Bike Week site.
• Leather Outlet - Route 9 South of Lake George Village
  • Not affiliated with either Americade or Warrensburg Bike Week

5/30/2010

Post Office - First Vendor Appeared

 

 

 

 

6/01/2010

Post Office

            

06/02/2010

Post Office

        

QVN

            

VFW

 

06/03/2010

Post Office

          

        

QVN

              

DEC Beach Road

              

    

06/04/2010

Post Office

            

        

QVN

             

    

VFW

 

DEC Beach Road

            

            

Leather Outlet

06/06/2010

DEC Beach Road

            

            

        

Leather Outlet

        

Alexander Funeral Home

Beach Road Parking Lot

         

Roaring Brook Ranch

         

06/07/2010

The 7th is the first day of Americade.  By this time all of the other sites are set up with the exception of the vendor area at Roaring Brook Ranch. 

RBR

            

            

    

From start to finish it is an amazing process that has been perfected through years of practice.  Even if it is mundane for those who are doing the set ups, personally I find it very interesting.  Besides, I like work,  I could watch it all day.

 

 

By Ed Frulla   Mon, Jul 05, 2010

By Ed Frulla   Tue, Jul 06, 2010