By Ed Frulla   Wed, Sep 01, 2010

August was a month of change for us.  At the urging of some of our readers, we opened up the web site so that you can now view the content without having to log in.  We have installed software on the web site that allows us to track visits and page views and that gives us more information to entice businesses to advertise with us.

August was a month of change for us.  At the urging of some of our readers, we opened up the web site so that you can now view the content without having to log in.  We have installed software on the web site that allows us to track visits and page views and that gives us more information to entice businesses to advertise with us.

Speaking of advertisements, you will see more of them on the site.  You, our readers have averaged about 2000 page views a month and that is a large enough number to make it beneficial for people to advertise with us.  We want to thank all of our readers for making it possible for us to reach this mile stone.

Even though the content on the web site is now open to all, it is important to remember that there is a very large benefit to being a subscriber.  That benefit is the monthly news letter announcing the next issue which has the schedule of events embedded within it.

I can see a trend with the magazine; it is starting to become a communication mechanism as well as an information and entertainment mechanism.  This month alone we sent out three or four newsletters to our subscriber base alerting them to new events that were scheduled to happen in August when we were notified of the events after we published the August issue. We would like to think that this is a worthwhile service to our subscriber base and even more reason to subscribe to the magazine.

I did a ton of riding this month as is evidenced by the number of articles in this issue.  We also have our first reader submitted content and we would encourage more clubs and organizations to do the same if they hold an event and we are not able to show up. 

Another first for us this issue is the interview with Mike Duggan to fill our “People To See” section.  Up until now, the articles in this section only covered clubs and organizations.  I want to thank Mike for being supportive of the magazine and for making himself available to us for an interview.

September is already upon us and there are a number of events scheduled for the month of September.  We hope to see you at some of them

Until then:

Ride Well and Ride Safe

Ed

By Ed Frulla   Tue, Aug 31, 2010

In the month of February 2010, I attended a meeting of the area clubs and organizations as they planned the Southern Adirondack Schedule of Events for 2010.  An individual approached me and handed me a small wooden token good for a beer and asked me to check the place out.  The place happened to be the Long Horn Restaurant and Pub in Lake Vanare NY. 

In the month of February 2010, I attended a meeting of the area clubs and organizations as they planned the Southern Adirondack Schedule of Events for 2010.  An individual approached me and handed me a small wooden token good for a beer and asked me to check the place out.  The place happened to be the Long Horn Restaurant and Pub in Lake Vanare NY. 

I am sad to say that I did not take the time to ‘check the place out’ because I have missed out on a truly unique establishment.  The locals have known the establishment as the Totem Inn and the Long Horn Café.  In December 2009, Jeremy Carner took possession of the establishment with the intention of creating a full service restaurant and bar.  To that end, the dining room and bar area were stripped and refinished and the kitchen was completely remodeled and equipped with up to date equipment.

I am particularly fond of restaurants and bars that are run by bikers and it turns out that Jeremy, his dad Ken and his brothers Ken Jr. and Pete are all riders and have been for quite some time.  That would explain why every time a run makes refreshment stop at the Long Horn there is almost always some extra staff and some snacks or a small buffet waiting.  It takes a biker to fully understand the unique needs and wants of the biker critter.

Jeremy also owns Carner’s Catering which runs the dining facility at the Double-H Ranch.  This gives him extra flexibility with staffing for an event as he has a ready pool of employees to draw from if needed.  Staffing the Longhorn is also a family and close friend affair.  Ken Sr. keeps the place from falling down around their ears while Ken Jr. and Pete tend bar and close friends Mosses, Archie, Johnny and Shawn handle the kitchen.  Every time I have been to the Longhorn the service has been quick, efficient and friendly which goes a very long way in making you feel welcome.

The food at the Longhorn is excellent.  All foods are fresh and prepared in house including the meats for the club sandwiches.  I can attest that the BBQ chicken and Beef Burgundy are exceptional and I plan on sampling more of the menu in the very near future.

The bar is well stocked and the bar staff is efficient which keeps the wait time to a minimum.  Beer is available in draft, cans or bottles but no matter which you chose, you can be assured that it will be cold.  There is also a large selection of wines available as well.

This is the first full year that the Longhorn has been opened under Jeremy’s leadership.  A new front patio was added this year with abundant seating and umbrella covered tables.  It is not uncommon to ride by the Longhorn and see a gaggle of bikes parked out front and everyone enjoying a cold one on the patio, gabbing and watching the traffic go by.  Future plans call for a covered pavilion and outside bar to be added so as to better accommodate bike runs and events.

I had the pleasure of attending Leah’s Ride on the August 29, 2010.  The ride originated from and ended at the Longhorn.  Upon our return there was a buffet of hamburgers and hot dogs with cold salads prepared and ready for us.  As we began to fill our plates with warm food an announcement was made to take it easy.  This was just to tide us over until the main buffet was served in a couple of hours.  This is just an example of the efforts put forth at the Longhorn to make sure that their guests are taken care and made to feel not only welcomed but valued.

If you are planning a run I would suggest that you work the Longhorn into your plans as an origination point, a refreshment stop or an end point.  Just let Jeremy know in advance and your guests will become his guests and based on my experience that is not a bad thing at all. If you are not planning a run, take a ride to Lake Vanare and check out the menu at the Longhorn Restaurant and Pub.  I am betting that you will not be disappointed.

By Ed Frulla   Wed, Sep 01, 2010

Our “People To See” section has up until now focused on clubs and organizations within our coverage area.  It was always our intention to high light certain individuals within the riding community that epitomize what being a true rider is all about.

Our “People To See” section has up until now focused on clubs and organizations within our coverage area.  It was always our intention to high light certain individuals within the riding community that epitomize what being a true rider is all about.

This month we are going to high light an individual that is known to the vast majority of us in the area that ride and an individual that I am proud to be able to call a friend.

Mike Duggan lost his ability to walk in April 1990.  From the moment that he discovered that he would be wheel chair bound he never gave up on the thought that he would someday ride again.  His entourage of friends that included Sporty, Jim Quackenbush and Willy Morrisey set out to insure that he would indeed ride again.  Sporty modified a side car to accept a wheel chair and would take Mike out on rides as often as possible.

The next step in the evolution of getting Mike back to riding came when the trio modified a motorcycle with a seat and backrest so that they could strap Mike onto the bike.  The bike was equipped with a side shifter, a hand clutch and a  sidecar.  This enabled Mike to be able to ride but it required Mike to be dependent on others to get him on and off the bike.  Anyone who has spent more than 1 minute with Mike knows that does not sit well with him.

The next evolution in Mikes ride is the rig that we have seen him with now.  A Honda with an automatic transmission became available and Harry Deritz of Chatam Ontario, Canada offered to modify the Honda to accommodate Mikes’ chair.  Sporty and Mike took the bike up to Harry and he commenced working on it.  When the bike was returned it required some fine tuning, adjustments and modifications.  One modification was the addition of the ramp on the side car portion of the ride.  The addition of the ramp enabled Mike to wheel himself on and off the bike.  This current rig is amazing.  I have ridden behind Mike on rides this summer and it is as stable as one would want it to be and Mike never seems to have a problem keeping up.

As good as the current rig is, it still does not quite meet Mikes’ goal of riding in the saddle and not in the side car.  Currently Go-Slo engineering is working on Mikes’ next ride and it is almost complete.  It is a Road King with air ride suspension, an automatic clutch and electric shift.  The air ride suspension lowers the bike to a level where Mike will be able to get onto the seat.  Stowage for Mikes’ wheel chair is on the left hand side of the bike where the left hand saddle bag would be.  For stability, the bike is equipped with a side car.  I asked Mike if we could have the privilege of accompanying him on his first ride with this new rig and publishing an article highlighting the bike.  We have always said that this magazine is not really about bikes and that we would not highlight bikes in the magazine but this is a very special bike for a very special friend and I am making an exception.

Mike is a very important friend.  I first met him while on Whiskey Walkers’ Ride for the Downed Biker Fund.  We had just started the magazine and had published the April issue.  During a refreshment stop at Laura’s we began chatting and I introduced myself.  He recognized my name and said “you are the guy with the magazine”.  He then commenced to tell me how much he enjoyed it and that from his perspective it was being very well received.  For someone that is just starting out, this kind of feedback is priceless.  Ever since then, Mike has been a loyal subscriber and behind the scenes advocate.

I learned during this interview that Mike is working very hard on his next goal.  To be able to walk with braces and a walker.  To date the farthest that Mike has been able to walk is 52 feet.  I am sure that whatever goal Mike has set for himself he will work hard at it and will achieve it.

Mike my friend, keep working at it and keep inspiring the rest of us to do a little better with our lives today than we did with them yesterday.

By Ed Frulla   Wed, Sep 01, 2010

While on Wack's Make-A-Wish ride I met a lady rider named Dee who asked us if we could possible do her a favor.

It turns out that Dee won her ride in a contest and it was featured in the December 2005 issue of V-Twin Magazine and for obvious reasons she would like a copy of that issue.  She has done the obvious and called V-Twin but they do not have any back issues that are that old.

If anyone happens to have a copy of this issue and you are willing to part with it please contact Dee.

Her e-mail address is      starkdeanna@yahoo.com

First person to find the issue wins absolutely nothing except Dee's gratitude.

By Ed Frulla   Sun, Aug 22, 2010

I look forward to events that are hosted by the American Legion Post 574 Riders Group based in Hudson Falls, NY.  The events are well planned and well executed and this years 6th Annual Poker Run to Benefit Veterans and Community was no exception.

I look forward to events that are hosted by the American Legion Post 574 Riders Group based in Hudson Falls, NY.  The events are well planned and well executed and this years 6th Annual Poker Run to Benefit Veterans and Community was no exception.

This run was special to us.  Jack Demers (Rabbit) is a member of Riders Group 574 and has become a big fan of the magazine and arranged for us to set up a subscription tent to spread the word of the magazine. The effort was quite a success as we added at least 15 new subscribers to the North Country Rider Magazine family.  Our heartfelt thanks goes out to the 574 Riders Group for their continued support of the magazine.  We thoroughly enjoyed being a vendor at their event and hope to work with them on future events as well.

After a prayer from Chaplain Don Williams, the 171 bikes that comprised the ride left the American Legion Post 574 and proceeded to Cambridge where we stopped at the American Legion Post 634.  I love traveling through Washington County and this leg of the trip gave me plenty of opportunity to do that.  Post 634 has excellent outside facilities.  There were all the amenities that a traveling rider could need.  The bathrooms were clean and more than one man commented on the old trough being used as a urinal.  Sorry ladies but the condition of the ladies room is beyond my journalistic capabilities but I did not hear any complaints so I am guessing things were fine there as well.  In the covered pavilion the crew from Post 634 was preparing hot dogs at a rate that I would have thought was humanly impossible.  The crew in the beer and drink building were equally busy ensuring that everyone had all the liquid refreshment they could handle.  It was one of the better rest stops that I have been on this season.

From Cambridge we proceeded to Post 323 in Granville.  Post 323 had a cheese table prepared, the contents of which went well with the liquid refreshments that most everyone was consuming.  We sat outside and joked and chatted until the command to mount up was given and we were off.

From Granville the ride proceeded back to American Legion Post 574 where we were entertained by Now Playing.  A meal with plenty of chicken BBQ, cold salads and baked beans was soon ready and we all grabbed some food.  After eating, the field events were held.  These are always interesting to watch and sometimes just plain hilarious.

As was mentioned earlier, I love rides hosted by Riders Group 574.  There was plenty of police coverage at the major intersections and Rabbit followed with his truck and trailer as a chase vehicle in case there were any breakdowns.  The pace of the ride was such that you were able to enjoy the scenery as you traveled and even novice group riders had little trouble keeping up with the group.

Dan Nolin, the Director of Riders Group 574 surprised us with video that he had taken as the ride departed and as it returned.  We used some of our still pictures that we took on the ride and produced the movie which is attached to this article.  I want to thank Dan for making these videos available to us.  What you see in the movie is a little rough, we are still learning how to most effectively use the video production software, but it has shown us that this is one of the new directions that magazine will be taking in the future.  Hopefully you will find it entertaining or amusing but we do hope that you enjoy it.

This is another MUST DO ride that should be on your To Do list for the 2011 riding season.  If it is, you can be sure that you will see us there.

 Below are some additional pictures of the event that were not used in the video.

By Ed Frulla   Wed, Sep 01, 2010

As we are out and about we try to keep an eye out for runs and events that we have not heard about and are not in our Schedule of Events and this was the case with Leah’s Ride.  We saw the poster at the Boars Nest and phoned the contact on the poster.  We received the event information, added it to the Schedule of Events and sent out a news letter to the subscriber base informing them that there was a new event scheduled for the end of August.

As we are out and about we try to keep an eye out for runs and events that we have not heard about and are not in our Schedule of Events and this was the case with Leah’s Ride.  We saw the poster at the Boars Nest and phoned the contact on the poster.  We received the event information, added it to the Schedule of Events and sent out a news letter to the subscriber base informing them that there was a new event scheduled for the end of August.

Leah DeTroye is the 13 year old daughter of Chris (Hammer) DeTroye who was taken from us and Leah on May 15, 2010 when he was involved in a motorcycle accident.  The proceeds of the event will help defray the costs of this tragedy that the family has had to endure and will also go towards Leah’s college fund.

The event was organized by Roette Rheel, executed by Satans Coachmen of Corinth NY and hosted by the Long Horn at Lake Vanare.  One hundred twenty bikes showed up for the event which is a testament to what Chris meant to the biker brotherhood in the area and also to how just the cause is.

As rides go this is about as good as it could get.  The route was simple enough to follow.  It involved circumnavigating the Great Sacandaga Lake.  The ride departed the Long Horn and traveled up the south side of the lake and crossed to the north side of the lake via the Batchellerville Bridge.  A quick rest stop at the Old Trail Inn and the ride proceeded down the north shore of the lake into Hadley NY and from there on to the Long Horn.  The pace of the ride was excellent and the Satans Coachmen did an excellent job of providing blockers and insuring everyone’s safety and well being.  There was an entourage of cars following the ride as well as a van and trailer in case of a breakdown.  To me the most unnerving part of the ride was crossing the Batchellerville Bridge.  For those of you who have never crossed it, the bridge is wide open with minimal guard rails and it just felt like a good gust of wind would blow you right off into the lake.

When we arrived at the Long Horn there were ‘burgers, dogs and cold salads waiting in a buffet for us.  As we commenced to chow down we were warned that this was just to tide us over until the real buffet comes out in ninety minutes or so.  So often when you arrive back from a run the food that is supposed to be hot is cold and the food that is supposed to be cold is hot.  Since Jeremy at the Long Horn owns both a restaurant (The Long Horn) and a catering business it would only make sense that things were timed just right.  When the buffet of chicken BBQ, beef stroganoff, green beans and red potatoes was served it was well worth the wait.  The food was exceptional.  There was an outside bar serving beer and bottled water and the interior bar was in full operation as well.  One thing that impressed me was the level of staffing at the event.  Personnel with Long Horn staff shirts were everywhere insuring that the guests were well taken care of.

Entertainment was provided by E’Town Express with a guest appearance of Jim Thomson who plays in a local band.  The music was excellent and E’Town Express is starting to cut some of their own material and I must say it is really good stuff.  Check out their web site to learn more about the band.

There was a 50/50 raffle, a Chinese auction and a silent auction.  Up for grabs in the silent auction was a set of hand carved crystal glasses and a hand carved bottle of Jack Daniels both of which commemorated the life of Chris.  There were also 2 framed pictures drawn by a local artist that depicted Chris in the environments that he loved the most, fishing and riding.

Roette and Leah drew the winners of the 50/50, the Chinese auction and announced the winners of the silent auction. 

I had a great time on this ride as well.  A co-worker of mine rode up from her home in Ballston Spa to participate in the ride and it was nice to be able to ride with her.  She was easy to pick out of the crowd, just look for the pink “Motorcycle Girl” shirt that said “Yeah, You have just been passed by a girl”.  Thanks Anne for coming up and I hope you enjoyed the ride.  My neighbors Hairy and Bin and their son Jason were there as well.  I was not able to hang with them as much as I would have liked to but it was nice to see them out on Hairy’s new ride.

I truly hope that this becomes an annual event so that as a group we can continue to celebrate Hammer’s life and be able to continue to contribute to Leah’s college fund and her future.  I can think of no better use of my time on a week end in August.

By Ed Frulla   Tue, Aug 31, 2010

Wack’s Make-A-Wish ride is one of the areas must do events.  Who are we to argue so we decided to attend the event and we are glad that we did.

Wack’s Make-A-Wish ride is one of the areas must do events.  Who are we to argue so we decided to attend the event and we are glad that we did.

Wack has been holding this ride for many years now and it shows in the execution.  The ride was very well paced and very well coordinated with the State Police, County Sheriffs and local police along the route.  This ride was slightly different in that a portion of the ride went through Vermont.  You know the roads are back country when there is grass growing out of the cracks in the asphalt.

The origination point for the ride was the Blue Moon Bar and Grill on the Glen Lake Road.  When I arrived, the bar was open and the proprietor had donuts and coffee ready and available.  It is always nice to grab a little snack before hitting the road.  

A total of 168 bikes left the Blue Moon Bar and Grill  and proceeded west on the Glen Lake Road until we intersected with Route 9.  North on Route 9 took us to the intersection of Route 9 and Route 149.  We proceeded east on Route 149 through the construction and on into Fort Ann where the Washington County Sherriff had the traffic well in hand.  We intersected with Route 4 and headed north towards Whitehall NY and Fair Haven VT.  Just after crossing the Vermont State Line, we intersected with Route 4A and proceeded south until we hit Route 22A.  Along the way we stopped at the Hog’s Breath Inn for refreshments.  It was an interesting place, a little off the beaten path with plenty of parking and plenty of cold beer and soda.  We all stretched our legs, talked bike and bikers and then headed back on the road.  We stayed on Route 22A until we intersected Route 22 at Granville, NY.  From Granville we took Route 149 to Hartford and stopped at the Hartford Tavern.  It appeared that Hartford was having a craft fair and the sight of 168 bikes rolling into town appeared to take some people by surprise.  When we arrived at the Hartford Tavern we discovered that the Tavern hosts a Barnyard Horseshoe Team during the summer and they were having their end of year party.  Some of us grabbed something cold to drink and watched the teams throw shoes.  For someone who can just barely get a horseshoe into the pit, I was quite impressed at the abilities of some of these team members.

From Hartford we traveled on Route 196 to Hudson Falls NY where we intersected with Route 4.  We made a refreshment stop at the Wayside in Hudson Falls.  While we were at the Wayside, the owner gave Wack a contribution of $300.00 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  From Hudson Falls we took Routes 35 and 39 until we hit Route 9L.  We traveled on Route 9L north until we arrived at the Adirondack Bar and Grill which was the termination point for the ride.

We grabbed some plates and filled them with hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans and cold salads. The entertainment was provided by two bands.  First up was the Noname Band which was followed by Street Talk.  Both bands were excellent and Seneca Scarincio of Street Talk was absolutely fabulous.  After everyone had their fill, Wack was presented with several plaques and awards from the CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Upstate NY.  Jake from WGNA (107.7) performed as the master of ceremonies and drew the 50/50 raffle and the winners of the Chinese Auction.  Paul Moore won the 50/50 and donated the money he had won back to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  Way to go Paul!  Helicopter rides were also available and the sky divers that dropped into the field adjacent to the Adirondack Bar and Grill kept everyone amused for the period of time they were in the air.

The route was great, the execution and pace were excellent, the sun was hot, the food was very good, the friends were there, the beer was cold and we will be on Wacks’ run next year to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  An excellent time for a very worthy cause.

By Ed Frulla   Wed, Sep 01, 2010

On August 7, 2010 I was participating in the American Legion Post 574 Riders Group ride and was sitting at the bar talking bikes with an old friend.  I felt a tap on my shoulder and a young woman was standing there with one of the magazines business cards.  She stated that someone had given her the card and told her that she should be talking with me.  This was the first time that I met Lori Darrow.  

On August 7, 2010 I was participating in the American Legion Post 574 Riders Group ride and was sitting at the bar talking bikes with an old friend.  I felt a tap on my shoulder and a young woman was standing there with one of the magazines business cards.  She stated that someone had given her the card and told her that she should be talking with me.  This was the first time that I met Lori Darrow.  She told me of the story of her son who had died of spina bifada and that she was holding a run in his memory.  The run was to be called the 1^st Annual Caiden Joseph Darrow Memorial Motorcycle Ride and the proceeds were to benefit the Prospect Child and Family Center.  She was holding the event on August 22, 2010 and wondered what I could do for her.  I took down the required information and asked her to send me the graphic file used to create the banners.  Those of you who read this and are subscribers received the news letter announcing the newly added ride.  We did this because we had already published the August issue and this event would not be in the Schedule of Events published with the monthly news letter. Suddenly we find ourselves in the communication business as well as the information business and the entertainment business but that is OK.  That is what we are here for.

August 22^nd dawned with a steady rain falling from the sky.  I leathered up and headed south to the Eagles Club in South Glens Falls, stopping at the Leather Outlet on the way to buy a much needed face mask.  Upon my arrival at the Eagles club I discovered two things.  The first was that I was not the only Looney Tune riding in the rain and two; the ride portion of the day was cancelled.  There was a severe thunder storm warning posted for the afternoon and good judgment called for the cancellation.

At 3:00 PM everyone gathered at the Eagles Club for some delicious food and entertainment by Debs Mike.  Deb was truly entertaining and would put most DJs to shame.  I really enjoyed her karaoke routines with her country hat, it is an image that for some reason seems to be burned into my memory.  I later learned that Lori is a caterer which might explain why the food was always hot and very plentiful.  The usual 50/50 was drawn as were the winners of the Chinese Auction.  The 50/50 was won by a gentleman named Steve who promptly donated his share back to the Prospect Child and Family Center.  It is acts like this that truly make me glad that I am a biker and part of this great community that we have.

It truly saddened me that the weather had to ruin Lori’s plans.  I am hoping that there is a 2^nd Annual Caiden Joseph Darrow Memorial Motorcycle Ride.  Lori is a member of Hooch Hogs and I have yet to ride with them and was looking forward to it.  If the ride portion of the event is as well handled as the festivities I experienced that afternoon, it would be a great ride.

By Ed Frulla   Tue, Aug 31, 2010

I purchased my new Fury last year in early June 2009.  As a habit, I do not tend to hang out in biker bars and because of that fact I never knew that the Schedule of Events even existed.  In July of 2009 my daughter asked me if I wanted to go on a run with her and a friend.  The run that we were going on was the Chris Hitchcock Memorial Ride in August 2009.

I purchased my new Fury last year in early June 2009.  As a habit, I do not tend to hang out in biker bars and because of that fact I never knew that the Schedule of Events even existed.  In July of 2009 my daughter asked me if I wanted to go on a run with her and a friend.  The run that we were going on was the Chris Hitchcock Memorial Ride in August 2009.  It was during this run that I started to think about the idea for a web site that covered motorcycling in the Adirondacks.  At that point in time I was not sure what the site would be but it was obvious that there was a definite need for something that would host the Schedule of Events on-line.  For that reason, the Chris Hitchcock Memorial Ride will always be special to me.  Not only does it celebrate and memorialize Chris’s life but it also is in essence, the birth place of North Country Rider Magazine. 

The origin point for this ride is at J & J’s Fox Lair Tavern in Bakers Mills / Dog Town NY.  I wish more rides would utilize the Fox Lair.  Ricci and Joe have established a facility that is tailored to biker events, are bikers themselves and insure that everyone feels welcome.  The ride was a poker run format.  All the riders left at the same time but the nice thing about a poker run format is the freedom to set your own pace, and stop when you want to.  As I have stated many times before, I prefer this format as I believe it combines the best of both worlds.  You can ride at the pace that is right for you but when the ride ends there are enough people to make the party interesting.

I rode with Sarge and his wife, Rob and John.  The ride route took us east on Route 8 until we intersected with Route 9 at Loon Lake.  We proceeded north on Route 9 until we intersected with Route 6.  Route 6 south took us to Route 70 and a short hop on Route 42 took us to Port Henry.   In Port Henry we took Route 9N south.  We made a fuel stop in Ticonderoga and hit the nearby McDonalds for a quick snack.  While we were at McDonalds we watched the rest of the run go by.  From Ticonderoga we stayed on Route 9N until we hit Hague NY where we took Route 8 back to J & J’s Fox Lair Tavern.

The Comstock Pig Roasts were on hand to insure that the pig was roasted to perfection.  The pig was on the spit before we left and the smell of roasting pig filled the air.  I do not think any of us were not feeling a bit hungry when we left on the ride and maybe that is why some of us stopped for a quick snack at the McDonalds in Ticonderoga.  As always, the Comstocks did an excellent job with the pig and the baked beans and cold salads that were on hand made the pig that much better.  While we were waiting for the pig to be carved, two bikes pulled into the parking lot.  Lazlo and Paul are two friends from Manchester NH and Boston MA respectively.  Each year they take two weeks off and go on a motorcycle tour somewhere in the New England area.  This year they chose the Adirondacks and had been touring in the Lake Placid / Old Forge area.  They were traveling Route 8 on their way to Lake George and were surprised to find this tavern in the middle of nowhere with a large number of bikes parked out front.  They decided to stop and see what was going on.  They decided to partake in the pig roast and after we had completed our meal they asked us for some advice on roads to ride on in the Adirondacks.  Paul produced a map that they had been using for their tour and when I looked at the map my statement to him was “Dude, 80% of the roads we ride on are not on the map”.  Once again, the Christopher Hitchcock Memorial Ride has highlighted another need that we can fill.  Over the winter we plan on creating a series of custom maps highlighting the tours and routes that we who live here use so often.  This will enable us to make the magazine useful to an expanded audience beyond the footprint of our coverage area.

After everyone had eaten, the field events were held.  The contests consisted of the hot dog contest, a water balloon toss and a bean bag toss.  Mustard in the face and hair is always good for a chuckle.  The required water balloon toss was next on the agenda and the balloons at this event seemed to be less durable than I had seen at other events which meant that more than one driver and rider got wet.  The final event was the ball toss and as the light faded into darkness, so did the event.

This is an event that I look forward to and plan on attending each year that it is held.  The funds from this event are used for scholarships that are given each year to students who are going to specialize in the fields of conservation and heavy equipment mechanics. It is always a fun trip, the food is always excellent and I love hanging out at J & J’s Fox Lair Tavern with my friends Ricci and Joe.

By Priscilla Dearborn   Wed, Sep 01, 2010

On August 22, 2010 the Crazy Train Riders in association with the Corinth Emergency Squad held a car and bike show to benefit 4 children in Corinth to raise funds to assist with their medical needs. 

From the moment we started North Country Rider Magazine we wanted this to be your magazine, not ours.  It was always our hope that clubs would start submitting their own articles and pictures covering rides and events that they hosted that we were not able to cover.  Here is the first article covering an event written by the club and edited for content by us.  We encourage more clubs and organizations to do the same.

On August 22, 2010 the Crazy Train Riders in association with the Corinth Emergency Squad held a car and bike show to benefit 4 children in Corinth to raise funds to assist with their medical needs. 

 Brooke J. is a 19 month old being treated for eye cancer in NY City.   Two other children ages 8 and 15 are being treated for leukemia.   Then there is Brooke K. a 16 year old. Brooke is an amazing young lady having been born with no arms and only a partial leg and a smile that never stops.  Brooke K. is raising money to procure a handicapped accessible van to make it easier for her dad to transport her.

 The turnout wasn't as great due to the heavy rains that morning.  However, our thanks go out to the Leathernecks MC for coming out to show their support.  Thank you so very much.  The Corinth Emergency Squad supplied a spaghetti dinner at the conclusion of the ride which was lead by the one of the Squads ambulances driven by Connie Tubbs.  Brooke K. was on hand to hand out trophies for 3 categories: peoples’ choice, most original, and best of show.  We had raffles and a great time, thanks to all who helped, and donated to a great cause.

 Please check out the pictures of Brooke K. on one of the bikes. Her smile made getting wet that day worth every drop of rain.  We had planned on giving her a ride, as she stated that was one thing she hasn't done yet but the weather precluded us from doing that.

  If anyone would like to donate to these children, please send a check to the Crazy Train Riders Club, C/O Michelle Ovitt 505 Palmer Avenue, Corinth NY 12822.  Please memo the check with “charity ride for kids”.  Our thanks go out to all who participated in the event and to those who donated their time to make the event happen.

By Ed Frulla   Tue, Aug 31, 2010

Any ride which benefits a child or children is high on my list of rides that I am going to attend and so it also was for 230 other riders..  The Adirondack Riders MC of Glens Falls, New York had scheduled their Annual Bingo Run for August 01, 2010.

Any ride which benefits a child or children is high on my list of rides that I am going to attend and so it also was for 230 other riders..  The Adirondack Riders MC of Glens Falls, New York had scheduled their Annual Bingo Run for August 01, 2010.

This year’s ride was to benefit a young six year old girl named Bella.  Bella has been diagnosed with PCD and Systic Fibrosis but this diagnosis has not yet been completely confirmed.  As a result of the disease, Bella’s lungs are severely damaged and her treatments are ongoing.  The proceeds of this event are destined to help defray some of the costs associated with Bella’s treatments.  I had the honor to meet Bella, her mom Kim and her dad Duane.  After having met this vibrant young girl I can attest that the funds are going to a very worthwhile cause.  To further attest to Bella’s go for it attitude, she rode with a friend of the family for the entire run.  I think that is pretty remarkable for a 6 year old with her condition.

The ride is a Poker Run format and I like these types of rides.  I find that I can hook up with a group of like minded individuals and we can ride at our own pace.  Since the riders are broken up into smaller groups, the need for blockers and traffic control are eliminated.  It just seems to make for a more leisurely ride.

We left the McDonalds at Exit 18 and proceeded through northern Queensbury and onto Bay Road.  From Bay Road we worked our way over to Vaughn Road and then onto Route 149 into Hartford where we stopped at the check point established at the Stewart’s Shop.

From the checkpoint we took Route 196 West to Fort Edward.  From Fort Edward we took Route 197 West and then proceeded south on Route 9.  We turned right onto Spier Falls Road and proceeded into Corinth.  From Corinth we turned right onto River Street and then onto Call Street which returned us to the West Mountain Road.  From the West Mountain Road we turned onto the Luzerne Road which led us to the rides destination at the West Glens Falls Fire Department.

The food was ready and we enjoyed a meal of hamburgers, hot dog, sausage and onion and BBQ chicken plus plenty of cold salads.  While we ate we were entertained by A+ Entertainment.

There was the usual Chinese auction and a 50/50 raffle.  When each person registered they were given a ticket.  While the ride was under way, tickets were drawn and prizes were designated for the drawn tickets.  It was a simple matter to present your ticket to see if you were a lucky winner.

After everyone had eaten it was time for the field events.  The skill test of who can drive the slowest was interesting to watch.  The fact that a bike with ape hangers was able to finish high in the finish order is a testament to that driver’s skill level.  The balloon toss event was also interesting.  I expected to see more wet drivers but the balloons this year seemed to be very resilient.

After the field events the Bingo portion of the event was conducted but we were long gone before that started.  I have been known to do Bingo on a Cruise Ship (you just can’t get away) but that is the extent of it.

If you missed the ride but would like to assist Bella you can do so at her Facebook Page.  Just Google “Bucks for Bella” to find the page.

It was a great event.  It was well executed, entertaining and the recipient of the benefits more than deserves our help and support.  The ride was interesting in that it contained a variety of roads, road conditions and views.  I enjoy traveling through Washington County and this ride offered plenty of opportunity to do that.

This is an annual event that I look forward to each year and I hope to see you at next year’s ride.

If you are wondering where the pictures went, good question.  It seems that we had a camera malfunction and all the pictures that we had taken are now just bits of atoms floating through hyperspace.  Please accept our apologies.

9/6/10 Update

Seeing our problem with the pictures, the Adirondack Riders were kind enough to provide us a link to their respository of pictures on Windows Live.  View the pictures here.  In picture 9, the little girl in jean shorts and pig-tails is Bella.

By Ed Frulla   Wed, Sep 01, 2010

By Ed Frulla   Wed, Sep 01, 2010