To: COG Members
From: Jason Kaplitz COG#62; Rally Coordinator
RE: 2004 COG National "Floodcity National Rally", Johnstown, PA.

I believe that we have put a rally package together that is not only affordable for all, but is also going to offer exciting riding opportunities, quality attractions and an enjoyable environment. Johnstown is located in western Pennsylvania, approximately 60 east of Pittsburgh. It is located within a 500-mile radius of more than half of America's population, and seven of America's ten largest cities are located within 300 miles of Johnstown.

The COG group has been to Johnstown before, in fact I've hosted the Floodcity Regional rally three times, 1994, and 1998 and in 2001. Attendees left with smiles on their faces every time! We averaged 100 members at these past events; which leaves thousands of COG members whom have never been to Johnstown. And you can be sure that I'll have new rides, to new places, planned for returning members. I don't want to just recreate a past event!

Location:

The Greater Johnstown area is well known for it's rich history. Whether it is the great Johnstown Flood or the story of the European immigrants that came to America in the 1800's looking for work and relief from persecution (this story is told at the recently completed Discovery Center located just a short distance from the rally HQ at the Holiday Inn). We have a wealth of Heritage themed attractions that our rally attendee's will want to visit along with the more commercial types of attractions.

Johnstown consistently ranks as one of, if not the "Safest City in America" in which to live, and has recently been ranked by Money Magazine as the #1 Most Livable City in Pennsylvania and fourth in the entire Northeast! We feel all our members will feel safe and comfortable while here. Past Floodcity rally participants rave about our in-town location and the ability to walk around town. Don't let in the in-town location scare you away, this is small town America at it's finest, and you're just a 10-minute ride to the country in any direction. The proposed rally headquarters, the Holiday Inn, is first class with covered parking and the newly built convention center 1 block over will provide all the banquet facilities we need at affordable prices.

The Northeast region of COG has always been a very active group, and once again our members are coming through! I have a veteran group of volunteers ready, willing, and able to assist putting this event together. I also have the support of the local Convention & Visitors Bureau, which is the sponsoring body for our local motorcycle rally "Thunder in the Valley" which attracts up to 50,000 Motorcyclist each June. Needless to say, Johnstown is motorcyclist friendly.

Riding:

Leaving Johnstown to the north will point you toward the Cooks Forest and Allegheny National Forest, both very scenic and lightly traveled areas. These area's offer great riding on lightly traveled "out in the woods" byways. A stop for lunch at one of the famous diners along PA Route 6 is sure to please your appetite. Heading out east will point you towards Central Pennsylvania and it's wonderful valleys and farmlands. State College and Happy Valley are a pleasant day ride away with time for a stop at Raystown Lake or Pine Creek for lunch. Or perhaps a covered bridge tour of Bedford County would be more to your liking. Again - lots of roads, but not many people!

Travellers departing the rally HQ to the South will point towards the Maryland panhandle and northeastern West Virginia. With both areas offering great riding and ample opportunities to stop and smell the roses. We ride these areas many times a year and always come home with a big grin! There are great routes through the mountains and very little traffic. You're more likely to see an Amish family in their buggy than a traffic backup. Leaving Johnstown to the West will point you towards the big city-Pittsburgh! But along the way you get to visit places like picturesque Ligonier, PA. or perhaps Latrobe, PA - home of Arnold Palmer and Rolling Rock Brewery! If you want to visit Downtown Pittsburgh for a visit to the Strip District for a wonderful meal or take in a Pirate game you can back to rally headquarters in less than 2 hours.

Community Support:

Johnstown has become home to Thunder in the Valley, a grass roots rally entering its 5th year and anticipating over 50,000 participants this year. The community has welcomed this event with open arms; it's safe to say that Johnstown is Biker Friendly! I have a working relationship with not only the Johnstown area CVB but also with the three adjourning counties. I'm confident that I will have all the support I need to make this event a success!

Things to do:

There are so many quality attractions and historic sites to visit in our area we can only point you towards some of the web site links that we think will be of value. We will pop these up on the web site and add to the list periodically. Trust me, no one will be bored while attending a rally in Johnstown, PA.