Riding Motorcycles in Winter, on purpose!
Thanks to the AMA Polar Bear Grand Tour.

Polar Bear Motorcycles
by: Chris Loynd

If you've stumbled onto this page out of curiosity, you're welcome to stay and read the saga of riding motorcycles in the winter.

Several of us from Connecticut, participate in the Polar Bear Grand Tour, a winter-long set of destination rides sanctioned by the American Motorcycle Association (AMA): www.PolarBearGrandTour.com.

I enjoy writing and the antics of my fellow Polar Bears often provide good fodder. This blog allows me to preserve some great memories and to share them with my fellow Polar Bear motorcycle riders, you, and anyone else in the world. Enjoy! So despite my first editor's warning about committing to a weekly column, here it us, usually posted by the Saturday after our Sunday ride.

Me, Chris Loynd, on my
very first Polar Bear ride.
To read the story of that
first ride, follow this link:
Polar Bear Story.

If you're interested in riding with us from Connecticut, it is very informal. Each rider is responsible for his or her own safety. We meet at the Stratford (Conn.) Dunkin' Donuts, I-95, Exit 30, at the corner of Lordship Blvd., and Honeyspot Rd. To get on the e-mail list for weekly departure times, contact me:
Chris Loynd chris@InfluentialCom.com

Please keep in mind I sometimes exaggerate here in an attempt at humor. I make no promises for the veracity of any statements. No warranty is expressed or implied. Your mileage may vary. Void where prohibited.

Read this blog with a very big grain of salt. (And discount anything Russ Curtis tells you by at least 30 percent!)

Polar Bear Riders from 2004. Full face helmets, plenty of layers and electric clothing keep us toasty.

Rides:

Sorry, last season, 2008/09 there was no blog.

You can also follow this blog -- without pictures -- on Blogspot:
http://www.motorcyclepolarbear.blogspot.com/ where you can "follow" the blog for automatic notice when the newest post appears.

Use your REFRESH button to see the latest entries.

Other essays:
My first Polar Bear ride.
Dimes and Throttles.
Tribute to fellow CT Bear Clark Makinson.

Join the CT Polar Bear Riders!

Long Valley, NJ; March 7, 2010

Week 19 bears, from left: John J., Ralphie (made his bones this ride), Chris, John K., John H.

40 degrees to start; 60s for the ride home!

Back in the traces again, I returned from my California trip to a tough work week, including going into the office on Saturday.

So I was especially grateful to find a bit of solace in a beautiful motorcycle ride accompanied by the reliable warmth of friends and the unexpected warmth of pre-spring weather.

I do not ride Polar Bear season because I like to be cold. I think most motorcyclists would rather ride in warm than cold or hot. One exception may be Polar Bear Grand Tour Chairman Bob Hartpence who does not feel cold like most human beings. He was joking about wearing shorts on Sunday.

Sunday's weather was a treat. We started in 'pert near 40 degree weather and finished in the low 60s.

Back from California to ride Polar Bear again. In L.A. I grabbed this pic with Johnny Depp. He didn't seem too happy about posing with me. I commented we had similarly scraggly beards.

To boot, John Howard worked out a route that took us through a bit of scenic New Jersey so we did not have to make that very messy traffic light and attendant quick turn into Long Valley Brewery. I knew not where we were after we jumped off Route 80.

Nonetheless, you have to trust your group leader. So we rode some two lane roads through hills and farms and sure enough, John H. signaled one last left turn and we were there.

We had five bikes, less than I expected. Generally, warm weather brings out more Polar Cubs who are on my e-mail alert list but rarely show for January rides. We get them at the beginning and end of the season, depending upon the weather. And that's fine, by the way. Dead of winter riding is not for everybody.

This week's ride leader found us a nice bit 'o scenery.

With Token² in the lead and the Captain in sweep, there was naught for me to do but enjoy the ride. I must admit I am getting rather lazy about these Polar Bear outings. I used to print out directions and maps for every destination.

Now I just show up for the ride, content to allow one of my GPS equipped compatriots lead me to and from our destination.

It is one of the luxuries of group riding.

While in California, delayed by snow, I rented a car for a couple days to go sightseeing in the sun while I waited for snow to stop falling back home. I figured I would see the shark, walk the stars, do the tourist thing.

Through Expedia I got a car from Budget, across the street from my hotel, for $16 a day. Figuring that was a good deal, I went ahead and rented the GPS for another $13 a day.

Despite the warm weather, snow remained from previous week. Shown is one reason Token earned his name, his Honda ST.

I must say it was a positive experience. I am a bit old fashioned (or maybe slow, my Dad has a GPS), but it was the first time I spent any significant time with one of the contraptions.

Now I am contemplating one for the bike.

My bike is very retro. For gauges I have only gas and speed. No tachometer, I use my ears and butt to know when to shift. No radio. No temperature nor oil pressure gauges. A GPS will definitely damage the look. But I can see how it could be useful when touring.

Fortunately, as a Polar Bear I have a built in cadre of product testers. So once they read this blog, now that I have publicly admitted an interest, I will be able to learn from thousands of dollars of mistakes and product upgrades absorbed by my riding buddies. I will also likely get a raft of grief over finally coming around. If you have been a faithful blog reader, you know I have ridiculed my electronic pals.

Johns K., J., and H., all GPS equipped.

Long Valley Brewery put out a beautiful brunch buffet. (Sorry, hon. I really will start that post vacation diet, maybe tomorrow.) Token² had to teach their chef how to make a scrambled egg. And Captain got the last two benedictine eggs. All the same, I scored some goodies with a high brow/low brow breakfast strategy involving smoked salmon and biscuits with gravy. John J. and I both took a slice of the cake. It was delicious, cream cheese and sugar with just enough flour cake to hold the frosting together. Coffee service was slow, but by the time we were ready for our second cup the joint was jumpin' and there was a line for sign-in.

Fonz earned his Polar Bear patch and red rocker on this ride. Welcome to the Polar Bear Club! You will have to get a special CTPB patch from our Sergeant at Arms, Grumpy.

Ralphie now an official patch-holding Polar Bear!

We walked outside and Token² used a miniature tripod to take the group photo. Unfortunately we've lost Grumpy to night shift.

Once we were back in line and headed out, Token² had his left turn signal on, waiting, waiting, waiting for a gap to get down the short bit to that troublesome traffic light. A word with John J. and Token reversed his signals. We took a right and snuck back out the way we came, over hills and dales to Route 80.

At Chez GSP Fonz and I had a side conversation going about the Rider Education Program. We shared some of our best teaching stories. Classes start soon. It was sort of “the blind leading the blind” because neither of us made our site manager's update meeting. Pogy called in from Korea to say we should not look for him at the Darien rest stop this Sunday.

Token² and Captain inside Long Valley Pub.

I shared the good news with Fonz that we were switching to an all combination lock system. This will save Fonz a lot of time in doubling back to the site to return the keys he forgot to put in the briefcase when he handed it over to Pogy for the next instructor. Now if we can just figure out who disappeared the DVD!

Pogy is literally circling the world this trip. He started in Japan, was calling me from Korea and is next on to India. Hopefully we will see him again in a week or two when he's done wrangling helicopters.

Fonz and I were interrupted by a more boisterous conversation at the other end of the table. We had to throw some water on the Captain to cool him down. Seems he was watching Fox News again and talking politics.

Fonz, left, and Captain enter Chez GSP.

Yeah, I know, we're never going to retire, all the money will be gone or useless, and health care is going to bankrupt the treasury one way or the other. Hey, I figure that's all the more reason to get in as many good rides as we can before it all comes crashing down.

Man has been predicting the end of the world ever since he first figured out that he, too, was going to die someday. From that wellspring all religion flows.

On I-287 on the way back I hit a serious pothole. I didn't lose any tooth fillings or wheel spokes, but my EZ Pass popped off the windshield. I saw it disappear in a flash, but did not see it skittering along the highway. It was just before we move over to exit to the Merritt Parkway. Come to think about it, this was right about the same place Grumpy's transponder bounced. I saw his spin off to the shoulder and recovered it for him.

Captain and Fonz., inside Long Valley Pub.

No such luck for me!

I looked around me thinking maybe it was caught on a saddlebag mount or niche around the engine. Nope.

As we merge onto the Merritt Parkway there is a very tight, descending radius, on-ramp. I generally get quite a bit of lean going so I can keep my speed up to launch onto the Parkway.

We rode for home, this one and that one gradually peeling off for his own house. I pulled off in Stratford, rode down to the gas station to fill the tank to the very top to minimize gas tank condensation. As I stood up, my EZ Pass magically reappeared on my seat. I guess somehow when it popped off I unknowingly caught it in my crotch. Even more amazing to me, it stayed right there as I shifted position and leaned the bike for a half hour.

There is something amazing on most every ride. See you next Sunday . . . if the Captain and Glen Beck are wrong and Sunday comes.

Our bikes outside the scenic Long Valley Restaurant
and brewery tucked into the north Jersey foothills.
My green Springer is on the far right.

Flight B leaders Rich and Dave.

Grand Tour Chairman Bob.

Fonz's Entry for Long Valley Pub Ride:

The following message goes to the unknown operator, I'm going to call him DICK, who decided to ride through our formation on Sunday...$#%* YOU! I know you couldn't hear me when I yelled it on Sunday, so I wanted to say it again. Just in case you come across this blog at some point in the future, I wanted you to know that your poor driving skills jeopardized our safety! (Probably was texting, maybe reading the newspaper or just had his head up his ass). Our sweep, Da Captain, had just made a lane change and was occupying the lane we were going to take over. As I started to drift to the left, DICK decided to continue driving North as if we weren't even there and subsequently drove in between us. At that point, the world faded to Black for a quick second.

I was so angry at what DICK had done. Thankfully, I hesitated with my lane change therefore avoiding DICK crashing into me. I don't know why I hesitated because all my other lane changes were quick. It was as if something held me for a second. It wasn't my time.

Just in case you didn't hear me...Dick, $#%* YOU! I feel better now.

This week I earned my first Polar Bear Patch. I was pleased that the CT Blogger was there to share this moment with me. He's the one that turned me onto the Polar Bears. Thanks for accepting me into your world of cold weather riding. Its chilly at times, but exhilarating! So, to all my fair weather buddies, "Now I'm officially Crazy, not Stupid."

Ralphie "Fonz"
Polar Bear
09-10

South Augusta, NJ; March 14, 2010

Week 20 Bears, only two braved the rains: Captain and Token².

This week's entry by John Howard.
I just wasn't in the mood to ride in cold rain, CT Blogger.

Two Johns, no chicks, only a Chatterbox

The second Nor’easter of March was a storm that just kept on giving. Starting on Friday, through all of Saturday and into Sunday (and supposedly Monday) rain, torrential at times, was the menu. The rain simply washed away enthusiasm for the ride and so it was that only two CT Johns made the trip on two wheels to the Chatterbox, Augusta, NJ. Capt. John K. took the lead and John H. sweep (if such position descriptions hold true with a pair of riders) after being picked up at the Tappan Zee Bridge. The day was intermittently, dry, drizzly and/or light to moderate rain with just a mere peak of sun piercing the veil of cloud while at the destination. The temperature was a mild 46°F on departure and made it, briefly, to 49°F during the ride

Wet bikes, Token's Honda and Captain's Harley
at the Chatterbox Drive-in.

My day did not start off as planned, on wheeling the ST1300 out of the garage in preparation for the ride I failed to deploy the side stand properly, well actually it remained fully stowed, and as I leant the bike over it just kept going over until it gently hit the tip over bars. That is the first time I have done such a thing with this machine and it is one heavy beast, about 700lbs with a full tank of gas. Fortunately adrenaline (and embarrassment) are powerful drugs and to my surprise I got the thing up fairly easily; my calf and thigh muscle now tell a different story. Well, no harm no foul.

The Saw Mill Parkway is my route to meet up with the CT Bears at the TZB and the road lived up to it’s name, well the Saw Mill part anyway; there were an astonishing number of trees cut up and moved to the side of the road along the entire length. In addition the road was also closed at Pleasantville due to flooding, with a combination of missed turns and a recalculating GPS I ended up going through Greenburgh, including through about 8 inches of flood water on one of the town roads to gain access to I-287.

Not many bikes showed up for the rain.
Most hid under the Chatterbox's awning.

Capt. K. came by the pick-up point at 9.40am as planned and we headed across the 45mph speed restricted bridge in gusty winds. The first signs of significant flooding were observed as we neared the intersection of I-287 and I-87N, in fact traffic was backed up just after the exit for I-287S and signs indicated that I-87N was subject to delays due to floods. We were fortunate to miss the back-up.

The journey was otherwise uneventful, except as we neared the destination where a downed power line forced a minor detour off Route 15. Rivers and streams that came into view were running in torrents and along I-287 in NJ there were quite a number of temporary waterfalls tumbling down the rock faces that had been created when the interstate was constructed.

Chatterbox dragster hangs from the ceiling.

There are many exits one can leave I-287 or I-80 in order to reach The Chatterbox; we have used different routes in the past and Capt K. added another one to the repertoire with a minor deviation that took us along Richard Mine Road. I couldn’t resist mentioning this point and as Capt K. stated over lunch, he only rides PB as he feels a duty to provide a constant flow of blog fodder. Heck under that crusty exterior there is a sensitive soul just wanting to be liked. Well, dude, you have come to the wrong place if you want to feel the love!

Turnout at The Chatterbox was light as might have been expected and we were able to select a parking spot under the overhang of the restaurant that made for a reasonable place to manage the riding attire. Chicken sandwiches and coffee were the order for the day for both CT Bears.

Flight B Obergruppen Meisters Rich and Dave have gone into the Polar Bear Decal business and you too can have one for a layout of $5. They look very smart (will have mine mounted during the week), come with full instructions for application and are available in a variety of colors. Don’t forget to ask Rich or Dave for the Green one, they only have a few left and they are being kept for the CT Bears. Both of them are willing to provide full explanations of how the decal will look when mounted; just ask.

The ride home commenced just after the noon hour and on the advice and prior experience of Capt. K. was planned to go via the GWB to avoid possible flooding on the GSP. Fortunately, just before the entrance to the GSP we both saw a sign indicating the lower roadway of the GWB was closed for emergency repair so plans were immediately changed with a swift multilane move to the right to pick up the GSP. As luck would have it the GSP had light traffic and no flooding. At one point the road surface was even dry; but just as I noticed that the heavens opened up but only for a minute or two, such was the day. Nothing more than a quick pit-stop at Montvale Services and then we headed back across the Hudson.

All in all a better riding day than could have been imagined from the forecast; truth be told I think we both enjoyed having different conditions than usual to go play in, it keeps it interesting.

Flight B leaders Rich and Dave at the colorful Chatterbox.

Langhorne, PA; March 21, 2010

Week 21 Bears from left: far back row, CT Blogger, Big Matt and Pogy.
Middle row: Fonz, John J., Russ, Bart, Ron and Blanca. Kneeling in front, Captain and Token².

What do you call unusually warm days at the first of spring? Were it fall we would say Indian Summer. We were blessed with a first and second day of spring that felt nearly like summer after a long and crappy winter.

And as I write this on a cold, rainy, overworked Monday, I still can de-stress a bit as I bask for a moment or two in Sunday's memory.

Actually I got a double treat from this past ride. Our destination is just an hour north of my folk's home in Wilmington, Del., just south of Philadelphia. So it is one where I sometimes ride down on Saturday, spend some time with the folks, and meet my pals at Brian's Harley-Davidson on Sunday for the ride home.

Typically I do a few chores for Mom and she rewards me with favorite foods. This Saturday I planted a tree, washed windows on the sunroom, small labor in exchange for steak dinner and scrapple breakfast.

As a bonus I got to chat with Mom and Dad and play with their dog Heidi. Double bonus: I get to sleep in Sunday morning.

Amazingly I pulled into Brian's Sunday morning less than two minutes after my guys. They were just making their way away from the bikes after stowing helmets, jackets, gloves and such.

It was already warm. I gladly stripped off the jacket and riding pants and joined my guys at the dealership. You can tell it's no longer Polar Bear weather; sign-up tables were set outside. Brian's H-D offered a tasty lunch on their outdoor, rooftop patio.

As we chatted over lunch, I discovered that I missed a scenic ride down to Brian's. John J., as he remembers it, was pressed into leading the pack on a moment's notice. He hastily punched in directions to his GPS and blindly followed the soulless computer deep into downtown Trenton. Well, that's one way to get out of leading future rides.

John J. was ruminating his GPS settings at lunch, thinking maybe he set it for “shortest distance” rather than “fastest time.” He seemed to withstand the good natured criticism of his fellow riders.

Sign-in outside!

Your blogger was most definitely not criticizing. First of all I don't even own a GPS. So for me to lead a ride I have to prepare directions ahead of time, consult maps and write key turns on my rear view mirrors with a grease pencil.

Lately I have been getting lazy and not even glancing at a map to determine our route. I run MapQuest from my house to the destination to get the distance and estimated travel time. I never even look below the top of the page at the driving directions and maps. I always just assume one of my GPS-enabled compatriots will gladly take me to our destination and back again. And yes I have the nerve to then complain as loudly as the others when his chosen route does not meet with my satisfaction. Geeze! With friends like me . . . .

Some of our crew at lunch: Russ, Fonz, Bart, Captain.

Ron joined us on his new Goldwing. This is is second ride with the Connecticut Bears. The first ride to Montgomeryville he nearly froze. Sunday's ride was perhaps more to his liking. But it sounds like he is warming to the winter riding idea, pun intended.

The new wing is blinged-out with lots of extra LEDs. Maybe because they don't carry chrome as well as a Harley, the Hondas look better with decorative lighting instead?

Ron was accompanied by a pretty lady, Blanca. She didn't say much, but smiled a lot. It can take some getting used to our crowd before you are ready to jump into the conversation. Ron and Blanca enjoyed the warm riding so much they continued on to the Connecticut Indian casinos. I'm not sure how he was figuring to get back home. Warm March days can turn pretty dang cold as soon as the sun fades.

Ron and his new Gold Wing bling machine.

Russ and Bart shared some of their Daytona adventures. But aside from talking about Michelle Smith, I really did not hear much about what else they did there. On the other hand, we heard a lot about what Pat and Pete did, and did not do. You're in trouble anytime Russ is telling the story and you are not present to damp-down the embellishments.

So THAT's what Russ and Bart did in Daytona!
The rose between two thorns is, of course, Michelle Smith.

Ron and Blanca.

At Chez GSP, Blanca chooses a milkshake.

Russ earned his 60 point pin on this ride.

Bart got his gold rocker this week.

Russ departs Daytona.

Token's Polar Bear decal, mentioned in last week's blog.

Shamong, NJ; March 28, 2010

Week 22 Bears, from left: Pogy, Captain, Token² and Fonz.

Your blogger had work duties this Sunday, and next. Here is John Howard's report . . .

The ranks of the CT PB’s were thin again this week, Chris the genuine blogger had to work and quite a number of fellow bears chose Putting in Putnam (seems a little cold for that, it is still only March) with Bridgeport HOG’s. Grumpy is still working a shift that denies him the opportunity to ride PB, though we are hoping to see him the week after next for the final ride of the 09/10 season to Cape May. So that left Capt. K, Fonzie, Pogy and me, Token² , who is again the reporter and photographer for the week.

It was a dull old day to say the least, 36°F when I left Ridgefield and the temperature only managed to hobble to 48°F, well below the forecast high for the day.

Pic-A-Lilli Inn, Shamong, NJ, makes for one of our most interestingly named destinations.

The cooler temperature caused Pogy and me to break out the electrics again after a couple of weeks when they were not needed. On arrival at the destination even Capt. K., who normally dresses with great skill (no electrics) and rarely feels the cold mentioned that the dankness of the day had penetrated his multiple layers.

Fonz took lead from Stratford to Westchester and I picked up from that point to the destination and Capt.K. was in sweep. The destination is a new one on the PB schedule, hastily arranged after the original location (also a new one for PB’s) was unavailable due to restoration work. It was an easy navigational task, head south on the NJ Turnpike, take exit 7 and hang a left to route 206, stay on 206 for about 30 miles and then turn left into the parking lot! The Turnpike had mostly light traffic heading south and it was quite pleasurable to spend more than just a few miles on non-highway, especially as the road headed into the Pine Barrens. The ride south was uneventful.

Fonz, left, and Pogy at the destination.

The journey took about 2 ¾ hours (8.30am departure from Stratford) and I for one would vote to keep Pic-a-lilli on the schedule though it might be a little small for a large turnout; parking was good. We all chose to eat from the simple but inexpensive buffet consisting of wings, pulled pork sandwich and side salad and the consensus was the food was decent. A regular menu was also available.

Turnout was moderate; probably in the order of 100-150 bikes in the lot by the time we departed. As we exited the restaurant there were a few sprinkles in the air, sufficient moisture to set Pogy off into the woods to have a sprinkle of his own. Either Pogy has some serious timing issues or on occasions he just prefers to be closer to nature. Whatever, after pointing Percy at the pines he returned to the lot for the group shot; we were all hoping he would not embrace us as we are fairly sure no wash basin or soap were available where he had just visited.

Welcome to Pogy's table.

The sprinkles turned into a steady light rain for 10 miles or so but then became intermittent until we were north of the NJ Turnpike split. For the second week in a row we had a BDC (brain dead cager) enter our lane, this time purposely squeezing into the formation, just to gain about 10 yards. The world is blessed with an abundance of idiots.

Capt K. did the honors at the Montvale Services, thank you. NEWSFLASH – **** the DD has moved to the other side of the food hall *****; the speed of service has not improved. We may be advised to phone an order ahead as we depart future PB destinations. That should work out nicely.

While at the services Pogy paid me the $10 owed for the gas we took on in Shamong, payment was made using 10 grubby $1 bills that allegedly were given to him by Fonz when settling up his lunch bill.

Long shot of the bar at Pic-A-Lilli.

Having read the recent blog post from Chris where he related a visit to a strip club I think I will have them tested for DNA & residues and depending on what I find I may be back to have a conversation with you guys. In the meantime I add the comment to this report just in case I need an alibi as to where I got the money. Next time Pogy get your own %^&* pump. LOL.

Capt. K. was generally well behaved and I can’t think of anything to warrant a ribbing. If that changes then a corrigenda will be issued to the report.

Wishing a nice Easter to all (can you still say Easter or is that in the same NO, NO PC BS that has eliminated Christmas from the holiday vocabulary?). Hope to see many of you for the finale on April 11^th.

Fonz and Captain at lunch.

Our guys pull into the Inn in good order, though Captain maybe was a bit wide!
Video by Walter Kern.

Note to non-Bridgeport HOG readers, the club's first ride of the season is called the "Putt to Putnam" and involves a short ride to a nearby park named after General Israel Putnam, a man who very nearly had George Washington's job. A year before Valley Forge, Putnam's troops spent a similarly miserable winter in Connecticut.

Addendum by Bart:

Great read Token2!

I believe Easter is now "Bunny Day" or "Egg Hunting Day". I was dying laughing when you said, "Pointing Percy at the pines"!!!! Did Pogy wash his hands prior to handing over the 10 GW's?

Putt to Putnam was good. Seasoned CTPB's like, John J, Russ and myself were well prepared or the cold, dank temps. I was fully adorned in PB heated gear. Russ complained of being too warm! We had to laugh at all of the others that complained of cold hands and the less than ideal conditions. Pizza, coffee and donuts were free and we all made it home before the rain began.

See you all in two weeks.
HAPPY EASTER!!!!
Bart

Addendum by Russ:

Hello PBs, Putt to Putnam Park was as usual, a lot of complaining and only the PBs ready for the cold weather. A fun day anyway with my wife Chris along for her first ride of 2010.Chris is a rider, she has ridden over 500 miles in a day and in the rain and wind for days at a time. (She was looking for wires of some kind to keep her warm after she snuck her cold hands under my heated vest. I almost s**t my pants from the shock of her cold hands on my warm body) PBs John J. and Bart C. looked warm in a balmy 41 degrees. I hope to see all the Bears on the last ride of the season, Grumpy included. THANKS Token for the Blog.

ILBCNU
Russ

Addendum by John Jackson:

Thanks for the ride report. We too had a nice day, and as reported by Russ and Bart, we were well prepared for the weather. There were a lot of people looking for heat packs when we got to Putnam Park. You have to hand it to those that ride unprepared and still tough it out, I wonder,,,,,is it cluelessness or just plain brain-deadness? I had a two=for today. After riding in the morning, I had a jam session with some very talented local musicians in the afternoon. In my book, you can't have more fun legally than I HAD TODAY! See you all for the ride to Cape May after Easter, or as we call it in my household, Peastover.

John#4

Pogy answers back:

While I’m the first one to admit that my overactive bladder was getting the best of me, I can assure you that my hands were just as clean as ever – As any good outdoorsman, I licked them clean before returning to the group – TMI !!!!!!!! Now I can’t talk to the origin of the dollar bills the Ralphie gave me but I did notice a hour or so ago my wallet is starting to disintegrate – Its all Fonsecas’ fault

Happy Easter Bunny
Pog

Fonz adds a salvo:

Normally the CT Blogger sends out an email detailing our trip departure time. After emailing the group to figure out what time we were going to leave, I was given two times (8a and 8:30a). So I just figured I would wake up and prepare for the 8a departure. If I was wrong, then at least I wouldn't miss out. If I was early, then more quality time with the Captain at DD. When I woke up in the morning, the wifey needed me to take care of something that would have compromised the early time slot.

Luckily I was able to get in contact with the Captain, who informed me 8:30 was fine. I accomplished the task assigned to me and made it to Stratford with 7 minutes to spare. I quickly called Pogy and informed him "Boots up in 6 minutes." Note to CT Blogger: You don't have to wait until the last minute to call Pogy. That way we are not waiting for you to hook up you wiring at the last minute.

Captain informed me that I was taking point to "The Bus Stop" to pick up John H. After a blank stare, I asked "Where?" The Captain quickly replied with the directions on how to get to John H. At that point, I pulled my head out of my ass and remembered that's the spot we've picked up John H and Bart repeatedly throughout our season. Up to this point, I've just been following aimlessly, not really paying attention to where were were going. Well, maybe paying some attention. We made it to John H, wait a minute I should be addressing him properly-T2, and I just pointed to him to take the lead. After we got to our destination, I realized I could have lead the entire way. Maybe next year!

After a hearty lunch, I decided to relieve myself. I can assure everyone that I washed up properly. According to Mrs Fonz, proper hand washing can prevent potentially fatal infections from spreading. In order to accomplish this I made sure I soaped up, used warm water and sang the hand washing song. Here it goes...Wash hands well each day, to keep germs away, scrub with soap and water and be on your way (Repeat verse). Use the Happy Birthday song as the beat and your all set. Once I sanitized, I decided to sign up for next season, that's why I wasn't at the table when the bill arrived.

Now, to address the 10 grubby $1 bills Pogy gave to T2. Yes, I paid Pogy with a few singles that may have been compromised. I can assure you that the DNA profile will show that she used proper hand washing techniques.

Finally, the Montvale Service Station did move DD to the other side of the food court (Not sure I would refer to it as a hall, must be an English thing), but the staff quickly remembered the Captain and were prepared to fill his Black coffee order without hesitation. See you all on our final ride to Cape May. I get my Gold patch on that ride!

Fonz

Token Thoughts:

Capt K, - just saw your response, that is a relief now I can stop taking the anti-depression medication. However, will finish the course of antibiotics after handling those dollar bills; don’t care what Fonseca says about their sanitary condition and I figure they rubbed shoulders with the Rupees and Thai Baht in Pogy’s wallet. Never can be too careful.

T2.

Russ comes to CT Bloggers defense?

Thanks Fonz, I don't think the "BLOGGER" aka Chris L. needs my help with explaining why he hasn't been up to his PB chores lately ( late with times and places and the blogs) but he is getting OLDER and for many years owning his own business meant that his time was his own or maybe since he has a real job and is confused that even on vacation he gets a pay check and benefits, his mind is going blank sometimes. I still like him anyway!

ILBCNU
Russ

Cape May, NJ (again); April 11, 2010

Week 23 Bears, from left, back row: Dave, Blanca, Ron, Grumpy, Captain, Matt.
Front row from left: Token², Pogy and Fonz (standing).

Your blogger was duty manager at The Maritime Aquarium for the final ride of our 2009/10 Polar Bear Season. Following are special correspondent reports from John Howard and Ralphie Fonseca.

From John Howard, aka Token²

CT Bear 09/10 Season Finale

The last ride of the 09/10 PB season was to the traditional destination of Cape May, NJ, a full day of 400+ miles and, as it turned out, an eventful finale to the season. The trouble started on Friday with fuzzy math from Mr. (1+1=3) Loynd, who though not riding posted the departure time of 8.30am for a comfortable 4 hour ride to get to Cape May at the 11.30am sign in time. Since this is tax season the IRS have been notified to check for any unfortunate math errors in a certain return.

One of this week's correspondents: Token²

Chris could not ride due to work commitments, Bart, Russ and John J. were among the missing for one reason or another and so it was that seven bikes left Connecticut. John, K took lead, Johnny B (after a long work enforced hiatus), Pogy, Dave, Ron & his significant other, John H. with Fonz in sweep. We picked up NJ Matt en route at the Cheesequake Services. Of the seven bikes that left Connecticut only 6 made it to the destination as for the second year in a row Capt. K.’s dash for Perfect Attendance was threatened by a serious mechanical problem, this time a snapped clutch cable, forcing the temporary abandonment of his iron at the last services on the GSP. Not to be denied Perfect Attendance two years in a row, the last 16 miles of the trip (there and of course back) for Capt. K. were as pillion courtesy of Johnny B. The Capt. made me promise not to mention that he needs to drop a little weight from those child bearing hips of his; request duly noted and not commented upon. It has to be said that John K. used great skill to ride his clutch-less (Russ, climb out of the gutter, I said clutch-less) bike north, stalling not once as he went through downshifts at the various tolls. Nicely done Capt.

An ignoble arrival for Captain, but hey, what are friends for?
Besides, a broken clutch cable can happen to anyone.

Of the seven bikes that left Connecticut we know of only six that made it back as ”long gone” Ron slid off the echelon unannounced and was last seen heading to Staten Island. We will send him to tribal council on the next occasion and will further remind him that when the group stops to gas up, well then, better take on gas. A lack of familiarity with NJ gas pump credit card routine was claimed as the reason for the transgression and to be fair if you don’t know the procedure for self serve it can be perplexing. Hope you made it home safely Ron.

Who keeps Norwalk safe when Fonz, Dave and Ron are riding? Nice to see you again Dave; would it be wrong to assume that you have only just defrosted from the Montgomeryville ride?

Dave, thawed out, we think.

I am pleased to report that after the Pic-a-Lilli Inn “Skanky Bill” affair Pogy turned up and proudly announced he had brought laundered money and Fonz had his freshly minted. On this occasion the use of the terms ‘laundered’ or ‘minted’ is not intended to infer any criminal malfeasance merely that the bills were pleasantly and refreshingly clean. Keep it up boys, it really does make a difference and helps prevent the spread of disease, or so I am told.

The turnout at the VFW was good as would be expected on a day that was blessed with blue sky and a warm sun. Temperatures started at a cool 43°F hitting a high of 79°F leaving a few off us a little toasty even with layers removed. After sign in we made the short journey to the customary sea front restaurant for lunch only to find it still closed. Retracing our steps a few blocks we found Zoe’s sandwich bar and deli that provided a good lunch at a reasonable price, one to remember for the future. Pogy generously dropped some of his bills on beverages at the Montvale Services.

Bob Hartpence oversees a good sized crowd.
See you next October!

So it was the 09/10 season came to a close, a lot of good memories, some new friends and everyone completed the season safely. What more could anyone want? Wait, yes, to have a summer reunion or two of course! It seems that Pogy and Chris appear to have been dialoging on this possibility.

From Ralphie Fonseca, aka Fonz.

Cape May April 11, 2010:

I woke up late on Sunday because I had a long week of solving crime to make it a little safer for all who live in Norwalk. My duties this week included locating the owner of a set of keys that Pogy found while jogging one fine day around his neighborhood. I'm always willing to put down my major case files to assist my friends and the fine citizens of Norwalk.

My adventure to Cape May started with me showing up at 0730hrs or was it 0731hrs? I immediately went to the gas pump across the street because I can still remember Chris-CT Blogger stating "Come with an empty bladder and a full tank." I was riding all week and forgot to top off on Saturday evening. My bad!, or as I believe T2 would say "a cock up."

Correspondent number two: the Fonz. Heeeeey.

Even though we were told what time the ride was leaving, the email failed to inform the new PB's that we were going to gas up after the first 100 miles or so. If I had known this, I would have made it. As I was quickly fueling up, I could see the Captain at the D&D with both arms in the air as if he was demonstrating the hand and arm signal for the song YMCA, minus the MCA. I think I may have heard, "What the @#$%!", but don't quote me on that. Thanks for waiting all, I was expecting to see you traveling South on I95 as I was making my way North to Stratford.

This week Dave decided to join us again. I believe a new nickname was discussed and voted on. He will now be referred to as Dave "Fairweather" Nieves. Ron also decided to join in with his "Candy."

After a lengthy discussion...2 seconds, it was decided that his new nickname will be: Ron "I'm gonna do my own thing and not let anyone know" Palmer.

Big Matt caught up with our guys en route.

The location for lunch was good and service was quick, thanks to Jennifer. After coffee a our usual stop on the GSP, it was determined that Grumpy and myself would escort the Captain to Laurel and Harley in Stratford. I was instructed that we would be traveling from the GSP to I95 (for safety reasons) getting off exit 32, going around the rotary, back under I95, a right turn at the next intersection, then across Barnum Av to the shop.

As were were traveling, I started to picture the rotary and Barnum Ave, both of which could potentially have a lot of traffic. I had no idea what to expect, but I was ready for the challenge. My red and blues and traffic vest came in handy. I had my flashers on and went into aggressive road guard mode. I was racing to each intersection to make sure it was clear for our Captain, who achieved Perfect Attendance on this ride.

I can say that a few people were probably wondering what was going on with the crazy looking PolarRican who was waiving his arms frantically in an effort to clear a safe passage for our clutch-less rider. We made it without stopping...WOW!

It was a great season, I earned my gold and will be back for more. My vote for the Connecticut Banquet is either May 14 or 21st...and if you'd like to bring your own Candy, its OK with me.

Ralphie "Fonz" Fonseca

PolarRican 09-10

Dave, top, and Rich, bottom, Flight B Leaders.

From CT Blogger:

Our guys cleaned up on the last ride of the season. Cape May is distance enough to tip the points for most of our CT riders.
Oh, and I thought Ralphie was Italian?!!!

Fonz earned gold.

Captain earned the PERFECT ATTENDANCE pin.

Matt earned gold; not as easy for him as us.

What better way to end your season?

Polar Bear Banquet; April 24, 2010

Attending this year's Polar Bear Banquet are, from left: Margaret (Mrs. Grumpy), CT Blogger, Matt, Captain, Grumpy and Sue (Captain's First Mate).

Johnny B., Margaret and your blogger, Chris Loynd, rode to the annual Polar Bear dinner, at the Knights of Columbus in Old Bridge, NJ. This time I figured the time right and we had a pleasant spring ride, arriving in time to get our first round and a couple of coveted pitchers with barely a wait.

Once the bears arrive in force, the Knights always run out of pitchers. Some bears were seen to bring their own.

In very short order the drink line (queue to Token) gets ponderously long. It was so long in fact that when Matt offered to get us another round we gladly allowed him. He finally returned to our table sometime after dessert. Actually, Matt did get out of the line in time to win an empty envelope in the raffle.

CT Blogger looking way too serious.

It just wasn't his night. He remained his reliably good humored self the entire night, notwithstanding fate's attempts to the contrary.

John and Sue came in his infamous Subaru. This same car braved ice and snow storms to protect his perfect attendance. The Captain was feted with warm applause by all bears in attendance in recognition of his chart-topping point score.

No doubt he is already working on his blood schedule and keeping a weather eye for the corn boil.

We had a lot of laughs and a nice ride home in the moonlight.

There is yet one more blog entry left to do, the Connecticut Bears will be having a "North Pole" banquet of their own. I am sure the stories, s**t and shutters will be flying. Stay tuned.

Matt may still be in line for thirds . . .

Captain

and Sue

Walter Kern's vintage vest.

Buffalo Soldiers are also Polar Bears.

Dave was handing out refunds.

Rich refused my receipt saying my face was proof enough.

Margaret and Chris.

Bob and a Buffalo Soldier.

Connecticut Polar Bear riders arrive, Grumpy, Margaret and Chris. Photo by Walter Kern.

Last ride of the official Polar Bear Season. Worried what to do with your motorcycle all summer? Read below . . .

How to Prepare Your Bike for the End of the Riding Season

by Bob Hartpence, Polar Bear Grand Tour Chairman

Now that April is here, we will start to prepare our bikes for the end of the riding season, so here are some tips:

Start your bike and warm it up then shut it off. Change the oil and oil filter. Be sure to drain the oil well.
Change the air filter and fuel filter.
Fill the fuel tank and add a fuel stabilizer.
Wash and wax (you can leave the wax on to maintain the integrity of the paint).
Bring the battery up to full charge and hook up a battery tender. (If your garage does not have air conditioning, you should take the battery into the house because you don’t want the battery to over-heat.)
Cover the bike to keep dust off. (If you can jack the bike up so the tires do not touch the floor, this will keep the tires from having flat spots form while sitting over the summer.)

Now, when October finally comes, your bike will be ready to go.

North Pole Banquet, May 14

Connecticut Polar Bears held a North Pole Banquet at Angus Steakhouse in Fairfield, Conn. Our honored guest was Grand Tour Flight B Leader Dave Cushing, shown in blue at head of table. We had a great time with our CT Bears old and new. Attending were: Chris (CT Blogger), John K. (Captain), Johnny B. (Grumpy), Russ, John J., Bart, Matt, Ralphie, Pogy, Jim and John H. (Token) and Matt, our adopted NJ Bear. In fact, we officially adopted Matt. He became the first non-Connecticut resident to receive the coveted CT Polar Bear patch. Captain revealed he is entering points rehab to try and bring his obsession under control. Pogy was good enough to make all the arrangements, even though he joined us too late this year to go for the Polar Bear points. Matt ignored his GPS, mixed his route numbers and made it to the banquet, finally, after a tour of scenic New Haven. We had a wonderful time and all look forward to seeing our Polar Bear buddies again next winter. October can't come soon enough!

Flight B Leader Dave even conducted a prize drawing.	NJ Matt became a patch-holding CT Polar Bear.
Matt and wife Lisa finally made it.	Pogy and wife Kathy with John H.
Pogy arranged a do-it-yourself antipasta.	Grumpy being, well, he had a good time too!
Chris and wife Cynthia.	Polar Bear vests were on display.