What is it about Montgomeryville?

CT Polar Bears in Montgomeryville, from left, Scott, Captain, Mac with Pogy down front and Anonymous Ed behind the camera.

Motorcycle Polar Bear Blog, Polar Bear Grand Tour, ride to Montgomeryville Cycle Center, December 3, 2017.

By Pogy:

Ride today was to Montgomeryville Cycle in Hatfield, Pa

The Captain, Ed and Mac started out at 0830 from Stratford and picked up Scott and me on I95 at about 10 of 9.  Captain was lead with Scott as sweep. Went over the GWB and on to the Jersey Pike with no fanfare. Traffic was moving along and we made good time.

We were told that exit 6 was closed so we took exit 7 which turned out to be somewhat chaotic – different GPS directions on different bikes – so it took us some time to sort thru stuff and finally ended up on the PA pike. When we got off the pike there was a little more confusion and because of a quick turnaround I ended up too far ahead of the group to turn around safely so I proceeded alone to Montgomeryville.  I showed up a few minutes ahead of the other guys. Captain had a few friendly words to me about leaving the group (he got up too early and not enough coffee). After the tongue lashing we signed in and had some chili. 

Back on the road by 1220, followed 202 North out of PA to Jersey. Got into a little rain along the way and was home by 1600.

Thanks for leading the pack today Captain. Don’t forget to take your happy pill before you go to bed tonight.

Pog

Polar Bear photographer caught our Captain and Jim.

New Bear and Old Bear on New Bike

CT Bears to Hillbilly Hall, from left standing: Mac, Scott, Fonz, Captain and Houndog with Pogy down front and Anonymous Ed behind the camera.

Motorcycle Polar Bear Blog, Polar Bear Grand Tour, ride to Hopewell, NJ, November 26, 2017

By Pogy:

Our ride today was to Hillbilly Hall in Jersey - 

Got a email from a NFG last night introducing himself as Greg "Houndog" Miller advising me that he was going to make the run with us today so I called him up, gave him the poop on the pickup point on 95 and told him I'd see him in the morning.

When I arrived this morning I found him and Scott waiting for me. Did the intros and advised both that I would do sweep. Soon after the group from Stratford came rolling by and off we went. 

Was a chilly morning but the sky was clear and the ride was mostly uneventful to Hillbilly Hall. Scott was two in front of me and he was a slinky the whole way down. So Greg and I had to play catchup - but got there in time to check in, have a burger and coffee, share some war stories and back on the road by 1220. We made good time coming back with some moderate traffic, a stop at the top to pee, and home by 1500. All in all a good ride for all.

Ride Safe
Pog

Note: Scott has a brand new ride - Guess he was at the dealer and had a senior moment -- New Road King I believe --- happens to all of us at some point or another.

A note from our newest Connecticut Polar Bear:

Gentlemen:
Thank you for the day riding down to Hillbilly. I rarely think of my 800 lb Softail as a light bike, but going across the Tap I was getting tossed around like a raggedy Ann Doll in a Mr Bill Cartoon.

As this was my first Polar Bear ride, my plan the night before was to wear my electric vest under my leather, a pair of thermals under my jeans and a set of gloves. But as the morning dawned clear and cool I decided I had better go to  farmer johns and more layers. Of course each layer was a   different color -leaving me not only feeling like a Raggedy Ann Doll but also looking like one.

Then came the traffic. Very pretty watching a skilled RC clear room for a pack to move through. Nice.

And an Honor to finally meet Mac.  All across this great Nation you will find PG gear among my Bros.

Houndog

Windy One Way to Vineland

Connecticut Polar Bears in Vineland, from left, Anonymous Ed, Captain and Pogy.

Motorcycle Polar Bear Blog, Polar Bear Grand Tour, ride to Vineland, NJ, November 19, 2017.

By: Pogy

The ride started off overcast, slight rain and wind – lots of wind – 20 mph gusting to 40 mph – there were only 3 of us – Anonymous Ed, Capt and me. 

Picked me up at 0820 in Darien and by the time we got to Greenwich the rain stopped. Captain led the way thru NY to the GW and I took over as lead. The Jersey pike was interesting with the wind factor – we got off at Exit 7 and the rest of the way in to the restaurant was uneventful.

The buffet was excellent –  - the ride back was less windy and uneventful – we made good time – I was home by 1500 – 

Looking forward to next week.

Not Enough Harassment

Motorcycle Polar Bear Blog, Polar Bear Grand Tour, Ride to Bridgewater, NJ, November 12, 2017

By: Pogy

The morning started off at 34 degrees and overcast – I was so looking forward to my first ride of the season since I had missed the first two rides due to weather and a wedding.  I called The Captain at 0900 (at Duncan donuts) to confirm his departure and my pickup time.  All was a go – left the house and made my way to the Rest stop on 95 where right on time the guys rolled by blowing their horns – I joined up with the group which consisted of The Fonz, Anonymous Ed and The Captain.  

Ed was the lead, Fonz at the Tail – Traffic was light to moderate – I was behind The Captain  

For the first 30 plus miles or so, it was like riding with a slinky – Captain kept on looking down to his right and every time he did he lost 15 – 20 car lengths – then go like hell to catch up  - But in the end he settled down and the rest of the ride went well.

The food spread at the Eagles was well done and for $12 you could not beat it – 

We saddled up by 1230 and the only real traffic we hit was on 287 before the bridge – Stopping at the top to pee, Captain listened to 88 and heard that 95 was backed up in Darien so we took the Merritt once over the bridge

All in all a good day and a good ride 

I will say that it was not the same at the lunch table without T2, Chris, Grumpy and Mac – Not enough verbal harassment!!!!!

Ride safe 

Pog

Long Ride to Lewes and Back

Motorcycle Polar Bear Blog, Polar Bear Grand Tour, Ride to Lewes, Del., November 5, 2017

By: Captain

It was a long day, with a 7 a.m. departure. I got to the DD early, 6 a.m. Token2 called to wish us a safe ride to Irish Eyes.

Anonymous Ed arrived at 6:45 a.m. and Mac a short time after. They needed fuel and with Wheels not yet open they went to Shell down the street. We were underway by 7:07 with me in the lead, Mac as sweep and Ed in the cradle.

It was over cast but mild (62 deg.) heading south at the limit we made good time at a steady pace. We took a couple of breaks and arrived at 11:50 AM.

I got a table for lunch while they checked in. When l checked in there on the sign in sheet for the Cape May ride was the statement "Punked out". I now know why Token2 needs witness protection. The staff gave him up on the spot.

We had lunch, than we departed for the ride home. I said we need a group photo but Anonymous Ed declined saying we will use a previous one. I think he did not want the picture because there was no place to hide. Token 2 could pick up some tips on hiding. But not to worry, l'm coming for him.

The ride home was tough as the GSP had poor visibility in rain. Quick stop at the top than home. Got in about 6:30 PM.

A Pointless Day

Motorcycle Polar Bear Blog, Polar Bear Grand Tour, ride to Cape May, NJ, October 29, 2017

First ride of the 2017 - 2018 Polar Bear 40th Anniversary Season

By Token

Hello, Token 2 here reporting on the first ride of the 40^th sea

son of the Polar Bear Grand Tour. In keeping with tradition, the destination was the VFW in Cape May.

Over the summer I moved to Virginia, so I can no longer claim to be a fully-fledged CT bear. However, by prior arrangement I traveled north to join the CT Bears on the opening ride of this milestone season. Pogy had stored my ride at his Norwalk home and graciously hosted me for a couple of nights prior to Sunday’s departure. 

Distance precludes continuing to participate in the Polar Bear Grand Tour, consequently this was a pointless ride for your author, undertaken for the pure joy of once again traveling in the CT Bear echelon. 

It is five years since Superstorm Sandy caused the opening to be cancelled. Mother nature decided to celebrate the occasion by serving up a nor’easter that was projected to gather itself during Sunday. Bob, the Grand Old Bear, put out a note to settle everyone’s nervousness that had been pushed to fever pitch by hyperventilating weather forecasters. The ride was on, the PB management would be at the VFW, come on down and pick up your sweat shirts. Woo hoo, let’s go!

And so it was that my wheels rolled out of County Street, Norwalk at about 6.30am in a steady rain. It was an honor to be asked to lead the ride. I95 was busier than expected for the early hour and amid darkness and rain it was challenging to pick up the lights of the following riders. However, keeping a steady pace, I anticipated that my fellow bears would come into view as daylight broke. In the meantime, I was amused to watch two giant Dunkin Donut coffee cups pass to my left, permanently cemented into place in the back of a couple of passenger vehicles. Heading to some promotional event or other, or perhaps owned by very thirsty, caffeine crazed drivers?

Daylight emerged slowly, much like an energized CFL bulb. By 7.30am the morning light was good, the rain had stopped, now I should see the guys. Check the mirrors, nothing but empty space. Check again, nothing. And then I remembered the horror that I had tried to block out. I did not leave the CT Bears; they left me. 

Pogy, Captain and Ed begged off the ride in view of the gathering storm. Grumpy was nursing a bad back. Chris; working, working, working. Fonz and Mac, somewhere in the Connecticut weeds.  The decision not to ride was smart of course, with 3-5 inches of rain forecast in the NYC area in the afternoon. Thunderstorms and high winds to boot. 

Your author had a booking on the Cape May – Lewes ferry to continue the journey to Virginia, punctuated by a stay in a Lewes hotel to avoid riding in the rain and dark. Not having to turn around and head back into the eye of the storm was my salvation.

The weather facts on the way south. Warm, unseasonably warm. Wet for the first 30 miles and then dry for the next 100 miles or so. The rain returned, intermittent and light at first. Sixty miles out from Cape May the rain became persistent and steady, thirty miles out it was just darned fugly rain. Torrential but no lightening.

Rivers of water surged between my toes with every step as I hauled myself into the Saltwater café about 10.30 for an early lunch (time to get new boots I guess). Dripping wet of course; puddles forming on the tile floor. I hope they let you back in the café come the spring.

It turned out to be the easiest lunch check to divvy up in my entire CT Bear career; heck, I didn’t even need a calculator. Attached is a picture of lunch, just so you haven’t completely forgotten about the quality of the food come April.

There were a few bikes at the VFW when I rolled up at 11.45am. No sign in for me but I made sure Bob, Jim and anyone else who would listen knew that the stories of CT Bear daring-do had this day been shattered into a thousand parts. ‘No Bob, I am not joking’.

Yes, yes, the near mythical invincibility of the Captain has been rendered asunder. Bernie, the Philly photographer, was floored, a hairs breadth from needing CPR when it dawned on him that his darkened basement wall of Captain pictures would have a yawning gap. 

Yes, an astonishing and entirely pointless day indeed.

So, gentlemen, gird your loins for your trip to Lewes next week. I think Bob will having something to say about it.

I picked up my anniversary sweat top; very nicely done.

A celebratory cake was on offer, to Bob’s delight as shown in the ‘Bob shot’. 

No group shot accompanies this report, because there wasn’t a group, it would have been a selfie. Unlike Princess I don’t do selfies… but substitute the view of Cape May from the ferry.

Enjoy our season. Ride safe. Ride often….and who knows when I will emerge from witness protection for you to take revenge!

 T2

Token's meal, puddle under the table not shown.

Polar Bear staff, including Bob, made it to Cape May.

This year's shirt.

Token headed home on the Cape May - Lewes ferry.

Despite what he said, we captured this photo of Token2 riding home from Cape May. He's not afraid of rain!

Photos Only: Cape May Closer to 2016-17 Season

CT Bears, Cape May, NJ, end of season ride, from left: Grumpy, Mac, Thomas (finance to Princess), Princess, Token2 and down front Captain and Pogy.

Motorcycle Polar Bear Blog, Polar Bear Grand Tour, ride to Cape May, NJ, April 30, 2017.

Last ride of the 2016-2017 Polar Bear Grand Tour season.

Because both Christmas and New Year's fell on Sundays this season, the polar bears extended all the way through April, offering unseasonably warm weather for bears, but not so bad for motorcyclists.

CT Blogger, Chris Loynd, started a new business and missed the last few rides of the season. Grumpy sent a nice note with these photos saying there's always next year. And hopefully there is.

If you're of a mind to help me out a bit, please LIKE my business Facebook Page: you can search @DigitalPizzaCT or use this link: https://www.facebook.com/DigitalPizzaCT. You won't get any spam or even see many posts because of how Facebook works. But more likes helps my ranking. You can also see my new website at: DigitalPizzaCT.com.

Meanwhile, I hope to do a bit of riding this summer, in between finding new customers and helping them get more customers.

See you in October!

Remember, ride safe, and warm,
Chris

Chris Loynd, a.k.a. CT Blogger

Pogy made it! Red rocker to commemorate a very interesting season.

Mac made 60 points.

Captain this year's only Perfect Attendance rider.

Photos Only: Easton, Pa.

CT Bears in Easton, Pa., from left: Grumpy, Token2, Mac, Fonz and Captain with Pogy down front.

Motorcycle Polar Bear Blog, Polar Bear Grand Tour, ride to Easton, Pa., April 23, 2017. 

Just for the history books, there was some confusion on this ride. The restaurant said they were not reminded ahead of time and therefore did not expect the bears. However if you Google Cheeburger-Cheeburger in Easton, Pa., well, we'll see if they are on the schedule for next season.

Fortunately, our bears had already decided on an alternate eatery based upon last year's slow -- and not so good -- service. Token2 found a place and they all ended up together for a nice lunch and ride.

Photos Only: Kingston, NY

Motorcycle Polar Bear Blog, Polar Bear Grand Tour, ride to Kingston, NY, Hickory BBQ Restaurant, April 9 2017.

Langhorne, Pa.

CT Bears in Langhorne, PA, from left: Mac, Grumpy, Captain and Fonz.

Motorcycle Polar Bear Blog, Polar Bear Grand Tour, ride to Brian's Harley-Davidson, Langhorne, PA, April 2, 2017.

By: Captain

Good weather makes for a great ride. Mine started at 7:00AM when The Princess called to let me know that she would join us at the bus stop for the trip south. At 8:00AM I arrived at the DD for coffee, Mac arrived soon after. At 8:30AM Pogy called to let me know he would join us at the Darian Service area. Johnny B. (Grumpy) showed up rested from his Daytona, FL trip. We left the DD on time heading down I-95 to PA with Grumpy in the lead and MAC bringing up the rear. As we passed the Fairfield Service area the Fonz joined as our Sweep, still south bound we passed the Darian Service area, no Pogy! We forged ahead toward the next pickup in NY. Alas no Princess at the stop. We stopped and called to check on Pogy and here comes the Princess at slow speed. She hit a pothole and deflated her front tire. We were able to get air in the tire and she went to the near by HD dealer for repair. The rest of us continued on to the destination arriving at 11:45AM. 

We checked in and went upstairs for a bite. Brian's HOG chapter had a tasty spread, hotdogs, meat balls, salad and desert with coffee and soft drinks. They accepted donations for MD, great job everyone. After eating Fonz did some shopping then we did our group photo under the sign in the parking lot. The ride home was very pleasant the temp. high of 63 and sunny. We stopped at the top on the Fonz dime. Headed home arriving at 4:15PM.

Chatterboxing

CT Bears in Augusta, from left, Mac, Token2, Pogy, Fonz and Captain.

Motorcycle Polar Bear Blog, Polar Bear Grand Tour, ride to Augusta, NJ, March 26, 2017.

By: Token2

Chatterboxing

The numbers bulked up from the prior week with five CT bears on the road. 

The ride began and finished wet, dank and generally miserable. The sorry state of the day was, as always, significantly improved by the bonhomie of the diverse group of souls (and soulless) blokes that make up the pool of CT Bears!

Pogy must have made an absolute flyer out of the Darien rest stop as he found himself in the unusual positon of being the lead bike. Everyone refused to pass him and so it was that he led the ride. Quite competently it has to be said. Meanwhile Fonz who was picked up from a ramp in Fairfield and who covets the sweep role must have been head faked by Mac who perhaps switched off his riding lights to avoid Fonz noticing he was there. Anyway,  by the time T2 (your reporter for the ride) was collected on I287 in White Plains a sense of calm had taken hold and he slipped into the cradle. Fiddling with his heating controls while getting in line (naughty lad) resulted in his speed dropping a tad inviting Mac to take a closer (and first) look at the apparition of the green machine (What the hell is that? Mac asked later.). Mac handled the rear with aplomb despite  an occasional  long awaited call from the front and impatient early departures from the middle (yes, guilty as charged your honor).

The ride out and back followed the TZB, I287, rte 23 and 15. After hitting Rt 23 a brief stop was requested by T2 to attend to his wardrobe malfunction. With toasty toes and fingers restored the group still managed to dismount at the Chatterbox right on time. Getting a table was easy; for a second week in a row attendance seemed light. Perhaps the forecast of freezing drizzle in the highlands of Sussex county had the more circumspect riders staying home. 

Lunch was typical Chatterbox fare and tasty it was too. Several matters of interest to note, Pogy and Capt.  cozied up in an effort to help elected officials better understand what unity looks like. The reader can be the judge of how helpful that might actually be. T2 got pummeled for bringing up healthcare. Mac and Fonz remained stoic through it all continuing to dip fries in ketchup, instilling much needed tranquility at the lunch table.

The more important matters to document are that Fonz collected his 30 point rocker and with a change in work patterns he is hoping to pick up enough points in the tail of the season to go Gold. Gold was the milestone that Mac achieved on this ride after a week or two attending to other commitments.  

A detour to Montvale for refreshments was agreed as was a prior stop for gas. Pogy and Capt’s unity over lunch started to fray early when the allegedly agreed upon gas stop was by pulled in favor of a different plan. T2 stepped up to accept the blame even though he was far away from the action and tried to heal the wounds by supplying gaily colored pink frosted donuts *with sprinkles* in addition to the beverages. Peace and friendship was restored. Life needs more donut moments.

Fonz missed out on the donut treat, favoring a quick return to CT.

We shall gather again to keep the CT Bear fires burning next week.