Leader or Follower?

CT Polar Bears Pogy, left, and Captain, right, together again at The Cabin.

Motorcycle Polar Bear Blog, Polar Bear Grand Tour, ride to The Cabin, December 17, 2017.

By Pogy:

Today's ride was to the Cabin in Howell New Jersey. The Captain picked me up at 0950 in Darien (just the two of us today) Chris met The Captain at the DD but didn't ride. (Chris borrowed a bit of space in Captain's Gold Wing Tour Pack to carry Chris' unwrapped toy to the Cabin.)

 The ride down to NY was ok - a little concerned about black ice at the bottom of the GWB but little issue when we got there. I was lead today, went down the NJ tnpk to exit 11 and hooked into the Garden state.

I knew we needed to exit at 100A. Just as we approached the exit I saw The Captain take 100B and I'm thinking to myself he went wrong because we need to exit at 100A - DA!!!! As I rolled a few feet further the GPS informed me that the old "A" was now the New "B." Crap! He was right and I was wrong.

I knew at this point that I was going to take some lip from him when we got to the Cabin. So I got off and made my way back and to "B" and there he was waiting for me.

The rest of the ride to the Cabin was uneventful, until we got there. We no sooner got our helmets off and The Good Captain didn't let me down. After being harassed verbally, we kissed and hugged and had a nice lunch and were back in the saddle by 1300.

The ride back was great - we didn't hit any traffic - Not on the GS, 287 or 95, home by 1530.

This will be the last report of the year since we won't ride for the next two weeks due to Christmas and New Years. Merry Christmas to all and Happy New Year!

Pog

MORE . . .

Readers, if you are interested, Chris (a.k.a. CT Blogger) touched off an email exchange, initially about riding, when he scolded Captain for leaving his leader. But it soon took a political bent, as things tend to do these days.

Chris wrote:

We need to have a serious discussion about mutiny. Russ Curtis would have followed me up a tree if I was leading and headed that way. Isn’t it better to keep the group together?

Thanks for the support. Sorry I couldn’t make it,Chris

T2 threw gasoline on the fire:

Shocking, absolutely shocking departure in group riding protocol. That said we are living in a world where conventional protocols have been discarded and alternative facts rule the day.

Still I struggled with the news of today's CT PB's ride . Tortured and conflicted I contacted Kellyanne Conway and she advised that two participants doesn't qualify to make it a group ride, so all is good😊.


Have a good Christmas one and all.
T2 (marooned in Virginia)

Captain complained:

I'm surrounded by "Liberal Progressives"!

Token is like a gorilla fighter, jumps out takes a shot than back down the rabbit hole.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
John K. aka:Captain


T2 replied:

Well I have to pop out once in a while....now I don't get the Obama era circulating patriot emails or a chance to kick the tires over Sunday lunch. Talking of which I have not seen 'the sky is falling due to the national debt' emails. In fact I anticipate the term 'national debt' to be banned along with 'climate change', 'evidence based', 'science based' and so forth, unless it is accompanied by the term 'Democrat driven' either before or after use of the term. In the event you are confronted with a discussion about tax reform (aka. Trumpola - which I am loving by the way)  the term 'increased national debt' should be challenged and replaced with 'managed borrowing for national security reasons'. 

Don't disappoint me now.....

Back to the bunny warren.

T2

Oh, and it was the toy run. A very Happy Christmas

(in deference to our English buddy).

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!