CURD Polar Bear Ride - 31 Dec 07/1 Jan 08

There is an old tradition in some motorcycling circles known as the "Polar Bear Ride". It is an event open to riders of all makes and models and one that can be undertaken individually or in groups; there are no set rules other than one MUST take their bike out for a ride of at least one hour's duration in their area of residence on 1 Jan in order to qualify.

During the last week of December 2007, the gauntlet was smacked across the collective faces of CURD by the Head Cheese, challenging them all to participate in the inaugUral and global CURD Polar Bear Ride 08. The rules were modified slightly so that one could qualify by going for a ride on 31 Dec 07 and/or 1 Jan 08. This unprecedented move was taken in order to allow for variables such as sudden inclement weather, lingering hangovers, the fickle Goddess of Russian Motorcycle Reliability, annoying house guests that just would NOT leave and any other unplanned occurrences that would prevent hopeful contestants from riding on either day.  CURDites living in warmer climes were also allowed to partake, even though the whole concept of a Polar Bear Ride revolves motoring about in cold weather with the resultant, um, "shrinkage" of certain body parts. Such members were required to produce photographic evidence of their journey that clearly showed them sitting on their rig with a suitable winter scarf wrapped around their necks, thus giving the illusion of cold weather riding despite their smug grins.

Those who met these rigourous conditions were required to provide proof to the Head Cheese by way of an email (preferably with photograph) stating their ride date, so that they could be placed on the honour roll. They were also directed to a nifty website where they could purchase their own Polar Bear Ride patch and yearly rocker to commemorate this event, to serve as official certification at all future CURD events that the wearer of said patch is a hard riding badass who has "front of the line" priority at the beer tent and porta-potties.

Behold, in all their wintry splendour, the noble CURD Polar Bears of 2008...

Gummiente & Hector
Gananoque, ON

Robin Weber & Storm
Yellowknife, NT

Larry Reed
Victoria, BC

Gary Lynde
Gouverneur, NY, USA

Cam Kenny
Sydenham, ON

Ian Bagwell
Calgary, AB

Gummiente
Gananoque, ON

Gerald Schaerig
Kenora, ON

Lutz & Teri Kottwitz
Hammonds Plains, NS

Cam Kenny
Sydenham, ON

Rick & Bev Henion
Gouldsboro, ME, USA

Larry, Lynne & Indiana Reed
Victoria, BC

Robin Weber
Yellowknife, NT

Gary Lynde
Gouverneur, NY, USA