Polar Bear Ride
Virginia - Maryland
1 January 1999

The Potomac Area Road Riders held their annual Polar Bear Ride on 1 Jan 99.  Everyone met at the Sign of the Whale Restaurant for registration and breakfast before beginning the ride.  The temperature at 8:00am was about 21 degrees and it didn't get much warmer throughout the day.   Jeff and Rich arrived to find the parking lot full of motorcycles, but quickly discovered that most everyone simply came to the restaurant for breakfast and not the ride.  It actually seemed like one big social event.  In the restaurant we found other NVC members John, Dave, Mike and Judy.  During breakfast Michael arrived on his "white" horse.  As we were preparing to leave, Chris and Russ arrived and after some casual conversation we headed out into the cold about noon.  Our first stop was at the Fort Washington Harley dealership in Fort Washington, MD.  After a 15-minute break we continued on.  At about mile 27, Michael decided to take a detour (a.k.a. getting lost) to Piscataway National Park.  No one minded since the weather was so nice!  After our brief sightseeing trip, we finally made it to the second stop at Burger King.  While at Burger King most of us enjoyed regular coffee, but Rich managed to find some Toffee Moca Roasted Almond liquid.  I think that's coffee!!!   After warming up, we decided to call it a day and head for home.  Enroute to the homestead Rich, Jeff and Michael decided to stop in Old Town Alexandria.  Enjoy the photos.

Click on any image to see full size picture!

	Rich in the parking lot at the Sign of the Whale Restaurant.
	...and here's Jeff.
	Preparing to enter the Sign of the Whale for some good food and plenty of heat!
	Inside the restaurant we find Dave and John finishing breakfast.
	Rich, Michael, Chris and Russ preparing to start the ride.
	Taking a break at the first stop.
	At the second stop we relaxed in the warmth of Burger King.
	Michael doing something.
	After the ride we traveled to Old Town Alexandria before heading for home.